Harmony of the Gospel Accounts: Passion Week
Preface Men with a much higher caliber that myself have striven to create a harmony of the gospels. I have found myself unwittingly following in their footsteps that engulf my own. This document started as a mere curiosity in the full picture of Week of the Lord’s Passion. It ended in my appreciation for the death of my Savior I’ve never fathomed.
What follows is a humble attempt to place the true and infallible and inspired Scriptures into a chronological order of events. God ordained for four infallible (2 Tim 3:16) accounts of one story to be written. Together, they tell the story of one blessed GodMan, a story which is complimented by the existence of four different accounts. Indeed, I am glad that God has given us four accounts to explain each other, for I cannot imagine fathoming any one without the other three.
While this arrangement seeks to arrange infallible passages, this arrangement is by no means infallible. I do not assert that this is the only acceptable arrangement, nor do I argue that this is even the best arrangement. While I placed them in accordance with good reason and historical accuracy and honest biblical interpretation, I allow for mistakes made by myself. In some points, as noted in the Analysis portions, I have my own misgivings and questions. Perhaps a man of higher aptitude than myself can resolve them, but at this point in time, I am unable to. I suspect that some questions will not be fully explained or answered until I sit before my Savior’s feet and hear the fullest of stories from His own lips. Such is the wonder of an infinite God communicating Himself to finite creatures.
Before you read the account, some preliminary notes will be helpful. As I compiled this, I strove to use the words of Scripture verbatim as much as possible. Although it sounds much like Scripture, because I organized it and arranged it, it is not inspired by God. It is more accurately historical literature, a narrative of true events. I took the liberty of adding small transitionary words to help the flow and geographical details do inform non-Israelites. I also took the liberty of changing some verb tenses to fit the flow. However, in accordance with the pattern established by Matthew the apostle, Mark the disciple, Luke the physician, and John the apostle, I deliberately refrained from adding too much commentary.
May God correct me if I have erred in any way in this narrative, and have mercy on this fallible sinner. May we all attempt to behold the marvel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and worship Him for marching towards His death — His death for the ransom of sinners and the demonstration of the Father’s righteousness.
This is the story of the only real God who came into the world as the only real Savior for sinners. To Him be all glory, in the church, in history, in biblical study, and biblical interpretation.
A bondslave of the Lord,
Keith Fong
2013.01.08
Basic Information
Range of Scripture
Mt 21-28
Mk 11-16
Lk 19:28 - ch24
Jn 12-21
Ac 1:1-11, 16-18
1 Cor 15:3-7
Timeline
|
Days Before Passover |
Day of the Week |
Notable Activity |
Locations |
| 6 | Sa | Jesus is anointed with perfume by Mary | house of Simon the leper, Bethany |
| 5 | Su | Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt | outside Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives |
| 4 | M | Jesus teaches in Jerusalem | Jerusalem, Bethany |
| 3 | Tu | Jesus teaches in Jerusalem | Jerusalem, Bethany |
| 2 | W | Judas and the Jewish rulers make betrayal arrangements | Jerusalem |
| 1 | Th | Jesus sends His disciples to make Passover arrangements | Jerusalem |
| Jesus and His disciples have the Passover meal | Jerusalem | ||
| Jesus identifies Judas as the traitor | Jerusalem | ||
| Peter vows allegiance to death | Jerusalem | ||
| Jesus teaches the eleven | Jerusalem | ||
| Jesus and the disciples go to the Mount of Olives | Mount of Olives | ||
| Jesus prays and is betrayed | Garden of Gethsemane | ||
| Jesus is betrayed | Garden of Gethsemane | ||
| Jesus put on trial before the Jews | House of the high priest | ||
| 0 | F | Jesus is delivered to Pilate | |
| Jesus is scourged and mocked | Praetorium | ||
| The Jews choose Barnabus | Praetorium | ||
| Pilate delivers Jesus to be crucified | Praetorium | ||
| Jesus is crucified and dies | Golgotha | ||
| Jesus’ body is sealed in a tomb | Golgotha | ||
| - | Sa | Sabbath Day | |
| - | Su | The Marys go to the tomb and meet angels | Golgotha |
| Peter and John go to the tomb | Golgotha | ||
| Jesus appears to Mary | Golgotha | ||
| Jesus appears on the road to Emmaus | Road to Emmaus | ||
| Jesus appears to the disciples | Jerusalem | ||
| Jesus appears to Thomas | Jerusalem | ||
| Jesus teaches the eleven in Galilee | Galilee | ||
| Jesus ascends to heaven | Bethany |
The Passover Approaches
The Colt in Bethphage
Jesus and His disciples were approaching Jerusalem. When they had come near the Mount of Olives and the two villages of Bethphage and Bethany, Jesus told two of His disciples, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied there and a colt tied there with her, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie them and bring them to Me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them here.” So, the disciples entered Bethphage and did as He instructed them.
They found the donkey and colt tied at the door, outside in the street. When they untied it, some of the bystanders asked, “Why are you untying the colt?” The owners asked the same question. The disciples replied, “The Lord has need of it,” just as Jesus had told them. Then, the bystanders conceded, and the owners gave them permission to take the donkey and colt.
This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
"Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold your King is coming to you,
Gentle, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”
Jews Gather in Jerusalem for the Passover
Jn 11:55-57 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Jn+11%3A55-57)
Perfume in Bethany
Mary Anoints Jesus with Perfume
On Saturday, six days before the annual Passover, also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jesus came to Bethany, a city about two miles east of Jerusalem. He went to the home of Simon the leper with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, and they made supper for Him there. While Martha served, Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead, was reclining at the table with Jesus. Then, Mary anointed Him with perfume. It was a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard (a plant which produces a pleasant smelling oil), kept in alabaster (a type of workable mineral) vial. She broke the vial and poured the perfume on His head and then anointed His feet with the perfume, wiping them with her hair. As she did so, the house filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
The Indignant Disciples
But the disciples were indignant when they saw this and began remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for a high price, over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” But Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples, who was intending to betray Him, turned the statement into a question and said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?” Now, he said this not because he concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and because he had the money box, for he used to steal from it. And the disciples scolded Mary for her waste.
Jesus Commends Mary
But Jesus heard the disciples and said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial. Why do you bother the woman? She has done a good deed to Me. For you will always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. Truly I say to you, whenever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”
The Jews See Jesus and Lazarus
Jn 12:9-11 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Jn+12%3A9-11)
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
The Triumphant Procession into Jerusalem
The day after He was anointed, on Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem. His disciples laid their coats on the colt, and Jesus sat on the coats. As He road toward the city gates, the large crowd who had gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover heard that He was coming to Jerusalem. The crowd came out to Him near the Mount of Olives, and most of the crowd spread their coats in the road in front of Him. Others cut branches of palm trees (palm branches were a sign of celebration, c.f. Neh 8:15, Rev 7:9) and placed them on the road before Him.
As they walked before Him and followed behind Him, the crowd of Jews and His disciples began to shout in celebration. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Hosanna in the highest!”
Jesus Rebukes the Pharisees
Lk 19:39-40 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Lk+19%3A39-40)
Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
Lk 19:41-44 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Lk+19%3A41-44)
The Disciple’s Hindsight
Jn 12:16 — “These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him.”
Jesus’ Popularity
All the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” The people who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify about Him. This was also the reason why the crowds went out and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are not doing any good; look, the world has gone after Him.”
When He had entered Jerusalem, He went into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.
Jesus Teaches in Jerusalem
Jesus and the Jews
On Monday and Tuesday, Jesus entered Jerusalem. During the day, He would stay in the city; at night He would go out to Bethany or the Mount of Olives.
Mt 21:12-25:46; Mk 11:12-13:37; Lk 19:45-21:38 (summary below, http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=mt+21%3A12-25%3A46%2C+mk+11%3A12-13%3A37%2C+lk+19%3A45-21%3A38)
He drove out the buyers and sellers in His temple; healed the lame and sick in the temple; commended the children for praising Him; taught daily in the temple while spending the nights in Bethany or the Mount of Olives; received the attention of the crowds; cursed the barren fig tree outside Jerusalem; refused to tell chief priests and scribes the source of His authority; declared judgement on the Jewish leaders via the parables of the two sons, of the vine growers, and of the marriage feast; refuted the chief priests and scribes who challenge Him about paying taxes to Caesar; refuted the Sadducees who challenge Him about marriage in the resurrection; answered the scribe’s request for the foremost commandment; challenged the Jews about the identity of the Messiah; exposed religious hypocrisy and pronounced seven scalding woes against the Pharisees; lamented over Jerusalem, commended the widow’s gift; taught the signs of His return; taught about His return; taught about being ready via the parables of the fig tree, the thief in the night, the slave of his master’s household, the ten virgins, the talents, and the judgement of the sheep and goats.
Jn 12:20-50 (summary below, http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=jn+12%3A20-50)
He was sought by the Greeks who came to worship at the feast, declared that the time for the Son of Man to be glorified by death and resurrection has come, prayed to the Father to glorify His name, causing a voice to come out of heaven in the hearing of the crowd, and clarified that the Son of Man, the Light, must be lifted up. The Jews, with hardened hearts, could not see Him for who He was, despite Jesus’ clear statements about Himself.
The Pharisees Plot to Kill Jesus
Two days before the Passover, on Wednesday, Jesus warned His disciples: “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.” All the while, the chief priests and elders and scries were meeting together at the the court of Caiaphas the high priest, plotting how to seize Jesus by stealth (because they are afraid of the people) to kill Him. They reached a consensus, saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”
Judas Iscariot and the Silver
Thirty Pieces of Silver
Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, and prompted him to follow through with his intentions to betray Jesus (Jn 12:44). Judas went to the chief priests’ and officers’ and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” They were glad when they heard this, and discussed with him how he would betray Jesus to them. Then they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. From then on, Judas began looking for a good opportunity to betray Him to them as they had planned, at an opportune time apart from the crowd.
The Passover Preparations
Jesus Sends Two Disciples to Prepare
On the first day of the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Thursday, when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed, Jesus said to Peter and John, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.” They came to Him and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city. A certain man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples. Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’ And he himself will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready; prepare it for us there.” Then Peter and John did as He said, and finding everything just as He told them, they prepared the Passover.
The Passover Meal
Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet
Jn 13:1-20 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=jn+13%3A1-20)
The hour had come. When it was evening, while they were all reclined at the table eating, Jesus said to the disciples, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” He took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take it. Eat. This is My body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.”
And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Take this. Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Truly I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
Jesus Prophesies His Betrayal
Jesus, being troubled in spirit, said, “Truly, truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me — one who is eating with Me. But behold, the hand of the one betraying Me is with Mine on the table.”
The Clueless Disciples
And the disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. Then they began to discuss among themselves which one of them it might be who was going to do this thing.
“Surely not I, Lord?”
As they discussed, each one of them became deeply grieved. And one by one they began to ask, “Surely not I, Lord?”
Jesus Pronounces Woe on Judas
Jesus replied, “It is one of the twelve. He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray me. For the Son of Man is to go just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.”
Peter gestured to John, who was reclining on Jesus‘ bosom, to get his attention. John leaned up, and Peter said, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.” John leaned back on His bosom and asked, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus then said, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.”
Meanwhile the disciples were still asking one by one, “Surely not I?” And it was Judas Iscariot’s turn. So he said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to Judas, “You yourself said it.” So, He dipped the morsel, and handed it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Judas took the morsel, and Satan entered into Judas. Therefore Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
The Disciples Are Unaware
Jn 13:28-29 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=jn+13%3A28-29)
Disciples Dispute Who is the Greatest
Lk 22:24-30 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=lk+22%3A24-30)
Jesus Teaches the Eleven (1)
Jn 13:31-35 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=jn+13%3A31-35)
Peter’s Vow (1)
Peter said, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus replied, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” Peter said, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You. Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”
Jesus Teaches the Eleven (2)
Lk 22:35-38 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=lk+22%3A35-38)
Jn 14:1-31 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=jn+14%3A1-31)
The Road to the Mount of Olives
Jesus and the Eleven Leave Jerusalem for the Mount of Olives
Jesus continued to teach His disciples. Jn 14:1-30. Then He said, “Get up, let us go from here.” As they left the upper room and departed from Jerusalem, He continued to teach them. Jn 15-17. After Jesus had spoken these words, they sang a hymn. Then they went forth over the ravine of the Kidron to the Mount of Olives.
Jesus Prophesies Abandonment and Resurrection
On the way to the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.’ But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”
Peter’s Vow (2)
But Peter said, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” Jesus said to him again, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples were saying the same thing too.
The Garden of Gethsemane
Instructions to Disciples at Gethsemane
Jesus and the disciples reached Gethsemane, and Jesus said, “Sit here while I go over there and pray. Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John, with Him. He began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”
Jesus Prays (1)
Jesus went a little beyond them, about a stone’s throw away, and fell to the ground on His knees and on His face, praying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will. Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done. Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. He was in agony, and was praying very fervently, and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling to the ground.
An hour passed in this manner. Then Jesus came to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Jesus Prays (2)
Jesus went away again and prayed a second time, repeating the same words. He was saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy, and when they saw Him, they did not know what to answer Him. He said, ““Why are you sleeping and resting? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Jesus Prays (3)
Jesus left them to pray again, saying the same thing: “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” He came back to the disciples and found them sleeping again, and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough. Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”
Judas Betrays Jesus
Now Judas knew Gethsemane, for Jesus had often met there with His disciples. Judas then led the Roman cohort and officers, which he had from the chief priests and the scribes and elders, with lanterns and torches and swords and clubs to Gethsemane. While Jesus was still speaking to His disciples, the crowd came into view.
So Jesus, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth and said to them as they were in the distance, “Whom do you seek?” They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” And Judas also, who was betraying Him, was standing with them. So when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
Therefore He again asked them, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus the Nazarene.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I am He; so if you seek Me, let these — He was referring to His disciples — go their way,” to fulfill the word which He spoke, “Of those whom You have given Me I lost not one.”
Now he who was betraying Him had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him and lead Him away under guard.” Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, was at the front of the crowd. So when he reached Him, he immediately went to Him and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.
But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then the Roman cohort and officers came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.
Peter Strikes
Some of the disciples said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” Peter then, because he had one of the two swords, drew it and and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. The slave was named Malchus. Jesus then said to Peter, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched Malchus’ ear, and healed him. Jesus continued, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way? The cup which the Father has given Me, shall I not drink it?”
Jesus Challenges His Arresters
At that time, Jesus said, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple with you teaching and you did not seize Me. But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets. This hour and the power of darkness are yours.”
The Disciples Abandon Jesus
Then all His disciples left Him and fled. A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked.
Jesus on Trial Before the Jews (1)
Jesus Before Annas
Jn 18:12-14, 19-24 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Jn+18%3A12-14%2C+19-24)
House of High Priest Caiaphas
Then they led Him bound to the house of Caiaphas the high priest, where all the chief priests and elders and scribes were gathered together.
Peter Follows Jesus
After fleeing Gethsemane, Peter and John followed Jesus, but at a distance to avoid detection. John entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus because he was known to the high priest. Peter stood at the door outside, because he was not initially allowed entry. So the other disciple talked to the door keeper and had him allow Peter into the courtyard.
In the courtyard of the high priest, Peter stood with the slaves and with the officers who had arrested Jesus, then sat to warm himself with them around the fire which they had kindled in the middle of the courtyard.
Peter’s Denials
Peter Denies Jesus (1)
The servant-girl who kept the door which Peter came into the courtyard as well. As he was sitting near the fire, she saw him in the firelight and, looking intently at him, said, “You too with with Jesus the Nazarene.” Then, turning to the slaves and officers around the fire, she said, “This man was with Him too.” Peter denied it before them all, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” Unconvinced, she turned to him, she said, “You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He denied it, saying “I am not. Woman, I do not know Him.”
Peter Denies Jesus (2)
Then Peter got up and went to the porch. A little later, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” The first servant-girl joined in and said once more to those sitting around the fire, “This is one of them!” Then, one man sitting around the fire, convinced by the servant girls, said, “You are one of them, too!” The rest of those sitting around the fire began to inquire, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” Peter denied it. “I am not! I do not know the man.” At that, they left him alone.
Peter Denies Jesus (3)
After about an hour had passed, another man, one of the bystanders, came up to Peter and began to insist, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” The other bystanders began to agree and came up to him, “Surely you too are one of them. You are a Galilean too, for even the way you talk gives you away.” Then, one of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of the one whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” Peter began to curse and swear. “Man, I do not know what you are talking about. I do not know this man you are talking about!”
A Rooster Crows
Immediately a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter saw Him, and remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he began to weep, and went out of the courtyard and wept bitterly.
Jesus on Trial Before the Jews (2)
False Testimony
When the day began, at around twelve midnight, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and brought Him to their council chamber. The chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death. However, they were not finding any, even though many false witnesses came forward, because their testimony was inconsistent. But later two came forward and stood up and began to give false testimony against Him, saying, “We heard this man say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.’ ” Not even in this respect was their testimony consistent.
Jesus Remains Silent
But the high priest stood up and came forward, and said to Jesus, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent and did not answer.
“The Christ, the Son of God”
The high priest said to Him, “If you are the Christ tell us.” Jesus remained silent. The high priest continued to question Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” But Jesus said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I ask a question, you will not answer.” And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” And Jesus said to Him, “You yourself said it. Nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” And the entire Council said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.”
Jesus Condemned for Blasphemy
Then the high priest tore his robes, and turning to the Council, he said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth. Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?” They answered, “He deserves death!”
“Prophecy, You Christ!”
Then they all spat in His face, beat Him, mocked Him, and slapped Him. They blindfolded Him and said, “Prophesy, who is the one who hit You?” And they were saying many other things against Him, blaspheming.
Jesus On Trial Before the Pilate (1)
Jesus Brought to Pilate
When morning came, near dawn, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death. They bound Him and brought Him to Pilate the governor, who was at the Praetorium. They themselves did not enter the Praetorium so that they would not be defiled, so that they could eat the Passover meal that evening.
The Jewish Leaders Implore Pilate to Judge Jesus
Pilate went out of Praetorium to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They replied, “If this Man were not an evildoer, we would not have delivered Him to you. We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” So Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves, and judge Him according to your law.” They said, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death,” to fulfill the word of Jesus which He spoke, signifying by what kind of death He was about to die.
Judas Iscariot’s Reward
Judas Returns the Money and Dies
When Judas, who had betrayed Jesus, saw that He had been condemned by the Council, he felt remorse and returned the thirty of pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!”
So he went across Jerusalem and threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. When he hung himself, the rope snapped and he fell headlong a long distance. When he landed he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. And it became known to all who were in Jerusalem.
Hakeldama — The Field of Blood
Much later, the chief priests found the pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood.” And they conferred together and bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers. Since that day, it has been called in Aramaic Hakeldama, or the Field of Blood. This fulfilled what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet: “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of the one whose price had been set by the sons of Israel; and they gave them for the Potter’s Field, as the Lord directed me.”
Jesus On Trial Before the Pilate (2)
“Are You King of the Jews?”
Pilate entered again into the Praetorium, and summoned Jesus to stand before Him. And said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Are you saying this on your own initiative, or did others tell you about Me?” Pilate answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered You to me. What have You done?”
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “It is as you say, that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”
The Jewish Leaders Accuse Jesus
The chief priests and elders began to accuse Jesus harshly. But Jesus did not answer them. Hearing them, Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You not answer? See how many charges they bring against You!” But Jesus made no further answer, not even with regard to a single charge, so Pilate was quite amazed.
Pilate Declares Jesus Guiltless
By now, a crowd had begun to form, for the day was starting, and they were accustomed to Pilate releasing any one prisoner they requested to them at the Passover. Pilate said to chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” But the chief priests and elders kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.”
Jesus Before Herod
Lk 23:6-12 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=lk+23%3A6-12)
Pilate Declares Jesus Guiltless
Lk 23:13-16 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Lk+23%3A13-16)
The Crowd Demands Barabbas
Now at the Passover he used to release for them any one prisoner whom they requested. So, the crowd went up and began asking him to do as he had been accustomed to do for them. Pilate said, “Do you wish then that I release for you the King of the Jews?” For he was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask him to release Barabbas for them instead. So the crowd cried out, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” Now, Barabbas was a notorious prisoner, and had been imprisoned for being an insurrectionist, a murderer, and a robber. Pilate replied, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” So they cried out again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas.”
Jesus Tortured and Mocked
Then, Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. The Roman soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. They stripped Him and put a robe on His back, a crown of twisted thorns on His head, and a reed in His right hand. Then they began to come up to Him and kneel and bow before Him, and they mocked Him, saying, "Hail King of the Jews!" As they did this they spat on Him. Then they took the reed from His hand and beat Him on the head and face, even as they continued kneeling and bowing and mocking Him. After they were done, they took the robe off of Him and put His own garments on Him.
Pilate Seeks to Release Jesus
Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, came out and addressed the crowd again, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you so that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.” Jesus then came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold, the man!”
Jews Cry for Crucifixion
When the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, “Crucify, crucify!” And the crowd kept calling out, “Crucify, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.” The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God.” Therefore when Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid.
Pilate and Jesus Speak About Authority
Jn 19:9-12 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Jn+19%3A9-12)
Pilate Seeks to Release Jesus
Therefore when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. By now, it was about the sixth hour according to Roman time, or 6:00AM. While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” Still, Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”
Jews Cry for Crucifixion
Pilate again asked, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And the crowd said, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ, the King of the Jews?” They all said, “Crucify Him!” But he said, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him! Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”
And the crowd was insistent, and with loud voices were asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted.
Pilate Releases Barabbas
Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them.
Pilate Hands Jesus Over to Crucifixion
And he delivered Jesus to their will, and had Him led away to be crucified.
The Road to Golgotha
Simon of Cyrene Bears the Cross
The Roman soldiers took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross to a place called, in Hebrew, Golgotha, or the Place of the Skull. On they way, they pressed a man of Cyrene named Simon, (the father of Alexander and Rufus) into service to bear His cross.
Jesus Encourages the Women Mourning
Lk 23:27-31 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Lk+23%3A27-31)
Jesus is Crucified
Soldiers Crucify Jesus
When they got to Golgotha, the soldiers tried to give him wine mixed with myrrh to deaden the pain and with gall to make the drink bitter. But after tasting it, He was unwilling to drink it. At the third hour according to Jewish time, or 9:00AM, they crucified Him, along with two other men who were robbers. He was placed in between them. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”
Soldiers Divide His Garments
When they had crucified Him, the soldiers took His outer garments, made them into four parts, and divided it among themselves, one part for each soldier. But because his tunic was seamless, woven in one piece, they said, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the the prophecy of Scripture: “They divided My outer garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore, the soldiers cast did these things.
“The King of the Jews”
Pilate wrote an inscription of the charge against Him, and had it put on the cross. It said, “THIS IS JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, and many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city of Jerusalem. So the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews’; but that He said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’ ” Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”
Jesus is Mocked
The people stood by, looking on. Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him among themselves, saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe in Him! Let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One. He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” The soldiers also mocked Him, and were coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”
The Robbers
The two robbers who were also crucified with Him were insulting Him with the same words. One of the robbers was hurling abuse at Him said, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other suddenly answered and rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he kept saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
Darkness Falls Over the Whole Land
It was now the sixth hour Jewish time, or 12:00PM, and darkness fell over the whole land because the sun was obscured until the ninth hour Jewish time, or 3:00PM.
Jesus Loves His Mother Mary
Jn 19:25-27 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Jn+19%3A25-27)
Jesus Dies
At about the ninth hour Jewish time, or 3:00PM, after the darkness had lifted, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani!” Aramaic for “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, this man is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge. Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.” The one who retrieved the sponge put it into a jar full of sour wine near the cross, and then put the sponge upon a branch of hyssop (the branches of this wild plant were used in Jewish purification rituals). Then he brought the sponge up to Jesus’ mouth to give Him a drink, saying, ““Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.” When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And with a loud voice, He said, ““Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, He breathed His last, bowed His head, and yielded up His spirit.
The Aftermath
Miracles Following Jesus’ Death
And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.
The Centurion Speaks
Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, were standing right in front of Him. When they saw the way He breathed His last, and the earthquake and the things that were happening, they became very frightened and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” And the centurion began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.”
The Crowds Rejoice
Lk 23:48 — “And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.”
The Women Disciples
And all His acquaintances, including the many women who had come up with Him from Jerusalem, and the women who had accompanied Him from Galilee to minister to Him were standing and looking on from a distance. Among them was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
Jesus’ Body
Joseph of Arimathea Obtains Jesus’ Body
Because it was Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath, the chief priests and rulers asked Pilate that the legs of the crucified might be broken so that they would die faster, and that their bodies might be taken away, so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day). Pilate permitted, and sent soldiers.
So the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear to check if He was dead, and immediately blood and water came out. And John the apostle, who has seen, has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you also may believe. For these things came to pass to fulfill the Scripture that says, “Not a bone of Him shall be broken.” and the Scripture that says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
There was a rich man named Joseph, from Arimathea. He was a prominent member of the Council, and a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jewish leaders. He was good and righteous man, who was waiting for the kingdom of God. He had not consented with the Council’s plan and action. When evening came, Joseph gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoned the centurion from Golgotha to ask him whether He was already dead. And after the centurion confirmed His death, Pilate granted the body to Joseph.
Jesus is Buried
Joseph bought a clean linen cloth, and then went to the Golgotha to take away Jesus’ body. He took Him down from the cross. He and Nicodemas, who had first come to Him by night, wrapped Him in the linen cloth with a mixture of about a hundred pounds of spices, myrrh, and aloes, as is the burial custom of the Jews. In Golgotha there was a garden, and in the garden there was a new tomb, Joseph’s tomb, hewn out in the rock, in which no one had yet been laid. Because it was nearby, and because the Jewish day of preparation was approaching, they laid Jesus there, rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb, and then went away.
The Women Disciples
Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Joses, who had come with Him from Galilee, followed Joseph and Nicodemas to the tomb. And they sat opposite the grave to see where they laid Him. They returned to Jerusalem and prepared spices and perfumes. Then, on Saturday, they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.
Sealing the Tomb
Mt 27:62-66 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=mt+27%3A62-66)
At the Tomb On Sunday
The Marys Go to the Tomb
Now after the Sabbath was over, on the first day of the week, Sunday, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb. They came to the tomb very early, at early dawn, bringing the spices which they had prepared before the Sabbath. On the way there, they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” But earlier that morning, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
Looking up at the tomb, the women saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance of the tomb, even though it was extremely large. But when they entered the tomb, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus but instead found an angel who looked like a young man. He was sitting at the right, wearing a white robe. And they were amazed. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid. Do not be amazed. For I know that you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Behold, come see the place where He was lying. Go quickly and tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him, just as He told you.”
The women came out of the tomb, and were perplexed about this. But suddenly two men stood near them in dazzling clothing, and the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. The men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
Soldiers Are Bribed
Mt 28:11-15 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Mt+28%3A11-15)
The Marys tell the Apostles
Mary Magdalene ran and came to Peter and to John, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” Mary the mother of James and Joanna Salome also returned from the tomb and began telling what had happened at the tomb to the eleven. The other women who ministered to Him also reminded the eleven that Jesus, while He was still in Galilee, had said that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. But these words appeared to them as nonsense, and they would not believe them.
Simon Peter and John Run to the Tomb
Still, Peter and John got up and ran to the tomb. They started running together, but John ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first. He stopped and looked in the tomb, and saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. When Peter came, he followed John to the tomb and entered the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. John entered after Peter, and he saw and believed. But they both did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. So the disciples went away again to their own homes, marveling at what had happened.
Jesus Manifests Himself
Jesus Appears to Mary
Jn 20:11-18 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Jn+20%3A11-18)
Jesus Appears on the Road to Emmaus
Lk 24:13-32 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Lk+24%3A13-32)
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Cleopas and the other disciple got up from Emmaus at that very hour and returned to Jerusalem. The eleven and those who were with them were gathered on that Sunday evening, with doors shut for fear of the Jews. Cleopas and the other disciple found them and said, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon.” They began to relate their experiences on the road and how they recognized Him when He broke bread. While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet and His side.
The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them.
Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”
Jesus Appears to Thomas
Jn 20:24-29 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Jn+20%3A24-29)
Other Signs and Appearances of the Resurrected Christ
Over a period of forty days after His resurrection, Jesus kept presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. He even appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time. He also performed many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which have not been written; but those that have were written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
Jesus Teaches the Eleven In Galilee
Jn 21:1-23 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=jn+21%3A1-23)
Mt 28:16-20 (http://nasb.literalword.com/?q=Mt+28%3A16-20)
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Jesus Blesses His Disciples
Jesus gathered His disciples in Jerusalem and commanded them by the Holy Spirit not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” They were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”
He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.
And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God.