The last days of Jesus’ life (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Notes
The last days of Jesus' life
What is the Passion?
The term "The Passion" refers to the final few days of Jesus' earthly life according to Christian belief. This period includes several crucial events that form the foundation of Christian faith and understanding of Jesus as the Son of God. These events demonstrate Jesus' divine nature whilst also showing his human experience of suffering and death.
The word "Passion" comes from the Latin word "passio," meaning "suffering." It specifically refers to the suffering of Jesus during his final week on Earth, culminating in his crucifixion and death.
Key events of the Passion
The Last Supper
During his final meal with his twelve disciples, Jesus shared bread and wine in what would become the foundation of the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist. This wasn't just an ordinary dinner - it was a deeply meaningful occasion where Jesus made important predictions about what was to come.
Jesus foretold that one of his closest followers would betray him, showing his divine knowledge of future events. The significance of this meal is captured in Jesus' words:
"I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God." (Luke 22:14-16)
This statement shows Jesus' understanding that his earthly ministry was coming to an end, and that his mission would be completed through his upcoming sacrifice. The Last Supper established what Christians today celebrate as Holy Communion or the Eucharist.
Betrayal and arrest
After the Last Supper, Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, which was a garden where they often gathered. It was here that the betrayal Jesus had predicted came to pass.
"Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane... (Matthew 26:36) While he was still speaking, lo! Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs. (Matthew 26:47)"
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' own disciples, had made arrangements with the religious authorities to identify Jesus so that soldiers could arrest him. This betrayal by someone so close to Jesus adds to the emotional weight of these events and shows the extent of human sinfulness that Jesus came to address.
The betrayal by Judas Iscariot is particularly significant because it came from within Jesus' inner circle of twelve disciples. This demonstrates that even those closest to Jesus were capable of betrayal, highlighting the universal nature of human sin that Jesus came to address.
Crucifixion
Jesus was put on trial and sentenced to death by crucifixion, which was considered one of the most shameful and painful methods of execution in the Roman world. Christians believe Jesus was innocent of the charges of blasphemy brought against him, making his death a willing sacrifice rather than a deserved punishment.
"Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the skull, (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). (John 19:17)"
The fact that Jesus carried his own cross to the place of execution demonstrates his acceptance of this suffering. Golgotha, also known as Calvary, became one of the most significant locations in Christian history as the place where Jesus died for humanity's sins.
Crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals and non-Roman citizens. The fact that Jesus, whom Christians believe was innocent, underwent this most shameful form of execution emphasises the extent of his sacrifice for humanity's salvation.
Resurrection
Three days after his crucifixion, Christians believe Jesus was brought back to life, demonstrating his victory over death itself. This event is central to Christian faith and hope.
"... the men said to them, 'Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!' (Luke 24:5-6)"
The Resurrection proves to Christians that Jesus truly was the Son of God and that his sacrifice was accepted by God the Father. It also provides the foundation for Christian belief in life after death.
The Resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Without it, Christians believe, Jesus would have been just another executed religious teacher. The Resurrection validates all of Jesus' claims about his divine nature and mission.
Ascension
Forty days after his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven to take his place at God's right hand, showing his divine authority and completing his earthly mission.
"After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19)"
This event marks the end of Jesus' physical presence on Earth whilst establishing his eternal spiritual presence with believers.
The importance of the Passion for Christians
The events of the Passion hold profound significance for Christian faith and practice:
Evidence of Jesus' divine nature: The Passion demonstrates that Jesus was indeed the Son of God who came to Earth in human form. His ability to predict future events, his willing acceptance of suffering, and especially his resurrection from the dead all point to his special relationship with God the Father.
The combination of Jesus' human suffering and his divine power over death provides evidence for the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation - that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine.
Foundation for belief in eternal life: Through Jesus' death and resurrection, Christians believe that God has opened the way for believers to have life after death. This provides hope and comfort in times of loss and suffering, knowing that physical death is not the end.
Understanding God's love and forgiveness: The Passion shows Christians that God was willing to send his Son to die for humanity's sins. This demonstrates the depth of God's love and provides a way for people to be forgiven and have a relationship with God.
The meaning of sacrifice: Jesus' willing acceptance of suffering and death helps Christians understand the importance of putting others before themselves and following Jesus' example of self-sacrifice.
Foundation of Christian worship: The Last Supper provides the basis for the Eucharist (also called Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper), which remains central to Christian worship today. Through sharing bread and wine, Christians remember Jesus' sacrifice and feel connected to him and to each other.
Many Christian denominations celebrate the Eucharist regularly, with some doing so weekly or even daily, making it one of the most frequently observed Christian practices that directly connects to the events of the Passion.
Key Points to Remember:
- The Passion refers to the final days of Jesus' life, including five key events that form the foundation of Christian faith
- Biblical quotations provide direct evidence for these events and show their significance in Christian understanding
- The Resurrection is the most important event for Christians as it proves Jesus' victory over death and provides hope for eternal life
- These events demonstrate both Jesus' humanity (his suffering and death) and his divinity (his predictions, resurrection, and ascension)
- The Passion continues to influence Christian worship today through practices like the Eucharist that commemorate Jesus' sacrifice