The Last Supper and the Crucifixion

• Some cultures bury the dead with objects like food, clothes, or weapons.
• People may use words like "departed" or "sleeping" instead of "dead," showing a belief that death is not the end.

A. Preparations for the Passover (Luke 22:7-13; Exodus 12:1-30)

• Jesus and His disciples prepared for the Passover meal.

B. The Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:14-23)

• Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, marking a significant moment before His crucifixion.

For the Early Church

• Early Christians observed the Lord’s Supper weekly or even daily.
• Paul reminded church leaders that Jesus introduced this act of remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:23-28).
• It was originally symbolic and called the "Agape Feast" or "Love Feast."
• The Lord’s Supper represents God’s redemption and the New Covenant.

For Today

• It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s love.
• It looks forward to Jesus' return.
• Known as 'Mass,' 'Eucharist,' or 'Holy Communion' in various Christian traditions.

The Crucifixion

• Luke emphasizes people's reactions to Jesus rather than focusing on His physical suffering.
• Jesus, weakened by beatings (Matthew 27:26), was helped by Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross.
• Jesus warned women not to mourn Him; a greater time of hardship was coming.
• People insulted Jesus, yet He forgave them and assured a criminal of forgiveness. He also ensured His mother was cared for (John 19:26-27).
• The crucifixion fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah (Psalm 22; Isaiah 52; Jeremiah 31:31-34).

The Burial of Jesus

• Joseph of Arimathea offered his own burial cave for Jesus’ honorable burial.
• Joseph and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus' body with cloth and spices, placing Him in Joseph’s tomb.

• End of Animal Sacrifices (Hebrews 10:8-12) – Jesus’ death is the perfect sacrifice, ending the need for animal sacrifices.
• Breaking Down Barriers (Ephesians 2:12-18) – Jesus’ death broke down divisions, especially between different people and nations.

• In Christ, people are accepted by God, as their sins are forgiven and they are reconciled with God.
• Romans 6:1-6 – God sees each Christian as though they shared in Christ’s death.
• Christians have the hope of eternal life.

Zambian Tradition

• Causes of death are often believed to be due to magic, spirits, or curses.
• The body may be buried in places like inside the house or at the person’s birthplace.

Christianity

• Christians believe that physical and spiritual death resulted from sin (Genesis 2:17; 3:19).
• While the body dies, the soul and spirit continue to live.
• Ephesians 2:1, 5 – For those without faith, death is considered eternal.
• The body is buried with prayers and scriptures. Christians avoid extreme expressions of grief, like wailing.

Islam

• Muslims believe that death is not the end; there is life after death.
• When someone dies, relatives gather, and the body is:
  • Washed, scented, and wrapped in a white cloth.
  • Viewed by relatives, with only close family viewing the face if the body is female.
• Men carry the coffin in turns, with each male lifting it at one corner.
• The body is first taken to the mosque for prayers led by an Imam.
• Two close relatives place the coffin in the grave.
• Mourners fill in the grave with sand and recite words from the Quran.
• The day after burial, relatives gather again at the mosque for prayer.
• Male family members visit the grave daily for 40 days to pray. On the 40th day, they gather in the evening for prayer.
• A widow (Iddat) stays home for four and a half months, speaking only to close relatives.

Hinduism

• Hindus usually cremate their dead, burning the body beside a lake, river, or open space.
• Family members carry the body to the site and place it on a prepared spot with firewood.

Lesson 6 – How Does Christ’s Death Affect Christians Today?

• In Christ, people are accepted by God, as their sins are forgiven and they are reconciled with God.
• Romans 6:1-6 – God sees each Christian as though they shared in Christ’s death.
• Christians have the hope of eternal life.
• Christians strive to avoid placing barriers between themselves and people from different cultures and races.

Lesson 7 – Funerals, Burials, and Teachings about Death in Other Religions

Zambian Tradition

• Causes of death are often believed to be due to:
  • Magic or witchcraft.
  • Spirits that have been offended.
  • A powerful curse.
• The body may be buried in different places, such as inside the house, nearby, or at the person’s birthplace.
• Objects like food, weapons, tobacco, and clothing may be buried with the body to "accompany" the person to the next world.

Christianity

• Christians believe that physical and spiritual death resulted from sin (Genesis 2:17; 3:19).
• While the body dies, the soul and spirit continue to live.
• Ephesians 2:1, 5 – For those without faith, death is considered eternal.
• The body is buried with prayers and scriptures. Christians avoid extreme expressions of grief, like wailing.

Islam

• Muslims believe that death is not the end; there is life after death.
• When someone dies, relatives gather, and the body is:
  • Washed, scented, and wrapped in a white cloth.
  • Viewed by relatives, with only close family viewing the face if the body is female.
• Men carry the coffin in turns, with each male lifting it at one corner.
• The body is first taken to the mosque for prayers led by an Imam.
• Two close relatives place the coffin in the grave.
• Mourners fill in the grave with sand and recite words from the Quran.
• The day after burial, relatives gather again at the mosque for prayer.
• Male family members visit the grave daily for 40 days to pray. On the 40th day, they gather in the evening for prayer.
• A widow (Iddat) stays home for four and a half months, speaking only to close relatives.

Hinduism

• Hindus usually cremate their dead, burning the body beside a lake, river, or open space.
• Family members carry the body to the site and place it on a prepared spot with firewood.

Lesson 8 – Symbolism and Meaning in Death Practices

Symbolism of Death in Christianity

• Death represents the end of earthly life but the beginning of eternal life for Christians.
• Jesus’ resurrection symbolizes hope and the promise of life after death (John 11:25-26).

Symbolism of Death in Islam

• Death is viewed as a transition rather than an end, marking the soul's journey to the afterlife.
• Muslims believe in a final judgment that determines one's eternal place (Quran 56:7-9).

Symbolism of Death in Hinduism

• Death is a part of the cycle of rebirth; the soul is eternal and reincarnates based on karma.
• Reaching enlightenment (moksha) ends the cycle of birth and death.

Lesson Summary

• Across cultures and religions, death rituals serve as a way to honor the deceased and find comfort for the living.
• Beliefs about death influence how people view life, morality, and the afterlife.