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Christian beliefs - EdexcelJesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension

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.

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Last days – Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension

The crucifixion

Jesus was 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 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 .

Christians believe that Jesus’ crucifixion was a crucial moment in his life as this act brought humans 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 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’ that the tomb was empty.

For most Christians, the 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 . Then, Jesus was taken up into a cloud. Two men in white appeared and told the disciples that Jesus had gone to Heaven.

The 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.

Visual representation of the Easter story.