Did You Know?

Jesus spoke seven distinct statements while on the cross, according to combined accounts across the four Gospels.

These statements include words of forgiveness ('Father, forgive them,' Luke 23:34) and final surrender ('Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,' Luke 23:46). These sayings are traditionally studied together, though no single Gospel records all seven.

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

Jesus' final words on the cross, according to John's Gospel, were 'It is finished.'

This declaration, recorded in John 19:30, is often interpreted as signifying the completion of Jesus' redemptive mission rather than simply the end of his suffering. The Greek term used here was also historically used to indicate a debt being fully paid.

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish council, provided the tomb for Jesus' burial.

This act of provision is recorded in Matthew 27:57-60, noting the tomb was newly cut and previously unused. Joseph is described in Luke 23:50-51 as a man who had not consented to the earlier council decision against Jesus.

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

A large stone was rolled in front of Jesus' tomb, and Roman guards were posted to secure it.

These security measures, recorded in Matthew 27:62-66, were specifically requested by Jewish religious leaders concerned about potential claims of resurrection. This detail is often highlighted in Christian apologetics regarding the significance of the later empty tomb.

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, according to all four Gospel accounts.

This central event of Christian faith is described across Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. This resurrection is considered foundational to Christian theology, with Paul later describing it as central to the entire Christian message (1 Corinthians 15:14).

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

Women, including Mary Magdalene, were the first to discover Jesus' empty tomb.

This discovery is recorded across all four Gospels, notably in Matthew 28:1-8, with an angel announcing that Jesus 'is not here: for he is risen.' In the historical and cultural context of the time, women's testimony was not always considered legally reliable, making their prominent role in these accounts notable.

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus without them initially recognizing him.

This account, recorded in Luke 24:13-35, describes Jesus explaining Old Testament scripture concerning himself before finally being recognized while breaking bread with them. Upon recognizing him, the disciples reflected that their hearts had 'burned within' them during his earlier explanation.

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

The disciple Thomas initially doubted reports of Jesus' resurrection until seeing him personally.

This account, recorded in John 20:24-29, gave rise to the common phrase 'doubting Thomas.' Upon seeing Jesus' wounds directly, Thomas responded with the declaration, 'My Lord and my God.'

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at one time following his resurrection, according to Paul's later account.

This significant detail is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:6, cited by Paul as substantial evidence supporting the resurrection. Paul notes that most of these witnesses were still alive at the time of his writing, implying their testimony could be verified.

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]

Pontius Pilate offered the crowd a choice between releasing Jesus or a criminal named Barabbas.

This event, recorded in Matthew 27:15-26, describes the crowd choosing to release Barabbas while calling for Jesus' crucifixion. Barabbas is specifically described as a notorious prisoner, in some accounts associated with insurrection and murder (Mark 15:7).

[Passion, Death & Resurrection]