The crucifixion

• Who sentenced Jesus to death

  • Jesus was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate 
  • The death was to be by crucifixion (fixed to a cross)

  
• What Happened during the crucifixion

  • Although Jesus was fully God, he was also fully human so suffered pain and horror 
  • Jesus’ last words before dying were - “Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit” (Luke 23:46) 
  • Jesus forgave those who crucified him and promised one of the men crucified with him that he would join God in paradise 
  • A Roman centurion acknowledged Jesus was innocent and said he was the Son of God (Mark 15:39)

  
• What happened in Jesus' burial

  • The Roman guards made sure Jesus was dead 
  • Joseph of Arimathea was permitted to bury Jesus in a cave-like tomb, rolling a large stone to block the entrance 
  • Jesus’ burial was rushed because the Sabbath was about to begin

  
• Why is Jesus' crucifixion important

  • Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross gives hope to Christians that their sins will be forgiven if they sincerely repent 
  • Christians believe that God understands human suffering because Jesus , who is God , experienced it 
  • Christians accept that suffering is a part of life , just as it was a part of Jesus’ life