You Know the Process: Crucifixion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension

Chapter 20-24
As you can see, we finally got to the last 5 chapters of the Gospel of Luke! Finally what I was waiting for! I have to tell you that the whole time I was reading it I couldn't wait to see how it would end and the description of Jesus' death and resurrection. I think this will be the place where there will be more contrast between the four gospels, so I really wanted to see how it folded out in Luke's Gospel. I have also only heard this part of his life through what my friends have told me, so I want to see how it is according to the Bible. Sadly, he dies at the end, so I will talk about other things first.

The whole lot of chapters in this part are very pessimistic. It mostly talked about how the priests wanted to arrest and to kill Jesus, because he was always talking against them. They had lots of witty fights and the priests wanted to tempt him into saying things he didn't mean so that the king would arrest him. Also, Jesus all the time was saying how the world was going to end so they had to do something about it and be prepared.

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. (Luke 21:25-28)

I really liked this description, so I put it all. Still, I don't think this has all happened yet. As I said before, it is a little pessimistic. There was a very big description (it continued after that), and everything sounded reasonable, but there was one part I didn't expect. "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away (Luke 21:33)." What is that supposed to mean? Heaven will "pass away?" I always took for granted that Heaven was going to be there forever, and that everyone, according to Christianity, was going either there or to Hell. But what happens if it disappears? What will happen to the people who were still on Earth? Maybe I understood wrong, because I don't think it is possible for Heaven to just "pass away."

I was reading about a supper very normal, when I realized something. They were talking about the last supper. As in, "The Last Supper." If you don't know what I am talking about, just look at the image above. It was very inspiring to know I was finally reading the piece that inspired this work of art. "And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer (Luke 22:15)." Afterwards, he gets bread and gives it around to his apostles. When he is doing that, he says that they should remember when they eat bread because it was his body. I am not sure, but I think that is what they say in modern-day preaches when they give the host.

In chapter 23, the priests finally achieve their goal of arresting Jesus, and take him to King Pilate. They say that Jesus has acted wrong, and he should be crucified. Pilate analyzes him and decides he doesn't find anything wrong in him, so he sends him to Herod. He doesn't find anything wrong either, and sends him back. The priests continue to argue, and finally, "Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required (Luke 23:24)." I don't think it is fair at all that Pilate agreed just because they argued nonstop.

Finally, we got to the moment. "And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him (Luke 23:33)." Don't you think it is weird that he was crucified in line 33 of chapter 23, and 2*3=6 and 3+3=6, six being the devils number? I find it really creepy! Although I haven't yet found proof in the Bible that six is the devil's number, I have heard all my Christian friends say it.

The next part I found really cool was the resurrection. "And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus (Luke 24:3)." I remember I once watched a show in Discovery Channel where they said they thought they had found Jesus' tomb, and his body inside. That would be very strange, because according to the Bible, his body wasn't left in this world. I wonder if by now the study was proved right or wrong. If I find out, I promise to tell you.

I thought it was very cool how Jesus appeared again in front of them and didn't let them recognize him, and as soon as they did, he vanished. I had never heard that part of the story.

It was pretty nice how the story ended, with the resurrection and the happily-ever-after. I will leave it hear, like the other endings I have read, for you to enjoy! "And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen (Luke 24:51-53)."