I Spy God

The Crucifixion of Jesus

“It is sometime before noon when the procession reaches the outskirts of Jerusalem and the crowd gathers on a craggy little hill which is known as Golgotha — that is, The Skull.  As Jesus is nailed to the wooden cross and lifted up, the scene below him becomes a strange mixture of emotions.  On one hand he sees the bitter sorrow of his family and followers, and on the other hand he sees the carnival-like atmosphere of the soldiers and those who have demanded his death.  As he awaits his death with increasing pain and agony, Jesus speaks briefly with one of the two robbers crucified with him.  Then, seeing his mother, Mary, he directs John to care for her.  As unusual darkness covers the land, Jesus cries out his last words and gives up his spirit in death.”

Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:23-41, Luke 23:32-49, John 19:18-37

The Burial of Jesus

“Even in Jesus’ burial a remarkable story unfolds.  That anyone outside Jesus’ family would have sufficient courage to ask for his body would be curious enough.  The real surprise, however, is that it should be a member of the very council which had called for Jesus’ execution.  Yet the record notes that Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, is also a believer, and it is he who will bury Jesus’ body in his own tomb.  Joseph will be aided by Nicodemus, the Pharisee and Jewish ruler who had come to Jesus by night asking how one is to be born again.  It is fitting that two men whose lives have been so touched by Jesus should now express their gratitude in this final tribute.”

Read:  Matthew 27:57-66, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.

Trial Before Pilate

“The significance of what is about to happen can only be understood in the context of the political relationship between the Jews and their Roman rulers.  The Jews have condemned Jesus to death on the basis of their own religious laws against blasphemy, in response to Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God.  But the Sanhedrin has no power to execute condemned prisoners without approval of the Roman government.  yet clearly such a pagan government will not regard a charge of blasphemy with the same degree of seriousness as do the Jews therefore more appropriate charges will have to be laid before the governor.  Being politically astute, the Jewish leaders will accuse Jesus of sedition in allegedly urging the refusal to pay taxes and in claiming to be the King of the Jews.

The man to hear these charges is the Roman procurator and governor, Pontius Pilate.  Apparently convinced of Jesus’ innocence, Pilate initially takes every available step to avoid personal responsibility.  He sends Jesus to Herod Antipas, but Herod wants no part of it either.  Pilate then tries to release Jesus but the mob insists that a notorious insurrectionist by the name of Barabbus be released instead.  When even a scourging of Jesus fails to placate the crowd, Pilate finally washes his hands of the matter and orders that Jesus be put to death.”

Read:  Matthew 27:2;11-32, Mark 15:1-22, Luke 23:1-31, John 18:28-40, John 19:1-17

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.

Betrayal and Arrest

“As the hour of betrayal fast approaches, the record begins now with Jesus leading his disciples to an olive grove known as Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem.  As they arrive in the quiet garden, Jesus’ heart is clearly heavy with the prospect of the events soon to take place.  Taking Peter, James, and John beyond the others, Jesus goes still further to a quiet place alone, where he agonizes in prayer with the Father.”

Read:  Matthew 26:36-56, Mark 14:32-52, Luke 22:40-53, John 18:1-12

Trial Before Sanhedrin

“Following Jesus’ arrest, John records that Jesus is first taken before Annas, who had been high priest and who continues to exercise great influence among the Jews, for questioning.Jesus is sent next to Annas’ son-in-law, Caiaphas, who presides over the Sanhedrin (also known as The Council), which is the Jewish Supreme Court.

Laced throughout the record of Jesus’ trial before the Jewish leaders is a moving account of Peter’s personal struggle with loyalty to Jesus.  On three separate occasions throughout this long night Peter will make vehement and even profane denials in order to shield himself.  His later feelings of remorse and his subsequent leadership in the establishment of the church will stand in clear contrast to Judas, who on this same day will be consumed by his guilt and take his own life.”

Read:  John 18:12-27, Matthew 26:57-75, Mark 14:53-72, Luke 22:54-71, Matthew 27:1-10, Mark 15:1