Unit 3Death and resurrection

In this unit we will be concerned with the events leading to the trial of Jesus, his death and resurrection as they are portrayed in the Gospel of Mark. For better understanding we divide this unit in three sections:

1. The meaning and significance of the events leading up to the trial of Jesus2. The death of Jesus3. After death

1.

****Essential vocabulary****

Blasphemy Associating oneself with God/language or deeds which insult God

Crucifixion the Roman death penalty suffered by Jesus when he was nailed to the cross

Feast of Unleavened Bread the first day of the Passover festivalGethsemane the place where Jesus was arrestedGolgotha the place of the skull; the place where Jesus was

crucifiedHigh Priest the chief Jewish leader at the time of JesusJudas Iscariot the disciple who betrayed JesusLast Supper the last meal Jesus ate with his disciples which

founded the EucharistPassover Jewish festival celebrating the release from

EgyptPontius Pilate the Roman procurator (governor) of Judea at the

time of JesusSanhedrin the supreme Jewish council which found Jesus

guilty of blasphemyupper room the place where the Last Supper took place

1

You will be required to study the following passages.

The trial of JesusMark 14:12-31 The Last SupperMark 14:32-42 The prayers n GethsemaneMark 14:43-52 The betrayal and arrest

The death of Jesus

Mark 14:53-65 The trial before the High PriestMark 15:1-15 The trial before PilateMark 15:21-39 The crucifixion

The resurrection

Mark 16:1-8 The resurrection

2

Resource sheet 3.0aThe learning journey through Mark’s Gospel

 1 The meaning and significance of the Last Supper for Mark (Mark 14:12–31).

 2 Why the Last Supper is important for Christians today.

 3 The meaning and significance of the prayers in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32–42) and why they might cause problems for some Christians today.

 4 The meaning and significance of the betrayal and arrest (Mark 14:43–52) in Mark and why there are different attitudes to Judas among Christians today.

 5 The meaning and significance of the trial before the High Priest (Mark 14:53–65) in Mark and how it affects Christian attitudes to justice.

 6 The meaning and significance of the trial before Pilate (Mark 15:1–15) in Mark and why Christians today see the significance differently from Mark.

 7 The meaning and significance of the crucifixion (Mark 15:21–39) in Mark.

 8 Why the crucifixion is important for Christians today.

 9 The meaning and significance of the burial for Christians today.

10 The meaning and significance of the resurrection for Mark as recorded in Mark 16:1–8.

11 The meaning and significance of the resurrection for Christians today.

3

For each of the stories in this section you will need to:

• Know the story – you will not be asked to retell the story in the examination, but will need to be able to use parts of it as reasons and evidence.

• Know what this story tells us about the death and resurrection of Jesus.

• Know what this story means to Christians today.

• Know your thoughts and opinions on the issues/important points raised in each case.

3.1 – The meaning and significance of the Last Supper for Mark

Key wordsFeast of Unleavened Bread the first day of the Passover festivalLast Supper the last meal Jesus ate with his disciples which

founded the EucharistPassover Jewish festival celebrating the release from

Egyptupper room the place where the Last Supper took place

Biblical Reading: Mark 14:12-31

The story is divided in three sections1. preparation for the Passover2. the supper itself3. Jesus’ warning of Peter’s denial

1. Preparation Background information for Passover from the Old Testament

The Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread are written up as separate festivals, but since one always followed immediately after the other, they naturally blended. The holiday began with Passover and was followed by the weeklong Festival of Unleavened Bread.

Passover is probably the most important holiday for the Israelites because it commemorated one of God’s most powerful interventions in the nation’s history. The Passover marked the time when God brought a final plague upon Egypt. In this plague, God destroyed the firstborn of the Egyptians but spared (passed over) those Israelites who had followed the command to place the blood of a lamb on their doorposts The result of this plague was Israel’s freedom from slavery in Egypt. God commanded that the day be observed as holiday (Exodus 23:14-15).

In order to understand the background of the original celebration of Passover read in you Bibles Exodus 12:11-30.

So as part of their preparations the disciples may have gone to the Temple to fetch the Passover lamb, which had to be killed as a sacrifice. Priests at the temple would perform

4

the sacrifice. The blood of the lamb would be thrown on the altar by the priests and then the carcass could be taken back for the meal later in the evening.

2. The supper itselfThe meal Jesus is having with his followers is the Passover meal for the following reasons:

1. Jesus describes the bowl in which the disciples dip their bread = to the bowl of bitter herbs they had for the Passover meal (Mark 14:20)

2. The words he speaks over the bread and wine have parallels with the words spoken by the head of the family to explain the significance of the food and drink in the Passover meal (Mark 14:22-25)

3. The Passover instructions required the use of red wine and Jesus links this to his blood due to be shed at the crucifixion (14:24)

4. Finally, before they leave for the Mount of Olives, they sing hymns and this was another part of the Passover instructions (14:26)

Why is the Last Supper so significant for Mark in his Gospel?• It was the last time Jesus’ disciples would eat with him before he was killed.• Jesus predicted what was going to happen:

• one would betray him • one would deny him• all would fall away.

• Jesus took the Jewish traditional Passover meal and gave it new meaning as it is stated below:

• The Passover in Egypt signified a turning point in the life of the Jews. Their release from slavery to a new life. Jesus’ coming death on the cross would liberate his followers from SIN and restore their relationship with God

• The Lamb they used for the Passover had to be perfect, no blemish, no cut ears, no problem at all. Jesus is that Lamb and HE is perfect

• The Lamb was killed but its bones were not broken. When Jesus was crucified His bones were not broken because He was already dead when the Roman soldiers came to speed up his death.

• The blood of the Lamb had to be put on their doorposts in Egypt for the Angel of Death to pass over the house and not kill its first born son. Jesus blood saves us in the same way. If we believe that His blood was shed instead of ours - that Jesus took

5

our place and was punished for our sins - then his blood saves us from death and we have eternal life with God.

3. Jesus’ warning of Peter’s denialWe analyzed this section at the “Discipleship” part. Just a reminder that even though the

disciples didn’t believe Jesus when He told them they would betray Him they finally did. He knew better. However he did not consider them failures but looked beyond their weaknesses into the men they developed through the years, men who were willing to lay down their very lives for Him.

Be ready to answer1. The Romans persecuted the early Christians because they claimed the faith was

cannibalistic – they were eating Jesus’ body and blood. How do you think this claim originated?

2. At the time, Christianity was still viewed as a sect of the Jewish faith. What evidence do you see for this?

3. What are the reasons that Mark insists that the Last Supper Jesus is having with his disciples is the Passover meal?

4. Why is the Last Supper significant for Mark the gospel writer?5. Do you think Jesus was the Lamb of God? Give two reasons for your answer.

6

3.2 Why the Last Supper is important for Christians today

Biblical Reading: 1 st Corinthians 11:23-26

In the above Biblical reading you will find Ap. Paul’s teaching on The Last Supper and you will understand why it is important for Christians.

Through the years theologians tried to explain the Last Supper. Many churches hold different views on this matter. The whole service is a celebration of Jesus’ sacrifice for all different churches.

Transubstantiation ReceptionismConsubstantiati

on Memorialism

The body and blood of Jesus are being brought before the people afresh in the bread and wine received

When people receive the bread and wine they believe that they are really receiving the actual body and blood of Jesus

Jesus is really present in the bread and the wine in a spiritual way, as they are consumed.

There is no real change in those elements.

Jesus is really present in, with, and beneath the bread and wine offered in the celebration

There is no real change in the wine and the bread

The bread and wine are no more than symbols intended to remind believers of Jesus’ death and resurrection

Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican

The broad stream of the Church of England

Lutheran Church and some members of the Church of England

Evangelical Christians and most nonconformist Churches

Other terms used: Mass – Liturgy – Eucharist – Holy Communion

Most Christians agree that this service is important because:1. The service is intended to remind Christians of Jesus’ death and resurrection

7

2. It enables Christians to “commune” with Jesus and each other3. Through the service the Church can look forward to Jesus’ return to earth and His

establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. 4. Jesus began this meal at the Last Supper5. He is present as the church meets to celebrate and is received by faith.

Be ready to answer1. Do you think it should be important for all Christians to believe exactly the same

about this service or does it not matter?2. Why is the Last Supper significant for Christians today?3. What are the points on which most Christians agree when it comes to the importance

of the service of the Last Supper?4. What are the different views held by the different churches for the Last Supper.

8

Resource sheet 3.2Mark schemeExplain why the Last Supper is important for Christians today. (8 marks)

Level Mark Description

0 No rewardable material.

Level 1 1–2 Little understanding of the issue shown, typically by:

• giving a brief reason

• or not explaining but only describing the issue.

The answer is likely to be in basic English. High number of spelling errors.

Level 2 3–4 Basic understanding of the issue is shown typically by:

• using two brief reasons

• or a developed reason.

The candidate is likely to express understanding with a limited command of English and little use of specialist vocabulary. Frequent spelling errors are likely to be present.

Level 3 5–6 A more developed understanding of the issue is shown typically by:

• using three brief reasons

• or a fully developed reason

• or two reasons with one developed.

The candidate is likely to express understanding in a clear style of English with some use of specialist vocabulary.

Level 4 7–8 A clear understanding of the issue is shown typically by:

• using four brief reasons

• or two developed reasons

• or three reasons with one developed

• or a comprehensive explanation using one reason only.

The candidate is likely to express understanding in a clear and correct style of English with a correct use of specialist vocabulary where appropriate.

9

3.3– Jesus’ prayers in the Garden of Gesthemane

Key wordsGesthemane The place where Jesus was arrested

Biblical Reading: Mark 14:32-42Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is important since it reveals both Jesus’ humanity and divinity. As God, Jesus knew that death awaited Him. As a human, He anticipated the torture He would have to face at the hands of Roman guards before He was killed. He had to go through human agonies of despair, fear, tiredness and even trying to avoid the suffering if possible.

At the same time as He prayed He used the term “Abba” which is the Aramaic word for “father”. He appealed for help from God, His Father. In Jesus’ time most Jewish people would have thought this a disrespectful way to talk to God, but Mark recognises how close Jesus was to God, so that it would be completely appropriate.

Human or God? Using these passages many people question Jesus’ divinity. How can He be God and

pray? Does He pray to Himself? Why would Jesus ask God to take this cup away from Him? Did He not trust His Father, God? If he had to ask questions of God anyway, perhaps Jesus is not God?

In order to understand Jesus’ nature have in mind the following:1. When Jesus became human He left behind most of His godly attributes. When He

was performing miracles for example He would perform them with the Father’s power given to Him.

2. Even though He left behind His godly attributes He still knew everything since before becoming human He existed in constant present. Thus He had seen His life from the beginning to the end before His incarnation.

3. As human now He prayed to communicate with the Father since He was limited to the human body and He was not in the Father’s constant and perfect presence.

Note: In studying this passage pick out the parts that show the divine side of Jesus. Pick out the parts that show the humanity of Jesus. Are there any that show both?

10

Resource sheet 3.3bWhy is Gethsemane a problem for Christians today? This resource sheet shows several people’s ideas about why Gethsemane poses a problem for Christians today.

1 What do you think about each of these ideas?

2 Is there one that you feel might be stronger than the others, or are they all about the same?

3 Do you think they should be a problem for Christians? Why? Why not?

4 Write an answer to each question that a Christian who does not have a problem with this passage might give.

11

3.4– Betrayal and arrest

Key wordsJudas Iscariot The disciple who betrayed Jesus

Biblical Reading: Mark 14:43-52

When you read this have in mind:1. The religious leaders needed Judas to find Jesus away from public gaze simply

because Jesus was famous and they were afraid that His arrest might start a riot 2. They go there armed because they expected Jesus to react like a warrior-like

Messiah. This is the picture of the Messiah they were waiting God to send to them, to save them from the Romans.

3. Betrayal and arrest were predicted by Old Testament authors that’s why Jesus says “…but the Scripture must be fulfilled…”

Different views of Judas by the Evangelists Matthew presents him as a greedy man who wanted money(he had asked 30

silver coins – the average price of a slave) Both Matthew and John write that Judas was possessed by Satan John refers to Judas as a thief Mark refers to Judas as the traitor right from the beginning of chapter 3:19 The fact that Judas betrays his Master with a kiss makes betrayal seem worse.

Different views of Judas by people today He has become the definitions of traitor Some people believe that it wasn’t his fault since God predestined what Judas was

about to do Some others believe that since Jesus knew that someone would betray Him He should

have stopped this. He didn’t do it so that the prophecy would be fulfilled.

Different views on Judas’ motives in betraying Jesus by people today He was disappointed by his Master since Jesus didn’t seem to become the political

and military Messiah. He might have expected that by Jesus’ arrest an uprising against the Romans would start.

12

Perhaps Judas was arrested when Jesus cleansed the Temple and in return for freedom he agreed to hand over Jesus.

He betrayed Jesus because he was actually helping Jesus to fulfil His destiny. Judas became the catalyst so that all the Prophecies would be fulfilled and Jesus would die for our sins.

Your teacher’s opinion Nobody’s actions are predetermined by God. If that was so none of us could have

been held responsible for anything. So Judas acted within the limited freewill we all have.

Judas wasn’t helping Jesus by any means. He was disappointed by Him as many others were and being greedy he betrayed Him. If he thought he was helping Jesus why did he then killed himself?

Jesus didn’t stop him not because He wanted the prophecies to be fulfilled but because God doesn’t intervene in human choices like that. The prophecies were there not to enslave anyone but to warn and guide people. They were not there because there was a mystique plan on how things should be done but because God had foreseen the future.

Does God predestine everything?When we talk about God determining things and human responsibility remember the following:

Free will is a part of God’s nature therefore it becomes a part of our nature since we are made in His own image

God cannot force you, make you, make specific things and then ask you to be responsible because that would be unfair. And unfairness is against His nature.

The prophecies were foretold from the Old Testament prophets and came true because God knows the future (as He exists out of time and space). Not because God forces us to do specific things.

If Judas is not responsible for betraying Jesus then none of us is responsible for any of our actions and it would be fair to say God made me do it!!

Be ready to answer1. ‘Judas was a traitor.’ Do you agree with this statement? Give 3 reasons for that. Give

3 reasons why someone may disagree with you.

13

2. How do the evangelist view Judas?3. What do people today think about Judas? What is your teacher’s opinion.4. Does God predestine everything?

14

Resource sheet 3.4Attitudes to Judas among Christians todayMost Christians think of Judas as a traitor, because Jesus said he would be betrayed. The word Judas is used to mean betrayer. However, it might seem that Judas had no choice. He had to fulfil his destiny – and Jesus’ destiny too. At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples that one would betray him, but he didn’t try to stop the betrayal. This may suggest that Judas existed only to betray Jesus to fulfil the prophecy.

Judas had decided to betray Jesus by leading the High Priest’s men to a place where they could arrest him secretly. In Matthew’s Gospel, Judas is made out to be a greedy man who wants money, but Mark suggests that money cannot be the main motive. The 30 pieces of silver, mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel, would not have been generous, being the cost of a slave. Both Matthew and John’s Gospels claim that Judas is possessed by Satan, but then John also says that he is a thief, chosen by God.

The Temple police who would arrest Jesus needed to know where he would be when he was away from the crowds. Each evening he had been leaving Jerusalem to go to Bethany and even the Passover meal arrangements had been made secretly. The guards would need someone to guide them to Jesus.

Fill in the gaps in the table below to show different opinions of Judas today and reasons for them.

Who? Opinion of Judas Reasons for their opinion

Most Christians

• Betraying Jesus in this way is unforgivable – no matter what his reasons were.

• This is the way all of the gospels present Judas.

Many Christians

Believe that Judas acted badly but for good reasons

•

Some Christians

• The actions of Judas were all part of God’s plan

• Jesus knew what Judas was going to do but did not try to stop him.

•

Me •

15

3.5– Trial before the High Priest

Key wordsBlasphemy Associating oneself with God/language or deeds

that insult GodHigh Priest The chief Jewish leader at the time of JesusSanhedrin The supreme Jewish council which found Jesus

guilty of blasphemy

Biblical Reading: Mark 14:53-65 and Deuteronomy 19:15-19b

When you read about Jesus’ trial before the High Priest remember: Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish court. It was responsible for criminal and religious

issues. It was led by the High Priest. Sanhedrin had limited authority. They couldn’t sentence anyone to the death penalty.

Only the Romans could do that. Trials involving death sentence were not allowed at night and a guilty verdict had to

be delayed 24 hours before sentence was carried out by the Romans, who also had to agree with the punishment.

In order for someone to be contemned according to the Jewish law you needed two or more witnesses to testify against him.

False witnesses would suffer the same fate as the accused. Beating a prisoner during the court hearing would have been unacceptable. Jesus is silent throughout the trial, and it seems that they struggle to find evidence to

convict Him. In the end, Jesus condemns Himself when He acknowledges, in public for the first time, that He is the Christ, the Messiah.

The High Priest tore Jesus’ robe as a symbol to show blasphemy had been committed. In claiming to be the Christ, Jesus associated himself with God and deserved to die. The Roman authorities alone could impose the death penalty, so the Sanhedrin needed to convince Pilate that the death penalty was required.

How might this trial affect Christian attitudes towards justice today?The trial was unusual and most people today would probably say that justice was not done. It is clear that the Sanhedrin did not follow the rules found in the passage in Deuteronomy 19:15-19b. This event might then encourage Christians t be sure that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done. They might also think that the law must always be followed properly and cannot be allowed to be influenced by personal feelings or animosity as it was here.

16

Be ready to answer1. How might this story of an unjust and unfair trial be an encouragement to Christians

undergoing persecution.2. Explain how might the trial before the High Priest might affect Christian attitudes

towards justice today? Give different points of view in your answer.3. Do you think Jesus’ trial before the High Priest was fair? Give two reasons for your

answer and two reasons why someone may disagree with you.

17

Resource sheet 3.5The trial before the High PriestMark’s account shows these points:

• There is no formal charge to answer.

• When they start the trial they’re looking to find something to bring against him.

• Even the High Priest, supposedly the judge, is trying to accuse Jesus and find him guilty.

• The trial was at night, which was not legal, and with no opportunity for Jesus to get a defence together.

In addition to this:

• The witnesses couldn’t agree their testimony – even over the claim that Jesus had threatened to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. To attack the Temple, as the special building dedicated to God, would be a very serious charge.

• Jesus kept silent throughout, not defending himself, or claiming the charges were false.

• Eventually the High Priest faced Jesus with the question, ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus replied ‘I am.’ He finished by saying, ‘And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming in the clouds of heaven.’

• Jesus was found guilty of saying he was the Son of God. This was blasphemy.

• The High Priest tore his robe as a sign that Jesus was guilty of blasphemy.

• The Sanhedrin could only recommend the death penalty to the Roman authorities – the Romans themselves had to agree and carry out such a sentence.

So what are the real issues here?1 Who was Jesus really?

2 What right did he have to say the things he did?

3 What does this trial show Christians about justice today? How should Christians behave when they are put on trial unfairly?

18

3.6– Trial before Pontius Pilate

Key wordsPontius Pilate The Roman procurator (governor) of Judea at the

time of Jesus

Biblical Reading: Mark 15:1-15 and Isaiah 53:7-8

When you read about Jesus’ trial before Pontius Pilate note: P.P. was the Roman governor of Judea between 26 and 36 CE. Historians (like

Josephus and Philo) describe him as a violent man. He had killed thousands of Jews and his actions were provoking riots all the time. At the start of his term, he provoked the Jews by ordering the imperial standards (banners) to be carried into Jerusalem. He later helped himself to Jewish revenues to build and aqueduct and sent in soldiers who killed hundreds of people protesting against the project.

Jesus again doesn’t say much. He quietly goes through the trial knowing the end from the beginning. He does not try to defend himself. Mark’s description ties in with the prediction made about the Messiah hundreds of years before. (Read Isaiah 53:7-8)

Pilate is reluctant to condemn Jesus. He offers to free Him but the crowd chooses Barabbas. Barabbas had led a minor revolt against the Romans.

The way Mark records the events seems to be blaming the Jewish crowd for Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate seems to fear the crowd because they might cause a riot. He needed to keep order or he might have lost his job.

How today’s believers view the trialMany believers in the past blamed Jewish people for the death of Jesus because of

the accounts in the gospels. That led to hundreds of years of anti- Semitism and persecution of Jewish people by Christians. Today, most Christians see the trial as fulfilling God’s plan. Christians today realise that they should not be anti-Semitic because this goes against Jesus teachings of treating everyone as you would wish to be treated, and also because Jesus himself was a Jew.

Be ready to answer1. Was the trial before Pontius Pilate a fair trial? Support your answer with 3 arguments.

If someone disagrees with you what 3 arguments will they give?2. Explain why many Christians today see the trial before Pilate differently from

Christians in the past.

19

3. ‘Pilate was not to blame for sentencing Jesus to death’. Do you agree? Give 3 reasons for your answer. Give 3 reasons why someone may disagree with you.

4. What is the meaning and significance of Jesus’ behaviour throughout the trial? 5. What is the meaning and significance of Pilate’s behaviour throughout the trial?6. What is the meaning and significance of the crowd’s behaviour throughout the trial?

3.7– The crucifixion according to Mark

Key wordscrucifixion The Roman death penalty suffered by Jesus

when he was nailed to the crossGolgotha The place of the skull, the place where Jesus was

crucified

Biblical Reading: Mark 15:21-39 and Deuteronomy 21:23

The importance of Jesus’ crucifixion for MarkCrucifixion was a punishment used only for slaves or major troublemakers, and Roman citizens were exempt from it. From the earliest accounts of crucifixion, it was thought to be the most painful form of death. To a Jew, it would seem even more horrible because of the curse that is written in Deuteronomy. ‘…you must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be

sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.’ Deut. 21:23

Mark does not say much about Jesus’ physical suffering. The Romans crucified hundreds, if not thousands, of people, so for Mark it was more important to show his readers how Jesus bore the suffering. In that way, they would be helped to understand who Jesus was. The Old Testament prophecies told of the Suffering Servant of God and this was the message Mark wanted to convey to the early Christians as they faced persecution. If the founder of their faith could face suffering and rejection, then so could they.

The Road to Golgotha Simon of Cyrene only appears at this one point in Mark’s gospel. His sons, Alexander

and Rufus, became members of the Church (Romans 16:13), so it would seem that

20

they could have been known to Mark’s readers, possibly even fellow members of the Church in Rome. This would suggest Mark had an eyewitness to the event.

At Golgotha, the drink offered to Jesus was a drug t help ease the extreme pain of the crucifixion, but Jesus refused it.

The soldiers divided his clothes out by playing dice to see who would get each piece. This mirrors a verse from Psalm 22, a psalm that figures throughout Jesus’ crucifixion: They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.’ Psalm 22:18

Jesus is crucified Jesus was nailed to the crossbeam by his wrists and then hoisted to the fixed upright

of the cross. His feet were nailed to the upright. A small block of wood at the base of the spine would provide support for his body. Crucifixion was a slow process as the prisoner fought to lift his body to breathe and then dropped back to relieve the intense pain. As he weakened he would slowly suffocate.

The custom was to nail a written notice of what the person was guilty of above their head – in this case it read – The King of the Jews -. Pilate may have meant it to warn off other revolutionaries of maybe to insult the Jewish leaders. For Mark, it was important because it showed who Jesus really was. Israel may have rejected him, the Romans may not have recognized him, but here was the true King of Israel.

Two robbers were crucified with him. Even at this stage, Jesus was to be found in the company of outcasts.

Next came insults: If he was so powerful why not save himself? How difficult would it be for him to come down from the cross? Psalm 22:8 talks of this deliverance. To Mark the significance of this is that Jesus actually stayed on the cross because he was the Messiah. He could have saved himself but the Messiah had to suffer and die in this way for a reason.

‘At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.’ Was this a solar eclipse perhaps? Whatever it was, it lasted fro three hours, from the 6th hour (12 noon) until the 9th hour (3pm). Perhaps Mark was thinking of the prophecy in Amos 8:9b, ‘I will make the sun go down at noon and darken the earth in broad daylight’. Darkness suggests that something terrible was happening. God was at work and in control, even as this act of great importance was unfolding.

Mark wanted to show the importance of Jesus’ suffering and death, and Jesus’ words helped this too. Mark only records the words, ‘Eli, Eli lama, sabachthani?’ – Aramaic for ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?’ – the first line of Psalm 22. Was this a cry of despair as Jesus was about to die, deserted by the Father? Or did Jesus die before he could finish the Psalm?

21

Some of the people watching thought that Jesus was calling for Elijah the prophet. Traditionally, Elijah had been linked to the arrival of the Messiah, while some also believed he would come to help good people in trouble.

The death of Jesus As Jesus died, the Temple curtain was torn in two. He had taught that the Temple

should be for all believers to meet with God but the curtain had separated the Holy of Holies, from the rest. Only the High Priest could go into this section, under strict guidelines. The Holy of Holies had contained the Ark of the Covenant in the time of Solomon, but it was no longer there. Mark included this detail because the torn curtain symbolises the breakdown of the barrier separating people from God brought about by Jesus’ death. The old, exclusive religion of the Jews is replaced by the inclusive gospel of Christianity.

The Roman centurion summed up the events: ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’ (Mark 15:39). Some people suggest that he was being sarcastic, but more likely he recognized Jesus as being the Messiah. The Romans would call their great heroes ‘a son of God’ or ‘a son of the gods’. Mark would have included this to show that the first person to show faith in Jesus after his death was a Gentile. For Mark, as for the centurion and Christians ever since, Jesus was the Son of God who died on the cross.

Be ready to answer1. Mark used several Old Testament references to underline the idea that Jesus was the

Jewish Messiah. List the ways in which Mark shows links between Jesus and Old Testament prophecies.

2. What is the meaning and significance of the crucifixion for Mark?3. ‘Jesus had to be crucified’ Do you agree? Give 3 reasons for your answer. Give 3

reasons why someone may disagree with you.4. Explain why the crucifixion is important for Mark.

22

Man(Sinful)

God(Holy)

Man(Sinful)

Good WorkReligionPhilosophyMorality

God(Holy)

Man GodCHRIST

3.8– Why is the crucifixion important for Christians today?

So what does this mean to Christians today? Why did Jesus have to die?Christians have different views on Jesus’ crucifixion.

Christians believe that Jesus died to overcome the Original Sin that had separated people from God since the Garden on Eden. His sacrifice ‘atoned’ for the sins of humanity. This teachihng is called the ‘atonement’

Many Christians believe that there is nothing they can do to get back in contact with God- no good works, no religion, no philosophy and no morality will bridge that gap.

Jesus’ sacrificeMany Christians view Jesus’ death as the sacrifice to end all sacrifices because Jesus gives his blood voluntarily so that every person can bridge the gap between God and humanity. The diagrams below explain this idea.

In the 21st century some people may feel that this idea shows God as harsh and cruel in condemning his own son to suffering and death. Besides this, they reject the idea that God needed a perfect sacrifice. However, Jesus chose to be that sacrifice.

23

Man GodCHRIST

SinSeparationFrustration

GuiltLack of purpose

ForgivenessPeace

Abundant LifeEternal Life

Mark wrote that Jesus gave ‘his life as a ransom for many’. A ransom is a sum of money demanded for the release of somebody who is being held prisoner – a payment to ensure the release of the victim.

This ransom had to be paid to free people from their sin and bring them back to God.

God showed his love for humans to such an extent that he was prepared to allow Jesus to die on the cross as this ransom that would enable humanity to come back to him.

Christians believe Jesus was sent by God the Father to show people a way back to himself- to reconcile people to God.

Some Christians believe that God was offended by the sins of the people so that Jesus’ death was necessary to repay the debt. Jesus could repay this debt because he alone was perfect, and nothing less than perfection would satisfy God’s sense of justice.

A ransom for manyOther Christians think about this in a different way.

This view is explained by Paul who wrote: ‘But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ Romans 5:8

24

Christians who do not agree with this view may ask why God would need a ransom to allow people to come back to him?

Why did Jesus have to die?Death and suffering were never in God’s original plan. When God created Adam and

Eve his plan was for them to live in a perfect environment (paradise). Because He wanted a relationship and not a new model of robots He gave humans the right of choice. Stay with Him or not. The freedom to be or not to be with a person is what determines a mature relationship.

Humans chose to live away from God and that is called sin. Sin is whatever comes in between and breaks the relationship of God and humans. The outcome of sin is death (spiritual). Death is total separation from God. Even though a human might have life in his body he might, at the same time, be dead spiritually. So humans, who were created to live in the perfect place (paradise), are now found to live in the worst state. Being dead, separated from the purpose of their creation.

God loved His creatures so much that it was impossible for Him to keep seeing them living separated from Him. There was a problem though. God, because He is just, couldn’t erase sin. His character is such that could not just overlook what had happened. Humans were separated from Him (dead) and the only way for that gap to be bridged was that someone else dies in their position. An exchange needed to be made for justice to prevail (remember the example with the just judge whose son is condemned to life sentence because of murder but instead of him paying the price his father, the judge, steps down from his sit and takes his position). Since all humans are sinners and nobody can die for someone else’s sins the only solution was for God to become human and complete this mission (since He is the only one without any sin).

So in the person of Jesus Christ we can find God becoming human, going through every difficulty and temptation we go through and at the end we, His creatures, lead Him to death (in the worst possible way). So at the time of crucifixion Jesus collected all the sins of the world gathered together. So it was finished. The road towards God is open. The price for justice is paid, the exchanged has been made. Only one think is left. That every human, freely, will accept God’s offering. That every human will say “I don’t want to live my life separated from the purpose of my creation, living for something less, but I want to live life to the maximum, knowing why I was created and find full joy in living for it”. That’s why Jesus had to die. Paying the price of our mistakes. Out of love, because no one else could do it.

Be ready to answer

25

1. ‘If Jesus had not been crucified, there would have been no Christianity.’ Write 3 reasons why you might agree with this statement. Give 3 reasons why someone may disagree with you.

2. Explain why the crucifixion is important for Christians today.

26

Resource sheet 3.8Why did Jesus have to die?Jesus could have avoided his arrest and all that followed, but he seemed to believe that it was his destiny.

• He deliberately put himself in danger by going to Jerusalem, having warned the disciples about what was in store for him.

• He claimed to be the Jewish Messiah by going to Jerusalem riding on a donkey.

• He knew Judas was going out to betray him from the Last Supper, but he did nothing to stop him going to the Chief Priests.

• He knew Judas would bring the soldiers to arrest him in Gethsemane, but he still went to pray in the garden.

• Even when he was on trial he did not try to defend himself or prove his innocence. Pilate seemed to want to find a way to release him, yet still he made no attempt to plead for his life.

‘The Son of Man gave his life as a ransom for many.’ (Mark 10:45)When Jesus said this, what did he mean?

It would appear that in some way, by dying, Jesus was able to take away the punishment that sinners deserved because of the sins they had committed. Sin happens when a person goes against the will of God because they are breaking God’s Law. When someone sins it puts up a barrier between them and God. By his death Jesus paid the ransom which, in a sense, was the price of sin.

Jesus’ death was a perfect sacrificeIn the Jewish Law there were a whole series of sacrifices that the people were told to offer to God to put things right. It often took the form of the priests having to kill a lamb or another animal. The Day of Atonement was a special day when all the Jewish people were directed to sacrifices to pray for God’s forgiveness for all their sins. One of the offerings on this day was a goat that was sent out into the desert, taking with it symbolically the sins of the people – the scapegoat.

These offerings had to be repeated year after year, but Jesus’ death was intended to be the perfect sacrifice, offered to God once to put things right between God and the whole human race. Because it was perfect (in a way that no animal sacrifice could be) it never needed to be repeated.

For Christians todaySo what about now?

The crucifixion was a really cruel way to be killed – in most cases people would take pain-racked hours to die. Without the crucifixion there would have been no resurrection, and Christians today would have no hope. These two events – the crucifixion and the resurrection – stand together as the unique aspects of the faith. Without them Christians have no Saviour and Jesus would just have been a moral teacher. They believe that he was much more than that, and the crucifixion goes some way to prove it.

Point to ponderMany people wear crosses or crucifixes, but not all are necessarily Christians. Do you think it right for people to wear them if they are not Christian?

27

3.9 – What is the meaning and significance of Jesus’ burial?

Jesus’ burialLeaving the bodies of those crucified on the crosses to rot and be eaten by birds was the normal practice as it would serve as a warning to others. It was unusual for crucified people to be buried, and Pilate himself would be the only one authorised to allow it:

Biblical Reading: Mark 15:42-27

Jewish burial customs require the body to be buried as soon as possible on the day of death, so there was some sense of urgency. This was made worse as the Sabbath was due, and there could be no work done on the Sabbath, including burial. Pilate may have allowed the burial because he may have felt that the sooner the body was taken away the less chance there would be of any trouble.

Normally, family members and friends had to ask for the body, but it would have been very difficult for anyone to gain access to Pilate. Mark records that it was an important member of the Sanhedrin who asked Pilate for Jesus’ body for burial. Joseph of Arimathea was prepared to risk the change of sympathising with a crucified traitor from Nazareth. It is thought that he later became a Christian and may have been a source of information about Jesus trials.

Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died already. He summoned the centurion responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion to confirm that Jesus was, in fact, death as it would often take up to three days for victims of crucifixion to die. Perhaps the beatings he had suffered earlier had sapped his energy – or was it possible that God the Father had shortened the time he suffered?

Why was it important that Mark should record Jesus’ burial?Mark records that Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body and buried him, which is similar to Isaiah’s prophesy: ‘He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rick in his death, though

he had one no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth’ Isaiah 53:9 Joseph was almost certainly rich, but the ‘wicked’ aspect does not seem to fit. This may suggest that Mark is historically accurate, as there is no attempt to match the story exactly with Isaiah’s words. Or the reference of the wicked cold be referring to his death among the two thieves on the cross.

28

The burial indicates that Jesus was really dead. Roman soldiers and others handling the body would not make a mistake about this. Two thousand years on, people still questions whether Jesus really died on the cross. The reports of his burial encourage Christians today to believe it actually happened.

Also by writing about it in this way Mark may have tried to avoid any arguments about where Jesus had been buried, even though there are now two sites in Jerusalem that are claimed to be the burial site. The early Christian Church had t answer charges suggesting that Jesus had not really died at all, and that the women had gone to the wrong tomb on the Sunday morning.

Be ready to answer1. ‘Jesus’ burial is significant for Christians’. Do you agree? Give three reasons for your

answer and three reasons why someone may disagree with you.2. ‘It doesn’t matter where Jesus was buried.’ Do you agree? Give three reasons for your

opinion. Give three reasons why someone may disagree with you.

29

3.10– The meaning and significance of the resurrection for Mark

Biblical Reading: Mark 16 + 1 st Corinthians 15:3-8 +13-15

Christianity stands or falls based on the resurrection. It is its most important doctrine. Jesus had been buried in the tomb since the beginning of the Sabbath (Friday afternoon) and now it was just getting light on Sunday morning. Read the rest of the story from Mark chapter 16.

Resurrection theories1. Jesus didn’t die on the cross. He just fainted. In the coolness of the tomb and with the

help of the strong incense He came back to His senses and got out of the tomb. 2. The disciples stole the body

Answers to those theories1. Jesus was proven dead (Mark 15:42-47 + John 19:31-37). Even if He didn’t die, how

could a man who lost so much blood, didn’t have any water or food for two days, roll the huge stone that was blocking the tomb, defeat the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66) and walk away?

2. Why would the disciples steal the body? How about the Roman guard? Could professional fishermen defeat professional soldiers? There was no expectation from Jewish tradition that the Messiah would resurrect.

Logical proofs on the resurrection1. The change in the disciples’ lives. If the disciples didn’t see Jesus alive again

then what caused the change in their lives? From scared disciples they turn to fearless apostles who preach the gospel around the world who even give their lives for that. The disciples themselves were quick to explain this change as due to Jesus being alive. This was recorded in the book of Acts several times, as for example ‘God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact’. Acts 2:32

2. Resurrection becomes the heart of their preaching. Let’s say that Jesus is not resurrected and the disciples still want to promote His teachings around the world since they consider those important. Why does then ap. Paul make the resurrection the beginning and end of Christianity (1st Corinthians 15:13-15). They could have focused on love or whatever else.

3. The Pharisees and the Romans could have stopped the resurrection in a second. If Jesus was not resurrected then the Pharisees and Romans who got in trouble with Christians going around preaching about the resurrection could have gone to the tomb, get the dead body out, show it to the people and stop everything in an instant. Why didn’t they do it?

30

4. Unreliable Witnesses. The persons who testify of Jesus’ resurrection according to Mark’s gospel are women. In those days women were not considered reliable witnesses. If Jesus was never resurrected and the apostles wanted to make up a story then most probably they would have used men to be the witnesses of resurrection not women

The significance of Resurrection for MarkMark wrote his gospel in a time of persecution, at a time when his readers longed for

that Second Coming, as it would mean the end of their suffering. The story of the resurrection was to be an encouragement to them to persevere, as the time would come when they would see “Jesus coming in clouds with great power and glory”. They could even draw comfort from verse 8 “They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid” because the Gospel had spread from these unpromising beginnings.

Be ready to answer1. Why is it important for Mark that Jesus rose from the dead?2. What are the logical proofs of the resurrection?3. ‘Jesus rose from the dead.’ Do you agree? Give three reasons for your answer and

three reasons why someone may disagree with you.

31

Resource sheet 3.10aChristianity grows up In the early days after Jesus, the Christian Church was centred in Jerusalem, in an ‘upper room’. The disciples James, Peter and John led a growing number of believers. The information about the early Church between 30 and 100CE is found in the Acts of the Apostles, but some suggest that it is not totally historically accurate.

While we only have the short ending to Mark’s Gospel in this exam specification, there is an additional portion that, in part, echoes a passage in Matthew. This adds a meeting with Jesus in which he asks the disciples to, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.’ In response to this, the disciples spread Christianity to cities throughout the Greek world, such as Alexandria and Antioch, and also to Rome and even beyond the Roman Empire.

As Christianity spread, so did hostility and persecution against Christians by ordinary people and the authorities. The disciples knew they were in real danger but did not stop spreading the gospel. Many of them were executed, including James, Andrew and Peter.

TaskLook at the map below showing how the Christian faith spread at first.

What has happened to change the disciples?

Think about the disciples around the crucifixion, where they ran off in fear for their lives. What gave them the confidence in the weeks and months following the resurrection, where those same disciples travelled great distances and overcame opposition, even to the point of dying for their faith, to spread the Christian message. What do you think?

32

3.11– The meaning and significance of the resurrection for Christians today

Biblical Reading: 1 st Corinthians 15:3-8 +13-15

The basis of ChristianityAs recorded earlier, the Christian faith stands or falls with the resurrection. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the many witnesses who had seen the risen Christ. Read I Cor. 15:3-8, 13-15.Some Christians believe that the resurrection never actually happened, but that the disciples realised who Jesus was and what he had come to do only after his death. They had then been inspired to carry on his work. This view largely ignores the reports of the empty tomb and the resurrection appearances.

Most Christians today believe that Jesus did rise from the dead in bodily form as they have the stories of the resurrection from all four gospels. According to these stories, the disciples touched him , talked with him and ate with him. However, there was something different about Jesus after the resurrection – he was not always recognized and he could appear in locked rooms. All Christians, then and now would agree that Jesus is recognized accepted and worshiped in faith and faith is the only way to a full understanding of the risen Christ.

Easter Sunday is to all Christians the major day of celebration, as it focuses on the resurrection.

If Jesus did rise from the dead, what does that mean?1. The resurrection proves the identity of Jesus as Son of God/God2. The resurrection confirms Jesus’ work on the cross. His sacrifice is accepted by God

and humans can now be forgiven3. The resurrection brought victory over death. We have the promise that one day

death will cease to exist and believers will live eternally. 4. The resurrection has everyday significance too, because Jesus is alive and through

His Spirit dwells in His followers day by day.

Be ready to answer1. Why is it difficult for some today to accept the resurrection? How do Christians

answer these difficulties?2. Explain why the resurrection is important for Christians today? Give three reasons for

your answer and three reasons why someone may disagree with you.

33

Section 3: Death and resurrectionSelf-assessmentLook at the following table. How would you rate your understanding of this topic? Use the following code to judge your status:

Green Orange Red

Knowledge and understanding checklist

I understand this fully I am confident I can answer most questions on this

I need to do a lot more work on this topic

Can you:

• give your opinion on the topic with reasons?

• give the opinion of someone who would disagree with you and give the reasons they would have for their opinion?

My understanding is

Content covered RED ORANGE GREEN Can I give my opinion?

Can I give an alternative opinion?

The meaning and significance of the Last Supper for Mark

Why the Last Supper is important for Christians today

The meaning and significance of the prayers in Gethsemane

Why they might cause problems for some Christians today

The meaning and significance of the betrayal and arrest in Mark

Why there are different attitudes to Judas among Christians today

The meaning and significance of the trial before

34

My understanding is

Content covered RED ORANGE GREEN Can I give my opinion?

Can I give an alternative opinion?

the High Priest in Mark

How this affects Christian attitudes to justice

The meaning and significance of the trial before Pilate in Mark

Why Christians today may see the significance differently from Mark

The meaning and significance of the crucifixion in Mark

Why the crucifixion is important for Christians today

The meaning and significance of the burial for Christians today

The meaning and significance of the resurrection for Mark

The meaning and significance of the resurrection for Christians today

35