(a) Discuss the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ [11 marks] (b) What two lessons can Christians learn from Jesus' words on the cross? [4 marks]

(a) The crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19)

• After His trial, Jesus was scourged and handed over to be crucified; the soldiers mocked Him, put a crown of thorns on His head and a purple robe on Him.
• He was led out to Golgotha (the place of a skull), carrying His cross, with Simon of Cyrene compelled to help bear it.
• They crucified Him there, nailing Him to the cross between two criminals, and cast lots for His garments; over His head was written the charge, "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews."
• He was mocked by the passers-by, the chief priests and one of the thieves, who challenged Him to save Himself.
• From the cross Jesus spoke, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," promising paradise to the penitent thief, and committing His mother to the beloved disciple.
• From the sixth to the ninth hour darkness covered the land; Jesus cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" and later, "It is finished," and "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," then breathed His last.
• At His death the curtain of the temple was torn in two, the earth quaked, and the centurion confessed, "Truly this was the Son of God."
• Since it was the day of Preparation, a soldier pierced His side and out came blood and water, confirming His death.
• In the evening Joseph of Arimathea, with Nicodemus, obtained the body from Pilate, wrapped it in clean linen with spices, and laid it in a new rock-hewn tomb, rolling a great stone over the entrance; the women watched where He was laid.

(b) Two lessons Christians can learn from Jesus' words on the cross

• Forgiveness of enemies: in praying "Father, forgive them," Jesus taught believers to forgive those who wrong them, even in the midst of suffering.
• Complete trust and obedience to God: in saying "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" and "It is finished," He taught total surrender to God's will and faithful endurance to the very end.