The Life of Jesus Christ
Condensed 1
I Early Life
Introduction
Birth and childhood of Jesus
Youth and manhood
II The Period of Ministry
The Judaean
The Galilean
The Perean
The Passion Week
III The dawn of Christianity
Early life
Pre-existence. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God.” Jno 1:1.
Birth of John the Baptist. Announced to Zacharias. Lu 1:5-25.
Birth announced at Nazareth. “And the angel said unto her, Fear
not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou
shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call
his name Jesus.” Lu 1:30,31.
Mary visits Elizabeth. John the Baptist born. Lu 1:39-80.
Born at Bethlehem. An angel announced to Joseph to take her for
his wife. There occurred about this time a decree from Caesar
Augustus to go to their own city for tax enrollment. Being of the
lineage of David, Joseph took Mary and went to Bethlehem, the
city of David. “And it came to pass, while they were there, the
days were fulfilled that she should be delivered. And she brought
forth her first born son; and she wrapped him in swaddling
clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for
them in the inn.” Lu 2:6,7. An angel announced to the shepherds
that a Saviour is born, Christ the Lord. Lu 2:12.
Circumcision. After eight days, by the father, as was the custom.
Presentation at the Temple. After the days of purification,2 they
took him to the Temple, in Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord
and make a sacrifice with two turtle doves or two pigeons,
according to the law. While there they met Simeon, who through
the Holy Spirit, recognized him and blessed God and them, and
said, “... this child is set for the falling and rising of many in
Israel ...” Lu 3:34. And, Anna a prophetess, of old age, living in
the temple, “ ... coming up that very hour she gave thanks to God,
and spake of him to all them that were looking for the redemption
of Jerusalem.” Lu 3:37,38.
The Wise Men. “... wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,
saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his
star in the east ...” Herod assembled priests and scribes, and
determined that it was in Bethlehem. Then, they went to
Bethlehem and gave precious gifts to Jesus. The Lord warned the
Wise-men not to return to Herod, since Herod was upset that the
Wise-men referred to Jesus as King of the Jews.
Flight to Egypt. The Lord then appeared to Joseph in a dream to
arise immediately and take the young mother and child and flee
into Egypt.3 Herod will seek to destroy Jesus. This indeed
happened for Herod was angry that the Wise-men came not to
Jerusalem, and decreed that all male children up to two years in
and around Bethlehem be destroyed. Herod died about two years
later in Jericho, and the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream to
return to Israel. But since Archelaus was now ruling over Judea,
he returned to Galilee to Nazareth. Mt 2:13-33.
Youth and manhood. “And his parents went every year to
Jerusalem at the feast of the passover.” One passover, when Jesus
was twelve years old, was memorable to the parents. For, on
returning, they missed him and returned to Jerusalem to find him
sitting talking and listening to teachers, who were amazed at his
questions and answers. And he said, “... I must be in my Father's
house. And they understood not...” Lu 2:41-50.
The usual route was along the Jordan River to Jericho, then up to
Jerusalem, rather than the direct route via Samaria, since there
was enmity with the Samaritans. There is no mention of the next
eighteen years, other than, “And Jesus advanced in wisdom and
stature, and in favor with God and men.” Lu 2:53.
Later, it is mentioned that he was the carpenter's son. It was
customary for all boys to learn some occupational trade. It is only
conjecture that he got around the area, to Galilee, since he seemed
to know the area around Capernaum. Later he mentioned the
“light on the hill.” This may have been Sephoris, a beautiful town
situated on a hill to the west of Nazareth, and which is now being
excavated.
John the Baptist. Forerunner of Jesus, lived and baptized in the
wilderness of Judaea, along the Jordan River. Lu 3:1-18.
The Period of Ministry
Baptism. Then one day, thought to be about AD 27, Jesus
suddenly left home, went down the winding road to the Valley of
Esdraelon, east past Beth Shean, then to the Jordan River. He
went on down until he found John the Baptist, at the place where
he was baptizing his followers in the Jordan -- it is said where
there was much water. He was a cousin, six months older. He
probably was astonished, but glad to see him. He probably was
further astonished, when Jesus said he wanted to be baptized --
this, to fulfill all righteousness. He demurred, but finally baptized
Jesus. Then a strange thing happened as Jesus was coming out of
the water. First, the Spirit of God descended like a dove to his
shoulder. Then, a voice from above, said, “This is my beloved son
in whom I am well pleased.” Mt 3:13-17.
Temptations. “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the
wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted
forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered.”4 There were
three temptations: 1)The devil said, “If you are the Son of God,
command that the stones become bread.” Jesus answered, “Man
shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth
out of the mouth of God; 2) Then the devil took him to the
pinnacle of the temple, and said to cast himself down -- the angels
would bring him up. To which Jesus replied, “Again, it is written
Thou shalt not make trial of the Lord thy God;” 3) Then the devil
took him up into a high mountain to show him all the kingdoms of
the world and the glory of them and he would give them to Jesus,
if Jesus would bow down and worship him. To which Jesus
replied, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt
worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” The
devil then left for awhile. Mt 4:1-11.
Who was John the Baptist? John received many questions as to
who he was: a prophet? Elijah? the Christ? He said no. “He said,
I am the voice crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of
the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet.” Jno 1:19-28.
Testimony of John the Baptist. Jesus came back up the river and
John was heard to say “Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh
away the sin of the world.” He mentioned about the scene at the
baptizing of Jesus -- the Holy Spirit descending and the voice
from heaven. “And I have seen and have borne witness that this is
the Son of God.” Jno 1:28-34.
First disciples of Jesus. Again, on the next day, John saw Jesus
walking by and said, Behold, the Lamb of God.” Two of John's
disciples heard it and followed Jesus; one was Andrew, Simon
Peter's brother, and the other was probably John. Next day Jesus
finds Philip to whom he said, “Follow me.” Philip finds Nathanael
who said, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” But then
when Jesus described him and said he saw him under a tree, he
immediately said these beautiful words: “Rabbi, you are the Son
of God, you are King of Israel.” Jno 1:35-51.
First miracle. Jesus went with his mother to a marriage feast at
Cana of Galilee. Later, the wine began to run out. His mother said
to him, “They have no wine.” to which Jesus replied, “Woman,
what have I to do with thee: mine hour is not yet come.” His
mother insisted to the servants to follow Jesus instructions. Jesus
said to fill the six stone waterpots with water. Then he said,
“Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast.” This was
the best. This manifested his glory. “After this he went down to
Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his
disciples; and there they abode not many days.” Jno 2:1-3. M1.5
The Early Judean Ministry -- 8 months
At First Passover He Cleanses the Temple. He found oxen, sheep
and doves being sold right in the temple area -- probably in the
Court of the Gentiles. He made a scourge of cords and drove the
animals out and overturned the money changers. He said, “...
make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.” The Jews
complained by what sign he did this. “Jesus answered and said
unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it
up.” They said it was in building 40 and six years. “But Jesus
spake of the temple of his body.” Many believed on his name and
the signs.
Jesus and Nicodemus in Jerusalem. Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a
ruler of the Jews, came at night to see Jesus. He says Jesus is a
teacher come from God, because of the signs. “Jesus answered
and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be
born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God.” Jno 3:5.6
Jesus baptizes. Jesus also was baptizing in Judaea. Jno 3:22.
John again testifies to Jesus. In his discourse on his role he said,
He must increase, but I must decrease. Jno 3:30.
This time he went directly up the ridge through Samaria where he
met the Woman at the Well and she believed, as well as, many of
the Samaritans. Jno 4:4-42.
The Early Galilean Ministry
He came again to Cana, where he healed the Nobleman's son.
First Rejection at Nazareth. Then he visited his home town of
Nazareth. On the sabbath day he went to the synagogue. He was
handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. He found and read 61:1,2,
then sat down and explained to them, “And he began to say unto
them, To-day hath this scripture been fulfilled in your ears.” Lu
4:16-30. They were astonished, “Is not this Joseph's (the
carpenter's) son? They finally worked up such wrath that they led
him to a precipice overlooking the Valley of Esdraelon to throw
him over, but, he just walked away.
Then Jesus went to the sea of Galilee and saw two fishermen,
Simon Peter and Andrew his brother, and said, “Come with me
and I will make you fishers of men.” And they followed him.
Later he called James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,
also fishermen. He taught and did several healings, including
Peter's mother-in-law.7 Mk 1:21-34.
First circuit in Galilee. “And Jesus went about in all Galilee,
teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the
kingdom and healing all manner of disease and all manner of
sickness among the people.” Mt 4:23-35.
Call of Matthew. “And as Jesus passed by from thence, he saw a
man, called Matthew, sitting at the place of toll: and he saith unto
him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.” Mt 9:9.
Second Passover at Jerusalem. While there, he healed the
impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda, just north of the old city
walls. The Jews created quite a furor, since this miracle was done
on the sabbath. Jno 5:1-47.
Going back north to Galilee, his disciples plucked grain on the
sabbath and healed a man with a withered hand on the sabbath.
The Pharisees were saying that it was unlawful to work on the
sabbath. Mt 12:1-14.
Choosing the Twelve. “And he goeth up into the mountain, and
calleth unto him whom he himself would; and they went unto him.
And he appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he
might send them forth to preach, and to have authority to cast out
demons ...” Mk 3:15,15. “Now the names of the twelve apostles
are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his
brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip,
and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew, the publican; James
the son of Alpheus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean and
Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.” Mt 10:2-4. Right after
this Jesus gave the sermon on the mount.
Sermon on the Mount. After he chose the twelve, Luke says that
he came down and stood on a level place, and great multitudes
followed him -- those from as far as Jerusalem and Tyre and
Sidon. The place was undoubtedly along the north shore of the
Sea of Galilee, near Capernaum.8 The sermon starts out with the
Beatitudes and includes the model prayer. Mt 5,6,7.
Later Galilean Ministry
To Nain in the Valley of Jezreel. “And it came to pass soon
afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain; and his disciples
went with him, and a great multitude.” Lu 7:11-17. There Jesus
happened upon a funeral procession and he brought to life the
widow's son. All glorified God and the news spread to other
places.
Another tour from Capernaum. “And it came to pass soon
afterwards, that he went about through cities and villages,
preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God,
and with him the twelve ...” Lu 8:1-3.
Jesus' Family come to him. “And there came to him his mother
and brethren, and they could not come at him for the crowd... My
mother and my brethren are these that hear the word of God, and
do it.” Lu 8:19-21
Parables Concerning the Kingdom. Mt 13:1-53. (By the seaside)
Jesus stills the tempest. Demons. There were great multitudes
and he gave command to go to the other side. A storm came up
and the boat began to sink. He was in the stern, asleep on a
cushion. They awakened him urgently. “And he awoke, and
rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the
wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mk 4:35-41. They
came to the east side of the Sea of Galilee and were met
immediately by two possessed with demons, coming out of the
tombs. The unclean spirits recognized Jesus. Jesus said, “Come
forth, thou unclean spirit, out of the man.” They implored him not
to send them away, but to enter into swine close by. He gave them
leave, and they entered the swine and, the swine, about 2000, ran
down the slope into the sea and were drowned.” Mk 5:1-21.9
Levi gave a great feast at Capernaum, and many publicans and
others were present. The Pharisees murmured, “How is it that he
eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?” Jesus said those
who are whole need no physician, “I came not to call the
righteous, but sinners.” Mk 2:15-22.
Jairus' daughter raised, and the woman with issue of blood
healed. Mk 5:22-43. M15,16. Two blind men healed and a dumb
spirit cast out. Mt 9:27-34. M17,18.
Second rejection at Nazareth. Jesus again visited his home town
synagogue and they were offended in him. “Is not this the
carpenter's son?” Mt 13:55. “And Jesus said unto them, A
prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among
his own kin, and in his own house... And he marveled because of
their unbelief.” Mk 6:1-6.
Third circuit: The Apostles instructed and sent out. “And he
called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two
and two; and he gave them authority over unclean spirits; and he
charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, save
a staff only; no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse ...” Mk
6:6-13. He said not to go to the Gentiles, nor Samaritans, but to
the lost sheep of the house of Israel. See long instruction, Mt
9,10. In the first circuit of Galilee some of the 12 went with him
as disciples; in the second the 12 went as apostles;10 in the third
circuit they were sent forth as evangelists for training.
Death of John the Baptist. John had come in the Spirit to Galilee,
the region of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. He had said
that Herod had taken his brother's wife, Herodias, unlawfully.
She was furious and, finally, he had John put into prison. Herod
gave a feast at which Salome danced and it pleased him...He had
promised anything up to half his kingdom. She asked her mother,
Herodias, what to say. She said, the head of John the Baptist on a
charger. Herod was dismayed but had to keep his promise. The
head was brought in to Salome and she gave it to her mother.11
Report of the Twelve. “And the apostles, when they returned,
declared unto him what things they had done. And he took them,
and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida.” This was a
withdrawal from Herod's territory to Bethsaida Julius which was
on the northeastern shore on the east side of the Jordan River,
where it enters the Sea of Galilee, or Sea of Tiberias. Lu 9:10-17.
Feeding the Five Thousand. The multitude followed along,
expecting to see a miracle. “He had compassion on them, because
they were like sheep not having a shepherd and began teaching
them many things.” Mk 6:34b. Toward evening they began to
think of food. He teased Philip where to buy bread but there was
not enough money. A boy had five loaves and two fishes, just
enough for him. Jesus said to bring the loaves and fishes and seat
them by fifties and hundreds. “And he took the five loaves and the
two fishes, and looking up into heaven, he blessed and brake the
loaves; and gave to the disciples to set before them; and the two
fishes divided he among them all. And they all ate, and were
filled. And they took up broken pieces, twelve baskets full and
also of the fishes.” Mk 6:30-44. “When therefore the people saw
the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that
cometh into the world.” Jno 6:14. M19.
Period of Retirements
First Retirement
Jesus walks on water. Then Jesus sent the twelve by boat to
Bethsaida, near Capernaum, while he sent the multitude away and
went up in the mountain to pray. There was a great wind on the
lake and the sea was rising. They had been rowing for several
hours. Then Jesus came by them walking on the sea. They thought
he was a ghost, but finally recognized him. Peter, in jubilance,
jumped down and he too walked on the water but, then, seeing the
wind, became afraid and began to sink. Jesus helped him up
saying, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Mt
14:22-36. On shore people had the sick lined up along the way for
him to touch and heal.
Sermon on the Bread of Life. The multitude went back and forth
looking for him. The people kept wondering about him --
confused. He finally talked about the bread of life. “I am the
bread of life; he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that
believeth on me shall never thirst... I am the living bread which
came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall
live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for
the life of the world.” Not understanding, many went away. But
Peter said, “... And we have believed and know that thou art the
Holy One of God.” And after these things Jesus walked in Galilee:
for he would not walk in Judaea, because the Jews sought to kill
him.” Jno 6:22--7:1
Second Retirement
Jesus withdrew into parts of Tyre and Sidon. He healed the
daughter of the Greek Syrophoenician woman. Mt 15:21-28.
M21.
Third Retirement
He then went back to the Sea of Galilee to the other side to
Decapolis, but the multitude again found him, bringing out the
sick for him to heal. He healed one with an impediment of speech.
Mk 7:31-37. Miracle #22.
Feeding the Four Thousand. While near Decapolis. Jesus had
compassion on the multitude, they not having eaten for three days.
He asked how many loaves, and there were seven and a few
fishes. One disciple wondered how they could be fed in the desert
-- a question like at the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus
commanded them to sit down, took the loaves and fishes and gave
thanks and fed the four thousand. He asked how much was left
over, and it was seven baskets full. Mt 15:32-38. M23.
To Magadan and Dalmanutha. “And he sent away the
multitudes, and entered into the boat and came into the borders of
Magadan.” Mk 15:39 and “... parts of Dalmanutha.” Mk 8:10.
“And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked
him to show them a sign from heaven.” Mt 16:1.
To Bethsaida Julius. “And again entering into the boat departed
to the other side... And he charged them, saying, Take heed,
beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”
Mk 8:15 ... A blind man healed. Mk 8:22-26. M24.
To Caesarea Philippi -- Peter's Confession. Jesus asked, “Who
do men say the Son of man is? And they said Some say John the
Baptist; some Elijah; and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.
He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am: And Simon Peter
answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living
God.”... Jesus said, “I will build my church; and the gates of
Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give unto these the keys
of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on
earth shall be bound12 in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose
on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Mt 16:13-30.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection. “From that time
began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go into
Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests
and scribes, and be killed, and the third day raised up.” Peter
objected, but Jesus said, “Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou
art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of
God, but the things of men.” Mt 16:21-28. Further, the kingdom
will come: “And he said unto them, verily I say unto you, There
are some here of them that stand by, who shall in no wise taste of
death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power.”13
The Transfiguration. Mt Hermon. “And after six days Jesus
taketh with him, Peter, and James, and John his brother, and
bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: and he was
transfigured before them; and his face did shine as the sun, and
his garments became white as the light. And behold, there
appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. And Peter
answered, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here:
if thou wilt, I will make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and
one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he was yet speaking,
behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice
out the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased; hear ye him.” Mt 17:1-13.
The Demoniac boy healed. Mk 9:14-29. M25.
Jesus foretells, a second time, his death and resurrection. Mk
9:30-32. See Mk 9:1. Discourse on humility and forgiveness.
Money for the temple tax is found in a fish. Mt 17:24-27. M26.
The Perean Ministry -- 6 months.
At the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus sends his disciples ahead and,
later, follows quietly. He is set upon by the multitude, many with
diverse opinions of Jesus. He teaches. Some believed but others
disbelieved. “On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus
stood and cried saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me
and drink.” Further discussion with the multitude. Even the
officers said, “Never man so spake.” Nicodemus spoke in his
favor. Jno 7:11-52.
Mercy to the adulterous woman. Jno 7:53--8:11.
Jerusalem -- Discourse and discussion. Jno 8:12-59.
He heals the man born blind. Jno 9:1-41. M27.
In Jerusalem -- The sheepfold and the good shepherd. Jn 10:1-21.
The Seventy sent out -- to Judaea. “Now after these things the
Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them two and two before
his face into every city and place, whither he himself was about to
come.” Preach to them that, “The kingdom of God is come nigh
unto you.” Lu 10:1-6.
The good Samaritan. ”And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and
made trial of him saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit
eternal life:” Jesus answered, quoting love of God and of
neighbor...” Dt 6:5, Lev 19:18. Then he told the story of the good
Samaritan. Lu 10:25-37.
He visits the home of Mary and Martha. Bethany. Martha was
cumbered with much serving, but, “Mary hath chosen the good
part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Lu 10:38-42.
The Disciples taught how to pray. “And it came to pass, as he
was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one of his
disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also
taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Father, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us day
by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we ourselves
also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And bring us not into
temptation.” See the prayer in Mt 6:9. Then he continued other
discussion. Lu 11:1-13.
Dining with a Pharisee. A Pharisee asked him to dine with him,
and he was shocked that Jesus did not bathe before dinner. “And
the Lord said unto him, Now ye the Pharisees cleanse the outside
of the cup and of the platter but your inward part is full of
extortion and wickedness.” Then he gave six woes unto the
Pharisees. Lu 11:37-54.
A discourse to his disciples and others. Perea. He discussed the
Pharisees; parable of the fig tree; talked about anxiety. Lu 12:1-
59.
Parable of the fig tree. Lu 13:1-9.
Healing of a woman on the Sabbath. He healed a woman that had
a spirit of infirmity eighteen years. He discussed the kingdom of
God as like a mustard seed. Also the parable of the Leaven. Lu
13:10-31.
Teaching and going toward Jerusalem. “And he went on his way
through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto
Jerusalem.” Lu 12:22-35.
Dines with a Chief Pharisee. The Pharisees were watching. He
healed a man on the sabbath that had the dropsy. Parable of the
Great Supper. Lu 14:1-24.
The cost of discipleship. There were great multitudes. He said,
“Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me,
cannot be my disciple... He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Lu 14:25-35.
The Seventy return. “And the seventy returned with joy, saying,
Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name. And he
said to them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven...
Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto
you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven...” His
prayer of gratitude. Lu 10:17-24.
Jerusalem.
Feast of Dedication. “And it was the feast of the dedication at
Jerusalem; it was winter; and Jesus was walking in the temple in
Solomon's porch.14 The Jews request a plain answer, “Are you
the Christ? ... The works that I do in my Father's name, these
bear witness of me... I and the Father are one. The Jews took up
stones again to stone him... And he went away beyond the Jordan
into the place where John was at the first baptizing; and there he
abode.” Jno 10:22-42.
Teaching concerning divorce. A Pharisee asked him, “Is it lawful
for a man to put away his wife? trying him.” Jesus said, at
marriage, the two become one. Moses, for a time, permitted
divorce because of your hardness of heart. Then he said,
“Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and
shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her
when she is put away committeth adultery.” Mt 19:3-12.
Parables: The Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, the Prodigal Son, and
the Unjust Steward. Lu 16:1-18.
Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. A poor beggar, Lazarus,
died and was carried to Abraham's bosom. A rich man died, and
was buried. “And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in
torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
He cried out to Abraham for help from the fire around him.
Abraham said he had his good times in his lifetime and Lazarus
all manner of things. Abraham said, “And besides all this,
between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that
would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may
cross over from thence to us.”15 Further, the rich man wanted
Abraham to send Lazarus back to teach his five brothers, but
Abraham said, “They have Moses and prophets, let them hear
them.” Lu 16:19-31.
Teaching on stumbling and faith. Lu 17:1-10.
Perea to Bethany
Lazarus died and was raised to life. Lazarus became ill. The
sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus in Perea, saying,
“Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. But when Jesus heard
it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God,
that the Son of God may be glorified thereby.” Jesus delayed
two days and he said, “Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I
go, that I may awake him out of sleep... So when Jesus came, he
found that he had been in the tomb four days already.” Martha
came to meet him and he sent for Mary who came also. All were
weeping and groaning including the Jews who came along. He
asked, “Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come
and see. Jesus wept.”16 He ordered the stone be rolled away.
Then, “... he cried with a loud voice Lazarus, come forth.” He
came forth still with “grave clothes” still on him. “Jesus saith
unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
Many of the Jews believed, but some went away and told the
Pharisees. Jno 11:1-46.
The Jews plot to kill Jesus. After the raising of Lazarus, “The
chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and
said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.” They are
afraid that all will believe, and the Romans will take away their
nation. Caiaphas suggests that one should die for the people, and
prophesied, “ ... that Jesus should die for the nation...” Then Jesus
withdrew to Ephraim near the wilderness. Jno 11:47-54.
The ten lepers healed. Jesus went into a village between Samaria
and Galilee. There he met ten lepers, whom he healed. One, a
Samaritan, turned to Jesus, giving thanks and glorifying God.
Jesus later said, “Were not the ten cleansed? but where are the
nine?” Lu 17:11-19.
En route to Jerusalem.
The kingdom of God. The Pharisees ask about the coming of the
kingdom of God. Jesus gave a discourse, saying, “... the kingdom
of God is within you... Whosoever shall seek to gain his life shall
lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” Lu
17:20-37.
Parables: The Importunate Widow, and the Pharisee and
Publican. Lu 18: 1-14.
Jesus blesses the little children. “Then were there brought unto
him little children, that he should lay hands on them, and pray:
and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer the little
children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven.” Mt 19:13-15.
The Rich young ruler and laborers in the vineyard. A young man
came to Jesus asking what he should do to inherit eternal life.
Jesus said to keep the commandments, and he said he had. Jesus
said to go and sell all he had; he went away despondent for he had
great possessions. Jesus said, It is easier for a camel to go through
a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter in the kingdom of
God... . Jesus also discoursed on a householder who hired
laborers to work in the vineyard for a day. He hired at various times and paid each the same price. Those working longer
complained. Jesus explained that each accepted the contract. “So
the last shall be first, and the first last.” Mt 19:16--20:16.
Third prediction of his passion. “And as Jesus was going up to
Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he
said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of
man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they
shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him unto the
Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify: and the third
day he shall be raised up.” Mt 20:17-19.
The ambitious request. The mother of James and John came to
Jesus and asked for one to sit on the right and, the other, on his
left in the kingdom. Jesus said it was not for him to give. “...
whosoever would become great among you, shall be your
minister; and whosoever would be first among you, shall be
servant of all. For the Son of man also came not to be ministered
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mt
20:20-28; Mk 10:35-45.
Two blind men healed at Jericho. Mk 10:46-52.
Zacchaeus at Jericho. A rich publican at Jericho, being short of
stature, climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed
by. “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said
unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I
must abide at thy house. Some complained that he was a sinner.
He said he had given half to the poor and pledged a penalty if he
had cheated any man. “And Jesus said unto him, Today is
salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of
Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save that
which was lost.” Lu 19:1-10.
The Parable of the Pounds near Jerusalem. Lu 19:11-28.
The Passover is at hand. The plot. Many wondered if Jesus
would attend the feast. “Now the chief priests and the Pharisees
had given commandment, that, if any man knew where he was, he
should show it, that they might take him.” Jno 11:55-57.
Jesus anointed by Mary at Bethany. “Jesus therefore six days
before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom
Jesus raised from the dead. So they made him a supper there: and
Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at meat with
him.” Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with pure nard. Judas
Iscariot complained that it should have been sold to care for the
poor -- he said this because he was in charge of the bag and a
thief. But, “Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the
day of my burying. For the poor ye have always with you; The
common people therefore of the Jews learned that he was there:
and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see
Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. But the chief
priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death
because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and
believed on Jesus.” Jno 11:55--12:11.
The Passion Week -- 7 days
Sunday
The Triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They come to Bethphage, at
the Mount of Olives. He sends ahead to bring a colt never before
ridden. “And they bring the colt unto Jesus, and cast on him their
garments; and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments
upon the way; and, others, branches, which they had cut from the
fields. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried,
Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Blessed is the kingdom that cometh, the kingdom of our father
David: Hosanna in the highest.” Mk 11:1-11.... “And when he
drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it, . . and they shall not
leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not
the time of thy visitation.” Lu 19:29-44.
Monday
The barren fig tree cursed. “Now in the morning as he returned
to the city, he hungered. And seeing a fig tree by the way side, he
came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only; and he
saith unto it, Let there be no fruit from thee henceforward for
ever. And his disciples heard it.” Mt 21:18-19a.
The second cleansing of the temple. “And Jesus entered into the
temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the
temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the
seats of them that sold the doves; And he saith unto them, It is
written, My house shall be called a house of prayer: but ye make
it a den of robbers.” He healed some blind and lame, but the chief
priests were moved with indignation at the way the people
responded to him. Mt 21:12-17. “And every day he was teaching
in the temple; and every night he went out, and lodged in the
mount that is called Olive.” Lu 21:37. “But the chief priests and
scribes and the principal men of the people sought to destroy him:
and they could not find what they might do; for the people all hung upon him, listening.” Lu 21:47.
Tuesday
The barren fig tree withered away. “And as they passed by in the
morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.” Mk
11:20.17 Peter mentioned it and Jesus exhorted them to have faith,
that could even move mountains.
Jesus' authority challenged. “The chief priests and the elders of
the people came unto him as he was teaching in the temple, and
said, By what authority doest thou these things: and who gave
thee this authority:” He answered by asking, “The baptism of
John, whence was it: from heaven or from men?” And they
reasoned, “If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us,
Why then did ye not believe him: But if we shall say, From men;
we fear the multitude; for all hold John as a prophet. And they
answered Jesus, and said, We know not. He also said unto them,
Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” Mt 21:23-
27.18
The parable of the Two Sons. Mt 21:28-32.
The parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. A householder left
husbandmen in charge. When he sent servants back to receive his
fruits they murdered them. Even the son was killed. “Jesus saith
unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The Stone which
the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner;
This was from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes? (Ps
118:22). Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be
taken away from you, and shall be given to a nation bringing forth
the fruits thereof.” The Pharisees realized that he was talking
about them, and sought to lay hold on him but, again, feared the
multitude. Mt 21:33-40.
The parable of the Royal Wedding. A king invited guests to a
wedding feast but none came. He finally sent out to the
countryside to find both good and bad. One who came had not a
wedding garment. The king challenged him and he was cast out.
“For many are called, but few chosen.”19 Mt 22:1-14.
The Pharisees question Him. Tribute to Caesar. The Pharisees
try to trick Jesus by asking, “Is it lawful for us to give tribute
unto Caesar, or not? But he perceived their craftiness and said
unto them, Show me a denarius. Whose inscription hath it? And
they said, Caesar's. And he said unto them, Then render unto
Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that
are God's... . And they marvelled at his answer, and held their
peace.” Lu 20:20-26.
The Sadducees' question on the Resurrection. The Sadducees
pose the question about a man who died, and the next brother took
her for a wife. This went on for all the seven brothers. And she
died. They want to know whose wife will she be in the
resurrection. Jesus said “... that ye know not the scriptures, nor
the power of God. For when they shall rise from the dead, they
neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as angels in
heaven.” Mk 12:18-27.
The lawyers question on the two Great Commandments. One of
the scribes asked him, “What commandment is the first of all:
Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God,
the Lord is one: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy
strength. The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as
thyself. (Dt 6:5; Lev 19:18). There is none other commandment
greater than these... is much more than all whole burnt-offerings
and sacrifices.” Mk 12:28-34.
Jesus' question: How is the Christ David's Son? “Jesus asked
them a question, saying, What think ye of the Christ? whose son
is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them,
How then doth David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying, The
Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I put
thine enemies underneath thy feet? If David then calleth him Lord,
how is he his son? And no one was able to answer him a word,
neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more
questions.” Mt 22:41-46.
Jesus' last public discourse
Discourse against the Scribes and Pharisees. “Then spake Jesus
to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying The scribes and the
Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: . .Yea, they bind heavy
burdens...but they themselves will not move them with their
finger.” But, they don't do them; they do things to be seen of men;
they love the chief places at feasts and in the synagogues. Jesus
pronounces seven woes against them. “O Jerusalem, that killeth
the prophets and stoneth them that are sent to her!” Mt 22:41-46.
The Widow's two mites. “And he sat down over against the
treasury, and beheld how the multitude cast money into the
treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a
poor widow, and she cast in two mites, which make a farthing.”
He said that she cast in more than others because she put in all
her living.” Mk 12:41-44.20
Certain Greeks seek Jesus. Greeks from Bethsaida in Galilee
came seeking Jesus and the word was passed to him. “And Jesus
answereth them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man
should be glorified... He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that
hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.... Father,
glorify thy name. There came therefore a voice out of heaven,
saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again..” The
multitude was confused as to what happened. Jesus ended the
discussion with, “While ye have the light, believe on the light, that
ye may become sons of light.” Jno 12:20-30a.
The unbelief of the Jews and their rejection of Jesus. “These
things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them.
But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they
believed not on him. That the word of Isaiah the prophet might be
fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? ...”
(Is 53:1; 6:10). Many of the rulers believed but feared being put
out of the synagogues. “And Jesus cried and said, He that
believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me... .
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that
judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the
last day.” Jno 12:36b-50.
Prophetic Discourse: the Destruction of Jerusalem. And Jesus
went out from the temple, and was going on his way; and his
disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple.
But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things?
verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon
another, that shall not be thrown down.” Mt 24:1-51. Then he
gave a long discourse on the troubles that will come and the signs.
The Final Coming of Christ. “And as he sat on the Mt of Olives,
the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall
these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming and of
the end of the world? He said: not to be led astray, many men will
come in his name; there shall be wars and rumors of wars; nation
shall rise against nation; and take heed lest they be delivered up to
councils and beaten. He comforted them that, when this happens,
the Holy Spirit will aid them... “but, he that endureth to the end
the same shall be saved. And the gospel must first be preached
unto all the nations.” Mk 13:1-10. When Jerusalem is
encompassed by armies, flee into the mountains. Don't let those in
the country come in. “There shall be great distress upon the land,
and wrath unto this people... for there shall arise false Christs,
and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray. “and
then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then
shall all the tribes of he earth mourn, and they shall see the son of
man coming on clouds of heaven with power and great glory...
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass
away. But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the
angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only... Take ye
heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is... I say
unto all, Watch.” Mt 24:1-51; Mk 13:1-37; Lu 21:5-36.
Parable of the Ten Virgins. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be
likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to
meet the bridegroom. The five wise took oil with them, the foolish
did not. The foolish had to go buy oil. “And while they went away
to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in
with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward
came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open for us. But
he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore for ye know not the day nor the hour.” Mt 25:1-
13. The parable of the talents. Mt 25:14-30.
Scenes of the Judgment. “But when the Son of man shall come in
his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the
throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all the
nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the
shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats; and he shall set the
sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.” Judgment is
meted out according to their good works. The evil shall go away
into eternal punishment; but the righteous into eternal life. Mt 26:1-5, 14-16.
Wednesday, a day of rest
The Rulers conspire with Judas against Jesus. “And it came to
pass, when Jesus had finished all these words, he said unto his
disciples, Ye know that after two days the passover cometh, and
the Son of man is delivered up to be crucified. Then were
gathered together the chief priests, and the elders of the people,
unto the court of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas; and
they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety,
and kill him. But they said, Not during the feast, lest a tumult
arise among the people. Then one of the twelve, who was called
Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said, What are ye
willing to give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they
weighed unto him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he
sought opportunity to deliver him unto them.” Mt 26:1-5, 14-16.
Thursday -- April 6, 30 AD
The preparation for the Passover. “And the day of unleavened
bread came, on which the passover must be sacrificed. And he
sent Peter and John, saying, Go and make ready for us the
passover, that we may eat.” They were to go into the city, follow
a man with a pitcher, and request the use of the room, “And ye
shall say unto the master of the house, The Teacher saith, Where
is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my
disciples: and he will show you a large upper room furnished:
there make ready.” Lu 22:7-13.21
The Passover meal. “And when it was evening he cometh with the
twelve.” Mk 14:17. “And he said unto them, With desire I have
desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: for I say unto
you, I shall not eat it, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
And he received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said,
Take this and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you, I
shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until the
kingdom of God shall come.” Lu 22:15-18.
The contention among the Disciples. ”And there arose also a
contention among them, which of them was accounted to be
greatest... but he that is the greater among you, let him become as
the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.” Lu 22:24-30.
Jesus washes his disciples feet. To show humility.
Judas pointed out withdraws. “When Jesus had thus said, he was
troubled in the spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say
unto you that one of you shall betray me.” They all looked about
wondering who it was... “Jesus therefore answereth, He it is for
whom I shall dip the sop, and give it him. So when he had dipped
the sop, he taketh and giveth it to Judas, the son of Simon
Iscariot.” And Satan entered into him and Jesus said, “What thou
doest, do quickly.” The others didn't realize what had happened...
“He then having received the sop went out straightway: and it was
night. When therefore he was gone out, Jesus saith, Now is the
Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him; and God shall
glorify him in himself, and straightway shall he glorify him.” He
then commanded them to “... love one another as I have loved
you...” Jno 13:21-36.
The Lord's Supper instituted. “And he took bread, and when he
had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is
my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the
new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for
you.” Lu 22:19-20. “Verily I say unto you, I shall no more drink
of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new in the
kingdom of God.” Mk 14:25. Matthew writes, “ . . for this is my
blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto
remission of sins.” Mt 26:28.
The denial of Peter and the Dispersion of the Twelve foretold.
“And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is
written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered
abroad. Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into
Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended,
yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee,
that thou to-day, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt
deny me thrice. But he spake exceeding vehemently, If I must die
with thee, yet will I not deny thee, Likewise also said all the
disciples.” Mk 14:27-31.
Jesus' long farewell discourse to His Disciples? “Let not your
heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my
Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have
told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto
myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go
ye know the way... Believe me that I am in the Father, and the
Father in me; or else believe me for the very works' sake... If ye
love me, ye will keep my commandments... But the Comforter,
even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he
shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that
I said unto you... Arise, let us go hence. I am the true vine, and
my Father is the husbandman... I am the vine, ye are the
branches... “It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not
away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I go, I will
send him unto you... In the world ye have tribulation: but be of
good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jno 14:1--16:33.
Jesus' Intercessory Prayer. These things spake Jesus: and lifting
up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify
thy Son, that the Son may glorify thee: even as thou gavest him
authority over all flesh, that to all whom thou hast given him, he
should give eternal life... And now, Father, glorify thou me with
thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the
world was... O righteous Father, the world knew thee not, but I
knew thee; and these knew that thou didst send me; and I made
known unto them thy name, and will make it known; that the love
wherewith thou lovedst me may be in them, and I in them.” Jno
17:1-26.
The Agony in the Garden. “And when he came out, and went, as
his custom was, unto the mount of Olives; and the disciples also
followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them,
Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he parted from them
about a stone's cast; and he kneeled down and prayed, saying,
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless
not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared unto him an
angel from heaven, strengthening.” And he came back three times
and found them asleep, “And he cometh the third time, and saith
unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough; the
hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of
sinners. Arise.” Mk 14:26, 32-42.
Friday
Jesus betrayed and arrested. “While he yet spake, behold, a
multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went
before them; ...And when he was come, straightway he came to
him, and saith, Rabbi; and kissed him. And they laid hands on
him, and took him. but a certain one of them: that stood by drew
his sword, and smote the servant of the high priest, and struck off
his ear. Mk 14:43-47. But Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye
them thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.” Lu 22:51.
Jesus' Trial before the Jewish authorities.
Before Annas, high priest -- First stage of the Jewish trial
“So the band and the chief captain, and the officers of the Jews,
seized Jesus and bound him and led him to Annas first; for he was
father in law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Now
Caiaphas was he that gave counsel to the Jews, that it was
expedient that one man should die for the people. The high priest
therefore asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his teaching.” Jesus
answered him, I have spoken openly to the world; . .” He
mentioned several people, and said to ask them, whereupon an
officer struck Jesus with his hand. Jno 18: 12-14; 19-23.
At the Palace of Caiaphas -- Second stage of the Jewish trial
“Annas therefore sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.”
Jno 18:24. The chief priests, scribes and elders and the whole
council were there. They sought to find false witnesses, but found
none that agreed. “And there stood up certain, and bare false
witness against him, and said, We heard him say, I will destroy
this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build
another made without hands.” Mk 14:57-58. Jesus answered
nothing. “And the high priest said to him, I adjure thee by the
living God, that thou tell us whether thou art the Christ, the Son
of God.” Mt 28:63. “And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the
Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with
the clouds of heaven. And the high priest rent his clothes, and
saith, What further need have we of witnesses? Ye have heard the
blasphemy:” what think ye? And they all condemned him to be
worthy of death.” Mk 14:62-65. Then they spit on him and struck
him.
Peter and, apparently, John had followed. John, knowing the
officers or the high priest, got inside the court, then came out and
got permission for Peter to go in. A fire had been built and all
were standing around warming themselves. A maid looked at
Peter and said, “Thou also wast with the Nazarene, even Jesus.”
Peter denied it and went out on the porch. The cock crew. Later,
the maid again said, “This is one of them. But he again denied it.
And after a little while, again, they that stood by, said to Peter, Of
a truth thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilean. But he began
to curse, and to swear, I know not this man of whom ye speak.
and straightway the second time the cock crew. And Peter called
to mind the word, how that Jesus said unto him, Before the cock
crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And when the thought
thereon, he wept.” Mk 14:53-15:1a.
The Sanhedrin -- Third stage of Jewish trial.
“Now when morning was come, all the chief priests and the elders
of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: and
they bound him, and led him away and delivered him up to Pilate
the governor.” Mt 27: 1,2.
The Roman Trials
Jesus' Trial before Pilate -- First Stage of the Roman Trial
Early Friday morning in the Praetorium22
“They lead Jesus there from Caiaphas into the Praetorium: and it
was early... Pilate therefore went out unto them, and saith, What
accusation bring ye against this man?” Jno 18:28. “And they
began to accuse him, saying, We found this man perverting our
nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying the he
himself is Christ a king.” Lu 23:2. Pilate said to judge him by
your own laws, but they said that it was unlawful to put one to
death. “Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, and
called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the king of the Jews?
Jesus answered, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it
thee concerning me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew?” Jesus said,
“My kingdom is not of this world.” Pilate, “Art thou a king then?
Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end have I been born, and to
this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto
the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate
saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went
out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find no crime in
him.” Jno 18:28-38.
Jesus Trial before Herod Antipas.23 -- Second stage
“But when Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man were a
Galilean. And when he knew that he was of Herod's jurisdiction,
he sent him unto Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem in
these days.” Herod had wanted to see Jesus and question him, but
Jesus answered him nothing. The chief priests stood accusing
Jesus. “And Herod with his soldiers set him at nought, and
mocked him, and arraying him in gorgeous apparel sent him back
to Pilate.” Lu 23:6-12.
Jesus again before Pilate -- Third stage of the Roman Trial.
Friday before sunrise
Pilate called the chief priest, rulers, and the people together and
said that he had examined Jesus and found no fault, and he had
sent him to Herod and, he too, found no fault as to their
accusations and returned him. There was a custom to release one
prisoner at the feast of passover and unleavened bread. And, there
was a prisoner named Barabbas. Pilate said, “Whom will ye that I
release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” Mt
27:17b. “But they cried out all together, saying, Away with this
man, and release unto us Barabbas:” Lu 22:18. “And while he
was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying,
Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have
suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” Mt
27:19. Pilate brought out Jesus and said Behold, the man. Again
he brought him out and said Behold your King. “ So when Pilate
saw that he prevailed nothing, but rather that a tumult was
arising, he took water, and washed his hand before the multitude,
saying, I am innocent of the blood of this righteous man; see ye to
it. And all the people answered and said, His blood be on us, and
on our children.” Mt 27:24-26. “And Pilate again answered and
said unto them, What then shall I do unto Jesus who is called
Christ? And they cried out again, Crucify him....And Pilate
wishing to content the multitude, released unto them Barabbas,
and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified...
And they clothed him with purple, and platting a crown of thorns,
they put it on him; and they began to salute him, Hail, King of the
Jews! And they smote his head with a reed, and spat upon him,
and bowing their knees worshipped him.” Mk 15:15-19.
Judas' suicide. “Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that
he was condemned, repented himself, and brought back the thirty
pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have
sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood. But they said, What is
that to us? see thou to it. And they took counsel, and bought with
them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field
was called, the field of blood, unto this day.” Mt 27:3-10.
The Crucifixion at Calvary. “And when they had mocked him,
they took off from him the robes, and put on him his garments,
and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they
found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to go
with them, that he might bear the cross. Mt 27:31-32. “And there
were also two others, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
And when they come unto the place which is called The Skull
(Heb. Golgotha), there they crucified him and the malefactors,
one on the right hand and the other on the left. And Jesus said,24
1) Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.
And parting his garments among them, they cast lots.” Lu 23:32-
34. The coat was woven without seam, so they cast lots for it...
“And Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. And there
was written, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE
JEWS.” The Jews complained that it should read, “that he said, I
am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written, I have
written.” Jno 19:19-22. One of the malefactors railed on Jesus, If
thou art the Christ, save us. The other rebuked him, “And he said,
Jesus, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom, And he
said unto him,
2) Verily I say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be with me
in Paradise. Lu 23:42,43.
“But there were standing by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and
his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary
Magdalene... and the disciple whom he loved... he saith unto his
mother,
3) Woman, behold thy son! -- then to the disciple,
Behold, thy mother. Jno 19:25-27.
And from that hour the disciple took her unto his own home.”
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land
until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a
loud voice, saying,
4) Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, my God,
why hast thou forsaken me?” Mt 27:45,46.
“After this Jesus, knowing that all things are now finished, that
the scripture might be accomplished, saith,
5) I thirst.
There was set there a vessel full of vinegar: so they put a sponge
full of the vinegar upon hyssop, and brought it to his mouth.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said,
6) It is finished. Jno 19:17-30.
“And Jesus crying with a loud voice, said,
7) Father into thy hands I commend my spirit:
and having said this, he gave up the ghost.” Lu 23:46. “And
behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the
bottom: and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent; and the
tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen
asleep were raised and coming forth out of the tombs after the
resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto
many. Now the centurion and they that were with him watching
Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were
done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”
Mt 27:51-54.
Jesus' body taken from the Cross and buried near Calvary. “The
Jews therefore, because it was the Preparation, that the bodies
should not remain on the cross upon the sabbath (for the day of
that sabbath was a high day), asked of Pilate that their legs might
be broken, and that they might be taken away. The soldiers
therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other
that was crucified with him: but when they came to Jesus, and
saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: howbeit one of
the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there
came out blood and water. And he that hath seen hath borne
witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true,
that ye also may believe. For these things came to pass that the
scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom
they pierced. And after these things Joseph of Arimathaea, being a
disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate
that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him
leave. And there came Nicodemus, he who at the first came to him
by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred
pounds. So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen
cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now
in the place where he was crucified there was a garden: and in the
garden a new tomb wherein was never man yet laid.” Jno 19:31-41
The Watch at the sepulcher. The chief priests and Pharisees went
to Pilate, saying that the disciples might steal the body and say
that it had risen, as prophesied. Pilate said, Ye have a guard: go,
make it secure. So they went, and made the sepulcher sure,
sealing the stone, the guard being there with them.” Mt 27:62-66.
The Women purchase spices. “And when the sabbath was past,
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome,
bought spices, that they might come and anoint him.” Mk 16:1.
Dawn of the Christian Period
Sunday
The morning of the Resurrection. “And behold, there was a great
earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and
came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance
was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow; and for fear
of him the watches did quake, and became as dead men. Mt 28:2-4.
The Women visit the tomb. “Now on the first day of the week
cometh Mary Magdalene early while it was yet dark, unto the
tomb, and seeth the stone taken away from the tomb. She runneth
therefore, and cometh to Simon Peter and to the other disciple
whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away
the Lord out of the tomb, and we know not where they have laid
him.” Jno 20:1-2.
The Angelic vision in the tomb. “And it came to pass, while they
were perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in
dazzling apparel: and as they were affrighted and bowed down
their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the
living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how
he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying that the Son
of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be
crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his
words.” Lu 24:4-8.
Jesus appears to the women returning to the city. “And they
departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to
bring his disciples word. And behold, Jesus met them, saying All
hail. And they came and took hold of his feet, and worshipped
him. Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren
that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me.” Mt
28:8-10.
Peter and John visit the tomb. Peter and the other disciple ran to
the tomb. They looked in and saw the linen clothes lying, then
entered and saw, also, the napkin, that was on his head, rolled up
and lying at another place. “For as yet they knew not the
scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. So the disciples
went away again unto their own home.” Jno 20:3-10.
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene. “But Mary was standing
without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and
looked into the tomb; and she beholdeth two angels in white
sitting, one at the head, and one at the foot, where the body of
Jesus had lain.” They asked, why she was weeping, and she said,
“Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where
they have laid him.” Then she turned around and saw Jesus, but
not recognizing him. He also asked why she was weeping and
whom she was seeking. She thought it was the gardener, but when
he said, “Mary,” she turned and said in Hebrew, “Rabboni,”
which is teacher. “Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not
yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren and say to
them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and
your God. Mary Magdalene cometh and telleth the disciples, I
have seen the Lord; and that he had said these thing unto her.” Jno
20:11-18.
The report of the Guard. Some of the guard came and told the
chief priests all the things that happened. Those assembled took
counsel and gave money to the guard, “saying, Say ye, His
disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.” Mt
28:11-15. This saying was spread abroad.
Jesus appears to two disciples on their way to Emmaus. Two
disciples were walking back home to Emmaus, being very
downhearted. As they talked, a stranger joined them. They
wondered why he asked what things had happened. “And he said
O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets
have spoken! Behooved is not the Christ to suffer these things,
and to enter into his glory?” Then he taught them. Coming to their
village they asked him to stay with them. On breaking bread, he
blessed it and gave to them. Their eyes were opened, but Jesus
vanished from their sight. They got up and walked back to tell the
eleven and others what happened, and learned that, indeed, Jesus
had risen. Lu 24:12-35.
Jesus appears to the Disciples, Thomas being absent. “When
therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week,
and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of
the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and saith unto
them, Peace be unto you. And when he had said this, he showed
unto them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were
glad, when they saw the Lord. Jesus therefore said to them again,
Peace be unto you: as the Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto
them, Receive ye the Holy Spirit: whosoever sins ye forgive, they
are forgiven unto them; whosoever sins ye retain, they are
retained.” Jno 20:19-25. Thomas, one of the twelve, was absent
but said he wouldn't believe until he saw the print of the nails in
his hand. Luke writes, “... he said unto them, Have ye here
anything to eat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish. And
he took it, and ate before them.” Lu 24:41b-43.
Jesus appears to the Disciples, Thomas being present. “And
after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with
them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst,
and said Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach
hither thy finger, and see my hands; and reach hither thy hand,
and put it into my side; and be not faithless but believing. Thomas
answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith
unto him, Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed
are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” Jno 20:26-29.
(Sunday April 16, 30 A.D.)
Jesus appears to the Apostles in Galilee. “After these things
Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of
Tiberias;” Peter, Thomas Nathanael and John went fishing. They
took nothing. They observed someone on the beach. “Jesus
therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat? They
answered him, No.” Then he said to cast on the right side of the
boat and they caught a net full, later counted to be 153 large fish.
Jesus had fish on a fire and bread already. Then they broke their
fast.
Jesus tested Peter, asking, lovest thou me more than these? Peter
answered, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus said,
Feed my sheep. He asked the second and third time and got the
same answer -- the same number of times that Peter had denied
Jesus at the Jewish trial. Then Jesus spoke what manner of death
Peter should have to glorify God. Jno 21:1-23.
Jesus appears to the Apostles in Galilee. (Eighth appearance)
“But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain
where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they
worshipped him; but some doubted. (Paul writes, about 500
present at the same time. I Cor 15:6). And Jesus came to them
and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto
me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I command you: and lo, I am with you always, even
unto the end of the world.” Mt 28:26-20.
Mark writes, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that
believed and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth
shall be condemned.” Mk 16:15,16.
Ascension
The Ascension. May 18, 30 A.D. “And he led them out until they
were over against Bethany: and he lifted up his hands, and blessed
them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he parted from
them, and was carried up into heaven.” Luke writes, “at the right
hand of God.” “And they worshiped him, and returned to
Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple,
blessing God.” Lu 24:50
The purpose of and conclusion to John's Gospel. “Many other
signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of the disciples, which
are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye may
believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing
ye may have life in his name.” Jno 20:30-31.
===================
This is the end of this condensed writing, making excerpts from
Kerr's Harmony of the Gospel. It is my hope that your interest is
sparked enough to sit down and read the Gospels -- Matthew,
Mark, Luke and John -- all the way through. Better still, find a
harmony, which prints the scriptures in parallel, which permits
comparison between them. Further, it is necessary to read all
writers, since, many times, they supply different facts and
arguments.
Herbert L Peterson
1The Life of Christ, condensed following the chronology of Kerr's Harmony of the Gospels, which uses the American Standard Version. It is suggested, for an in-depth study, that you follow and compare the parallel presentation of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. This will bring out a full picture of Jesus, with subtleties and nuances that are left out in making excerpts. The listing of the quotes sometimes list only the single quote, and many times gives the full range of the event. Usually only one book is quoted.
2 The law required purification before going to the temple -- 40 days for a male child, and 80 days for a female child.
3 Tradition has it that Joseph and the family stayed near the old Church of St. Sergius in Cairo, and possibly visited Upper Egypt.
4 Tradition has it that Jesus went into the Wilderness of Judea, which is the mountainous area along west of old Jericho and ranging on past Qumran. Standing at the ruins of old Jericho and looking west is a large mountain, called Jebel Qarantal -- Mount of Temptation.
5 M1 is the symbol for recorded miracle number 1. Not all are listed here.
6 Italics added for emphasis, since connected with the sacrificial aspect of Jesus.
7 There is a house next to the old synagogue at Capernaum that has been excavated by archaeologists, and believed to be Peter's House. Mk 1:14,15.
8 The Church of Beatitudes stands on a hill on the north shore overlooking the sea. On crossing by boat from Tiberias to Capernaum, I have looked for a depression along the shore that might serve as an ampitheatre, and there is one just to the west of the Church. Some time ago, Bolt, Beranek and Newman, Cambridge, MA, made acoustic measurements on a natural bowl along the shore near Capernaum and concluded that several thousand people could hear a speaker standing in the bowl, and slightly better from a boat standing off shore.
9 There is a roadway alongside the lake. It's interesting that the swine came down the hill from the plateau above, went across the road, a field, and into the lake. I'm sure the disciples enjoyed light moments, and this would have been cause for a chuckle.
10 McGarvey. Fourfold Gospel p. 362.
11 Several years ago, on visiting the mosque in Damascus, I saw a large sarcophagus, and it was said that John the Baptist was entombed.
12 The Greek word used for “bind” is a perfect participle, and should be: “having been bound,” as does Dr Marshall in the Zondervan Interlinear N.T; Youngs Literal Translation: shall be having been bound; NAS: shall have been bound; Williams: What is already permitted. All main translations follow the ASV above. Likewise for “loose.”
13 This power came to the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 1:8; 2.
14 Solomon's Porch was on the east side of the Court of Gentiles and consisted of a colonnade of two rows of columns, spaced about 30 feet apart. Here and the open court were the likely places where Jesus was teaching and, later, the apostles. See diagram of Solomon's temple; also the scale model at the Holy Land Hotel, West Jerusalem.
15 This is the clearest description that we have in the Bible describing the intermediate state of the dead -- Hades consisting of: Paradise, the great fixed gulf, and Tartarus. See diagram in the Appendix.
16 What is the shortest verse in the Bible?
17 They may have not noticed it on the former evening, since they usually returned by going around the hill of the Mt of Olives, but come up over the hill in the morning.
18 Jesus was probably in the Court of the Gentiles. See diagram of Herod's temple.
19 The first parties invited represent the Jews; the city, Jerusalem; the poor people called, the Gentiles; and the king, the Lord in the Judgment.
20 This occurred in the Court of the Women, where it is said there were 13 money casks.
21 There is now, by tradition, an Upper Room above David's Tomb.
22 Many historians and archaeologists locate the praetorium inside the Fortress of Antonia, or Tower of Antonia, just outside the northwest corner of the temple platform.
23 This being the Passover season, Pilate had come down from Caesarea to Jerusalem to keep order. Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, also came to Jerusalem, as a favor to the Jews by showing respect to their festival.
24 Seven Words of Christ on the cross: 1) ... 7).
(http://www.oldpaths.com)