The life of Jesus

The Earthly Life and Ministry Jesus Christ

The earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ have been theologically viewed as Mathew, announces Jesus as the King, Mark presents Him as the servant, and Luke sees Him as man while John sees clearly in Him the real God. All these by implications present Jesus as our perfect model in the above understanding of the gospels. 

The life of Jesus in the New Testament study focuses and transpires through His Baptism, Temptation, Ministry, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension and Parousia. However, the gospels stand the authentic sources of information about the life of Jesus while other extra-biblical records are speculations borne out of imaginations of fictions or myths. Opinions vary widely among scholars and students of the Bible but the gospels agreed on their report of the life of Jesus, to give no room for any debate. Virtually, all scholars of antiquity consented that the existence of Jesus is factual and a reality. The evidence of his baptism by John the Baptist, Crucifixion by the order of the Roman, Pontius Pilate and a Galilean Jew who lived a Messianic life are enough to believe all that the gospeler wrote about him are nothing but the truth of his life. Therefore, the existence of Jesus cannot be rejected like any person whose reality of existence is querulous. In spite of the different scholar’s quests, on the historical Jesus, the reliability of the four Gospels and some of the Epistles of Paul attest to Jesus’ life and ministry.

Jesus’ life is considered on the following facts.

Prophecies – Matt 1:22-23

Witnesses – John 1:41

Different Confessions – Luke 6:46 and Matt 16:13-16

Baptism at the River Jordan by John the Baptist – Matt 3:

His Crucifixion

The call of the Disciples 

Jesus lived as a Galilean Jew in both Galilee and Judea.

Jesus spoke the three biblical languages to His audience in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek.

Jesus died as the Messiah.

Jesus should never be seen as a figment of imagination but a historical and spiritual being of existence on human history.

The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Jesus’ childhood but focuses on His acts and sayings. The reason for His coming to the world is not interested in his childhood story but our salvation. The biblical detail of Jesus’ childhood is divinely concealed from us except some biographies from the four gospels, especially Matthew and Luke. We are blessed to have the four gospels account of the main aspects of Jesus’ life, teachings and preaching, with the inclusion  of the reliable information about His death, resurrection  and second coming.

1. (a) Genealogy: Genealogy is about the biological birth of Jesus that is traceable to the different generations as recorded by the gospels, especially the gospel of Jesus as recorded by both Matthew and Luke.

A critical study of the genealogy on the records of both Matthew and Luke gives the thought line that Matthew has a downward and biological record that is traceable to David and Joseph. Besides, it is also viewed legally, and on the other hand Luke has an upward biological record that begins with Jesus to Adam, thereby making its own genealogy, purely biological. Biblically speaking, Jesus was not begotten by Joseph.

It is worth mentioning here that, the genealogies as found in the gospels are literary inventions portrayed by Matthew that Jesus is the son of David, the Jewish king or the King, while Luke portrays Jesus as the son of Abraham which represents the nation of Israel, to imply the Israelites. The above genealogies give the implication that descendants of both David and Abraham are on Gods promises and also the fulfillment of prophecies. The genealogical records are not contradictory but expounded complementary facts of the lineage of Jesus Christ to juxtapose Matthew and Luke’s records.

Matthew has 27 different recorded generations that are traceable from David to Joseph while Luke on is part also has a record of 42 different generations traceable from Jesus to Adam. The genealogical differences are on the fact that Matthew’s record sees Joseph’s father as Jacob (Matt 1:16) while Luke sees Jacob as the father of Heli (Luke 3:23). Besides, Matthew traced the lineage of Jesus to Joseph while Luke traced it to Mary’s lineage. Another noticeable difference is that Matthew recorded 42 name of persons (Matt 1:1-17) while Luke has a record of 77 name of persons (Luke 3:23-38).

Distinctions of the Genealogy.

The genealogy of Matthew started with the Ancestral fathers as considered in 3 sections.

Abraham to David, the foundation of Israel – having 14 ancestral fathers 

David to the deportation, implying the day of Israel – having 14 ancestral fathers

Deportation to Christ, implying a need for the savior and King - having 14 ancestral fathers.

The genealogy of Luke starts with Jesus as the son of Joseph and Heli, Mary’s father and literarily, having Joseph alone who did not have the definite article in the language’s context. However, Mary’s father name was put there as it is typical of Jews.

1. (b) Purpose of the Genealogy

The New Testament scholarship holds the views that the singular purpose of the genealogy among others is the salvation of mankind which is viewed by Matthew to be done through the son of David as the king while Luke viewed it through the son of Abraham as the Israelites.

To establish that Jesus was legally a descendant of David (Luke 1:27,32,69)

To assign to Jesus a place in the Jewish branch of the human race.

Matthew’s record intends to demonstrate that Jesus Christ is the royal line of king David and a descendant of Abraham, thereby giving the Messianic credential of Christ (Matt 1:1)

Luke’s record intends to make us see Jesus as indeed human and the son of man(Luke 3:23)

On the above purposes of the genealogy, a theological balance view of God’s salvation intent for all generations regardless of culture and race is explicit; He is God of all flesh. 

Complimentary nature of the genealogy of Matthew and Luke

Joseph was not the physical and biological father of Jesus (Matt 1:16, Luke 3:23)

Jesus was conceived by the Holy spirit (Matt 1:20, Luke 1:34 – 35)

Matthew focused on Joseph while Luke focused on Mary (Matt 1 -2, Luke 1-3)

Both records of Matthew and Luke give Joseph as Jesus adopted father

Both Matthew and Luke have Zerubbabel and Shealtiel on their lists.

Both established the fact that Jesus was born by a Virgin 

Jesus stands the legal and biological descendant of David as foretold in prophecies.

Jesus is both the messiah and saviour of the world. 

                    

Finally, the above genealogical literary records by both Matthew and Luke should not be seen as contradictory but complementary in nature to establish scriptural facts of the Christian believe and the genuineness of our faith.

                                                                

Jesus’ life as a Youth

The Bible gives but few or less information on Jesus’ life as a youth. Historically, it is believed that, Jesus was born between 7BC and 1Bc. There were different prophecies in the Old Testament that are traceable to fulfillment on Jesus’ birth that got accomplishment in the New Testament. In the New Testament, we have different prophecies about Jesus’ birth and ministry which implies the purpose of His coming or being born as man (Matt. 1:18 – 23, Luke 1:26 – 35 and Philip. 2: 6 – 8 ). The New Testament however, unveiled the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1 – 7. As a vivid recapitulation, the visit of the Magi or Wiseman (outside the traditional believed on the three magi) established on history that. He was born as man in a merger. Jesus’ birth was into a religious and political complicated forces in the example of the murderous plan of the king Herod on Jesus, though born in Bethlehem, a city that had long been associated with David’s family (Luke 2:4 – 7). The name Jesus; theologically, the adapted transliteration of the Hebrew Yeshua (Joshua) meaning God saves or our salvation is found in the Greek text ’Iesous. However, and truly, His God given name is Emmanuel meaning God with us, as we cannot deny his sonship, pre-existence and co-existence (Luke 1:35, John 11:14;20:28). In order to establish the view of Mathew of Christ as King, He bears the name Messiah in Hebrew means “anointed” or the “anointed one” as the king (Isaiah 9:7ff). The Greek word … is the meaning for Messiah. The different tittles are also evident in Him as Master or Lord. Amongst the circumstances were the evil intentions of King Herod to kill Him (Jesus) as he gave an order which invariables led to the murder of infants (Matthew 2:16). The child Jesus was made to escape the murderous rampage to Egypt as a fulfillment of Matt. 2:13 – 15 for Egyptian experience to become biblical hero as did Abraham, Jacob, Isaac and Joseph (Matt. 2:14). At the death of Herod, Jesus’ parent made back their way and the child to Nazareth (Matt 2:19 – 23). Jesus’ childhood home was in Nazareth a city in Galilee (Matt. 2:19 – 23, Luke 2:39). Besides, Jesus grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him (Luke. 2:40 – 51). Jesus’ first outing was to the temple in Jerusalem as a youth at the age of twelve (12yrs). In addition, Jesus as a youth, learnt carpentry or wood work from his step father or guardian (Matt 13:55). As the tradition then, Jesus was considered the first child of the family, he must learn one job or the other, hence the reference Jesus, the carpenter (Mk 6:3, this also did Paul – Act 18:1 -3, 20:33-35, Philip 4:14-16). The Bible tells us about Jesus’ younger half siblings who shared biological parenthood with Him (Matt. 13:55 – 56). Jesus is believed to be the oldest of the seven children in the family of Joseph and Mary (Matt. 12:46, Lk 8:19, Mk 3:13, John 7:3 – 4). The godly parentage of Joseph and Mary has a great positive influence on Jesus’ religious life to establish in him, the divine mission. He was always found in the synagogue and temple listening and participating in religious feast and teachings (Luke 2:41 – 44). As Jesus’ parents were ceremoniously carried away by leaving Him behind for three days, he was spiritually been engaged in discussions with some of the learned teachers of the law in Jerusalem (Luke. 2:46 – 47). Having found Jesus, Mary’s question in Lk 2:48 made Jesus shed light on his divinely mission (Luke 2:49). Therefore, it could be concluded that, the spiritual inclination of Jesus’ understanding was underscored in the Jerusalem’s temple experience (John. 3:34). It should be noted here that, in spite of Jesus’ spirituality and intent to lunch into His life’s work and undertake the business of His father, He subjected Himself to the parents decision to go with them (Luke 2:50 – 51). Despite, the challenge, Jesus was conscious of his relationship as a son to Joseph and Mary and had a great understanding of the will of God for Him. (It implies that one’s spirituality does not give play to arrogance). 

This paper is not ignorant of the prevalent extra-biblical materials outside canonicity that are so – called or tagged apocryphal gospels written to fill in the gap on the childhood or youthful age and activities of Jesus both in Bethlehem and Nazareth. Therefore, any interesting to read or re-told story should not be considered part of the canonized gospels for they are without inspiration and authentic sources, as their authorial is doubtful. 

THE BEGINNING OF JESUS’ MINISTRY

Going by history and theology, it has been logically believed that Jesus’ ministry started covertly at his twelve years of age between 27 & 29AD visit to Jerusalem where he had a ceremonial participation and spiritual dialogue with both spiritual and legal leaders (Luke 2:41 – 51). As Jesus’ ministry is underscored in the temple at Jerusalem, scholars agreed that he didn’t devote himself to the public ministry until he was thirty (30) years old (Luke 3:23). However, Mathew gave us the location as Galilee during baptism at the River Jordan (Matt. 4:12 – 25). This latter biblical information on the public ministry of Jesus is focused on thematic and programmatic structure. He was not a novice, but a fully mature, sober – minded and qualified leader. Jesus started his public and earthly ministry of teaching, proclaiming the good news and healing throughout Galilee in fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus’ public ministry goes beyond Jordan but Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem and Judea. Jesus’ baptism which was a fulfillment of all righteousness was not because he was a sinner but to set example of the proper method of the ritual initiation rite to demonstrate a kind of dedication of one’s new life to God’s assignment as a proof of one’s relationship with Him. (Matt. 3:12 – 14, Acts 2:38 – 39). The beginning of Jesus’ public ministry enjoyed a kind of divine drama which robbed on God’s presence in a kind of Ipsissima verba and Ipsissima vox to justify His theophanic approval (Matt. 3:16 -17, Jh 1:33 – 46). After baptism, Jesus swung immediately into the action of His purposed mission and received the theophanic confirmation of the triune God. It could be inferred that, after the temptation, the news of John’s imprisonment informed Jesus’ departure from Galilee where he publicly and overtly began his ministry which has a geographical description and thematic focus. It is worthy of note that the availed childhood challenge of Jesus awaited him after baptism as he was led by the spirit (not the Holy spirit) to the wilderness to be tempted in a threefold satanic oriented flesh and bodily senses’ appealing, pretty and emotionally appealing and to the spiritual pride of Jesus (Gen. 3:1 -7, Matt. 4:1 -11, 1John 2:15 -17). As the beginning of Jesus’ earthly and public ministry was characterized by baptism and temptation so, is every Christian through baptism is divinely initiated and challenged by various temptations to get fully prepared and always be on the alert for challenges on the Christian pilgrimage (1Pet.5:8, John 16:33). However, Jesus through the Apostle Paul gave us courage to facing temptation or challenges in (Romans 8:35 -39 and 1Cor. 10:13)                              

Another important segment of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry is the selection of the disciples who were to partnership with Him on His public ministry as he encountered Simon Peter, Andrew the brother, sons of Zebedee and the others (Mk 1:16 -20, Matt. 4:18 - 21). It is explicit here now that the beginning of the ministry of Jesus was greeted with many challenges amongst which were; baptism, temptation, selection of disciples and Synagogue teachings and preaching.

Main events of Jesus’ ministry

Many important events took place in the life of Jesus as recorded in the four gospels 

The essential events are: 

Birth: A fulfillment of prophecies of one who would come from the seed of Abraham, the tribe of Judah and the family line of David. Matt. 1:1-21, Luke 1 -2

Baptism: At 30 years to mark the beginning of His public ministry Matt. 2, Mk 1 and Luke 3

Miracles: The New Testament records 35 different miracles to the credit of Jesus for healing the sick, blind, lepers, raising of the dead, stilling of the storm and working on water. 

Teachings: Teachings of Jesus prevail in the passages of the Gospels. Matt. 7:28 – 9; 5 – 7. 

Suffering: This got fulfillment in Isaiah 53 – suffered in the hands of His enemies, arrested, beaten, nailed to the cross, sentence to death. 

Death: His pierced side – John 19:34, death cry – Lk23:46 – 48. Pilate confirmation Mk 15:44 – 45, He was embalmed for 75 pounds of spices. John 19:39 

Resurrection: The empty tomb John 20:1ff; Witnesses that saw Jesus alive again with the inclusion of those several followers who died for this belief. 

Ascension: after 40 days He ascended (Matt. 28, Luke 24, Acts 1) 

Second Coming: No exact time, but sure of His second coming 1Thess. 4:13 -18 keep the faith in anticipation of eternity in the presence of the Lord. 

Purpose of Jesus’ Baptism

To fulfill all righteousness Matt. 3:15 

To make a clear connection with John the Baptist Matt 3:3 Isaiah 40:3 

To officially dedicate Jesus for public ministry 

To connect Jesus and humanity with the rest of humanity Philip. 2:7 – 10, Jhn1:14 

To show example for all believers Matt 28:18 – 20 

To revealing the uniqueness of the triune God 

To affirm Jesus as the messiah.

MAIN THEME OF JESUS MESSAGE

          Without mincing words or over statement, the main theme of the message of Jesus is the kingdom of God which found fulfillment in Jesus through His life, teaching and got accomplishment in his death. Scholars are however frank in their disposition of the take of Mark 1:14 in the language of the gospel in his presentation. To Jesus, the kingdom of God is viewed from two different perspectives. The phrase ‘kingdom of God’ in the Greek words is βασίλεια του θεου and in Aramaic is Malkuta’ dishmaha to mean the dawning of God’s kingly authority, rule, and sovereignty on earth (Zeph.3:14-20, Isaiah52:7-10, Mark1:15). The first is on the implication of giving it a new meaning, which implies the immediate while the second is giving in the future, relating to the second coming of Jesus that is eschatological. Besides, for a balanced theological ideational, Jesus came to prepare us for heaven and makes us appreciate in view the heavenly values as the kingdom of God is received. Therefore, Jesus came to introduce an experiment of the heavenly community here on earth as we get prepare for heaven for the reality.

The simple definition of the theme “kingdom of God” is any place where the will of God is done and a king reigns or God’s own royal authority and power have come on scene. Others prefers it as God’s reign is at hand and being unleashed or better still it is the reign God that touches all dimensions of reality, rule impacts, action thought relationships, families’ institutions, governments, as well as heaven and human heart.  Wherever the purpose and will of God are pre-eminently done, definitely, such has manifested and demonstrated the kingdom of God (Luke 17:21).Jesus announces that the kingdom of God is dramatically coming. The kingdom of God is a phrase appears that 53 times in the New Testament and almost always found on the lips of Jesus while the phrase ‘the kingdom of heaven’ appears 32 times in Matthew. As Jesus preaches and teaches about the kingdom of God, he saw it as a need for all mankind which calls for a kind of requirement. The need for God challenges one’s dependent on Him for his will and purposes to be done. In the gospel of Jesus as recorded by Matthew, Jesus opened with various teachings as ethical corollaries of the kingdom of God in chapter 5 on the beatitudes. Here it has been critically considered for eight identical kingdom values to explain the central theme of Jesus message. The message is ‘it is time God brakes into the world’ which stands the core of Jesus’ message. Therefore, there must be a genuine need for God as a requirement for one to enter the kingdom of God; for it is a matter of dependents on and not independent of God (Matt 5:3).

Biblical scholars conclude that all through the pages of the Bible, the kingdom of God is the unique theme that stands in congruent to Jesus’ message. The kingdom of God as exemplified by Jesus in proclamation by different means and methods of exorcism (Matt.12:25-28), symbolic gestures such as eating with social and religious outcasts and He embraced children and cleanses the Temple, the last super and Crucifixion as a sign of the unexpected inclusiveness of God’s reign (Mark10:14), explanations (Mark10:14-15), natural miracles like the feeding of multiples, walking on water, stilling of the storm (Psalm 89), Healing (Isaiah 35:5-6, Matt.11:4-5) and parables such as Mustard seed, a treasure (Matt.13& Mark4:30-32, Lk.4:43; Ezek.17:22-23 as an animated Simile) is about the relationship between God and Man (His sons and daughters). The Aramaic language “Abba” is a human expression of father and son relationship and also the creation purpose which focused on “ let us make man in our own image” both connoting a communicable relationship in a kingdom that belongs to God. The kingdom is also express in the triune language of theocentric, christocentric and anthropocentric, all is to fulfilling the purpose of creation, redemption and eternity in the salvation plan of God.

As the kingdom of God stands to be experientially expressed historically and spiritually, Jesus and the apostles preached and taught about it as a concern and critical issue of seriousness. The Bible contains not less than 92 symbols about the kingdom of God, besides, the 60 parables in the synoptic gospels. The gospel as recorded by John gave signs of different kinds that are also focusing on God as the only king and determinant of the anticipated kingdom. The said kingdom of God which Jesus preached and taught is considered to be experienced here before yonder as something which is qualitatively new (cf. Eph 3:3-11, Col 1:15-20, Rom 14:17, Rev 20:1) On the intention of God, which is salvation for all (1 Timothy 2:4), He has planned a kingdom for all, he decided to bring us to the realization of the values of same through the work of salvation which was perfected in Christ (See the Lenten pamphlet for 2020 of Ekiti Diocese).The Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 implies God’s reign to be experienced on earth over both heaven and earth (Matt.6:10), aside, the kingdom of God is within you (Lk.19:20-21;Matt.8:11-12;26:29, Isaiah25:6,9). Jesus’ reign is not from this world but heaven (John18:36, Luke17:20-21).

The challenge on how to effectuate the life of the kingdom of God is precipitated on (a).taking up one’s cross and Jesus each day in the service of others and to the glory of God.(b).Live as salt(Matt.5:13) through one’ words and work to proclaim the reality of the kingdom.(c).To live each moment in the reality of the kingdom of God, through repentance and to live one’s life in newness towards God’s kingdom.(d).To live in the present power and future hope of the resurrection(ICorin.15 & Rev.21).

Finally our understanding of the main theme of Jesus’ message is the kingdom of God which is all encompassing in the experiential now and the eschatology. The kingdom of God comprises the kingdom of heaven and the church while the church is in the kingdom of Heaven (Matt 13). Finally, scholars have agreed that the kingdom of God has been in the Past, Present and Future. It is the main theme of the Bible which has other topics that are directed to establishing the kingdom of God as vision and planned. The church is however, on the mission to accomplishing the vision for actualization.

HIS SUFFERING, DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION

Should there be any gospel teaching and preaching outside the person of Jesus, his suffering, death, burial and resurrection, Paul says let such be accursed. The suffering of Jesus that comprises death, burial and resurrection stands the crux of the Christian message. If there is anything to be remembered about Jesus’ life it is not the healing and preaching ministry but his suffering. Jesus was unjustly and cruelly tried, crucified and finally attempted the denial of the unique mysterious and reality of his resurrection which is the content of Christian message and the testimony of our faith (Gal 1:9, 1 Cor. 15:14-15)

Jesus questioned Caiaphas: It is biblically established that the man Caiaphas was a high priest of the Jews who presided over the council or sittings that condemned Jesus to death. Joseph Caiaphas was a father- in- law to Annas (John 18:13) and occupied the position of priesthood from AD. 6 to 15, he was supposed to be a member of the Sadducees and also has a significant influence over affairs that have to do with the Jews in Jesus response (Matt 27:62-63) “you have said so”, you will see the son of Man sitting at the right hand of power (or of God), these grieved Caiaphas, hence he rented his garments as he accused Jesus of blaspheming. So, at the determination of the preliminary hearing he has already been condemned by the council. It should be noted that because of the personal hatred for Jesus, Caiaphas broke the Jewish customs as a result of rushed and rig of trial. 

Jesus trial was arranged in the night for hearing in Caiaphas house which eventually led to his crucifixion by the Romans. Ironically, Jesus the high priest ( Heb 4:14-16, 2 :17) was arraigned for trial before a Jewish high priest who will in turn stand the last trial and judgment  before Jesus (II Cor. 5:10) The saying comes true that, the Great high priest is judged by the Jewish high Priest.

Jesus with Pilate - The trial of Jesus; a vindictive injustice was led by the Sanhedrin which comprises both the elite Council of priests and lay elders who arrested Him and brought Jesus to Pilate during the Jewish festival of Passover. He was tried on the accusation of blaspheming for the fact that, he claimed of himself as the king of the Jews. As a response to Pilate’s question, it was established that Jesus is the witness to the truth (John 18:28-38) upon this, Pilate declared Jesus not guilty of any crime. (Matt 27:1-2;11-31 Mk 15:1-20 Lk 23:1-5) The man Pontus Pilate and the Sanhedrin who represented the Jewish Judicial body have the duty to trial Jesus and in a customary pardon before the feast of the Passover at the voice the people echoes the release of Barabbas, the criminals as a preference to Jesus who was innocent. Pilate would have been justified over Jesus trial if not the fact that, he left judgment in the hands of the crowed and could not exercise rightly his political authority, probably for the fear of the authority over him; instead, he permitted the beaten of Jesus in addition to his sentence.

(c) The crucifixion of Jesus. The cross is theologically believed and agreed to be the central message of the Gospel of Jesus. The biblical narrative on the crucifixion is recorded by all the gospels with reference to the epistles. However, their narrative evidence the fact of his suffering (Matt. 27:32-44 Mk 15:21-32 Lk 23:26-43 and Jh 19:27) Crucifixion is a death sentence, a nailing and other brutal hanging. It is also an execution which involves humiliation unto condemnation as vulnerable. In short is an unjust treatment (Gal 2:20) Jesus prophesized his crucifixion (Matt 16:21) which took place at Golgotha (Meaning place of skull) The implication of the crucifixion are: forgiveness, care of cheer love, Restoration (John 19:26-27) dependent on God (Mk 15:34), darkness revealing Gods Judgment (Lk 23:44-45), a taste of bitterness (Jh 19:28-30) and the way to God’s presence (Matt 27:50-51).

The cross stands the symbols of the Christian victory over sin and the only road to eternity. Therefore, for any Christian, every effort of God on the salvation of mankind was completed and perfected at Calvary with the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ in anticipation of the inevitableness of his resurrection.

The  Burial Of Jesus : It is an undeniable fact that Jesus died on the cross at Calvary in Jerusalem which has many eye witnesses and historical records as He voluntarily laid down his life ( Jh 10:17-18) The death of Jesus stands a reality as evident in Matt 27:50, Mk. 15:37, Jh 19:30, Lk 23:46, the testimonies of the Roman soldiers (John 19:31-37, Mk 15:44-50, I Cor. 5:7), the declaration of executioners of Jesus (Mk 15:43-45) and finally Jesus’ crucifixion had crowd of witnesses ( Lk 23:46-48). However, the burial of Jesus was publicly done on Friday as supposed and believed (Matt. 27:59-60, Mk 15:45-46, Lk. 23:53-54 and John 19:38-42). To avoid a violation of Jewish law and customs Jesus was hastingly buried around 6.pm the eve of Sabbath and the preparation for the Passover meal. Besides, the instant burial was facilitated by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (Mk 15:47, 16:1 – 3, Lk 23:53 – 24 and John 20:1) as mentioned above these two men were members of the Sanhedrin, yet they did not subscribe to the death sentence of Jesus and as reasonably rich as they were, especially Joseph; they took responsibility for Jesus’ burial (Matt. 27: 57 – 60, Mk 15:42 – 46, Lk 23:50 – 54 and John 19: 38 – 42). Joseph gave out his already dung grave for Jesus’ lifeless body (Matt. 27:60, John 12: 32 – 42 and Mk 15:43). It should be noted that Jesus was given a Jewish traditional or customary befitting costly burial rite (John. 19: 39 – 41, cf. 11:44), all these happened as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in 53:9.

Resurrection of Jesus: In spite of the different arguments on the resurrection of Jesus and the false theories to refute the reality of Jesus’ resurrection that is mentioned 100 times in New Testament. The Greek word αναστασίϛ (anastasis), meaning resurrection is the Christian concept of coming back to life after death is doctrinally upheld. It has the implication of our justification as he died for sin in our instead. Following Jesus’ crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary Ca 30 and 36 AD, He rose the third day which in Greek and Latin words is Called Πασχα (Pascha) to mean resurrection on Sunday (Matt. 28: 19 – 20, John 20:14 – 17). We have the prediction of Jesus’ resurrection (Mk 8:31, 9:31, 10:34), the Gospels’ account of Jesus’ resurrection (Matt 28:1, Mk 16:1, Lk 24:10 and John 20:1).  The Bible is inalterably clear on the view of Jesus’ and all mankind’s resurrection of Jesus is a central focus of Christianity. Evidences of Jesus’ resurrection as he appeared to many people (Matt. 16:16, John 20: 31, Rom 1:4, Matt. 28: 9 – 10, John 20: 14 – 17). Therefore, Christianity stands the resurrection faith (1Cor. 15: 14 – 15). 

Evidences of the resurrection: (a) The empty tomb (Luke. 24: 1 – 12) (b) Jesus’ presence on the way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13 -35) (c) Appearance to his disciples in Jerusalem (Luke. 24:36 – 49) (d) The Ascension of Christ (Luke 24:50 – 53). The Gospel of Jesus as recorded by John only has double chapters of the resurrection of Jesus. (John 20:27 and John 21:1ff). It has therefore been scholarly concluded that, Resurrection and Eternal life are central to the Gospel as recorded by John.