Jesus Christ, 33, of Nazareth, passed away Friday on Mt. Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the "place of the skull". Betrayed by the apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans by order of Governor Pontius Pilate. The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, trauma caused by severe torture and loss of blood.

Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, was a member of the house of David. He was the son of the late carpenter Joseph of Nazareth and His beloved and devoted mother Mary, who survives Him. He was born in a stable in the city of Bethlehem, Judea, and is also survived by His faithful apostles, numerous disciples and a host of loving followers.

Jesus was self-educated and spent most of His adult life working as a teacher. He 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.

He was most noted for telling parables about His Father's Kingdom and for performing miracles such as feeding over 5,000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish, and for healing a man who was born blind. On the day before His death, He held a Last Supper celebrating the Passover feast, at which time He foretold His own 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 the Governor, Pontius Pilate, a large bolder was rolled in front of the tomb and Roman soldiers were placed on guard.

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

Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart would like to encourage everyone during this most Holy of seasons to reach out to those in your own family and celebrate the fact that you have each other. Have a Blessed Easter!

HE IS RISEN!

Mark 16:1-7