The Passion of Jesus Christ

From His arrest to His ascension—based on the Gospel narratives (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) this overview helps us understand the depth of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, and triumph.

A. BEFORE THE ARREST

1. The Last Supper (Thursday Evening)

Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12–26; Luke 22:7–38; John 13

.Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples.

— He institutes the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion): “This is my body… this is my blood” (Luke 22:19-20).

— He washes the disciples’ feet as a symbol of humility and service (John 13:1–17).

— He foretells His betrayal (by Judas), denial (by Peter), and impending death.

2. The Garden of Gethsemane (Thursday Night)

— Scripture: Matthew 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:39–46

— Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to pray.

— He experiences deep agony and anguish, sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44).

— He prays, “Father, if it is possible, take this cup from me… yet not My will but Yours be done” (Matthew 26:39).

B. THE ARREST AND TRIALS

3. The Betrayal and Arrest (Late Thursday Night)

Matthew 26:47–56; Mark 14:43–52; Luke 22:47–53; John 18:1–11

— Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss.

— Jesus is arrested by Roman soldiers and temple guards.

— Peter cuts off the ear of Malchus, which Jesus miraculously heals.

4. Trials Before Jewish Authorities (Thursday Night – Early Friday Morning)

— Scripture: Matthew 26:57–68; Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:63–71; John 18:12–27

— First trial before Annas (John 18:13)

— Second trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin

— False witnesses accuse Him; Jesus is mocked and beaten

— Peter denies Jesus three times, then weeps bitterly

5. Trial Before Pilate & Herod (Friday Morning)

— Scripture: Matthew 27:1–26; Mark 15:1–15; Luke 23:1–25; John 18:28–40; 19:1–16

— Jewish leaders bring Jesus to Pontius Pilate

— Pilate finds no fault but sends Him to Herod (Luke 23:7)

— Herod mocks Him and returns Him to Pilate

— Pilate offers to release Jesus or Barabbas—crowds choose Barabbas

— Jesus is scourged, mocked (crown of thorns), and sentenced to crucifixion

C. THE CRUCIFIXION

6. The Way to the Cross – Via Dolorosa (Friday Morning)

— Scripture: Matthew 27:27–32; Mark 15:16–21; Luke 23:26–31; John 19:16–17

— Roman soldiers mock and beat Jesus again

— He carries His cross toward Golgotha

— Simon of Cyrene is forced to help carry the cross

7. The Crucifixion (Friday – Around 9:00 AM)

— Scripture: Matthew 27:33–56; Mark 15:22–41; Luke 23:32–49; John 19:18–37

— Jesus is nailed to the cross between two criminals

8. Jesus Dies (Around 3:00 PM)

— The veil in the temple is torn in two

— An earthquake occurs; tombs are opened

— A Roman centurion declares, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)

D. THE BURIAL

9. Jesus Is Buried (Friday Evening)

— Scripture: Matthew 27:57–66; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:38–42

— Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus bury Jesus in a new tomb

— Women prepare spices but rest on the Sabbath (Saturday)

E. THE RESURRECTION

10. The Resurrection (Sunday Morning)

— Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–18

— Women find the stone rolled away; the tomb is empty

— Angels declare, “He is not here; He is risen!” (Matthew 28:6)

— Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene, then to other women and disciples

— He walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35)

— He appears to the disciples (John 20:19–29)

F. THE ASCENSION

(40 Days after resurrection)

Matthew 28:16–20; Luke 24:50–53; Acts 1:3–11

— Jesus gives the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

— He ascends into heaven from the Mount of Olives

— Angels declare that He will return in the same way (Acts 1:11)