Many, many years ago, in a beautiful land called Israel, there lived a very special man named Jesus. Jesus was the Son of God and told everyone about God’s love. He did many good things and helped people. But some people didn’t like that. They did not understand who Jesus really was.
One evening, Jesus went to dinner with his friends. It was a special meal. He told them that something difficult was about to happen. Jesus knew that some did not like him and wanted to arrest him. But he told his friends not to be afraid, because God had a wonderful plan.
That same night, after dinner, Jesus went with his friends to a garden to pray. There soldiers came and took Jesus with them. His friends were very scared and ran away. The soldiers took Jesus to the leaders who did not like him. They decided to hang him on a cross the next day, even though Jesus had done no harm.
So Jesus died on a cross. It was a very sad day for all who loved Jesus. But they were not to remain sad for long. Something wonderful was going on!
Jesus was placed in a cave, a tomb of stone, and a large stone rolled in front of it. Three days passed. On the third day, a bright light went on, and Jesus stood up again! The stone in front of the tomb had rolled away, and Jesus was alive! He had conquered death.
Jesus appeared to his friends and many other people. Everyone was amazed and very happy. Jesus explained God’s plan to his friends and that he would always be with them now, even if they could not see him. He would help them and guide them on all their paths.
After a while, Jesus went back to God, His Father, in heaven, but He promised to come back one day. Since then, all those who believe in Jesus can know that He is always with them and helps them.
Message of history
Jesus loves us so much that He died for us and rose again. He shows us that God is stronger than everything – even stronger than death. We can trust Him and know that He is always with us.
Bible passage
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are central themes in the Gospels. Here are the relevant passages from the four Gospels after the Schlachter 2000 translation. I will give you the corresponding passages from each Gospel summarized:
Matthew 26-28
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Matthew 26: Includes the Last Supper (verses 17-30), Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (verses 36-46), the arrest (verses 47-56), and the beginning of the trial (verses 57-75).
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Matthew 27: Records Pilate’s condemnation (verses 11-26), Jesus’ crucifixion (verses 27-50), and burial (verses 57-66).
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Matthew 28: Tells of the resurrection of Jesus (verses 1-10), as well as the Great Commission (verses 16-20).
Mark 14-16
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Mark 14: Covers the Last Supper (verses 12-26), Jesus’ prayer and imprisonment in the Garden of Gethsemane (verses 32-52), and the beginning of the trial (verses 53-72).
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Mark 15: Describes the condemnation, crucifixion (verses 22-41), and the burial of Jesus (verses 42-47).
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Mark 16: Report on the resurrection and apparitions of Jesus (verses 1-14), and the Great Commission (verses 15-20).
Luke 22-24
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Luke 22: Includes the Passover and the Last Supper (verses 7-23), the prayer battle on the Mount of Olives (verses 39-46), and the imprisonment (verses 47-53).
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Luke 23: Depicts Jesus’ condemnation before Pilate (verses 1-25), the crucifixion (verses 26-49), and the burial (verses 50-56).
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Luke 24: Discusses the resurrection (verses 1-12), the apparition at Emmaus (verses 13-35), and the Ascension (verses 50-53).
John 18-21
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John 18: Tells of Jesus’ arrest (verses 1-11) and interrogations before Annas and the high priest (verses 12-27), as well as before Pilate (verses 28-40).
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John 19: Includes the condemnation, crucifixion (verses 16-37), and burial of Jesus (verses 38-42).
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John 20: Records the resurrection (verses 1-18), appearances of Jesus (verses 19-29), and the exhortation to believe in Him.
- John 21: Contains further apparitions of Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias and his conversation with Peter (verses 1-25).
These parts tell of Jesus’ death and resurrection from the different perspectives of the four Gospels. If you need specific verses from a specific gospel, let me know!
