Class 20 – The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
Suggested Pre-Class Readings
**Note–these passages are spiritually powerful. Take the time to read and ponder them. You will likely gain insights that might not be directly connected to the video, but important for your life.
Read Luke 23:32-56. What lessons do you learn from the Savior’s Crucifixion?
Read John 19:17-42. What lessons do you learn from the Savior’s Crucifixion
Be able to recognize the Savior’s final seven statements on the cross (one in Matthew/Mark, three in Luke, three in John). What spiritual meaning do you find from each one?
Questions to focus on
What event do the scriptures, Joseph Smith, modern church leaders, and Jesus Christ himself emphasize with respect to Christ atoning for our sins?
What lesson did President Oaks draw from the soldiers gambling for Christ’s clothes? How might this apply to us?
How might Simeon’s prophecy be connected to Mary standing at the foot of Christ’s cross?
Be familiar with the seven statements Christ made on the cross and commentary made by Joseph Smith and President Nelson. Connect at least one statement to the human, healing, and divine Christ.
Optional Post-Class Readings
Excerpts from Considering the Cross, by John Hilton III.
“Teaching the Scriptural Emphasis on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” by John Hilton III. This article provides in-depth information of what the scriptures teach about the saving power of Christ’s death.
“The Teachings of Church Leaders Regarding the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ: 1852–2018” by John Hilton III. This article explores what church leaders have taught over time about Christ’s Crucifixion (the results might surprise you!)
“Teachings of Church Leaders on Christ’s Final Seven Statements,” by John Hilton III, Megan Cutler, and Emily K. Hyde.
“Latter-day Saints and Images of Christ’s Crucifixion,” by John Hilton III, Anthony Sweat, and Josh Stratford.
“Joseph Smith, Gethsemane, and the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ,” by John Hilton III
Many more resources linked at http://johnhiltoniii.com/crucifixion
For those who want the most comprehensive study of Christ’s Crucifixion, I recommend Raymond Brown’s two-volume work, The Death of the Messiah.
This video depicts and explains historically accurate details about the process of Roman crucifixion.
This video depicts what the four Gospel accounts teach regarding Christ’s Crucifixion.
Acknowledgements
Insights from, discussions with, and resources authored by Dr. Raymond Brown, Dr. Eric Huntsman, Dr. Matthew Grey, James Martin, SJ, Lani Hilton, Michelle Wilson, Emily Belle Freeman, Max Lucado, Emily Hyde and Megan Cutler were used in the creation of this video.