The crucifixion of Jesus
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Christian beliefs surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and the importance and influence of these beliefs.
Key learning points
- Crucifixion was a Roman method of execution and refers to Jesus' death on the cross.
- Jesus was accused of blasphemy by the Jewish leaders, and they wanted to arrest him as a criminal.
- Judas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, betrayed Jesus on the night of Passover and the Last Supper.
- The Gospels record Jesus’ crucifixion with some variations, but all confirm his death on the cross.
- Most Christians believe that the crucifixion was the ultimate sacrifice, leading to salvation and atonement.
Keywords
Atonement - the belief that reconciliation between God and humanity was brought about by the death of Jesus as a sacrifice
Betrayal/betrayed - to break a persons’ trust or confidence
Crucifixion - the death of Jesus; a form of the death penalty used by the Romans
Disciples - a follower of Jesus; commonly used to refer to the twelve chosen followers of Jesus during his lifetime
Salvation - being saved; belief that through God’s grace, Jesus’ death and resurrection brought about salvation for humanity
Common misconception
Jesus did not suffer during his crucifixion.
The Gospels recall Jesus crying out loudly during his crucifixion, which many Christians interpret as a sign of Jesus' pain.
Teacher tip
You may wish to provide students with copies of the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion from the Gospels, particularly Luke 22-23 and Matthew 26-27.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Which Old Testament prophet is believed to have predicted Jesus’ incarnation?
Q2.What does the title 'Son of God' suggest about Jesus?
Q3.According to the Gospel of John, how does ‘The Word’ relate to Jesus?
Q4.John 1:14 states that ‘The Word became and lived among us.’.
Q5.Isaiah’s prophecy said that Jesus would be called ' ', which means ‘God with us'.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who betrayed Jesus and helped the authorities to arrest him?
Q2.What Jewish festival was Jesus celebrating at the Last Supper?
Q3.What event occurred at the moment of Jesus’ death, according to the Gospels?
Q4.Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion by the Roman governor .
Q5.At the Last Supper, Jesus took a cup and said it represented his .
Q6.Many Christians believe that Jesus’ crucifixion led to for humanity.
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The crucifixion of Jesus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The crucifixion of Jesus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Christianity: Beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.