The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

10. How do the facts surrounding the burial of Jesus help support the notion that Jesus in fact died, and did not, as some claim, merely swoon upon the cross?

This lesson highlights the events which lead up to the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus the Messiah. In a real sense, Jesus’ Passion proves that he is the Lamb of God, the one chosen by God to bear the sin and guilt of all the world. In this suffering, his identity as Messiah is fully revealed. The revelation of Jesus as Messiah is the express purpose and clear testimony of the Gospel accounts in the New Testament. Jesus of Nazareth is shown to be the Messiah of God through his perfect life and character, his masterful leadership of the Apostles, and his submissive sonship to his Father. Further proof is given regarding Jesus’ Messianic calling in his prophetic teaching ministry, as well as in the mighty demonstrations of power, both in signs and wonders (miracles) and dramatic encounter with spiritual demons. The events leading up to Jesus’ suffering and death (i.e., his Passion) provide us with additional compelling evidence of his claim to be the promised Messiah. The last events of Jesus’ life, i.e., Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah of the living God, accompanied by Jesus’ prediction of his death, show his resolve to fulfill the biblical prophecy regarding Messiah’s sufferings on the cross. Jesus’ last week includes his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his encounters with the Jewish leaders, and sharing of the Passover meal with his disciples where he announces the New Covenant in his blood. The Gospels recount the final events during Jesus’ Passion week. These events include his agony in prayer in the Garden, the trials before the Sanhedrin, Herod, and Pilate, his scourgings and condemnation, and finally his crucifixion and death on the cross, and his burial in the tomb. These events give strong and undeniable testimony of Jesus’ identity as God’s Messiah, the Son of God.

Summary of Key Concepts

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