Christian beliefs
The events in the last days of Jesus’ life, including the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, form the basis of many key Christian beliefs. These events are described in each of the four Gospels in the New Testament.
Last days – Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension
The crucifixion
Jesus was crucified on a Friday alongside two robbers, one on each side of him. A sign above his head read “King of the Jews”. As he was being crucified, Jesus cried out: Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing
(Luke 23:34).
One of the robbers confessed to Jesus that he had sinned and said that he and the other robber deserved to die for their crimes. The robber also acknowledged that Jesus was innocent. Jesus told this robber that they would meet again in Paradise.
Christians believe that Jesus’ crucifixion was a crucial moment in his life as this act brought humans salvation from sin.
The resurrection
After the crucifixion, Jesus’ body was buried in a tomb guarded by Roman soldiers. Early on the Sunday morning, three days after the crucifixion, some of Jesus’ female followers went to anoint his body with spices. However, the tomb was empty. Two men in gleaming white clothes appeared and told the women that Jesus had risen from the dead. The women informed Jesus’ disciples that the tomb was empty.
For most Christians, the resurrection is the most significant event. It is the ultimate miracle which proves the divinity of Jesus as well as indicating that death is not the end.
The ascension
The Gospel of Luke states that 40 days after his resurrection, Jesus told his disciples that they must stay in Jerusalem and that they would receive the power of the Holy Spirit. Then, Jesus was taken up into a cloud. Two men in white appeared and told the disciples that Jesus had gone to Heaven.
The ascension reminds Christians that Jesus has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for them, so they do not need to fear death. As Jesus is no longer restricted by time, he is always with them. Christians also believe that because Jesus didn't die again before ascending to heaven, the Ascension shows Jesus’ divinity.
