Burial, Resurrection and Ascension

Topic 15: Burial, Resurrection and Ascension

Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:50–56)

Joseph of Arimathea

Who Was He?

Member of the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin).
Wealthy and respected man.
Good and righteous individual.
Secret follower of Jesus.
Did not agree with decision to condemn Jesus.

Importance

Demonstrates:

Not all Jewish leaders opposed Jesus.
Jesus still had followers after crucifixion.

Request for Jesus’ Body

Action

Joseph approached Pilate.

Requested:

Body of Jesus.

Pilate’s Response

Permission granted.

Significance

Ensured proper burial.
Fulfilled Jewish burial customs.

Preparation of the Body

Joseph’s Actions

Took body down from cross.
Wrapped body in linen cloth.
Treated body respectfully.

Significance

Shows:

Honour.
Respect.
Devotion.

The Tomb

Characteristics

Rock-hewn tomb.
New tomb.
No one had previously been buried there.

Significance

Important for resurrection narrative because:

Tomb location known.
Burial witnessed.
Empty tomb later verified.

Women Witness the Burial

Who Was Present?

Women disciples followed.

Observed:

Location of tomb.
Placement of body.

Importance

Eyewitnesses to burial.
Later witnesses to empty tomb.
Strengthens resurrection account.

Sabbath Rest

Actions of Women

Prepared spices and perfumes.

Then:

Rested on Sabbath.
Obeyed Jewish Law.

Significance

Shows:

Continued obedience.
Faithfulness despite grief.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change

Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28; Luke 24:1–49)

Importance of the Resurrection

Central Christian Belief

Christians believe:

Jesus physically rose from the dead.
Death was defeated.
God’s plan was fulfilled.

Why It Matters

Without resurrection:

Christianity loses its foundation.
Jesus would appear defeated.
Claims about divinity become questionable.

Women Visit the Tomb

Purpose

Women came:

To complete burial customs.
To honour Jesus.

Expectation

Expected:

Dead body.

Did not expect:

Resurrection.

Significance

Shows resurrection was unexpected.

Discovery of the Empty Tomb

What Happened?

Women found:

Stone rolled away.
Tomb empty.

Importance

First evidence of resurrection.

Angelic Announcement

Message

“He is not here; he has risen.”

Significance

Direct declaration of resurrection.

Importance

Confirms:

Death defeated.
God’s power demonstrated.

Reaction of the Women

Initial Response

Fear.
Amazement.
Confusion.

Later Response

Joy.
Faith.
Witness.

Importance

Women become first resurrection witnesses.

Why Is This Important?

Historical Importance

In first-century society:

Women’s testimony often undervalued.

Significance

Makes invention less likely.

Suggests:

Gospel writers reported events as believed to have happened.

Resurrection Appearances

Appearance to the Women

Event

Jesus appeared to women.

Response

Worshipped him.
Received instructions.

Significance

Confirms physical resurrection.

Emmaus Road Appearance (Luke 24:13–35)

Background

Two disciples travelling to Emmaus.

Jesus Joins Them

Walked alongside.
Not immediately recognised.

Discussion

Jesus explained:

Scriptures.
Meaning of suffering.
Necessity of crucifixion.

Recognition

Occurred during breaking of bread.

Importance

Shows:

Resurrection reality.
Fulfilment of Scripture.

Appearance to the Disciples

Initial Reaction

Disciples:

Frightened.
Thought they saw spirit.

Jesus’ Response

Showed:

Hands.
Feet.

Ate Food

Purpose:

Demonstrate physical resurrection.

Significance

Not merely spiritual survival.

Christians believe:

Bodily resurrection occurred.

Jesus Explains Scripture

Teaching

Jesus explained:

Law of Moses.
Prophets.
Psalms.

Main Point

His suffering and resurrection were part of God’s plan.

Importance

Links resurrection with Old Testament promises.

Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20)

Command

Jesus instructed disciples:

Make disciples of all nations.

Baptism

Disciples should baptise:

In name of Father.
Son.
Holy Spirit.

Teaching

Disciples should teach obedience.

Significance

Foundation of Christian mission.

Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:50–53)

What Is The Ascension?

Meaning

Jesus physically returned to Heaven.

Timing

Occurred after resurrection appearances.

Location

Near Bethany.

Final Blessing

Jesus Blesses Disciples

Before ascending:

Blessed followers.

Significance

Shows:

Love.
Care.
Ongoing relationship.

Ascension Event

What Happened?

Jesus:

Lifted up.
Taken into Heaven.

Significance

Marks completion of earthly ministry.

Importance of the Ascension

Return to Heavenly Glory

Jesus returns to Father.

Completion of Mission

Work on earth completed.

Beginning of Church Mission

Responsibility passes to disciples.

Promise of Future Return

Christians believe:

Jesus will return again.

Disciples’ Response

Worship

Disciples worshipped Jesus.

Joy

Returned to Jerusalem rejoicing.

Continued Faithfulness

Spent time:

Worshipping.
Praising God.

Significance

Transformation from fearful followers to confident believers.

Significance of Burial

Confirms Jesus Really Died

Proper burial occurred.
Tomb location known.
Witnesses present.

Prepares for Resurrection

Empty tomb becomes significant.

Significance of Resurrection

Victory Over Death

Death defeated.

Confirmation of Jesus’ Identity

Son of God.
Messiah.

Foundation of Christianity

Central Christian belief.

Hope for Believers

Promise of eternal life.

Significance of Ascension

Jesus’ Exaltation

Returns to glory.

Completion of Salvation Work

Mission accomplished.

Beginning of Church Era

Disciples continue ministry.

Examination Focus

Why Is Joseph of Arimathea Important?

Provided burial.
Ensured proper treatment.
Witness to Jesus’ death.

Why Is The Empty Tomb Important?

First evidence of resurrection.
Central to Christian belief.

Why Are Resurrection Appearances Important?

Confirm Jesus was alive.
Demonstrate physical resurrection.
Strengthen disciples’ faith.

Why Is The Ascension Important?

Completion of earthly ministry.
Return to Father.
Beginning of Church mission.

What Do These Events Reveal About Jesus?

Burial

Truly human.
Truly died.

Resurrection

Son of God.
Conqueror of death.

Ascension

Exalted Lord.
Heavenly King.

Evaluation Chain

“The Resurrection Is More Important Than The Crucifixion.”

Agree

Confirms victory over death.
Confirms Jesus’ divinity.
Foundation of Christian hope.
Central proof of Christian claims.

Disagree

No resurrection without crucifixion.
Crucifixion provides atonement.
Sacrifice for sins occurs on cross.

Judgement

Christians generally see both as inseparable; crucifixion achieves salvation and resurrection confirms victory and divine approval.

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