“ Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.”
Abba meaning “Father”. This sentence describes how Jesus wanted God to take away the “cup” which symbolises the pain and suffering.
Jesus was already in pain, as he knew one of his disciples had betrayed him. This shows to Christians that Jesus was a human also, as he suffered from this betrayal and knowing that he was going to die. His emotions through the prayer and arrest project that image.
Jesus prophesied his own death in a numerous occasions such as the Last Supper. This shows to Christians that Jesus was the Messiah, through the knowledge of his death. Messiah is Hebrew and means the “anointed one”.
Jesus’ trial was at night, which was illegal back then. The Sanhedrin brought up that Jesus mentioned that he was to destroy the temple and re-build it in three days. Even though that was meant symbolically, they took it as an offence. Christians believe in resurrection, as Jesus prophicied his own.
Jesus knew it was in God’s will, so he let everything pass, and let people make their own judgement instead of influencing them to change their minds.
Jesus’ physical pain was more overwhelming however as he was beaten and spat at by Jews, who had once listened to his preaching. He was also whipped and scurged by Roman soldiers.
Christians believe that Jesus had gone through the physical pain because it was God’s will and plan to have it this way, and Jesus accepted it gracefully and let it pass. This shows for Christians that what happens is in God’s will, and they know at the end of it all, they will be re-united with God.
The emotional torment was different. Jesus was mocked by the Romans, disowned by Peter, betrayed by Judas, humiliated by the crowd. He felt as if he was left by everyone, his disciples, Simon of Syrene, the crowd, and in Mark’s Gospel- even the robbers who were being crucified also despised him. By the end of all of this, Jesus began to believe that even God had left him.
“ Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”
Which means “ My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” This shows Jesus’ desperation- as a human, and is calling out to God. This was the third thing he had said throughout his trial before the Sanhedrin, Pilate and the crucifixion.
With that, the curtain of the temple, separating the Holy of Holies was ripped. This could be a sign of mourning from God, as it was sign of mourning to rip clothes at that time, or it could be that the death of Jesus brought God closer who was said to be behind the curtain of Holy of Holies. Jesus would have been a sacrifice to God.
From seeing this, a Centurion (a Gentille) saw Jesus for who he was.
“ Truly this man was a Son of God.”
From this Christians learn that Jesus was here to build that gap between Mankind and God, and it can bring anyone to believe and learn in Jesus’ teachings, as it was a Gentille who recognised Jesus for who he was.
Then the burial of Jesus was rushed because of Passover; among them at the burial was Mary of Magdala, Mary- mother of James, Salome. Three days later, the women came back and the heavy stone had been rolled away. As it was so heavy, they were wandering who could have rolled it away. They found a man in white, sitting on the right hand side. He told them that Jesus had risen.
To Christians it is important to know that the Bible is true, so that they know that resurrection is real. For the stone to be rolled away, and there was no Jesus in the tomb, Christians believe that he did rise.
Also appearances afterwards that describe Jesus coming to people, implement Christians belief that he did rise from the dead (resurrect). Such appearances where made to Mary Magdala, the two men, and the 11 disciples themselves. The signs to show the disciples they had power, also the belief of Christians stronger e.g. they could exorcise, drink poison without dying etc.
Jesus’ also talked about Resurrection to some Sadducee’s when they asked a question about it. He talked of how when you are resurrected, it is another world you go into. You are not concerned with earthly things, you will be like angels. Christians believe Jesus about this, and he can prove it also, by his own resurrection.
