The Apostle's Creed extends the story by stating, "I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty. From thence he will come to judge the living and the dead." Wow, there's a lot going on here, but it really is just a continuation of the previous story.
So, this man who called God "Abba," was named Jesus, and he was from Galilee which is on the modern day border between Lebanon and Israel. Yet, there was something strange and beautiful about Jesus. He wasn't born the usual way, at least in part. He was born from a young woman named Mary, but she was still a virgin when she conceived and gave birth to Jesus. Also, Jesus grew up having a deep and natural faith in God that transcended the faith of even the most faithful adults. Well, through some angels visiting Mary and Joseph and some shepherds, they all find out that Jesus is actually God's son and he is the Christ, the savior of not only Israel but of the whole world.
Yet, all this won't happen until Jesus grows up. So, life goes on for Mary and her husband Joseph and their son Jesus until Jesus turns 30. At that time, Jesus goes out and visits his cousin, John the Baptist, and from that encounter a baptism that produces salvation and forgiveness is born and Jesus begins his adult ministry. He heals the sick, he comforts the poor, he loves the outcasts, and he challenges those who think they speak for God. Jesus tells everyone about how much the Heavenly Father, God, loves them, and how this Father wants them to live in peace, grace, mercy, and love as well. Ultimately, this doesn't go over well with several religious and powerful people, and Jesus ends up being condemned by a Roman Governor named Pontius Pilate to die on a cross. Sounds like a sad ending, right?
The thing was Jesus knew this was going to happen. He knew he was going to have to die, but in his dying he was going to claim victory over death and sin and hurt for everyone. He told his followers, his disciples this at a special supper that we call the Lord's Supper. The Lord's Supper is where we still today find the truth of forgiveness, the hope of salvation, and the reality of Jesus. This is why we call it communion...we are united to these realities and truths in this supper.
So, while Jesus does die on the cross on Friday, he then claims victory over hell and glory in heaven in his resurrection on Sunday. He tells this good news, this Gospel to his followers before he returns to his Father in heaven. Jesus tells his followers to baptize, to teach, and to commune with others so that all are ready for when he returns to put all things right. The day he brings true justice, peace, and righteousness to earth for all...the living and the dead.