An Easter Message: an Obituary of Jesus Christ

When I receive an email that has the "suggestion" of "pass this email along," etc., I tend to read and then delete that email rather than forward it. However, yesterday I received an email containing a copy of an obituary with particular relevance to the observance of Easter by Christians around the world. Rather than forward it through email channels, I am reprinting it here.

The obituary in the email was displayed as having been printed on paper which now appears faded and having ragged, dark brown edges. There are three drawings accompanying the obituary - the three men on the crosses at Golgotha, Jesus being carried from Golgotha to his gravesite, and Jesus depicted as being transfigured after he arose from the dead.

Above the script of the obituary:

Jesus OBITUARIES 33 AD

Calvary

Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, died Friday on Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull. Betrayed by the apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans, by order of the ruler Pontius Pilate. The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture, and loss of blood.

Jesus Christ, a descendent of Abraham, was a member of the house of David. He was a son of the late Joseph, a carpenter of Nazareth, and Mary, His devoted Mother. Jesus was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea. He is survived by His mother Mary, His faithful Apostles, numerous disciples, and many other followers.

Jesus was self educated and spent most of His adult life working as a Teacher. Jesus also occasionally worked as a Medical Doctor and it is reported that He healed many patients. Up until the time of His death, Jesus was teaching and sharing the Good News, healing the sick, touching the lonely, feeding the hungry, and helping the poor.

Jesus was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom and performing miracles, such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and healing a man who was born blind. On the day before His death, He held a Last Supper celebrating the Passover Feast, at which He foretold His death.

The body was quickly buried in a stone grave, which was donated by Joseph of Arimathea, a loyal friend of the family. By order of Pontius Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb. Roman soldiers were put on guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that everyone try to live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need.

Postscript by this contributor

John 20:1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

Sources:
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1982
a "Round Robin" email of an "obituary" that was forwarded to me