Passion Of Christ JSS2 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

 THE PASSION OF CHRIST

LESSON OBJECTIVES

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Define the term “Passion of Christ” and identify its significance in Christian theology
2. Describe the key events of the Passion narrative in chronological order
3. Explain the theological meaning of Christ’s suffering and death
4. Reflect on the personal significance of the Passion story for Christian faith

INTRODUCTION

The term “Passion” comes from the Latin word “passio,” meaning “suffering.” In Christian contexts, the Passion of Christ refers to the short final period in the life of Jesus covering his entrance to Jerusalem and leading up to his crucifixion on Mount Calvary, encompassing his suffering and death.

KEY EVENTS OF THE PASSION NARRATIVE

1. Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)

• Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey
• Crowds welcomed him, spreading palm branches and cloaks on the road
• People shouted “Hosanna!” and hailed him as the king who comes in the name of the Lord
• Biblical references: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19

2. The Last Supper

• Jesus shared a final Passover meal with his disciples
• He instituted the Eucharist/Communion, sharing bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood
• Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, teaching humility and service
• He predicted his betrayal by Judas and Peter’s denial
• Biblical references: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-39, John 13:1-17:26

3. Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane

• Jesus went to pray with his disciples on the Mount of Olives
• He experienced deep anguish, praying until his sweat became like drops of blood
• Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done”
• His disciples fell asleep while he prayed
• Biblical references: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46

4. Betrayal and Arrest

• Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus with a kiss, identifying him to the authorities
• Temple guards and Roman soldiers arrested Jesus
• Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, but Jesus healed the man
• The disciples fled, abandoning Jesus
• Biblical references: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-12

5. Trials

• Religious trial before the Jewish authorities:
  1. Before Annas (former high priest)
  2. Before Caiaphas (current high priest) and the Sanhedrin
  3. Accused of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God
• Civil trial before the Roman authorities:
  1. Before Pontius Pilate (Roman governor)
  2. Before Herod Antipas (ruler of Galilee)
  3. Back to Pilate, who found no basis for charges
• Biblical references: Matthew 26:57-27:26, Mark 14:53-15:15, Luke 22:54-23:25, John 18:13-19:16

6. Scourging and Mockery

• Jesus was flogged with a Roman whip (scourging)
• Soldiers placed a crown of thorns on his head
• He was mocked, spat upon, and struck
• Biblical references: Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:1-3

7. Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa)

• Jesus carried his cross to the place of crucifixion
• Simon of Cyrene was forced to help carry the cross
• Jesus spoke to the weeping women of Jerusalem
• Biblical references: Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21-22, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17

8. Crucifixion and Death

• Jesus was crucified at Golgotha (“place of the skull”)
• He spoke seven last words from the cross
• Darkness covered the land for three hours
• The temple curtain was torn in two
• Jesus died, saying “It is finished” and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”
• Biblical references: Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-41, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:18-37

9. Burial

• Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus’ body from Pilate
• Jesus was wrapped in linen and placed in a new tomb
• A large stone was rolled against the entrance
• Guards were posted at the tomb
• Biblical references: Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42

THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

1. Atonement

• Jesus’ suffering and death provided atonement for human sin
• His sacrifice was the perfect and final offering that reconciles humanity with God
• Key concept: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

2. Redemption

• Through his Passion, Jesus paid the price to redeem humanity from sin and death
• His blood was the ransom that purchased freedom for believers
• “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)

3. Example of Suffering

• Jesus’ Passion demonstrates how to endure suffering with dignity and faith
• He modeled forgiveness toward those who harmed him
• His suffering has meaning and purpose, showing that God understands human pain

4. Victory Over Evil

• The Passion, while appearing to be defeat, was actually the means of victory
• Through suffering, Jesus conquered sin, death, and the power of evil
• The cross became a symbol of triumph rather than shame

APPLICATION AND REFLECTION

1. How does the Passion narrative challenge our understanding of power, leadership, and success?
2. In what ways does Christ’s suffering give meaning to human suffering?
3. How might the Passion story inspire us to respond to injustice and mistreatment?
4. What aspects of the Passion narrative do you find most meaningful for your own spiritual journey?

ACTIVITIES FOR DEEPER LEARNING

1. Create a timeline of the Passion events with corresponding scripture references
2. Write a reflection on one of the seven last words of Christ from the cross
3. Compare the Passion narratives across the four Gospels, noting similarities and differences
4. Discuss how different Christian traditions commemorate the Passion during Holy Week

CONCLUSION

The Passion of Christ stands at the center of Christian faith as the supreme demonstration of God’s love for humanity. Through his suffering and death, Jesus fulfilled his mission to save humanity from sin and open the way to eternal life. The Passion narrative continues to inspire believers to embrace sacrifice, service, and love as the path to true greatness.

FURTHER READING

• “The Day Christ Died” by Jim Bishop
• “The Cross of Christ” by John Stott
• “Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week” by Pope Benedict XVI
• “The Last Days of Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard