Passion of Christ – JSS2 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

The Passion of Christ is the short final period in the life of Jesus, from his entrance into Jerusalem to his crucifixion and death. Christians believe his suffering and death brought atonement for sin, redemption and victory over evil. The events are recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Behavioural objectives

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

1. Define the term “Passion of Christ” and state why it matters to Christians.
2. Describe the key events of the Passion narrative in order.
3. Explain the meaning of Christ’s suffering and death.
4. Reflect on what the Passion story means for their own Christian faith.

What does the word “Passion” mean?

“Passion” comes from the Latin word “passio”, which means “suffering”.

• Passion of Christ: the suffering and death of Jesus in his last days on earth.
• Starting point: his entrance into Jerusalem.
• End point: his crucifixion at Calvary, his death and his burial.

What are some key terms in the Passion story?

These are the main words a student needs to know for this topic.

What are the key events of the Passion narrative?

There are nine key events: the Triumphal Entry, the Last Supper, the prayer in Gethsemane, the betrayal and arrest, the trials, the scourging and mockery, the Way of the Cross, the crucifixion and death, and the burial.

1. What happened at the Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday)?

• Arrival: Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
• Welcome: crowds spread palm branches and cloaks on the road.
• Shout: people cried “Hosanna!” and hailed him as the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
• Bible references: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, John 12:12-19.

2. What happened at the Last Supper?

• Meal: Jesus shared a final Passover meal with his disciples.
• Communion: he shared bread and wine as symbols of his body and blood.
• Foot washing: he washed the disciples’ feet to teach humility and service.
• Predictions: he said Judas would betray him and Peter would deny him.
• Bible references: Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-39, John 13:1-17:26.

3. What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?

• Place: Jesus went with his disciples to pray on the Mount of Olives.
• Anguish: he was in deep distress. Luke records that his sweat became like drops of blood.
• Prayer: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
• Disciples: they fell asleep while he prayed.
• Bible references: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46.

4. How was Jesus betrayed and arrested?

• Betrayal: Judas Iscariot identified Jesus to the authorities with a kiss.
• Arrest: temple guards and Roman soldiers arrested Jesus.
• Peter’s action: Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant, but Jesus healed the man.
• Disciples: they fled and left Jesus alone.
• Bible references: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-12.

5. What were the trials of Jesus?

Jesus was tried twice, first by the Jewish authorities and then by the Roman authorities.

Religious trial (Jewish authorities)

• Annas: the former high priest questioned him first.
• Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin: the current high priest and the council judged him.
• Charge: blasphemy, for claiming to be the Son of God.

Civil trial (Roman authorities)

• Pontius Pilate: the Roman governor, who first heard the case.
• Herod Antipas: the ruler of Galilee, who also questioned Jesus.
• Back to Pilate: Pilate found no basis for the charges, yet handed Jesus over to be crucified.

• Bible references: Matthew 26:57-27:26, Mark 14:53-15:15, Luke 22:54-23:25, John 18:13-19:16.

6. What were the scourging and mockery?

• Scourging: Jesus was flogged with a Roman whip.
• Crown of thorns: soldiers pressed a crown of thorns on his head.
• Mockery: he was mocked, spat upon and struck.
• Bible references: Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:1-3.

7. What was the Way of the Cross (Via Dolorosa)?

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

8. How did Jesus die?

• Place: he was crucified at Golgotha, the “place of the skull”.
• Last words: he spoke seven last words from the cross.
• Darkness: darkness covered the land for three hours.
• Temple curtain: it was torn in two.
• Death: Jesus said “It is finished” and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”, and then died.
• Bible references: Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-41, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:18-37.

9. How was Jesus buried?

• Request: Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus.
• Tomb: the body was wrapped in linen and placed in a new tomb.
• Stone: a large stone was rolled against the entrance.
• Guards: guards were posted at the tomb.
• Bible references: Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42.

What is the meaning of the Passion for Christians?

Christians believe the Passion has four main meanings: atonement, redemption, an example of suffering and victory over evil.

1. Atonement

• Sin offering: Jesus’ suffering and death atoned for human sin.
• Reconciliation: his sacrifice, seen as perfect and final, restores peace between humans and God.
• Key verse: “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

• Price paid: through his Passion, Jesus redeemed humanity from sin and death.
• Ransom: Christians see his blood as the ransom that gives believers freedom.
• Key verse: “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

• Endurance: Jesus shows how to face suffering with dignity and faith.
• Forgiveness: he forgave those who harmed him.
• Understanding: his suffering shows that God knows human pain.

4. Victory over evil

• Apparent defeat: the death of Jesus looked like a defeat.
• Victory: Christians believe he overcame sin, death and the power of evil through it.
• The cross: it became a symbol of triumph for Christians.

How can we apply the Passion story to our lives?

Use these questions for class discussion and personal reflection.

1. How does the Passion story challenge our ideas of power, leadership and success?
2. In what ways does Christ’s suffering give meaning to human suffering?
3. How can the Passion story guide us when we face injustice or mistreatment?
4. Which part of the Passion story means most to your own spiritual life?

Evaluation

1. What does the word “Passion” mean, and which language does it come from?
2. List the nine key events of the Passion narrative in order, from the Triumphal Entry to the Burial.
3. State three things Jesus did at the Last Supper.
4. How did Judas Iscariot betray Jesus?
5. Explain what the Passion means for Christians under any two of these headings: atonement, redemption, example of suffering, victory over evil.

Assignment

Draw a timeline of the nine events of the Passion. Write one Bible reference beside each event, using the references in this note.

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
• “Killing Jesus” by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard