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      Jesus Christ: resurrection and ascension

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain Christian beliefs about the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, including the importance and influence of these beliefs today.

      Key learning points

      1. The resurrection refers to Jesus coming back to life after his crucifixion.
      2. The Gospels state that Jesus' tomb was found empty, with differing accounts of his first appearance.
      3. The ascension refers to Jesus going up to heaven 40 days after he resurrected.
      4. Many Christians view the resurrection and ascension as proof of the afterlife.
      5. The resurrection and ascension are important to many Christians today and impact their beliefs and actions.

      Keywords

      • Ascension - going or being taken up; the event forty days after the resurrection when Jesus returned to glory in heaven

      • Resurrection - the belief that Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, conquering death

      • Salvation - a deliverance from sin and punishment as a result of Jesus being crucified on the cross

      Common misconception

      Jesus ascended to heaven immediately after his resurrection.

      Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection, according to the New Testament.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to instruct students to complete a full response to the statement in Task C following the completion of their plan.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      betrayed Jesus by handing him over to the authorities.

      Correct Answer: Judas, judas

      Q2.
      Jesus was accused of by Jewish religious leaders.

      Correct Answer: blasphemy, Blasphemy

      Q3.
      What event took place on the night before Jesus’ crucifixion?

      Correct answer: The Last Supper
      The Ascension
      Pentecost

      Q4.
      Who sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion?

      King Herod
      Judas Iscariot
      Correct answer: Pontius Pilate

      Q5.
      What did Jesus compare the bread to during the Last Supper?

      his teachings
      Correct answer: his body
      eternal life

      Q6.
      What do many Christians believe Jesus’ crucifixion achieved?

      God’s punishment
      a political revolution
      Correct answer: salvation and atonement

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Who was present at Jesus’ empty tomb according to all four Gospels?

      Peter
      John
      Correct answer: Mary Magdalene

      Q2.
      What did the disciples do after Jesus’ ascension?

      Correct answer: worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem
      travelled to Rome to spread the Gospel
      baptised each other in the River Jordan

      Q3.
      Why do many Christians believe that the resurrection is important?

      Correct answer: it confirms the hope of salvation
      it proves Jesus was an angel
      it means Jesus never really died

      Q4.
      What did the angels say to the women at Jesus’ tomb?

      Correct answer: “He is not here; he has risen”
      “Jesus will return next week”
      “Go and tell the disciples to wait in Galilee”

      Q5.
      The refers to Jesus coming back to life after his crucifixion.

      Correct Answer: resurrection, Resurrection

      Q6.
      The happened 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection.

      Correct Answer: ascension, Ascension

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