New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

The last days of Jesus' life

I can explain Christian beliefs surrounding the last days of Jesus’ life and the importance and influence of these beliefs.

New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

The last days of Jesus' life

I can explain Christian beliefs surrounding the last days of Jesus’ life and the importance and influence of these beliefs.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Crucifixion was an Ancient Roman method of execution and refers to Jesus' death on the cross.
  2. Jesus was accused of blasphemy by the Jewish leaders, and they wanted to arrest him as a criminal.
  3. Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, betrayed Jesus on the night of Passover and the Last Supper, leading to his arrest.
  4. The Gospels record Jesus’ crucifixion with some variations, but all confirm his death on the cross.
  5. Most Christians believe that the crucifixion was the ultimate sacrifice, leading to salvation and atonement.

Keywords

  • Atonement - the reconciliation of God and humanity accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ

  • Betrayal/betrayed - to break a persons’ trust or confidence

  • Crucifixion - the death of Jesus; a form of the death penalty used by the Ancient Romans

  • Disciples - a follower of Jesus; commonly used to refer to the twelve chosen followers of Jesus during his lifetime

  • Salvation - the deliverance of humanity from sin

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.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The last days of Jesus' life, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to provide students with copies of the accounts of Jesus' last days and crucifixion from the Gospels, particularly Luke 22-23.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Many Christians believe that Jesus is both fully human and fully ...
Correct Answer: divine, Divine
Q2.
In John's Gospel, Jesus is referred to as ‘The ’, highlighting his divine nature and role in creation.
Correct Answer: Word, word
Q3.
What does ‘incarnation’ mean in Christianity?
God appearing as an angel
Correct answer: God becoming human in Jesus
Jesus being a powerful prophet
Q4.
Which Old Testament book is believed to contain prophecies about Jesus' coming?
Psalms
Genesis
Correct answer: Isaiah
Q5.
What role does Jesus play in Christian salvation?
He provides teachings about moral living.
Correct answer: He is believed to be the atoning sacrifice for sins.
He is an example of a good leader.
Q6.
Why do Christians believe Jesus’ death proves he is divine?
He was buried in a special tomb.
He performed miracles before dying.
Correct answer: He was resurrected after his death.

6 Questions

Q1.
At the Last Supper, Jesus broke and gave it to his disciples.
Correct Answer: bread, Bread
Q2.
Judas chose to Jesus, leading to his arrest.
Correct Answer: betray, Betray
Q3.
Jesus’ was a form of execution used by the Ancient Romans.
Correct Answer: crucifixion, Crucifixion
Q4.
Why did Jewish leaders want to arrest Jesus?
he refused to pay taxes
he destroyed the temple
Correct answer: he claimed to be the Son of God
Q5.
How did Judas identify Jesus to the authorities?
by pointing to him
Correct answer: by giving him a kiss
By handing them a scroll
Q6.
What do most Christians believe Jesus’ crucifixion achieved?
Correct answer: It fulfilled Old Testament prophecies.
It proved he was human.
It removed the need for prayer.