Crucifixion of Christ




According to Christian belief, Jesus Christ (sometimes called the "Messiah") is the son of God and came down 
to earth to die for the sins of human beings.  He gathered round him twelve disciples to help spread the word that 
his father, God, was the only true God and that he, Jesus Christ, was the son of God.  His message was one 
of love and tolerance.  He was betrayed by one of the disciples, Judas Iscariot, who pointed him out to his captors 
and received forty pieces of silver for his reward.  Judas later hanged himself in shame.  Christ was taken before 
the Roman ruler, Pontius Pilate, tried, sentenced and executed.  He was made to carry a large wooden cross to a 
place of execution, then he was nailed to the cross and a crown of thorns placed on his head.  While carrying 
the cross, Mary Magdalene, a prostitute, stepped forward and wiped his face.  Having died on the cross, Jesus 
was taken down and placed in a tomb.  Sometime later, and to the astonishment of his friends, he rose again, alive 
and well.  Hearing this news, one of his disciples, Thomas, said he would not believe Jesus was alive until he had 
put his fingers into his wounds.  Eventually, Christ ascended into heaven to be with his father God.  He promised 
to return again (called the "Second Coming").
	This story has been enormously popular in western literature, and many common expressions in English 
come from it.

(a)  He is such a good man; I would say he is messianic in the way he cares for the poor.
(b)  How could you steal my girlfriend from me?  You're supposed to be my best friend.  You Judas!
(c)   I believe that Freddie is one of  Janet's disciples.  [This can have a slightly negative feeling to it.] 
(d)  Everyone has their own cross to bear.
(e)  Your exam results are not very good.  I'm afraid that is just a cross you will have to bear.
(f)   Of course I returned your book to the library like you asked me to!  You really are a doubting Thomas, 
aren't you?
(g)  It's my second coming.  [An expression often used for an occasion that repeats itself.]
(h)  She was a reformed woman, a magdalene.  [Unusual but occasionally occurs in literature]









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