The Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ

At the heart of Christianity lies the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, an event that not only reshaped history but also offers hope and salvation to billions worldwide. For Christians, this is far more than a historical account; it represents a divine act of love and redemption. Jesus’ death on the cross and His victory over the grave are essential to God’s plan to reconcile humanity to Himself. This momentous event affirms His divinity and provides the foundation for the Christian faith. Let’s take a closer look at the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, and examine the profound significance of each.

The Crucifixion: Jesus' Sacrificial Death

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was the ultimate act of atonement for the sins of humanity. According to Christian theology, humanity is separated from God because of sin.

The Bible declares, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23, NIV),

and "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NIV).

In response to this separation, God, in His love and mercy, provided a way for redemption through Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, who willingly took the punishment that mankind deserved. His sacrificial death on the cross was the perfect offering for sin.

Jesus' crucifixion was not only a result of Roman intervention but also the culmination of deep hostility from the Jewish religious leaders. The exclusivity of Jesus' claims—His declaration that He was the Son of God and the sole path to salvation—challenged the authority of the Jewish high priests and the ruling council. He preached faith in God over strict adherence to the written law, which they worshipped but could not themselves fully obey. By revealing the truth, Jesus exposed the inadequacies of their legalistic traditions and stripped them of their power over the people. His teachings of grace, mercy, and faith undermined the religious leaders’ control, which ultimately led to their plot to have Him executed. They viewed Him as a threat, not only to their influence but also to their understanding of righteousness and the law.

The suffering of Jesus Christ before His crucifixion is one of the most brutal and inhumane stories ever told. This unimaginable cruelty was inflicted upon Him by Roman guards as part of His journey to the cross. But despite the overwhelming physical pain and mockery, Jesus willingly endured it all to fulfill His divine mission—reconciling humanity to God. Let’s explore the depths of the torment He experienced, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.

Stripped, Chained, and Beaten with a Roman Flagrum

After being falsely accused and sentenced to die, Jesus was handed over to the Roman guards for punishment. They stripped Him naked and chained Him up to be scourged with a Roman flagrum, a whip consisting of several leather strands, each embedded with sharp pieces of bone, metal, or glass designed to tear flesh. The flagrum was so brutal that it was nicknamed "the half-death" because nearly half of the men subjected to this beating died from it. But Jesus, in His divine strength, survived.

The whip would have dug deeply into His skin, ripping it open with each strike. Flesh from His back, legs, and buttocks was torn apart, exposing muscles and bones. Blood poured out, and with every lash, Jesus' body weakened, but He did not cry out for relief. He stood there silently, enduring the agony for the sake of humanity. His back became a canvas of shredded skin and bruised muscle, yet His will remained unbroken.

The Mockery and Humiliation

The physical brutality was accompanied by emotional torture. The Roman soldiers mocked Jesus mercilessly, sneering at His claim to be the King of the Jews. They ridiculed Him by draping a purple robe over His mangled body—a symbol of royalty—to further humiliate Him. They spat in His face, struck Him with their fists, and slapped Him.

To deepen the mockery, the guards twisted together a crown made of thorns—each spike roughly three inches long—and forced it onto His head. The thorns pierced His scalp, causing more excruciating pain as blood ran down His face. "A king needs a crown," they jeered, as they hammered the crown of thorns deeper into His skull. In their eyes, this was nothing more than a cruel joke. But little did they know, Jesus truly was the King—yet He bore this suffering in silence.

Isaiah 52:14 foretells the extent of His suffering: "But many were amazed when they saw Him. His face was so disfigured He seemed hardly human, and from His appearance, one would scarcely know He was a man." The abuse left Him so mutilated that He was unrecognizable. Yet, through it all, Jesus remained focused on the mission at hand: to save humanity from sin.

Carrying the Cross: The Long Walk to Golgotha

After enduring the savage beating, the Roman guards forced Jesus to carry His own cross to Golgotha, the hill of the skull, where He would be crucified. His body—weak from blood loss and the torture He had already endured—was barely able to handle the weight of the heavy wooden beam. The journey, which lasted one to three hours, was not only physically exhausting but emotionally draining as well.

As He walked through the streets, a hostile crowd lined His path, hurling insults, spitting on Him, and throwing objects at Him. Every step was agonizing, His flesh torn, His muscles exhausted. Yet, even at that moment, Jesus could have stopped it all. As both fully man and fully God, He had the power to, But He chose not to. He chose to endure the suffering for us, feeling every ounce of the pain as a man. Out of the crowd of hostile on lookers, a man named Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus carry his cross toward Golgotha.

The Crucifixion: The Ultimate Pain

When Jesus finally reached Golgotha, the Roman soldiers stripped Him naked once again and threw Him down on the cross. They drove spikes—about five to seven inches long—through His hands (or wrists, as it is debated in historical context). In Jewish culture, the wrist was considered part of the hand. The soldiers then hammered nails through His feet, fastening Him to the cross in a position designed to inflict the maximum amount of pain.

Crucifixion was one of the most painful and prolonged methods of execution in the ancient world. To breathe while hanging on the cross was no small task. Jesus had to push His body up using His nailed feet to exhale, scraping His bloody, open back against the rough wood of the cross. Each breath was an agonizing struggle, and each movement sent shockwaves of pain through His already broken body. This cycle of pain and suffering went on for six long hours.

His Final Words and Their Meaning

As His body hung limp, Jesus uttered some of the most profound words ever spoken: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NIV). Even in His final moments, Jesus showed unimaginable grace, praying for the very people who were torturing Him.

In His final breaths, Jesus said, "It is finished" (John 19:30, NIV). These words signify more than just the end of His life. They mark the completion of His mission to bring salvation to humanity. With His death, the price for sin was paid in full, opening the door for anyone who believes in Him to receive eternal life.

Then, with His last breath, Jesus said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46, NIV). These words of surrender reflect His trust in God's plan, even as He suffered the worst that humanity could inflict upon Him.

At the moment of His death, supernatural events signaled the significance of what had occurred. The Gospel of Matthew records that "the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open" (Matthew 27:51-52, NIV). These extraordinary signs were so powerful that even a Roman centurion present declared, "Surely He was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54, NIV). Following His death, Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus’ body, placed it in a tomb, and had a large stone rolled across the entrance, with Roman guards posted to prevent tampering (Matthew 27:62-66, NIV).

In this act, Jesus not only paid the ultimate price for humanity’s sins but also shattered the power of legalism and religious corruption, offering instead a path to reconciliation with God through faith. His death became the turning point in history, where love and sacrifice overcame sin and death.

The Significance of His Suffering

Jesus, though fully God, chose to suffer as a man. He felt every lash, every mockery, every nail driven into His body. At any moment, He could have stopped it all, but He willingly endured it because of His deep love for humanity. His suffering wasn't just a physical ordeal—it was a spiritual victory. Through His pain and death, He defeated sin and made a way for humanity to be reconciled to God.

The story of Jesus’ brutal torture and crucifixion is not just a historical event. It is a reminder of the depth of God's love and the lengths He was willing to go to redeem His creation. Every blow, every insult, and every drop of blood was for us. His sacrifice on the cross wasn’t just an act of atonement—it was the ultimate expression of love.

The Resurrection: Jesus' Victory Over Death

Before Jesus’ death, several prophecies had been spoken about the Messiah’s suffering, death, and ultimate victory over death. Isaiah 53 describes the suffering servant who would bear the sins of many, and Psalm 16:10 foretells that God’s Holy One would not see decay: "Because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay" (NIV). These prophecies set the stage for the resurrection, proving that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

The resurrection is central to Christian faith because it confirms that Jesus’ death on the cross was not the end of the story—it was the beginning of God’s plan to defeat death and offer new life. By rising from the dead, Jesus conquered the grave, which had previously held power over all humanity due to sin. As 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 says, "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

Without the resurrection, Jesus' crucifixion would have been just another tragic death. But the resurrection proves His divinity, validating His teachings and promises, and providing the foundation of hope for believers. It demonstrates that death does not have the final say, and through faith in Christ, we too can have the hope of eternal life.

The Empty Tomb: First Evidence of the Resurrection

Early on the third day, several women who had followed Jesus went to His tomb to anoint His body with spices. This was a customary act of devotion and respect for the dead. Among these women was Mary Magdalene, who had been a close follower of Jesus throughout His ministry. When they arrived at the tomb, they found that the heavy stone, which had been placed in front of the entrance, was rolled away. The Roman guards who had been stationed there to prevent any tampering were nowhere to be seen.

Entering the tomb, the women discovered that Jesus' body was gone. In their confusion, an angel appeared to them, delivering the earth-shattering message: "He is not here; He has risen!" (Luke 24:6, NIV). This simple yet powerful proclamation confirmed what Jesus had already told His disciples: that He would rise again on the third day (Matthew 16:21). The empty tomb was the first undeniable evidence of Jesus' resurrection and marked the beginning of the victory over death.

The Appearances of the Risen Jesus

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many of His followers, proving that He had indeed risen from the dead. These post-resurrection appearances are vital because they demonstrate that Jesus' resurrection was not just a spiritual event or a symbolic gesture, but a literal, bodily resurrection. He was physically alive, with the same body that had been crucified, but now glorified and no longer subject to death.

1. Mary Magdalene: The first person to witness the risen Christ was Mary Magdalene, outside the empty tomb (John 20:11-18). At first, she did not recognize Him, mistaking Him for the gardener. It wasn’t until He called her by name that she realized who He was. This intimate moment highlights Jesus’ personal relationship with His followers, and Mary became the first to proclaim the good news of the resurrection to the disciples.

   
   

2. The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus: Later, Jesus appeared to two of His followers as they walked along the road to Emmaus. At first, they didn’t recognize Him as He explained the Scriptures concerning the Messiah's suffering and resurrection. It wasn’t until He broke bread with them that their eyes were opened, and they realized who He was (Luke 24:13-35). This encounter underscores how the resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and brought new understanding to the disciples.

   
   

3. The Apostles in the Upper Room: Jesus also appeared to the apostles who were hiding in fear after His crucifixion. He suddenly stood among them and said, "Peace be with you" (John 20:19, NIV). He showed them His hands and side, the very wounds that bore witness to His crucifixion, proving that He was truly the same Jesus who had been nailed to the cross.

   
   

4. Thomas’ Doubt: One of the most famous resurrection appearances is that of Jesus and Thomas, the apostle who doubted the initial reports of Jesus’ resurrection. Thomas declared he wouldn’t believe unless he saw the nail marks and put his finger where the nails were. Jesus appeared to him and invited Thomas to touch His wounds, saying, "Stop doubting and believe" (John 20:27, NIV). This powerful moment transformed Thomas’ doubt into faith, leading him to proclaim, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28, NIV).

   
   

5. 500 Witnesses: In one of His most remarkable post-resurrection appearances, Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at the same time (1 Corinthians 15:6). This mass appearance added further credibility to the resurrection, as such a large group of witnesses could verify that they had seen the risen Christ.

Jesus Returns to Heaven

The ascension of Jesus Christ, which took place forty days after His resurrection, is a pivotal event in the Christian faith, marking the moment when Jesus physically departed from the earth and returned to His heavenly throne. The event is described in Acts 1:9-11 (NIV), where, as His disciples watched, Jesus was lifted up into the sky until a cloud obscured Him from view. This moment is profound not only because it demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority but also because it holds significant theological and practical implications for Christians today.

The Ascension

The ascension occurred on the Mount of Olives, just outside of Jerusalem, where Jesus had gathered His disciples to give them final instructions. After appearing to them multiple times following His resurrection, He had spent forty days teaching them about the Kingdom of God, preparing them for the mission that lay ahead. As He was taken up into heaven, His disciples stood in awe, gazing up as He disappeared into the clouds.

Two angels appeared to the disciples in that moment and reassured them, saying, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11, NIV). The angels' message was clear: Jesus’ ascension was not the end of the story but the beginning of a new chapter, one that includes His eventual return.

The ascension is also a moment of anticipation, as Christians now live in the time between Jesus’ departure and His promised return. This event serves as a reminder that Jesus is not gone forever, but He will return one day to fulfill His ultimate plan of redemption for the world.

The Significance of Jesus’ Ascension

The ascension is significant for several reasons, all of which impact the way Christians understand their relationship with God and their role in the world.

1. Jesus' Return to Glory and Authority: The ascension marked Jesus’ return to His place of glory and authority at the right hand of God the Father. Ephesians 1:20-22 (NIV) says, "He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." By ascending to heaven, Jesus took His rightful place as King of kings and Lord of lords, having accomplished His mission on earth through His death and resurrection. He now reigns with all power and authority, ruling over all creation.

   
   

   His position at the right hand of the Father is also significant because it shows that Jesus’ work of redemption is complete. On the cross, Jesus declared, "It is finished" (John 19:30, NIV), signifying that His sacrifice for sin was sufficient. His ascension confirms that He had successfully defeated sin, death, and Satan, and that He now reigns as the victorious Savior.

   
   

2. The Role of High Priest and Intercessor: In ascending to heaven, Jesus took on a new role as our great High Priest. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) explains that Jesus, who has "ascended into heaven," now serves as our mediator before God. As the perfect High Priest, He continually intercedes for believers, presenting His finished work on the cross as the basis for our forgiveness and righteousness. He advocates on our behalf, ensuring that we remain in right standing with God despite our imperfections.

   
   

   The ascension reminds Christians that Jesus is always with them in spirit, even though He is physically in heaven. His role as an intercessor offers comfort and assurance that we have an advocate who understands our struggles and weaknesses, and who is always pleading on our behalf before the Father.

   
   

3. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: One of the most important outcomes of Jesus’ ascension was the coming of the Holy Spirit. Before ascending, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to continue His mission (Acts 1:4-5, NIV). This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, ten days after the ascension, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in tongues of fire (Acts 2:1-4, NIV).

   
   

   The Holy Spirit is central to the life of the church and the mission of spreading the Gospel. Through the Spirit, believers are empowered to witness, perform miracles, and live lives that reflect the character of Christ. The Spirit’s coming also marked the birth of the church, which continues to carry out the work of proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection and salvation to the world.

   
   

4. The Assurance of Christ’s Return: The ascension also points forward to Jesus’ eventual return to earth. The angels' words in Acts 1:11 (NIV) make it clear that just as Jesus ascended into heaven, He will return in the same way. This event, known as the Second Coming, is a central aspect of Christian eschatology. It is the moment when Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead, establish His eternal kingdom, and bring about the final fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption.

   
   

   The promise of Jesus’ return provides hope and motivation for believers to live in anticipation of that day. It reminds Christians that this world is not their final home and that the struggles and sufferings of this life are temporary. As Philippians 3:20-21 (NIV) says, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who...will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body."

The Hope of Eternal Life

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith, offering hope, forgiveness, and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Eyewitness testimony played a crucial role in establishing the truth of the resurrection, as those who encountered the risen Christ were forever changed by their experience. Their boldness in proclaiming the Gospel, even in the face of death, provides powerful evidence for the truth of the resurrection.

As Paul declared, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17, NIV). But because Jesus was raised from the dead, Christians have the assurance that death has been conquered and that eternal life is available to all who put their faith in Him. The resurrection is not just a historical event but a living reality that continues to transform lives, offering hope to all who embrace it. Through the resurrection, believers are invited into a new life, one marked by hope, joy, and the promise of eternal communion with God.