WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2017 Theory — Question 11

Model answer

(i) The Activities of the Two Robbers (Matthew 27:38 & 44, Luke 23:39-43): Two robbers were crucified with Jesus, one on the right and the other on the left. Matthew records that they joined the Chief Priests and those who passed by to mock Jesus. Mark's account records that one of the robbers mocked Jesus asking, 'Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and save us.' The other robber rebuked the other, pointing out that Jesus was innocent yet was being crucified. He said that unlike Jesus, they served the punishment they were going through. He pleaded with Jesus to remember him in His kingdom or paradise and Jesus assured him a place in paradise. (ii) The Activities of Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56): Joseph of Arimathea was rich and respected member of the Council of Sanhedrin. He was a good and righteous man and a secret disciple of Christ who was after the Kingdom of God. Joseph of Arimathea knew that it was against the Jewish custom to have a dead body on the cross overnight. He approached Pilate and requested for the body of Jesus Christ for burial. Pilate being assured of Jesus' death, released the body. Joseph took the body of Christ and wrapped it in a clean linen or cloth. He laid the body of Christ in his own new tomb, where nobody had ever been laid. He closed the entrance of the tomb with a great rock and departed.