Composite Gospel: From Gethsemane to the Ascension

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184 - 193
Jesus is Arrested and Put on Trial

184 Jesus Suffers In the Garden of Gethsemane
(Matt 26:36-46 Mark 14:32-42 Luke 22:40-46 John 18:1)

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. 36 When he was at the place called Gethsemane, he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go there and pray." 33 He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled and distressed. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me." "Pray that you don't enter into temptation." 35 He went forward a little, about a stone's throw, and fell on his face, to the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36 He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. My Father, if you are willing, if it is possible, Please remove this cup from me. let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 40 He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? What, couldn't you watch with me for one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that you don't enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 42 Again, a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cup can't pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done." 43 He came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy, and they didn't know what to answer him. 44 He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words. 45 Then he came to his disciples, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Arise, let's be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."

185 Jesus Is Betrayed, Arrested, And Forsaken
(Matt 26:47-56 Mark 14:43-52 Luke 22:47-53 John 18:2-11)

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 47 While Jesus was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priest, the scribes, and elders of the people. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went forth, and said to them, "Who are you looking for?" 5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When therefore he said to them, "I am he," they went backward, and fell to the ground. 7 Again therefore he asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way," 9 that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, "Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none." 48 Now he who betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him, and lead him away safely." 49 Immediately he came to Jesus, and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, "Judas, why are you here? Do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took him. 49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 51 Behold, Simon Peter, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and struck off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I couldn't ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?" 11 shall I not surely drink (the cup which my Father has given me)? 51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this" and he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me. 53 But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." 56 And all this has happened, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him, and fled. 51 A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself, over his naked body. The young men grabbed him, 52 but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

186 Annas Exams Jesus
(John 18:12-14, 19-24)

12 So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, 13 and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people. 19 The high priest therefore asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said." 22 When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, "Do you answer the high priest like that?" 23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?" 24 Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.

187 Jesus is Condemned By Caiaphas
(Matt 26:57-68 Mark 14:53-65 Luke 22:54,63-65 John 18:15)

57 Those who had taken Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple, from a distance, to the court of the high priest, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put him to death; 60 and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward, 61 and said, "We heard this man say, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'" 59 Even so, their testimony did not agree. 62 The high priest stood up, and said to him, "Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?" 63 But Jesus held his peace and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, "I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God. The Son of the Blessed?" 64 Jesus said to him, "You have said it. I am. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky." 65 Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. 66 What do you think?" They answered, "He is worthy of death!" 67 Then they spit in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him, 64 Having blindfolded him to cover his face, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?" 65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.

188 Peter Denies Jesus Three Times
(Matt 26:58,69-75 Mark 14:54,66-72 Luke 22:54-62 John 18:15-18,25-27)

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus at a distance, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter. 17 Then the servant girl of the high priest who kept the door looked intently at him, and said to Peter, "You were also with Jesus, the Galilean! Are you also one of this man's disciples?" 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I am not. I don't know what you are talking about." (And) he went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed. 18 Now the servants and the officers (stood) and then sat down together, having made a fire of coals, in the middle of the courtyard, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. 25 Now Simon Peter (stood) and later sat among them and warmed himself. Therefore, a certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, and said, "You aren't also one of his disciples, are you?" "This is one of them." 72 Again he denied it with an oath, and said, "I am not. Woman, I don't know the man." 26 After about one hour passed, One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, confidently affirmed, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him? Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known for you are a Galilean!" 74 Then Peter began to curse and to swear, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about! I don't know the man!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice you will deny me three times." 62 He went out, and wept bitterly.

189 In The Morning, Jesus Is Officially Condemned By The Sanhedrin
(Matt 27:1-2 Mark 15:1 Luke 22:66-71,23:1 )

66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: So they led him away into their council, saying, 67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe, 68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go. 69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." 70 They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say it, because I am." 71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!" 2 The whole company of them rose up and they bound him, and led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

190 Judas Kills Himself
(Matt 27:3-10 Acts 1:18-19 )

3 Then Judas, who betrayed him, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, "I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? You see to it." 5 He threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, "It's not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood." 7 They took counsel, and bought the potter's field with them, to bury strangers in. 18 Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out. 19 It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called 'Akeldama,' that is, 'The field of blood' to this day. 9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him upon whom a price had been set, whom some of the children of Israel priced, 10 and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

191 Pilate Sees Jesus The First Time
(Matt 27:2,11-14 Mark 15:1-5 Luke 23:1-5 John 18:28-38)

28 They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium, to deliver him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor. It was early, and they themselves didn't enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. 29 Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?" 30 They answered him, "If this man weren't an evildoer, we wouldn't have delivered him up to you." 31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death," 32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king." 33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, 11 Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said to him, "So you say." 34 Then Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." 38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, the chief priests and the multitudes, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against him. 3 The chief priests and elders accused him of many things, (but he answered nothing). 13 Then Pilate said to him, "Have you no answer? Don't you hear how many things they testify against you?" But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate the governor marveled greatly. 5 But they insisted, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place."

192 Herod Sees Jesus
(Luke 23:6-12 )

6 But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he found out that he was in Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9 He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 11 Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

193 Pilate Sees Jesus The Second Time
(Matt 27:15-26 Mark 15:6-15 Luke 23:13-25 John 18:39-19:16)

13 Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and see, I have examined him before you, and found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him. 15 Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore chastise him and release him." 15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired. 7 There was a (notorious) prisoner, called Barabbas. 40 Now Barabbas was a robber. 19 One who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder. He was actually bound with those who had made insurrection, men who in the insurrection had committed murder. 8 So, the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them. 17 When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them,"Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?" 18 For he knew that because of envy they had delivered him up. 19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him." 17 Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast. So he said: 39 You have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?" 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21 But the governor answered them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" 40 Then they all shouted again, saying, "Not this man, Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!" 22 Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do to Jesus, whom you call Christ, the King of the Jews?" They all said to him, "Let him be crucified! Crucify him!" 1 So Pilate then took Jesus, and flogged him. 2 The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment. 3 They kept saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" and they kept slapping him. 4 Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5 Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, "Behold, the man!" 6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against him." 20 Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus 21 but they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify him!" 22 He said to them the third time, "Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him." 7 The Jews cried out exceedingly, saying, "Let him be crucified!" "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God." 8 When therefore Pilate heard this saying, he was more afraid. 9 He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Pilate therefore said to him, "Aren't you speaking to me? Don't you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?" 11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin." 12 At this, Pilate was seeking to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this man, you aren't Caesar's friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!" 13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha." 14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!" 23 But they were urgent with loud voices, They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed. 15 Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!" 24 So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it." 25 All the people answered, "May his blood be on us, and on our children!" 24 So then, wishing to please the multitude, Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done. 25 He released to them Barabbas, who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will. Jesus was flogged and delivered to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away.

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194 - 200
Jesus is Hung on the Cross

194 The Roman Soldiers Mock Jesus
(Matt 27:27-31 Mark 15:16-20)

27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the (hall), within the court, which is the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against him. 28 They stripped him, and put a scarlet robe on him. 29 They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head, and bowing their knees, they (worshipped him). 31 When they had mocked him, they took the purple robe off of him, and put his clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.

195 Jesus Is Led To The Cross
(Matt 27:32-34 Mark 15:20-23 Luke 23:26-33 John 19:17)

32 He went out, bearing his cross, but as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene who was passing by, coming from the country. He was Simon by name, the father of Alexander and Rufus, and they compelled him to go with them, that he might carry his cross after Jesus. 27 A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' 30 Then they will begin to tell the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and tell the hills, 'Cover us.' 31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?" 32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. 33 They came to a place called (Calvary), which is called in Hebrew, "Golgotha," that is to say, "The place of a skull." 34 They gave him sour wine to drink mixed with gall or myrrh. When he had tasted it, he would not drink.

196 From 9:00 AM to Noon, Jesus Hangs On The Cross

Where is the comma placed in Luke 23:43? The original text had no commas nor any punctuation. The placing of punctuation can change the meaning of the original text. Matt 27:35-44 Mark 15:24-32 Luke 23:32-43 John 19:18-27)

25 It was the third hour, and they crucified him. 38 There were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left, and Jesus in the middle. 28 So the Scripture was fulfilled, which says, "He was numbered with transgressors." 34 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 Then they said to one another, "Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet, which says, "They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things and they sat and watched him there. 19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross up over his head. And this was the accusation written against him, "THIS IS JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." 20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'he said, I am King of the Jews.'" 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." 35 The people stood watching. 39 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, 40 and saying, "Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" 41 Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said, 42 "He saved others, but he can't save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, 'I am the Son of God. He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!" 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 44 The robbers also who were crucified with him cast on him the same reproach and insulted him. 39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Don't you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." 43 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise."        [SEE NOTE!] 25 (Now) there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" 27 Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

197 From Noon To 3:00 PM, The Last Three Hours Of Darkness When Jesus Hangs on The Cross and Dies
(Matt 27:45-50 Mark 15:33-37 Luke 23:44,46 John 19:28-30)

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is interpreted as, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." 28 After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." 29 Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed of hyssop, and gave him a drink by holding it to his mouth. 49 The rest said, "Let him be. Let's see whether Elijah comes to save and take him down." 30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, Jesus cried again with a loud voice, saying: "It is finished." 46 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Having said this, He bowed his head, yielded up his spirit, and breathed his last breath.

198 The Response Of Both God And Man To His Death
(Matt 27:51-56 Mark 15:38-41 Luke 23:45,47-49 )

51 Behold, the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now the centurion, and those who were with him watching Jesus, when they saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, and when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, they feared exceedingly and glorified God, saying, "Truly this man was the Son of God. Certainly this was a righteous man." 48 Then all the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. 49 But all his acquaintances, and the many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, who had followed him and served him when he was in Galilee; They stood at a distance, watching these things. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the less, and Joses, and Salome, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

199 Jesus Is Buried In Joseph of Arimathea's Tomb

NOTE: Early in Christ' ministry, Nicodemus had talked to Jesus one night.

(Matt 27:57-60 Mark 15:42-46 Luke 23:50-54 John 19:31-42 )

31 Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, so that the bodies wouldn't remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him; 33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn't break his legs. 34 However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe. 36 For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, "A bone of him will not be broken." 37 Again another Scripture says, "They will look on him whom they pierced." 57 (There came) a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, a prominent council member who was a good and righteous man. He himself was also a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews; He was looking and waiting for the Kingdom of God 51 He had not consented to their counsel and deed. 52 This man boldly went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate marveled if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long. 45 When he found out from the centurion, Pilate commanded the body to be given up to Joseph. 46 Joseph bought a linen cloth, and took him down, 39 Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds. 40 So they took Jesus' body, and bound it in (strips) of clean linen cloth with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid. 42 Then because of the Jews' Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there, and the Sabbath was drawing near. 60 So, they laid Him in Joseph's own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock, and they rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed.

200 The Women Watch By The Tomb The Priests and Pharisees Secure The Tomb
(Matt 27:61-66 Mark 15:47 Luke 23:55-56 )

55 The women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid. 61 Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, Mary the mother of Joses, sitting opposite the tomb. 56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. 62 Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, 'He is risen from the dead;' and the last deception will be worse than the first." 65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can." 66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.

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201 - 209
Christ's Followers Find Out That Jesus Rose From the Dead

201 The Women Come To Anoint Jesus But an Angel Of The Lord Rolls Back The Stone
(Matt 28:1-4 Mark 16:1 )

1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come to see the tomb and anoint him. 2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.

202 The Women Get To The Tomb But The Tomb is Empty
(Matt 28:5-8 Mark 16:2-8 Luke 24:1-8 John 20:1)

1 Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. 1 But when the sun had risen they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 3 They were saying among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" 4 for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back. 3 They entered in, and didn't find the Lord Jesus' body. 4 It happened, while they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. 5 Entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed. 5 Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. They said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 5 "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. 6 Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?" Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. 8 They remembered his words, 7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, and Peter, 'He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you." 8 They departed quickly and fled from the tomb with fear and great joy, for trembling and astonishment had come on them 8 They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid but they ran to bring his disciples word.

203 The Women Tell The Disciples What They Saw
(Luke 24:9-12 John 20:2-10)

2 Therefore Mary Magdalene ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have laid him!" 9 The rest of the women returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles. 11 These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn't believe them. 3 Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. 5 Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn't enter in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they didn't know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes, wondering what had happened.

204 Jesus Appears Before Mary Magdalene
(Mark 16:9-11 John 20:11-18)

9 Now when he had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 11 But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb, 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 They told her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don't know where they have laid him." 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned and said to him, "Rabboni!" which is to say, "Teacher!" 17 Jesus said to her, "Don't hold me, for I haven't yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples, those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her. 11 When they heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, they disbelieved.

205 Jesus Appears Before The Other Women
(Matt 28:9-10)

9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me."

206 The Guard Report To the Jews
(Matt 28:11-15)

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, 13 saying, "Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. 14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry." 15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.

207 The Road to Emmaus with Jesus

NOTE: Jesus was just killed and the disciples were scared and hiding. These two disciples said: "But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel." And now they were fully discouraged. It was a great disappointment and they did not know what to do or think. Now it was important that they must understand how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Christ. Verses 25 - 27, 32 shows us that Jesus explained the Scriptures to them. (See section 212.)

(Mark 16:12-13 Luke 24:13-35 1Corinthians 15:5)

12 After these things he was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. 13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 It happened, while they talked and questioned together, that Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, "What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?" 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things which have happened there in these days?" 19 He said to them, "What things?" They said to him, "The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn't find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn't see him." 25 He said to them, "Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn't the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?" 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 They drew near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further. 29 They urged him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over." He went in to stay with them. 30 It happened, that when he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them. 31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said one to another, "Weren't our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?" 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon or Cephas!" 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread. 13 They didn't believe them, either.

208 Jesus Appears To Most Of the Disciples Except Thomas Who Did Not Believe
(Mark 16:14 Luke 24:36-43 John 20:19-25 )

19 Now, as they said these things, When it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, 36 Jesus himself came and stood among them, the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he said to them, "Peace be to you." 37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 14 and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn't believe those who had seen him after he had risen 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 he showed them his hands and his side: See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones, as you see that I have." 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn't believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 20 The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit! 23 Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained." 24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn't with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

209 Jesus Comes To Convince Thomas
(John 20:26-31 1Corinthians 15:5)

26 After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be to you." Thus, he appeared to the twelve. 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don't be unbelieving, but believing." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed." 30 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

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210 - 213
Jesus Comforts and Instructs His Followers. He Gives Them the Gospel Commission

210 Jesus Appears To Some Of His Disciples At The Sea Of Galilee
(John 21:1-25 )

1 After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going fishing." They told him, "We are also coming with you." They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. 4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn't know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, have you anything to eat?" They answered him, "No." 6 He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They cast it therefore, and now they weren't able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. 7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!" So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. 9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn't torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." None of the disciples dared inquire of him, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead. 15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." 16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." 17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?" Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, "Do you have affection for me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 18 Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go." 19 Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me." 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus sincerely loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus' breast at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray You?" 21 Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me." 23 This saying therefore went out among the brothers, that this disciple wouldn't die. Yet Jesus didn't say to him that he wouldn't die, but, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?" 24 This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true. 25 There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn't have room for the books that would be written.

211 On a Montain, 500 Saw Jesus
(Matt 28:16-20 Mark 16:15-18 1Corinthians 15:6)

16 (Then) the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them. 6 And he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. 17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation. And make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned. 17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." 20 Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the (world)." Amen.

212 Jesus First Saw James, Then He Spoke To the Rest Of His Disciples

NOTE: Jesus was just killed and the disciples were scared and hiding. It was a great disappointment and they did not know what to do or think. Now it was important that they must understand how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies concerning Christ. After the two disciples told of their experience, then Jesus appeared and He explained to the whole group, verses 44-47, how he had fulfilled all things.

(Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:3-8; 1Corinthians 15:7 )

7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 3 To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God's Kingdom. 44 He said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds, (opening there understanding,) that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send forth the promise of my Father on you. So, he commanded them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait in the city until you are clothed with power from the promise of the Father on high, which you heard from me." 5 For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?" 7 He said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."

213 The Last Appearance To The Disciples Jesus Is Carried Up Into Heaven
(Mark 16:19 Luke 24:50-51 Acts 1:9-11 )

50 He led them out as far as Bethany, and after he had spoken to them, he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 It happened, while he blessed them, and as they were looking, that he withdrew from them. He was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And so, he was carried up into heaven. 19 So then the Lord was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 10 While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, 11 who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky."

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214 - 218
Pentecost And The Beginning of The Church

214 The Disciples Return to Jerusalem and Enter the Upper Room

NOTE: These are the remaining 11 apostles with the other disciples. (See section 46 to see the original list of apostles when Jesus chose His twelve apostles.)

(Luke 24:52 Acts 1:12-14 )

52 So, they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 12 Returning to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, is a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.