WHEN The women find Jesus' tomb empty, Mary Magdalene runs off to tell Peter and John. However, the other women remain at the tomb. Soon, an angel appears and invites them inside. Here the women see yet another angel, and one of the angels says to them: "Do not you be fearful, for I know you are looking for Jesus who was impaled. He is not here, for he was raised up, as he said, come see the place where he was lying. And go quickly and tell his disciples that he was raised up from the dead." So with fear and great joy, these women also run off.
By this time, Mary has found Peter and John, and she reports to them: "They have taken away the Lord out of the memorial tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him." Immediately the two apostles take off running. John is fleeter of foot-evidently being younger-and he reaches the tomb first. By this time the women have left, so no one is around. Stooping down, John peers into the tomb and sees the bandages, but he remains outside. When Peter arrives, he does not hesitate but goes right on in. He sees the bandages lying there and also the cloth used to wrap Jesus' head. It is rolled up in one place. John now also enters the tomb, and he believes Mary report. But neither Peter nor John grasps that Jesus has been raised up, even though he had often told them that he would be. Puzzled, the two return home, but Mary, who has come back to the tomb, remains.
In the meantime, the other women are hurrying to tell the disciples that Jesus has been resurrected, as the angels commanded them to do. While they are running along as fast as they can, Jesus meets them and says: "Good day!" Falling at his feet, they do obeisance to him. Then Jesus says: "Have no fear! Go, report to my brothers, that they may go off into Galilee; and there they will see me."
Earlier, when the earthquake occurred and the angels appeared, the soldiers on guard were stunned and became as dead men. Upon recovering, the immediately went into the city and told the chief priests what had happened. after consulting with the "older men" of the Jews, the decision was made to try to hush up the matter by bribing the soldiers. They were instructed: "Say, 'His disciples came in the night and stole him while we were sleeping.' " Since Roman soldiers may be punished with death for falling asleep at their posts, the priest promised: 'If this [report of your falling asleep] gets to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and will set you free from worry." Since the size of the bribe was sufficiently large, the soldiers did as they were instructed. As a result, the false report about the theft of Jesus' body became widely spread among the Jews.
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Is Alive!
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.31.2009
7.30.2009
Conclusion of Buried Friday-An Empty Tomb Sunday
Joseph takes the body and wraps it in clean fine linen in preparation for burial. He is assisted by Nicodemus, another member of the Sanhedrin. Nicodemus also has failed to confess his faith in Jesus because of fear of losing his position. But now he brings a roll containing about a hundred Roman pounds of myrrh and expensive aloes. Jesus' body is wrapped in bandages containing these spices, just the way the Jews have the custom of preparing bodies for burial
The body is then laid in Joseph's new memorial tomb that is carved in the rock in the garden nearby. Finally, a large stone is rolled in from of the tomb. To accomplish the burial before the Sabbath, preparation of the body is hasty. Therefore, Mary Magdalene and mar the mother of James the Less, who have perhaps been helping with the preparation, hurry home to prepare more spices and perfumed oils. After the Sabbath, they plan to treat Jesus' body further in order to preserve it for a longer period of time.
The next day, which is Saturday (the Sabbath), the chief priests and the Pharisees go to Pilate and say: Sir, we have called to mind that that impostor said while yet alive, 'After three days I am to be raised up.' Therefore command the grave to be made secure until the third day, that his disciples may never come and steal him and say to the people, 'He was raised up from the dead!' And this last imposture will be worse than the first.
"You have a guard," Pilate answers. "Go make it as secure as you know how." So they go and make the grave secure by sealing the stone and posting Roman soldiers as guards. Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, along with Salome, Joanna and other women, bring spices to the tomb to treat Jesus' body. En route they say to one another: "Who will roll the stone away from the door of the memorial tomb for us? But on arriving, they find that an earthquake has occurred and Jehovah's angel has rolled away the stone away. The guards are gone, and the tomb is empty! Matthew 27:57-28:2; Mark 15:42-16:4; Luke 23:50-24:3, 10; John 19:14, 31-20:1; 12:42; Leviticus 23:5-7; Deuteronomy 21:22, 23; Psalm 34:20; Zechariah 12:10.
Next time: Jesus is Alive!
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The body is then laid in Joseph's new memorial tomb that is carved in the rock in the garden nearby. Finally, a large stone is rolled in from of the tomb. To accomplish the burial before the Sabbath, preparation of the body is hasty. Therefore, Mary Magdalene and mar the mother of James the Less, who have perhaps been helping with the preparation, hurry home to prepare more spices and perfumed oils. After the Sabbath, they plan to treat Jesus' body further in order to preserve it for a longer period of time.
The next day, which is Saturday (the Sabbath), the chief priests and the Pharisees go to Pilate and say: Sir, we have called to mind that that impostor said while yet alive, 'After three days I am to be raised up.' Therefore command the grave to be made secure until the third day, that his disciples may never come and steal him and say to the people, 'He was raised up from the dead!' And this last imposture will be worse than the first.
"You have a guard," Pilate answers. "Go make it as secure as you know how." So they go and make the grave secure by sealing the stone and posting Roman soldiers as guards. Early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, along with Salome, Joanna and other women, bring spices to the tomb to treat Jesus' body. En route they say to one another: "Who will roll the stone away from the door of the memorial tomb for us? But on arriving, they find that an earthquake has occurred and Jehovah's angel has rolled away the stone away. The guards are gone, and the tomb is empty! Matthew 27:57-28:2; Mark 15:42-16:4; Luke 23:50-24:3, 10; John 19:14, 31-20:1; 12:42; Leviticus 23:5-7; Deuteronomy 21:22, 23; Psalm 34:20; Zechariah 12:10.
Next time: Jesus is Alive!
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.29.2009
Buried Friday-An Empty Tomb Sunday
BY NOW it is late Friday afternoon, and the Sabbath of Nisan 15 will begin at sundown. Jesus' dead body hangs limp on the stake, but the two robbers alongside him are still alive. Friday afternoon is called Preparation because this is when people prepare meals and complete any other pressing work that cannot wait until after the Sabbath. The Sabbath soon to begin is not only a regular Sabbath (the seventh day of the week) but also a double, or "great," Sabbath. It is called this because Nisan 15, which is the first day of the seven-day Festival of Unfermented Cakes (and is always a Sabbath, no mater on what day of the week it comes, ) falls on the same day as the regular Sabbath.
According to God's Law, bodies are not to be left hanging on a stake overnight. So the Jews ask Pilate that the death of those being executed by hastened by breaking their legs. The soldiers, therefore, break the legs of the two robbers. But since Jesus appears to be dead, his legs are not broken. This fulfills the scripture: "Not a bone of his will be crushed." However, to remove any doubt that Jesus is really dead, one of the soldiers jabs a spear into his side. The spear pierces the region of his heart, and immediately blood and water come out. The apostle John, who is an eyewitness, reports that this fulfills another scripture: "They will look to the One whom they pierced."
Next time: Continue with Buried Friday-An Empty Tomb Sunday
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Also present at the execution is Joseph from the day of Arimathea, a reputable member of the Sanhedrin. He refused to vote in favor of the high court's unjust action against Jesus. Joseph is actually a disciple of Jesus, although he has been afraid to identify himself as one. Now, however, he exercises courage and goes to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate summons the army officer in charge, and after the officer confirms that Jesus is dead, Pilate has the corpse handed over.
According to God's Law, bodies are not to be left hanging on a stake overnight. So the Jews ask Pilate that the death of those being executed by hastened by breaking their legs. The soldiers, therefore, break the legs of the two robbers. But since Jesus appears to be dead, his legs are not broken. This fulfills the scripture: "Not a bone of his will be crushed." However, to remove any doubt that Jesus is really dead, one of the soldiers jabs a spear into his side. The spear pierces the region of his heart, and immediately blood and water come out. The apostle John, who is an eyewitness, reports that this fulfills another scripture: "They will look to the One whom they pierced."
Next time: Continue with Buried Friday-An Empty Tomb Sunday
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Also present at the execution is Joseph from the day of Arimathea, a reputable member of the Sanhedrin. He refused to vote in favor of the high court's unjust action against Jesus. Joseph is actually a disciple of Jesus, although he has been afraid to identify himself as one. Now, however, he exercises courage and goes to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate summons the army officer in charge, and after the officer confirms that Jesus is dead, Pilate has the corpse handed over.
7.28.2009
Conclusion of "Certainly This Was God's Son"
Furthermore, at the moment Jesus dies, the huge curtain that divides the Holy from the Most Holy in God's temple is rent in two, from top to bottom. Apparently this beautifully ornamented curtain is some 60 feet high and very heavy! The astonishing miracle not only manifests God's wrath against the killers of His Son but signifies that the way into the Most Holy, heaven itself, is not made possible by Jesus' death.
Well, when people feel the earthquake and see the things happening, they grow very much afraid. The army officer in charge at the execution gives glory to God. "Certainly this as God's Son," he proclaims. Likely he had been present when the claim of divine sonship was discussed at Jesus' trial before Pilate. And now he is convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, yes, that he is indeed the greatest man who ever lived.
Others too are overcome by these miraculous events, and they begin by returning home beating their breasts as a gesture of their intense grief and shame. Observing the spectacle at a distance are many female disciples of Jesus who are deeply moved by these momentous events. The apostle John is also present. Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; 2:3, 4, 35; John 19:25-30.
Next time: Buried Friday-An Empty Tomb Sunday
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Well, when people feel the earthquake and see the things happening, they grow very much afraid. The army officer in charge at the execution gives glory to God. "Certainly this as God's Son," he proclaims. Likely he had been present when the claim of divine sonship was discussed at Jesus' trial before Pilate. And now he is convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, yes, that he is indeed the greatest man who ever lived.
Others too are overcome by these miraculous events, and they begin by returning home beating their breasts as a gesture of their intense grief and shame. Observing the spectacle at a distance are many female disciples of Jesus who are deeply moved by these momentous events. The apostle John is also present. Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; 2:3, 4, 35; John 19:25-30.
Next time: Buried Friday-An Empty Tomb Sunday
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.27.2009
"Certainly This Was God's Son"
JESUS has not been on the stake long when, at midday, a mysterious, three-hour darkness occurs. A solar eclipse is not responsible, since these only take place at the time of the new moon and the moon is full at Passover time. Moreover, solar eclipses last only a few minutes. So the darkness is of divine origin! It probably gives pause to those mocking Jesus, even causing their taunts to cease. If the eerie phenomenon occurs before the one evildoer chastises his companion and asks Jesus to remember him, it may be a factor in his repentance. Perhaps it is during the darkness that four women, namely Jesus' mother and her sister Salome, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of the apostle James the Less, make their way close to the torture stake. John, Jesus' beloved apostle, is with them there.
How the heart of Jesus' mother is 'pierced through' as she watches the son she nursed and nurtured hanging there in agony! Yet, Jesus thinks, not of his own pain, but of her welfare. With great effort, he nods toward John and says to his mother: "Woman, see! Your son!" Then, nodding toward Mary, he says to John: "See! Your mother!" Jesus thereby entrusts the care of his mother, who is evidently now a widow, to his specially loved apostle. He does this because Mary's other sons have not as yet manifested faith in him. Thus he sets a fine example in making provision not only for his mother's physical needs, but also for her spiritually ones.
At about three in the afternoon, Jesus says: "I am thirsty." Jesus senses that his Father has, as it were, withdrawn protection from him in order that his integrity might be tested to the limit. So he calls out with a loud voice: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" At hearing this, some who are standing nearby exclaim: "See! He is calling Elijah." Immediately one of them runs and, placing a sponge soaked with sour wine on the end of a hyssop stalk, gives him a drink. But others say: "Let him be! Let us see whether Elijah come to take him down."
When Jesus receives the sour wine, he cries out: "It has been accomplished!" Yes, he finished everything that his Father sent him to earth to do. Finally, he says: "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." Jesus thereby commits to God his life-force in confidence that God will restore it to him again. Then he bows his head and dies. The moment Jesus breathes his last, a violent earthquake occurs, splitting open the rock-masses. The quake is so powerful that the memorial tombs outside Jerusalem are broken open and corpses are thrown out of them. Passersby who see the dead bodies that have been exposed enter the city and report it.
Next time: Conclusion of "Certainly This Was God's Son
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
How the heart of Jesus' mother is 'pierced through' as she watches the son she nursed and nurtured hanging there in agony! Yet, Jesus thinks, not of his own pain, but of her welfare. With great effort, he nods toward John and says to his mother: "Woman, see! Your son!" Then, nodding toward Mary, he says to John: "See! Your mother!" Jesus thereby entrusts the care of his mother, who is evidently now a widow, to his specially loved apostle. He does this because Mary's other sons have not as yet manifested faith in him. Thus he sets a fine example in making provision not only for his mother's physical needs, but also for her spiritually ones.
At about three in the afternoon, Jesus says: "I am thirsty." Jesus senses that his Father has, as it were, withdrawn protection from him in order that his integrity might be tested to the limit. So he calls out with a loud voice: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" At hearing this, some who are standing nearby exclaim: "See! He is calling Elijah." Immediately one of them runs and, placing a sponge soaked with sour wine on the end of a hyssop stalk, gives him a drink. But others say: "Let him be! Let us see whether Elijah come to take him down."
When Jesus receives the sour wine, he cries out: "It has been accomplished!" Yes, he finished everything that his Father sent him to earth to do. Finally, he says: "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." Jesus thereby commits to God his life-force in confidence that God will restore it to him again. Then he bows his head and dies. The moment Jesus breathes his last, a violent earthquake occurs, splitting open the rock-masses. The quake is so powerful that the memorial tombs outside Jerusalem are broken open and corpses are thrown out of them. Passersby who see the dead bodies that have been exposed enter the city and report it.
Next time: Conclusion of "Certainly This Was God's Son
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.26.2009
Conclusion Of Agony On The Stake
"Others he saved; himself he cannot save!" The chief priests and their religious cronies chime in. "He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake and we will believe on him. He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, 'I am Son of God.' "
Caught up in the spirit, the soldiers too make fun of Jesus. They mockingly offer him sour wine, apparently holding it just beyond his parched lips. "If you are the king of the Jews," they taunt, "save yourself." Even the robbers-one impaled to Jesus' right, and the other to his left-ridicule him. Think of it! The greatest man who ever lived, yes, the one who shared with Jehovah God in creating all things, resolutely suffers all this abuse!
The soldiers take Jesus' outer garments and divide them into four parts. They cast lots to see whose these will become. The inner garment, however, is without a seam, being of superior quality. So the soldiers say to one another: "Let us not tear it, but let us determine by lots over whose it will be." Thus, unwittingly, they fulfill the scripture that says: "They apportioned my outer garments among themselves, and upon my apparel they cast lots."
In time, one of the robbers comes to appreciate that Jesus truly must be a king. Therefore, rebuking his companion, he says: "Do you not fear God at all, now that you are in the same judgment? And we, indeed, justly so, for we are receiving in full what we deserve for things we did; but this man did nothing out of the way." Then he addresses Jesus, with the petition: "Remember me when you get into your kingdom.
"Truly I tell you today," Jesus replies, "You will be with me in Paradise." This promise will be fulfilled when Jesus rules as King in heaven and resurrects this repentant evildoer to life on earth in the Paradise that Armageddon survivors and their companions will have the privilege of cultivating. Matthew 27:33-34; Mark 15:22-32; Luke 23:27, 32-43; John 19:17-24.
Next time:"Certainly This Was God's Son"
The Greatest Man Who Ever lived, 1991
Caught up in the spirit, the soldiers too make fun of Jesus. They mockingly offer him sour wine, apparently holding it just beyond his parched lips. "If you are the king of the Jews," they taunt, "save yourself." Even the robbers-one impaled to Jesus' right, and the other to his left-ridicule him. Think of it! The greatest man who ever lived, yes, the one who shared with Jehovah God in creating all things, resolutely suffers all this abuse!
The soldiers take Jesus' outer garments and divide them into four parts. They cast lots to see whose these will become. The inner garment, however, is without a seam, being of superior quality. So the soldiers say to one another: "Let us not tear it, but let us determine by lots over whose it will be." Thus, unwittingly, they fulfill the scripture that says: "They apportioned my outer garments among themselves, and upon my apparel they cast lots."
In time, one of the robbers comes to appreciate that Jesus truly must be a king. Therefore, rebuking his companion, he says: "Do you not fear God at all, now that you are in the same judgment? And we, indeed, justly so, for we are receiving in full what we deserve for things we did; but this man did nothing out of the way." Then he addresses Jesus, with the petition: "Remember me when you get into your kingdom.
"Truly I tell you today," Jesus replies, "You will be with me in Paradise." This promise will be fulfilled when Jesus rules as King in heaven and resurrects this repentant evildoer to life on earth in the Paradise that Armageddon survivors and their companions will have the privilege of cultivating. Matthew 27:33-34; Mark 15:22-32; Luke 23:27, 32-43; John 19:17-24.
Next time:"Certainly This Was God's Son"
The Greatest Man Who Ever lived, 1991
7.25.2009
Agony On The Stake
ALONG with Jesus two robbers are being led out to be executed. Not far from the city, the procession comes to a halt at the place called Golgotha, or Skull Place. The prisoners are stripped of their garments. Then wind drugged with myrrh is provided. Apparently it is prepared by the women of Jerusalem, and the Romans do not deny this pain-dulling potion to those being impaled. However, when Jesus tastes it, he refuses to drink. Why? Evidently he wants to have full possession of all his faculties during this supreme test of his faith.
Jesus is now stretched out on the stake with his hands placed above his head. The soldiers then pound large nails into his hands and into his feet. He wrenches with pain as the nails pierce flesh and ligaments. When the stake is swung upright, the pain is excruciating, for the weight of the body tears at the nail wounds. Yet, rather than threaten, Jesus prays for the Roman soldiers: "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Pilate has posted on the stake a sign that reads: "Jesus the Nazarene the King of the Jews." Apparently, he writes this not only because he respects Jesus but because he loathes the Jewish priests for their having wrung Jesus' death sentence from him. So that all may read the sign, Pilate has it written in three languages-in Hebrew, in the official Latin and in the common Greek.
The chief priests, including Caiaphas and Annas, are dismayed. This positive proclamation spoils their hour of triumph. Therefore they protest: "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that he said, 'I am the King of the Jews.'" Chafing from having served as a pawn of the priests, Pilate answers with resolute contempt: "What I have written I have written."
The priests, along with a large crowd, now gather at the site of the execution, and the priests refute the testimony of the sign. They repeat false testimony that was given earlier at the Sanhedrin trials. Not surprisingly, therefore, passersby begin speaking abusively, wagging their heads in mockery and saying: "O you would-be-thrower-down of the temple and builder of it in three days, save yourself! If you are a Son of God, come down off the torture stake!"
Next time: Conclusion of Agony On The Stake
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus is now stretched out on the stake with his hands placed above his head. The soldiers then pound large nails into his hands and into his feet. He wrenches with pain as the nails pierce flesh and ligaments. When the stake is swung upright, the pain is excruciating, for the weight of the body tears at the nail wounds. Yet, rather than threaten, Jesus prays for the Roman soldiers: "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Pilate has posted on the stake a sign that reads: "Jesus the Nazarene the King of the Jews." Apparently, he writes this not only because he respects Jesus but because he loathes the Jewish priests for their having wrung Jesus' death sentence from him. So that all may read the sign, Pilate has it written in three languages-in Hebrew, in the official Latin and in the common Greek.
The chief priests, including Caiaphas and Annas, are dismayed. This positive proclamation spoils their hour of triumph. Therefore they protest: "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that he said, 'I am the King of the Jews.'" Chafing from having served as a pawn of the priests, Pilate answers with resolute contempt: "What I have written I have written."
The priests, along with a large crowd, now gather at the site of the execution, and the priests refute the testimony of the sign. They repeat false testimony that was given earlier at the Sanhedrin trials. Not surprisingly, therefore, passersby begin speaking abusively, wagging their heads in mockery and saying: "O you would-be-thrower-down of the temple and builder of it in three days, save yourself! If you are a Son of God, come down off the torture stake!"
Next time: Conclusion of Agony On The Stake
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.23.2009
Conclusion Of Handed Over And Led Away
Fearing for his political position and reputation, Pilate finally caves in under the Jew's relentless demands. He hands Jesus over. The soldiers strip Jesus of the purple cloak and clothe him with his outer garments. As Jesus is led off to be impaled, his is made to bear his own torture stake.
By now it is mid-morning on Friday, Nisan 14; perhaps it is approaching noon. Jesus has been up since early Thursday morning, and he has suffered one agonizing experience after another. Understandably, his strength soon gives out under the weight of the stake. So a passerby, a certain Simon of Cyrene in Africa, is impressed into service to carry it for him. As they proceed along, many people, including women, follow, beating themselves in grief and bewailing Jesus.
Turning to the women, Jesus says: "Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for me. On the contrary, weep for yourselves and for your children; because, look! days are coming in which people will say, 'Happy are the barren women, and the wombs that did not give birth and the breasts that did not nurse! . . .Because if they do these things when the tree is moist what will occur when it is withered?"
Jesus is referring to the tree of the Jewish nation, which still has some moisture of life in it because of Jesus' presence and the existence of a remnant that believe in him. But when these are taken out from the nation, only a spiritually dead tree will remain, yes, a withered national organization. Oh, what cause for weeping there will be when the Roman armies serving as God's executioners, devastate the Jewish nation! John 19:6-17; 18:31; Luke 23:24-31; Matthew 27:31, 32; Mark 15:20, 21.
Next time: Agony On The Stake
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
By now it is mid-morning on Friday, Nisan 14; perhaps it is approaching noon. Jesus has been up since early Thursday morning, and he has suffered one agonizing experience after another. Understandably, his strength soon gives out under the weight of the stake. So a passerby, a certain Simon of Cyrene in Africa, is impressed into service to carry it for him. As they proceed along, many people, including women, follow, beating themselves in grief and bewailing Jesus.
Turning to the women, Jesus says: "Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for me. On the contrary, weep for yourselves and for your children; because, look! days are coming in which people will say, 'Happy are the barren women, and the wombs that did not give birth and the breasts that did not nurse! . . .Because if they do these things when the tree is moist what will occur when it is withered?"
Jesus is referring to the tree of the Jewish nation, which still has some moisture of life in it because of Jesus' presence and the existence of a remnant that believe in him. But when these are taken out from the nation, only a spiritually dead tree will remain, yes, a withered national organization. Oh, what cause for weeping there will be when the Roman armies serving as God's executioners, devastate the Jewish nation! John 19:6-17; 18:31; Luke 23:24-31; Matthew 27:31, 32; Mark 15:20, 21.
Next time: Agony On The Stake
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.22.2009
Handed Over And Led Away
WHEN Pilate, moved by the quiet dignity of the tortured Jesus, again tries to release him, the chief priests become even angrier. They are determined to let nothing interfere with their wicked purpose. So they renew their shouting: "Impale him! Impale him!" "Take him yourselves and impale him," Pilate responds. (Contrary to their earlier claims, the Jews may have authority to execute criminals for religious offenses that are of sufficient gravity.) Then, for at least the fifth time, Pilate declares Jesus innocent, saying: "I do not find any fault in him."
The Jews, seeing that their political charges have failed to produce results, fall back on their religious charge of blasphemy used hours earlier at Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin. "We have a law," they say, "and according to the law he ought to die, because he made himself God's Son." This charge is new to Pilate, and it causes him to become more fearful. By now he realizes that Jesus is no ordinary man, even as his wife's dream and Jesus' remarkable strength of personality indicate. but "God's Son?" Pilate knows that Jesus is from Galilee. Yet, could he possibly have lived before? Taking him back into the palace again, Pilate asks: "Where are you from?"
Jesus remains silent. Earlier he had told Pilate that his is a king but that his Kingdom is no part of this world. No further explanation now would serve a useful purpose. However, Pilate's pride is hurt by the refusal to answer, and he flares up at Jesus with the words: "Are you not speaking to me? Do you not know I have authority to release you and I have authority to impale you?" "You would have no authority at all against me unless it had been granted to you from above," Jesus responds respectfully. He is referring to the grant by God of authority to human rulers to administer earthly affairs. Jesus adds: "This is why the man that handed me over to you has greater sin." Indeed the high priest Caiaphas and his accomplices had Judas Iscariot all bear heavier responsibility than Pilate for the unjust treatment of Jesus.
Impressed even more by Jesus and fearful that Jesus may have a divine origin, Pilate renews his efforts to release him. The Jews, however, rebuff Pilate. They repeat their political charge, craftily threatening: "If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Every man making himself a king speaks against Caesar." Despite the dire implications, Pilate brings Jesus outside once more. "See, Your King! He appeals yet again. "Take him away! Take him away! Impale him!" Shall I impale your king? Pilate asks in desperation. The Jews have chafed under the rule of the Romans. Indeed, they despise Rome's domination! Yet, hypocritically, the chief priests say: "We have no king but Caesar."
Next time: Conclusion of Handed Over And Led Away
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The Jews, seeing that their political charges have failed to produce results, fall back on their religious charge of blasphemy used hours earlier at Jesus' trial before the Sanhedrin. "We have a law," they say, "and according to the law he ought to die, because he made himself God's Son." This charge is new to Pilate, and it causes him to become more fearful. By now he realizes that Jesus is no ordinary man, even as his wife's dream and Jesus' remarkable strength of personality indicate. but "God's Son?" Pilate knows that Jesus is from Galilee. Yet, could he possibly have lived before? Taking him back into the palace again, Pilate asks: "Where are you from?"
Jesus remains silent. Earlier he had told Pilate that his is a king but that his Kingdom is no part of this world. No further explanation now would serve a useful purpose. However, Pilate's pride is hurt by the refusal to answer, and he flares up at Jesus with the words: "Are you not speaking to me? Do you not know I have authority to release you and I have authority to impale you?" "You would have no authority at all against me unless it had been granted to you from above," Jesus responds respectfully. He is referring to the grant by God of authority to human rulers to administer earthly affairs. Jesus adds: "This is why the man that handed me over to you has greater sin." Indeed the high priest Caiaphas and his accomplices had Judas Iscariot all bear heavier responsibility than Pilate for the unjust treatment of Jesus.
Impressed even more by Jesus and fearful that Jesus may have a divine origin, Pilate renews his efforts to release him. The Jews, however, rebuff Pilate. They repeat their political charge, craftily threatening: "If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Every man making himself a king speaks against Caesar." Despite the dire implications, Pilate brings Jesus outside once more. "See, Your King! He appeals yet again. "Take him away! Take him away! Impale him!" Shall I impale your king? Pilate asks in desperation. The Jews have chafed under the rule of the Romans. Indeed, they despise Rome's domination! Yet, hypocritically, the chief priests say: "We have no king but Caesar."
Next time: Conclusion of Handed Over And Led Away
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.21.2009
Conclusion of "Look! The Man!"
After this torturous beating, Jesus is taken into the governor's palace, and the whole body of troops is called together. There the soldiers heap further abuse on him by braiding a crown of thorns and pushing it down on his head. they put a reed in his right hand, and they clothe him with a purple garment, they type worn by royalty. Then they say to him mockingly: "Good day, you King of the Jews!" Also, they spit on him and slap him in the face. Taking the sturdy reed from his hand, they us it to hit him on the head, driving even further into his scalp the sharp thorns of his humiliating "crown."
Jesus' remarkable dignity and strength in the face of this maltreatment so impresses Palate that he is moved to make another attempt to redeem him. "See! I bring him outside to you in order for you to know I find no fault in him," he tells the crowds. Possibly he imagines that the sight of Jesus' tortured condition will soften their hearts. As Jesus stands before the heartless mob, wearing the thorny crown and the purple outer garment and with his bleeding face etched with pain, Pilate proclaims: "Look! The man!"
Though bruised and battered, here stands the most outstanding figure of all history, truly the greatest man who ever lived! Yes, Jesus shows a quiet dignity and calm that bespeak a greatness that even Pilate must acknowledge, for his words are apparently a mingling of both respect and pity. John 18:39-19:5; Matthew 27:15-17, 20-30; Mark 15:6-19; Luke 23:18-25.
Next time: Handed Over And led Away
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus' remarkable dignity and strength in the face of this maltreatment so impresses Palate that he is moved to make another attempt to redeem him. "See! I bring him outside to you in order for you to know I find no fault in him," he tells the crowds. Possibly he imagines that the sight of Jesus' tortured condition will soften their hearts. As Jesus stands before the heartless mob, wearing the thorny crown and the purple outer garment and with his bleeding face etched with pain, Pilate proclaims: "Look! The man!"
Though bruised and battered, here stands the most outstanding figure of all history, truly the greatest man who ever lived! Yes, Jesus shows a quiet dignity and calm that bespeak a greatness that even Pilate must acknowledge, for his words are apparently a mingling of both respect and pity. John 18:39-19:5; Matthew 27:15-17, 20-30; Mark 15:6-19; Luke 23:18-25.
Next time: Handed Over And led Away
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.20.2009
"Look! The Man!"
IMPRESSED by Jesus' demeanor and recognizing his innocence, Pilate pursues another way to release him. "You have a custom," he tells the crowds, "that I should release a man to you at the Passover." Barabbas, a notorious murderer, is also being held as prisoner, so Pilate asks: "Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus the so-called Christ?" Persuaded by the chief priests who have stirred them up, the people ask for Barabbas to be released but for Jesus to be killed. Not giving up, Pilate responds, asking again: "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" "Barabbas," they shout. "What, then, shall I do with Jesus the so-called Christ?" Pilate asks in dismay. With one deafening roar, they answer: "Let him be impaled!" "Impaled! Impale him!"
Knowing that they are demanding the death of an innocent man, Pilate pleads: "Why, what bad thing did this man do? I found nothing deserving of death in him: I will therefore chastise and release him!" Despite his attempts, the enraged crowd, egged on by their religious leaders, keep yelling: "Let him be impaled!" Worked into a frenzy by the priests, the crowd wants blood. And to think, only five days before, some of them were probably among those who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as King! All the while, Jesus' disciples, if they are present, remain silent and inconspicuous.
Pilate, seeing his appeals are doing no good but, rather, that an uproar is arising, takes water and washes his hands before the crowd, and says: "I am innocent of the blood of this man. You yourselves must see to it." At that , the people answer: "His blood came upon us and upon our children." So, in accord with their demands-and wishing to satisfy the crowd more than to do what he knows is right-Pilate releases Barabbas to them. He takes Jesus and has him stripped and then scourged. This was no ordinary whipping. The Journal of the American Medical Association describes the Roman practice of scourging: "The usual instrument was a short whip (flagrum or flagelum) with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. . . . As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the victim's back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear ribbons of bleeding flesh."
Next time: Conclusion of "Look! The Man!"
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Knowing that they are demanding the death of an innocent man, Pilate pleads: "Why, what bad thing did this man do? I found nothing deserving of death in him: I will therefore chastise and release him!" Despite his attempts, the enraged crowd, egged on by their religious leaders, keep yelling: "Let him be impaled!" Worked into a frenzy by the priests, the crowd wants blood. And to think, only five days before, some of them were probably among those who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as King! All the while, Jesus' disciples, if they are present, remain silent and inconspicuous.
Pilate, seeing his appeals are doing no good but, rather, that an uproar is arising, takes water and washes his hands before the crowd, and says: "I am innocent of the blood of this man. You yourselves must see to it." At that , the people answer: "His blood came upon us and upon our children." So, in accord with their demands-and wishing to satisfy the crowd more than to do what he knows is right-Pilate releases Barabbas to them. He takes Jesus and has him stripped and then scourged. This was no ordinary whipping. The Journal of the American Medical Association describes the Roman practice of scourging: "The usual instrument was a short whip (flagrum or flagelum) with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals. . . . As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the victim's back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear ribbons of bleeding flesh."
Next time: Conclusion of "Look! The Man!"
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.19.2009
From Pilate To Herod And Back Again
Learning that Jesus is a Galilean, Pilate sees a way out of responsibility for him. The ruler of Galilee, Herod Anitipas (son of Herod the Great), is in Jerusalem for the Passover, so Pilate sends Jesus to him. Earlier, Herod Antipas had John the Baptizer beheaded, and then Herod became frightened when he heard about the miraculous works Jesus was performing, fearing that Jesus was actually John who had been raised from the dead. Now, Herod is overjoyed at the prospect of seeing Jesus. This is not because he is concerned about Jesus' welfare of that he wants to make any real attempt to learn whether the charges against him are true or not. Rather, he is simply curious and hopes to see Jesus perform some miracle.
Jesus, however, refuses to satisfy Herod's curiosity. In fact, as Herod questions him, he does not say a word. Disappointed, Herod and his soldier guards make fun of Jesus. they clothe him with a bright garment and mock him. They they send him back to Pilate. As a result, Herod and Pilate, who had formerly been enemies, become good friends.
When Jesus returns, Pilate calls the chief priests, the Jewish rulers, and the people together and says: "You brought this man to me as one inciting the people to revolt, and, look! I examined him in front of you but found in this man no ground for the charges you are bringing against him. In fact, neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us; and, look! nothing deserving of death has been committed by him. I will therefore chastise him and release him."
Thus Pilate has twice declared Jesus innocent. He is eager to free him, for he realizes that it is only because of envy that the priest have handed him over. As Pilate continues to try to release Jesus, he receives even stronger motivation to do so. While he is on his judgment set, his wife sends a message, urging him: "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I suffered a lot today in a dream [evidently of divine origin] because of him." Yet, how can Pilate release this innocent man, as he knows he should? John 18:36-38; Luke 23:4-16; Matthew 27:12-14, 18, 19; 14:1, 2; Mark 15:2-5.
Next time: "Look! The Man!"
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
Jesus, however, refuses to satisfy Herod's curiosity. In fact, as Herod questions him, he does not say a word. Disappointed, Herod and his soldier guards make fun of Jesus. they clothe him with a bright garment and mock him. They they send him back to Pilate. As a result, Herod and Pilate, who had formerly been enemies, become good friends.
When Jesus returns, Pilate calls the chief priests, the Jewish rulers, and the people together and says: "You brought this man to me as one inciting the people to revolt, and, look! I examined him in front of you but found in this man no ground for the charges you are bringing against him. In fact, neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us; and, look! nothing deserving of death has been committed by him. I will therefore chastise him and release him."
Thus Pilate has twice declared Jesus innocent. He is eager to free him, for he realizes that it is only because of envy that the priest have handed him over. As Pilate continues to try to release Jesus, he receives even stronger motivation to do so. While he is on his judgment set, his wife sends a message, urging him: "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I suffered a lot today in a dream [evidently of divine origin] because of him." Yet, how can Pilate release this innocent man, as he knows he should? John 18:36-38; Luke 23:4-16; Matthew 27:12-14, 18, 19; 14:1, 2; Mark 15:2-5.
Next time: "Look! The Man!"
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
7.18.2009
From Pilate To Herod And Back Again
ALTHOUGH Jesus makes no attempt to conceal from Pilate that he is a king, he explains that his Kingdom is no threat to Rome. "My kingdom is not part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source." Jesus thus acknowledges three times that he has a Kingdom, although is it not of an earthly source. Yet, Pilate presses him further: "Well, then, are you a king?" That is, are you a king even though your Kingdom is not part of this world?
Jesus lets Pilate know that he has drawn the right conclusion, answering: "You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice. Yes, the very purpose of Jesus' existence on earth is to bear witness "to the truth," specifically the truth about his Kingdom. Jesus is prepared to be faithful to that truth even if it costs him his life. Although Pilate asks: "What is the truth?" He does not wait for further explanation. He has heard enough to render judgment.
Pilate turns to the crow waiting outside the palace. Evidently with Jesus at his side, he tells the chief priests and those with them: "I find not crime in this man." Angered by the decision, the crowds begin to insist: "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, even starting from Galilee to here.
The unreasoning fanaticism of the Jews must amaze Pilate. So, as the chief priests and older men continue shouting, Pilate turns to Jesus and asks: "Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?"Yet, Jesus makes no attempt to answer. His calm in the face of the accusation cause Pilate to marvel.
Next time: Conclusion of From Pilate To Herod And Back Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus lets Pilate know that he has drawn the right conclusion, answering: "You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice. Yes, the very purpose of Jesus' existence on earth is to bear witness "to the truth," specifically the truth about his Kingdom. Jesus is prepared to be faithful to that truth even if it costs him his life. Although Pilate asks: "What is the truth?" He does not wait for further explanation. He has heard enough to render judgment.
Pilate turns to the crow waiting outside the palace. Evidently with Jesus at his side, he tells the chief priests and those with them: "I find not crime in this man." Angered by the decision, the crowds begin to insist: "He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, even starting from Galilee to here.
The unreasoning fanaticism of the Jews must amaze Pilate. So, as the chief priests and older men continue shouting, Pilate turns to Jesus and asks: "Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?"Yet, Jesus makes no attempt to answer. His calm in the face of the accusation cause Pilate to marvel.
Next time: Conclusion of From Pilate To Herod And Back Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.17.2009
Before The Sanhedrin, Then To Pilate
It is still early in the morning when Jesus is taken to the governor's palace. But the Jews who have accompanied him refuse to enter because they believe that such intimacy with Gentiles will defile them. So to accommodate them, Pilate comes out. "What accusation do you bring against this man?" He asks. "If this man is not a wrongdoer, we would not have delivered him up to you," they answer. Desiring to avoid involvement, Pilate responds: "Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law."
Revealing their murderous intent, the Jews claim: "It is not lawful for us to kill anyone." Indeed, if they killed Jesus during the Passover Festival, it would likely cause a public uproar, since many hold Jesus in high regard. But if they can get the Romans to execute him on a political charge, this will tend to absolve them of responsibility before the people. So the religious leaders, not mentioning their earlier trial during which they condemned Jesus for blasphemy, now trump up different charges. they make the three-part accusation: "This man we found [1]subverting our nation and [2] forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar and [3]saying he himself is Christ a king."
It is the charge that Jesus claims to be a king that concerns Pilate. He, therefore, enters the palace again, calls Jesus to him, and asks: "Are you the King of the Jews?" In other words, have you broken the law by declaring yourself to be a king in opposition to Caesar? Jesus wants to know how much Pilate already has heard about him, so he asks: "Is it of your own originality that you say this, or did others tell you about me?"
Pilate professes ignorance about him and a desire to learn the facts. "I am not a Jew, am I?" He responds. "Your own nation the chief priests delivered you up to me. What did you do?" Jesus in no way attempts to dodge the issue, which is that of kingship. The answer that Jesus now gives no doubt surprises Pilate. Luke 22:66-23:3; Matthew 27:1-11; Mark 15:1; John 18:28-35; Acts 1:16-20.
Next time: From Pilate To Herod And Back Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Revealing their murderous intent, the Jews claim: "It is not lawful for us to kill anyone." Indeed, if they killed Jesus during the Passover Festival, it would likely cause a public uproar, since many hold Jesus in high regard. But if they can get the Romans to execute him on a political charge, this will tend to absolve them of responsibility before the people. So the religious leaders, not mentioning their earlier trial during which they condemned Jesus for blasphemy, now trump up different charges. they make the three-part accusation: "This man we found [1]subverting our nation and [2] forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar and [3]saying he himself is Christ a king."
It is the charge that Jesus claims to be a king that concerns Pilate. He, therefore, enters the palace again, calls Jesus to him, and asks: "Are you the King of the Jews?" In other words, have you broken the law by declaring yourself to be a king in opposition to Caesar? Jesus wants to know how much Pilate already has heard about him, so he asks: "Is it of your own originality that you say this, or did others tell you about me?"
Pilate professes ignorance about him and a desire to learn the facts. "I am not a Jew, am I?" He responds. "Your own nation the chief priests delivered you up to me. What did you do?" Jesus in no way attempts to dodge the issue, which is that of kingship. The answer that Jesus now gives no doubt surprises Pilate. Luke 22:66-23:3; Matthew 27:1-11; Mark 15:1; John 18:28-35; Acts 1:16-20.
Next time: From Pilate To Herod And Back Again
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.16.2009
Before The Sanhedrin, Then To Pilate
THE night is drawing to a close. Peter has denied Jesus for the third time, and the members of the Sanhedrin have finished with their mock trial and have dispersed. However, as soon as it becomes dawn Friday morning, they meet again, this time at their Sanhedrin hall. Their purpose likely is to give some appearance of legality to the night trial. When Jesus is brought before them, they say, as they did during the night: "If you are Christ, tell us." Even if I told you, you would not believe it," Jesus answers. "Moreover, If I questioned you, you would not answer." However, Jesus courageously points to his identity, saying: "From n ow on the Son of man will be sitting at the powerful right hand of God."
"Are you, therefore, the Son of God?" All of them want to know. Your yourselves are saying I am," Jesus replies. For these men intent on murder, this answer is sufficient. They consider it blasphemy. "Why do we need further witness?" They ask. "For we ourselves have heard it out of his own mouth." So they bind Jesus, lead him away, and hand him over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
Judas, Jesus' betrayer, has been observing the proceedings. When he sees that Jesus has been condemned, he feels remorse. So he goes to the chief priests and older men to return the 30 pieces of silver, explaining: "I sinned when I betrayed righteous blood." "What is that to us? You must see to that!" They heartlessly reply. So Judas throws the silver pieces into the temple and goes off to hang himself. However, the branch to which Judas ties the rope apparently breaks and his body plunges to the rocks below, where it bursts apart.
The chief priests are not sure what to do with the silver pieces. "Is is not lawful to drop them into the sacred treasury," they conclude, "because they are the price of blood." So, after consulting together, they purchase with the money the potter's field to bury strangers. The field thus comes to be called "Field of Blood."
Next time: Conclusion of Before The Sanhedrin, Then To Pilate
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
"Are you, therefore, the Son of God?" All of them want to know. Your yourselves are saying I am," Jesus replies. For these men intent on murder, this answer is sufficient. They consider it blasphemy. "Why do we need further witness?" They ask. "For we ourselves have heard it out of his own mouth." So they bind Jesus, lead him away, and hand him over to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
Judas, Jesus' betrayer, has been observing the proceedings. When he sees that Jesus has been condemned, he feels remorse. So he goes to the chief priests and older men to return the 30 pieces of silver, explaining: "I sinned when I betrayed righteous blood." "What is that to us? You must see to that!" They heartlessly reply. So Judas throws the silver pieces into the temple and goes off to hang himself. However, the branch to which Judas ties the rope apparently breaks and his body plunges to the rocks below, where it bursts apart.
The chief priests are not sure what to do with the silver pieces. "Is is not lawful to drop them into the sacred treasury," they conclude, "because they are the price of blood." So, after consulting together, they purchase with the money the potter's field to bury strangers. The field thus comes to be called "Field of Blood."
Next time: Conclusion of Before The Sanhedrin, Then To Pilate
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
7.15.2009
Conclusion of Denials In The Courtyard
About an hour has passed since Peter was last identified as an associate of Jesus. Now a number of those standing around come up to him and say: "Certainly you also are one of them, for, in fact, your dialect gives you away." One of the group is a relative of Malchus, whose ear Peter cut off. "I saw you in the garden with him, did I not?" He says.
I do not know the man!" Peter vehemently asserts. In fact, he tries to convince them that they are all mistaken by cursing and swearing to the matter, in effect, calling down evil upon himself if he is not telling the truth.
Just as Peter makes his third denial, a cock crows. And at that moment, Jesus, who has apparently come out upon a balcony above the courtyard, turns and looks at him. Immediately, Peter recalls what Jesus said only a few hours earlier in the upper room: "Before a cock crows twice, even you will disown me three times." Crushed by the weight of his sin, Peter goes outside and weeps bitterly.
How could this happen? How, after being so certain of his spiritual strength, could Peter deny his Master three times in quick succession? The circumstances no doubt catch Peter unawares. Truth is being distorted, and Jesus is being depicted as a vile criminal. What is right is being made to appear wrong, the innocent one as guilty. So because of the pressures of the occasion, Peter is thrown off balance. Suddenly his proper sense of loyalty is upset; to his sorrow, he is paralyzed by fear of man. May that never happen to us! Matthew 26:57, 58, 69-75; Mark 14:30, 53, 54, 66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27.
Next time: Before The Sanhedrin, Then To Pilate
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
I do not know the man!" Peter vehemently asserts. In fact, he tries to convince them that they are all mistaken by cursing and swearing to the matter, in effect, calling down evil upon himself if he is not telling the truth.
Just as Peter makes his third denial, a cock crows. And at that moment, Jesus, who has apparently come out upon a balcony above the courtyard, turns and looks at him. Immediately, Peter recalls what Jesus said only a few hours earlier in the upper room: "Before a cock crows twice, even you will disown me three times." Crushed by the weight of his sin, Peter goes outside and weeps bitterly.
How could this happen? How, after being so certain of his spiritual strength, could Peter deny his Master three times in quick succession? The circumstances no doubt catch Peter unawares. Truth is being distorted, and Jesus is being depicted as a vile criminal. What is right is being made to appear wrong, the innocent one as guilty. So because of the pressures of the occasion, Peter is thrown off balance. Suddenly his proper sense of loyalty is upset; to his sorrow, he is paralyzed by fear of man. May that never happen to us! Matthew 26:57, 58, 69-75; Mark 14:30, 53, 54, 66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27.
Next time: Before The Sanhedrin, Then To Pilate
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.14.2009
Denials In The Courtyard
AFTER abandoning Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and fleeing in fear with the rest of the apostles, Peter and John stop in their flight. Perhaps they catch up with Jesus when is is being taken to the home of Annas. When Annas sends him over to High Priest Caiaphas, Peter and John follow at a good distance, apparently torn between fear for their own lives and their deep concern as to what will happen to their Master. Arriving at Caiaphas' spacious residence, John is able to gain entrance into the courtyard, since he is known to the high priest. Peter, however, is left standing outside at the door. But soon John returns and speaks to the doorkeeper, a servant girl, and Peter is permitted to enter.
By now it is cold, and the house attendants and the officers of the high priest have built a charcoal fire. Peter joins them to keep warm while awaiting the outcome of Jesus' trial. There, in the light of the bright fire, the doorkeeper who had let Peter in gets a better look at him. "You, too, were with Jesus the Galilean!" She exclaims. Upset at being identified, Peter denies before all of them ever knowing Jesus. "Neither do I know him nor do I understand what you are saying." He says. At that, Peter goes out near the gateway. There, another girl notices him and also says to those standing by: "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene." Once more Peter denies it, swearing: "I do not know the man!"
Peter remains in the courtyard, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. Perhaps at this point he is startled by the crowing of a cock in the early morning darkness. In the meantime Jesus' trial is in progress, evidently being conducted in a part of the house above the courtyard. No doubt Peter and the others waiting below see the comings and goings of various witnesses that are brought into testify.
Next time: Conclusion of Denials In The Courtyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
By now it is cold, and the house attendants and the officers of the high priest have built a charcoal fire. Peter joins them to keep warm while awaiting the outcome of Jesus' trial. There, in the light of the bright fire, the doorkeeper who had let Peter in gets a better look at him. "You, too, were with Jesus the Galilean!" She exclaims. Upset at being identified, Peter denies before all of them ever knowing Jesus. "Neither do I know him nor do I understand what you are saying." He says. At that, Peter goes out near the gateway. There, another girl notices him and also says to those standing by: "This man was with Jesus the Nazarene." Once more Peter denies it, swearing: "I do not know the man!"
Peter remains in the courtyard, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. Perhaps at this point he is startled by the crowing of a cock in the early morning darkness. In the meantime Jesus' trial is in progress, evidently being conducted in a part of the house above the courtyard. No doubt Peter and the others waiting below see the comings and goings of various witnesses that are brought into testify.
Next time: Conclusion of Denials In The Courtyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.13.2009
Conclusion of Taken To Annas Then To Caiaphas
"Do you say nothing in reply?" Caiaphas asks. "What is it these are testifying against you?" But Jesus remains silent. Even in this false charge, to the humiliation of the Sanhedrin, the witnesses cannot make their stories agree. So the high priest tries a different tactic. Caiaphas knows how sensitive Jews are about anyone claiming to be the very Son of God. On two earlier occasions, they had rashly labeled Jesus as a blasphemer worthy of death, once having mistakenly imagined that he was claiming to be equal to God. Caiaphas now craftily demands: "By the living God I put you under oath to tell us whether you are the Christ the Son of God!"
Regardless of what the Jews think, Jesus really is the Son of God. And to remain silent could be construed as a denial of his being the Christ. So Jesus courageously replies: "I am; and you persons will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven." At this, Caiaphas, in a dramatic display, rips his garments and exclaims: "He has blasphemed! What further need do we need of witnesses? See! Now you have heard the blasphemy. What is your opinion?"
"He is liable to death," the Sanhedrin proclaims. Then they begin to make fun of him, and they say many things in blasphemy against him. They slap his face and spit into it. Others cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say sarcastically: "Prophesy to us, you Christ. Who is it that struck you?" This abusive, illegal behavior occurs during the nighttime trial. Matthew 26:57-68; 26:3, 4; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54, 63-65; John 18:13-24; 11:45-53; 10:31-39; 5:16-18.
Next time: Denials In The Courtyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Regardless of what the Jews think, Jesus really is the Son of God. And to remain silent could be construed as a denial of his being the Christ. So Jesus courageously replies: "I am; and you persons will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven." At this, Caiaphas, in a dramatic display, rips his garments and exclaims: "He has blasphemed! What further need do we need of witnesses? See! Now you have heard the blasphemy. What is your opinion?"
"He is liable to death," the Sanhedrin proclaims. Then they begin to make fun of him, and they say many things in blasphemy against him. They slap his face and spit into it. Others cover his whole face and hit him with their fists and say sarcastically: "Prophesy to us, you Christ. Who is it that struck you?" This abusive, illegal behavior occurs during the nighttime trial. Matthew 26:57-68; 26:3, 4; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:54, 63-65; John 18:13-24; 11:45-53; 10:31-39; 5:16-18.
Next time: Denials In The Courtyard
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.11.2009
Taken To Annas Then To Caiaphas
JESUS, bound as a common criminal, is led to Annas, the influential former high priest. Annas was high priest when Jesus as a 12-year old lad amazed the rabbinic teachers at the temple. Several of Annas' sons later served as high priest, and presently his son-in-law Caiaphas holds that position. Jesus is probably first led to the home of Annas because of that chief priest's longtime prominence in Jewish religious life. This stopover to see Annas allows time for High Priest Caiaphas to assemble the Sanhedrin, the 71-member Jewish high court, as well as to gather false witnesses.
Chief priest Annas now questions Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. However, Jesus says in reply: "I have spoken to the world publicly. I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them. See! These know what I said." At this, one of the officers standing near Jesus slaps him in the face, saying: "Is that the way you answer the chief priest?" "If I spoke wrongly," Jesus replies, "bear witness concerning the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me?" After this exchange, Annas sends Jesus away bound to Caiaphas.
By now all the chief priests and the older men and the scribes, yes,the whole Sanhedrin, are beginning to assemble. Their place of meeting is evidently the home of Caiaphas. To hold such a trial on the night of a Passover is clearly against Jewish law. But this does not deter the religious leaders from their wicked purpose.
Weeks before, when Jesus resurrected Lazarus, the Sanhedrin had already determined among themselves that he must die. And just two days earlier, on Wednesday, the religious authorities took counsel together to seize Jesus by crafty device to kill him. Imagine, he has actually been condemned before his trial!
Efforts are now underway to find witnesses who will provide false evidence so that a case may be built against Jesus. However, no witnesses can be found who are in agreement in their testimony. Eventually, two come forward and assert: "We heard him say, 'I will throw down this temple that was made with hands and in three days I will build another not made with hands.' "
Next time: Conclusion of Taken To Annas Then To Caiaphas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Chief priest Annas now questions Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. However, Jesus says in reply: "I have spoken to the world publicly. I always taught in a synagogue and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret. Why do you question me? Question those who have heard what I spoke to them. See! These know what I said." At this, one of the officers standing near Jesus slaps him in the face, saying: "Is that the way you answer the chief priest?" "If I spoke wrongly," Jesus replies, "bear witness concerning the wrong; but if rightly, why do you hit me?" After this exchange, Annas sends Jesus away bound to Caiaphas.
By now all the chief priests and the older men and the scribes, yes,the whole Sanhedrin, are beginning to assemble. Their place of meeting is evidently the home of Caiaphas. To hold such a trial on the night of a Passover is clearly against Jewish law. But this does not deter the religious leaders from their wicked purpose.
Weeks before, when Jesus resurrected Lazarus, the Sanhedrin had already determined among themselves that he must die. And just two days earlier, on Wednesday, the religious authorities took counsel together to seize Jesus by crafty device to kill him. Imagine, he has actually been condemned before his trial!
Efforts are now underway to find witnesses who will provide false evidence so that a case may be built against Jesus. However, no witnesses can be found who are in agreement in their testimony. Eventually, two come forward and assert: "We heard him say, 'I will throw down this temple that was made with hands and in three days I will build another not made with hands.' "
Next time: Conclusion of Taken To Annas Then To Caiaphas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.10.2009
Conclusion of Betrayal And Arrest
As the soldiers regain their composure, stand up, and start to bind Jesus, the apostles recognize what is about to happen. "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" They ask. Before Jesus replies, Peter, wielding one of the two swords the apostles have brought, attacks Malchus, a slave of the high priest. Peter's blow misses the slave's head but cuts off the right ear. "Let it go as far as this," Jesus says as he intervenes. Touching the ear of Malchus, he heals the wound. Then he teaches an important lesson, commanding Peter: "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels?"
Jesus is willing to be arrested, for he explains: "How would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must take place this way?" And he adds: "The cup that the Father has given me, should I not by all means drink it?" He is in complete agreement with God's will for him!
Then Jesus addresses the crowd. "Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber to arrest me?" He asks. "Day after day I used to sit in the temple teaching, and yet you did not take me into custody. But all this has taken place for the Scriptures of the prophets to be fulfilled."
At that the soldier band and the military commander and the officers of the Jews seize Jesus and bind him. On seeing this, the apostles abandon Jesus and flee. However, a young man-perhaps it is the disciple Mark-remains among the crowd. He may have been at the hoe where Jesus celebrated the Passover and afterward followed the crowd from there. Now, however, he is recognized, and an attempt is made to seize him. But he leaves behind his linen garment and gets away. Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 17:12; 18:3-12.
Next time: Taken To Annas, Then To Caiaphas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus is willing to be arrested, for he explains: "How would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must take place this way?" And he adds: "The cup that the Father has given me, should I not by all means drink it?" He is in complete agreement with God's will for him!
Then Jesus addresses the crowd. "Have you come out with swords and clubs as against a robber to arrest me?" He asks. "Day after day I used to sit in the temple teaching, and yet you did not take me into custody. But all this has taken place for the Scriptures of the prophets to be fulfilled."
At that the soldier band and the military commander and the officers of the Jews seize Jesus and bind him. On seeing this, the apostles abandon Jesus and flee. However, a young man-perhaps it is the disciple Mark-remains among the crowd. He may have been at the hoe where Jesus celebrated the Passover and afterward followed the crowd from there. Now, however, he is recognized, and an attempt is made to seize him. But he leaves behind his linen garment and gets away. Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 17:12; 18:3-12.
Next time: Taken To Annas, Then To Caiaphas
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.09.2009
Betrayal And Arrest
IT is well past midnight as Judas leads a large crowd of soldiers, chief priests, Pharisees and others into the garden of Gethsemane. The priests have agreed to pay Judas 30 pieces of silver to betray Jesus. Earlier, when Judas was dismissed from the Passover meal, he had evidently gone directly to the chief priests. These immediately assembled their own officers, as well as a band of soldiers. Judas had perhaps first led them to where Jesus and his apostles had celebrated the Passover. Discovering that they had left, the large crowd bearing weapons and carrying lamps and torches followed Judas out of Jerusalem and across the Kidron Valley.
As Judas leads the procession up the Mount of Olives, he feels sure he knows where to find Jesus. During the past week, as Jesus and the apostles traveled back and forth between Bethany and Jerusalem, they often stopped in the garden of Gethsemane to rest and to converse. But, now, with Jesus possibly concealed in the darkness beneath the olive trees, how will the soldiers identify him? They may never have seen him before. Therefore Judas provides a sign, saying: "Whoever it is I kiss, this is he; take him into custody and lead him away safely."
Judas leads the great crowd into the garden, sees Jesus with his apostles, and goes straight up to him. "Good day, Rabbi!" He says and kisses him very tenderly. "Fellow for what purpose are you present?" Jesus retorts. Then, answering his own question. He says: "Judas, do you betray the Son of man with a kiss?" But enough of his betrayer! Jesus steps forward into the light of the burning torches and lamps and asks: "Whom are you looking for?" "Jesus the Nazarene," comes the answer. "I am he," Jesus replies, as he stands courageously before them all. Astonished by his boldness and not knowing what to expect, the men draw back and fall to the ground.
"I told you I am he," Jesus calmly continues. "If, therefore, it is I you are looking for, let these go." Shortly before in the upper room, Jesus had told his Father in prayer that he had kept his faithful apostles and not one of them had been lost "except the son of destruction." So, in order that his word might be fulfilled, he asks that his followers be let go.
Next time: Continue with the subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
As Judas leads the procession up the Mount of Olives, he feels sure he knows where to find Jesus. During the past week, as Jesus and the apostles traveled back and forth between Bethany and Jerusalem, they often stopped in the garden of Gethsemane to rest and to converse. But, now, with Jesus possibly concealed in the darkness beneath the olive trees, how will the soldiers identify him? They may never have seen him before. Therefore Judas provides a sign, saying: "Whoever it is I kiss, this is he; take him into custody and lead him away safely."
Judas leads the great crowd into the garden, sees Jesus with his apostles, and goes straight up to him. "Good day, Rabbi!" He says and kisses him very tenderly. "Fellow for what purpose are you present?" Jesus retorts. Then, answering his own question. He says: "Judas, do you betray the Son of man with a kiss?" But enough of his betrayer! Jesus steps forward into the light of the burning torches and lamps and asks: "Whom are you looking for?" "Jesus the Nazarene," comes the answer. "I am he," Jesus replies, as he stands courageously before them all. Astonished by his boldness and not knowing what to expect, the men draw back and fall to the ground.
"I told you I am he," Jesus calmly continues. "If, therefore, it is I you are looking for, let these go." Shortly before in the upper room, Jesus had told his Father in prayer that he had kept his faithful apostles and not one of them had been lost "except the son of destruction." So, in order that his word might be fulfilled, he asks that his followers be let go.
Next time: Continue with the subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.08.2009
Conclusion of Agony In The Garden
Finally, a third time, Jesus goes away, about the distance of a stone's throw, and on bended knees, with strong outcries and tears, he prays: "Father, if you wish, remove this cup from me." Jesus keenly feels severe pains because of the reproach that his death as a criminal will bring on his Father's name. Why, to be charged as a blasphemer-one who curses God-is almost too much to bear!
Nevertheless, Jesus continues to pray: "Not want I want,but what you want." Jesus obediently submits to his will to God's. At this time, an angel from heaven appears and strengthens him with some encouraging words. Likely, the angel tells Jesus that he has his Father's smile of approval.
Yet, what a weight is on Jesus' shoulders! His own eternal life and that of the whole human race hangs in the balance. The emotional stress is enormous. So Jesus continues praying more earnestly, and his sweat becomes as drops of blood as it falls to the ground. "Although this is a very rare phenomenon," observes The Journal of the American Medical Association,"bloody sweat . . . may occur in highly emotional states."
Afterward, Jesus returns for a third time to his apostles, and once more finds them sleeping. They are exhausted from sheer grief. "At such a time as this you are sleeping and taking your rest! He exclaims. "It is enough! The hour has come ! Look! The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look! My betrayer has drawn near." While he is yet speaking, Judas Iscariot approaches, accompanied by a large crowd carrying torches and lamps and weapons. Matthew 26:30. 36-47; 16:21-23; Mark 14:26, 32-43; Luke 22:39-47; John 18:1-3; Hebrews 5:7.
Next time:Betrayal And Arrest
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Nevertheless, Jesus continues to pray: "Not want I want,but what you want." Jesus obediently submits to his will to God's. At this time, an angel from heaven appears and strengthens him with some encouraging words. Likely, the angel tells Jesus that he has his Father's smile of approval.
Yet, what a weight is on Jesus' shoulders! His own eternal life and that of the whole human race hangs in the balance. The emotional stress is enormous. So Jesus continues praying more earnestly, and his sweat becomes as drops of blood as it falls to the ground. "Although this is a very rare phenomenon," observes The Journal of the American Medical Association,"bloody sweat . . . may occur in highly emotional states."
Afterward, Jesus returns for a third time to his apostles, and once more finds them sleeping. They are exhausted from sheer grief. "At such a time as this you are sleeping and taking your rest! He exclaims. "It is enough! The hour has come ! Look! The Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look! My betrayer has drawn near." While he is yet speaking, Judas Iscariot approaches, accompanied by a large crowd carrying torches and lamps and weapons. Matthew 26:30. 36-47; 16:21-23; Mark 14:26, 32-43; Luke 22:39-47; John 18:1-3; Hebrews 5:7.
Next time:Betrayal And Arrest
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.07.2009
Agony In The Garden
WHEN Jesus finishes praying, he and his 11 faithful apostles sing songs of praise to Jehovah. Then they descend from the upper room, emerge into the cool darkness of the night, and head back across the Kidron Valley toward Bethany. But along the way, they stop at a favorite spot, the garden of Gethsemane. This is located on or in the vicinity of the Mount of Olives. Jesus has often met with his apostles here amid the olive trees.
Leaving eight of the apostles-perhaps near the garden's entrance-he instructs them: "Sit down here while I go over there and pray." He then takes the other three-Peter, James and John-and proceeds farther into the garden. Jesus becomes grieved and sorely troubled. "My soul is deeply grieved even to death," he tells them. "Stay here and keep on the watch with me."
Going a little way forward, Jesus drops to the ground and with his face to the ground begins earnestly praying: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will." What does he mean? Why is he "deeply grieved, even to death?" Is he backing down from his decision to die and provide the ransom? Not at all! Jesus is not appealing to be spared from death. Even the thought of avoiding a sacrificial death, once suggested by Peter, is repungnant to him. Rather he is in agony because he fears that the way he will soon die-as a despicable criminal-will bring reproach upon his Father's name. he now senses that in a few hours he is going to be impaled upon a stake as the worst kind of person-a blasphemer against God! This is what sorely troubles him.
After praying at length, Jesus returns and finds the three apostles sleeping. Addressing Peter, he says: "Could you men not so much as watch one hour with me? Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation." Acknowledging, however, he stress they have been under the lateness of the hour, he says: "The spirit, of course is eager, but the flesh is weak."
Jesus then goes off a second time and requests that God remove from him "this cup," that is, Jehovah's assigned portion, or will, for him. When he returns, he again finds that they are sleeping when they should have been praying that they not enter into temptation. When Jesus speaks to them, they do not know what to say in reply.
Next time: Conclusion of Agony In The Garden
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Leaving eight of the apostles-perhaps near the garden's entrance-he instructs them: "Sit down here while I go over there and pray." He then takes the other three-Peter, James and John-and proceeds farther into the garden. Jesus becomes grieved and sorely troubled. "My soul is deeply grieved even to death," he tells them. "Stay here and keep on the watch with me."
Going a little way forward, Jesus drops to the ground and with his face to the ground begins earnestly praying: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will." What does he mean? Why is he "deeply grieved, even to death?" Is he backing down from his decision to die and provide the ransom? Not at all! Jesus is not appealing to be spared from death. Even the thought of avoiding a sacrificial death, once suggested by Peter, is repungnant to him. Rather he is in agony because he fears that the way he will soon die-as a despicable criminal-will bring reproach upon his Father's name. he now senses that in a few hours he is going to be impaled upon a stake as the worst kind of person-a blasphemer against God! This is what sorely troubles him.
After praying at length, Jesus returns and finds the three apostles sleeping. Addressing Peter, he says: "Could you men not so much as watch one hour with me? Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation." Acknowledging, however, he stress they have been under the lateness of the hour, he says: "The spirit, of course is eager, but the flesh is weak."
Jesus then goes off a second time and requests that God remove from him "this cup," that is, Jehovah's assigned portion, or will, for him. When he returns, he again finds that they are sleeping when they should have been praying that they not enter into temptation. When Jesus speaks to them, they do not know what to say in reply.
Next time: Conclusion of Agony In The Garden
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.06.2009
Conclusion of Praparing The Apostles For His Departure-Prayer In The Upper Room
Prayer In The Upper Room
"That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, . . .that they may be just as we are one." Jesus and his Father are not literally one person, but they are in agreement on all things. Jesus prays that his followers enjoy this same oneness so that "the world may have the knowledge that you sent me forth and that you loved them just as you loved me."
In behalf of those who would be his anointed followers, Jesus now makes a request of his heavenly Father. For what? "That where I am, they also may be with me, in order to behold my glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the founding of the world," that is, before Adam and Eve conceived offspring. Long before that, God loved his only-begotten Son, who became Jesus Christ.
Concluding his prayer, Jesus again emphasizes: "I have made your name known to them and will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them." For the apostles, learning the name of God has involved personally coming to know the love of God. John 14:1-17:26; 13:27, 35, 36; 10:16; Luke 22:3, 4; Exodus 24:10; 1 Kings 19:9-13; Isaiah 6:1-5; Galatians 6:16; Psalm 35:19; 69:4; Proverbs 8:22, 30.
Next time: Agony In The Garden
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
"That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, . . .that they may be just as we are one." Jesus and his Father are not literally one person, but they are in agreement on all things. Jesus prays that his followers enjoy this same oneness so that "the world may have the knowledge that you sent me forth and that you loved them just as you loved me."
In behalf of those who would be his anointed followers, Jesus now makes a request of his heavenly Father. For what? "That where I am, they also may be with me, in order to behold my glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the founding of the world," that is, before Adam and Eve conceived offspring. Long before that, God loved his only-begotten Son, who became Jesus Christ.
Concluding his prayer, Jesus again emphasizes: "I have made your name known to them and will make it known, in order that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in union with them." For the apostles, learning the name of God has involved personally coming to know the love of God. John 14:1-17:26; 13:27, 35, 36; 10:16; Luke 22:3, 4; Exodus 24:10; 1 Kings 19:9-13; Isaiah 6:1-5; Galatians 6:16; Psalm 35:19; 69:4; Proverbs 8:22, 30.
Next time: Agony In The Garden
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.05.2009
Continue With Preparing The Apostles For His Departure -Concluding Prayer In The Upper Room
Concluding Prayer In The Upper Room
Making a distinction between his followers and the rest of mankind, Jesus next prays: "I make request, not concerning the world, but concerning those you have given me . . .When I was with them I used to watch over them . . . ., and I have kept them, and not one of them is destroyed except the son of destruction," namely Judas Iscariot. At this very moment, Judas is on his despicable mission to betray Jesus. Thus, Judas is unknowingly fulfilling the Scriptures.
"The world hated them," Jesus continues to pray. "I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. They are not part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." Jesus' followers are in the world, this organized human society ruled by Satan, but they are and must always remain separate from it and its wickedness.
"Sanctify them by means of the truth," Jesus continues, "your word is the truth." Here Jesus calls the inspired Hebrew Scriptures, from which he continually quoted, "the truth." But what he taught his disciples and what they later wrote under inspiration as the Christian Greek Scriptures is likewise "the truth." This truth can sanctify a person, change his life completely and make him a person separate from the world.
Jesus now prays "not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in [him] through their word." So Jesus prays for those who will be his anointed followers and other future disciples who yet will be gathered into "one flock." what does he request for all of these?
Next time: Conclusion of the subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Making a distinction between his followers and the rest of mankind, Jesus next prays: "I make request, not concerning the world, but concerning those you have given me . . .When I was with them I used to watch over them . . . ., and I have kept them, and not one of them is destroyed except the son of destruction," namely Judas Iscariot. At this very moment, Judas is on his despicable mission to betray Jesus. Thus, Judas is unknowingly fulfilling the Scriptures.
"The world hated them," Jesus continues to pray. "I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one. They are not part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." Jesus' followers are in the world, this organized human society ruled by Satan, but they are and must always remain separate from it and its wickedness.
"Sanctify them by means of the truth," Jesus continues, "your word is the truth." Here Jesus calls the inspired Hebrew Scriptures, from which he continually quoted, "the truth." But what he taught his disciples and what they later wrote under inspiration as the Christian Greek Scriptures is likewise "the truth." This truth can sanctify a person, change his life completely and make him a person separate from the world.
Jesus now prays "not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in [him] through their word." So Jesus prays for those who will be his anointed followers and other future disciples who yet will be gathered into "one flock." what does he request for all of these?
Next time: Conclusion of the subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.04.2009
Continue With Prepaing The Apostles For His Departure-Concluding Prayer In The Upper Room
Concluding Prayer In The Upper Room
Moved by deep love for his apostles, Jesus has been preparing them for his imminent departure. Now, after admonishing and comforting them at length, he raises his eyes to heaven and petitions his Father: "Glorify your son, that your son may glorify you, according as you have given him authority over all flesh, that, as regards the whole number whom you have given him, he may give them everlasting life."
What a stirring theme Jesus introduces-everlasting life! Having been given "authority over all flesh," Jesus can impart the benefits of his ransom sacrifice to all dying humankind. Yet, he grants "everlasting life" only to those whom the Father approves. Building on this theme of everlasting life, Jesus continues his prayer: "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." Yes, salvation is dependent upon your taking in knowledge of both God and his Son. But more is needed than just head knowledge.
A person must come to know them intimately, developing an understanding friendship with them. One must feel as they do about matters and see things through their eyes. And above all, a person must strive to imitate their matchless qualities in dealing with others. Jesus next prays: "I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do." Having thus fulfilled his assignment up to this point and being confident of his future success, he petitions: "Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was." yes, he now asks to be restored to his previous heavenly glory by means of a resurrection.
Summarizing his principal work on earth, Jesus says: "I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word." Jesus used God's name; Jehovah, in his ministry and demonstrated a correct pronunciation of it, but he did more than that to make God's name manifest to his apostles. He also expanded their knowledge and appreciation of Jehovah, of his personality and of his purposes.
Crediting Jehovah as his Superior, the One under whom he serves, Jesus humbly acknowledges: "The sayings that you gave me I have given to them, and they have received them and have certainly come to know that I came out as your representative, and they have believed that you sent me."
Next time: Continue with the subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Moved by deep love for his apostles, Jesus has been preparing them for his imminent departure. Now, after admonishing and comforting them at length, he raises his eyes to heaven and petitions his Father: "Glorify your son, that your son may glorify you, according as you have given him authority over all flesh, that, as regards the whole number whom you have given him, he may give them everlasting life."
What a stirring theme Jesus introduces-everlasting life! Having been given "authority over all flesh," Jesus can impart the benefits of his ransom sacrifice to all dying humankind. Yet, he grants "everlasting life" only to those whom the Father approves. Building on this theme of everlasting life, Jesus continues his prayer: "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." Yes, salvation is dependent upon your taking in knowledge of both God and his Son. But more is needed than just head knowledge.
A person must come to know them intimately, developing an understanding friendship with them. One must feel as they do about matters and see things through their eyes. And above all, a person must strive to imitate their matchless qualities in dealing with others. Jesus next prays: "I have glorified you on the earth, having finished the work you have given me to do." Having thus fulfilled his assignment up to this point and being confident of his future success, he petitions: "Father, glorify me alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you before the world was." yes, he now asks to be restored to his previous heavenly glory by means of a resurrection.
Summarizing his principal work on earth, Jesus says: "I have made your name manifest to the men you gave me out of the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have observed your word." Jesus used God's name; Jehovah, in his ministry and demonstrated a correct pronunciation of it, but he did more than that to make God's name manifest to his apostles. He also expanded their knowledge and appreciation of Jehovah, of his personality and of his purposes.
Crediting Jehovah as his Superior, the One under whom he serves, Jesus humbly acknowledges: "The sayings that you gave me I have given to them, and they have received them and have certainly come to know that I came out as your representative, and they have believed that you sent me."
Next time: Continue with the subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.03.2009
Preparing The Apostles For His Departure- Further Departing Admonition
Further Departing Admonition
The Apostles fail particularly with their ability to understand that Jesus will die and then appear to them after he is resurrected. So they ask one another: "What does this mean that he says to us, 'In a little while you will not behold me,' and, 'because I am going to the Father?" Jesus realizes that they want to question him, so he explains: "Most truly I say to you, You will weep and wail,but the world will rejoice; you will be grieved, but your grief will be turned into joy." later that day in the afternoon, when Jesus is killed, the worldly religious leaders rejoice, but the disciples grieve. Their grief is changed to joy, however, when Jesus is resurrected! And their joy continues when he empowers them to be his witnesses by pouring out upon them God's holy spirit!
Comparing the apostles's situation to that of a woman during her birth pangs, Jesus says: "A woman, when she is giving birth, has grief, because her hour has arrived." But Jesus observes that she no longer remembers her tribulation once her child is born, and he encourages his apostles, saying: "You also, therefore, are now, indeed, having grief; but I shall see you again [when I am resurrected] and your hearts will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."
Up to this time, the apostles have never made requests in Jesus' name. But he now says: "If you ask the Father for anythings he will give it to you in my name. . . .For the Father himself has affection for you, because you have affection for me and have believed that I came as the Father's representative. I came out from the Father and have come into the world. Further, I am leaving the world and am going my way to the Father."
Jesus' words are a great encouragement to the apostles. "By this we believe that you came out from God," they say. "Do you believe at present?" Jesus asks. Look! the hour is coming, indeed, it has come, when you will be scattered each one to his own house and you will leave me alone." Unbelievable as it may seem, this occurs before the night is finished!
"I have said these things to you that by means of me you may have peace." Jesus concludes: "In the world you are having tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world." Jesus conquered the world by faithfully accomplishing God's will despite everything that Satan and his world tried to do to break Jesus' integrity.
Next time: Continue with Preparing The Apostles For His Departure- Concluding Prayer In The Upper Room
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
The Apostles fail particularly with their ability to understand that Jesus will die and then appear to them after he is resurrected. So they ask one another: "What does this mean that he says to us, 'In a little while you will not behold me,' and, 'because I am going to the Father?" Jesus realizes that they want to question him, so he explains: "Most truly I say to you, You will weep and wail,but the world will rejoice; you will be grieved, but your grief will be turned into joy." later that day in the afternoon, when Jesus is killed, the worldly religious leaders rejoice, but the disciples grieve. Their grief is changed to joy, however, when Jesus is resurrected! And their joy continues when he empowers them to be his witnesses by pouring out upon them God's holy spirit!
Comparing the apostles's situation to that of a woman during her birth pangs, Jesus says: "A woman, when she is giving birth, has grief, because her hour has arrived." But Jesus observes that she no longer remembers her tribulation once her child is born, and he encourages his apostles, saying: "You also, therefore, are now, indeed, having grief; but I shall see you again [when I am resurrected] and your hearts will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you."
Up to this time, the apostles have never made requests in Jesus' name. But he now says: "If you ask the Father for anythings he will give it to you in my name. . . .For the Father himself has affection for you, because you have affection for me and have believed that I came as the Father's representative. I came out from the Father and have come into the world. Further, I am leaving the world and am going my way to the Father."
Jesus' words are a great encouragement to the apostles. "By this we believe that you came out from God," they say. "Do you believe at present?" Jesus asks. Look! the hour is coming, indeed, it has come, when you will be scattered each one to his own house and you will leave me alone." Unbelievable as it may seem, this occurs before the night is finished!
"I have said these things to you that by means of me you may have peace." Jesus concludes: "In the world you are having tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world." Jesus conquered the world by faithfully accomplishing God's will despite everything that Satan and his world tried to do to break Jesus' integrity.
Next time: Continue with Preparing The Apostles For His Departure- Concluding Prayer In The Upper Room
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
7.02.2009
Preparing The Apostles For His Departure- Further Departing Admonition
Further Departing Admonition
Jesus and the apostles are poised to leave the upper room. "I have spoken these things to you that you may not be stumbled," he continues. Then he gives the solemn warning: "Men will expel you from the synagogue. In fact, the hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God." The apostles are evidently deeply disturbed by this warning. Although Jesus had earlier said that the world would hate them, he had not revealed so directly that they would be killed. "I did not tell you [this] at first," Jesus explains, "because I was with you." Yet,how fine it is to forearm them with this information before he departs!
"But now," Jesus continues, "I am going to him that sent me, and yet not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?" Earlier in the evening, they had inquired about where he was going, but now they are so shaken by what he has told them that they fail to ask further about this. As Jesus says: "Because I have spoken these things to you grief has filled your hearts." The apostles are grieved not only because they have learned that they will suffer terrible persecution and be killed but because their Master is leaving them.
So Jesus explains: "It is for your benefit I am going away. For if I do not go away, the helper will by no means come to you; but if I do go my way, I will send him to you." As a human, Jesus can only be in one place at a time, but when he is in heaven, he can send the helper, God's holy spirit, to his followers wherever they may be on earth. So Jesus' leaving will be beneficial.
The holy spirit, Jesus says, "will give the world convincing evidence concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment." The world's sin, its failure to exercise faith in God's Son, will be exposed. In addition, convincing evidence of the righteousness of Jesus will be demonstrated by his ascension to the Father. And the failure of Satan and his wicked world to break Jesus' integrity is convincing evidence that the ruler of the world has been adversely judged.
I have many things to say to you," Jesus continues, "but you are not able to bear them at present." Therefore Jesus promises that when he pours out the holy spirit, which is God's active force, it will guide them into an understanding of these things in accordance with their ability to grasp them.
Next time: Continue subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
(Note: If you understood the meaning righteousness, you would know the correct spelling is already here and it would not have been highlighted as incorrect.)
Jesus and the apostles are poised to leave the upper room. "I have spoken these things to you that you may not be stumbled," he continues. Then he gives the solemn warning: "Men will expel you from the synagogue. In fact, the hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God." The apostles are evidently deeply disturbed by this warning. Although Jesus had earlier said that the world would hate them, he had not revealed so directly that they would be killed. "I did not tell you [this] at first," Jesus explains, "because I was with you." Yet,how fine it is to forearm them with this information before he departs!
"But now," Jesus continues, "I am going to him that sent me, and yet not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?" Earlier in the evening, they had inquired about where he was going, but now they are so shaken by what he has told them that they fail to ask further about this. As Jesus says: "Because I have spoken these things to you grief has filled your hearts." The apostles are grieved not only because they have learned that they will suffer terrible persecution and be killed but because their Master is leaving them.
So Jesus explains: "It is for your benefit I am going away. For if I do not go away, the helper will by no means come to you; but if I do go my way, I will send him to you." As a human, Jesus can only be in one place at a time, but when he is in heaven, he can send the helper, God's holy spirit, to his followers wherever they may be on earth. So Jesus' leaving will be beneficial.
The holy spirit, Jesus says, "will give the world convincing evidence concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment." The world's sin, its failure to exercise faith in God's Son, will be exposed. In addition, convincing evidence of the righteousness of Jesus will be demonstrated by his ascension to the Father. And the failure of Satan and his wicked world to break Jesus' integrity is convincing evidence that the ruler of the world has been adversely judged.
I have many things to say to you," Jesus continues, "but you are not able to bear them at present." Therefore Jesus promises that when he pours out the holy spirit, which is God's active force, it will guide them into an understanding of these things in accordance with their ability to grasp them.
Next time: Continue subject above
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
(Note: If you understood the meaning righteousness, you would know the correct spelling is already here and it would not have been highlighted as incorrect.)
7.01.2009
Preparing The Apostles For His Departure-Enjoying An Intimate Relationship
What a precious relationship to have-to be intimate friends of Jesus! But to continue to enjoy this relationship, his followers must "keep bearing Kingdom fruit.: If they do, Jesus says, "no matter what you ask the Father in my name he [will] give it to you." Surely, that is a grand reward for bearing Kingdom fruit! After again urging the apostles to "love one another," Jesus explains that the world will hate them. Yet, he comforts them: "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you." Jesus next reveals why the world hates his followers, saying: "Because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you."
Explaining further the reason for the world's hatred, Jesus continues: "They will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know him [Jehovah God] that sent me." Jesus' miraculous works, in effect, convict those who hate him, as he notes: "If I had not done among them the works that no one else did,they would have no sin; but now they have both seen and hated me as well as my Father." Thus, as Jesus says, the scripture is fulfilled: "They hated me without cause."
As he did earlier, Jesus again comforts them by promising to send the helper, the holy spirit, which is God's powerful active force. "That one will bear witness about me; and you, in turn, are to bear witness."
Next time: Continue with Preparing The Apostles For His Departure- Further Departing Admonition
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Explaining further the reason for the world's hatred, Jesus continues: "They will do all these things against you on account of my name, because they do not know him [Jehovah God] that sent me." Jesus' miraculous works, in effect, convict those who hate him, as he notes: "If I had not done among them the works that no one else did,they would have no sin; but now they have both seen and hated me as well as my Father." Thus, as Jesus says, the scripture is fulfilled: "They hated me without cause."
As he did earlier, Jesus again comforts them by promising to send the helper, the holy spirit, which is God's powerful active force. "That one will bear witness about me; and you, in turn, are to bear witness."
Next time: Continue with Preparing The Apostles For His Departure- Further Departing Admonition
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
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