Content:
- Introduction
- Passover
- The Triumphant Entry
- Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
- Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
- Jesus Cleanses the Temple
- The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
- Jesus' Authority is Challenged
- Paying Taxes to Caesar
- The Plot to Kill Jesus
- Preparation of The Passover Lamb
- Jesus Predicts the Betrayal
- Institution of the Lord’s Supper
- Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
- Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
- Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
- Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council
- Peter Denies Jesus
- Jesus Before Pilate and the Crucifixion
- Local Rulers in Israel
Introduction
Jesus' last days before his crucifixion are also called The Holy Week.
It begins with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover,
and ends with The Crucifixion of Jesus.
and ends with The Crucifixion of Jesus.
Passover
The Jews made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the spring to celebrate the Passover festival in the temple. So did Jesus and the disciples. Passover (also called Pesach) lasts only one day, the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. It marks God's deliverance of the people of Israel from their slavery in Egypt, see
Moses; Part 7: The 10th Plague. Immediately after Passover follows the "Feast of Matzo", also called the "Feast of the Unleavened Bread", which lasts for seven days, with the first day (15th) and last day (21st) being holy days (extra Sabbaths). This entire period of eight days can be seen as a feast and is often called by the Jews both Passover and the "Feast of the Unleavened Bread" (Luk 22:1, Mark 14:1a).
A Jewish day begins at sunset and begins with night followed by day. It was during the Preparation Day (Passover) on Nisan 14 that Jesus was crucified
(John 19:14a, 31, Luke 23:53–54). This Passover began around 6 PM in the evening at ended the next day just before sunset at 6 PM when Jesus was buried.
The Triumphant Entry
Jesus began his journey from Bethany to Jerusalem, five days before Passover
(John 12:1, 12).
When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples and said to them: "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her, on which no one has ever sat. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says to you:
'Why are you doing this?', you shall say: 'The Lord needs them, and he will send them back at once.'" This took place to fulfill what was said by the prophet:
"Say to the daughter of Zion (Jerusalem, Mica 4:8): 'Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'"
(Zechariah 9:9, Mat 21:1–5, Mark 11:1–3, Luk 19:28–31, John 12:12–15).
His disciples didn't understand this at first, but when Jesus was glorified they remembered that this had been written about him and had been done to him
(John 12:16). This is similar to what happens new believers who begin to read the Bible that confirms what they have begun to believe.
The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They found a colt tied to a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those who stood there said to them: "What are you doing, untying the colt?" And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. They brought the donkey and the colt to Jesus and
threw their cloaks on them. Jesus sat on the colt. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. They took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him. The whole crowd of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen. The crowds that went before him and followed him shouted: "Hosanna (Psalm 118:25) to the Son of David! 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! Hosanna in the highest!". And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying: "Who is this?" And the crowds said: "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee." (Mat 21:6–11, Mark 11:4–10, Luk 19:32–38).
Some of the Pharisees called out to him from the crowd: "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." But He answered and said to them: "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." (Luk 19:39–40).
The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify, see The Death of Lazarus. The reason the crowd went to meet him was because they heard he had done this sign. The Pharisees said to each other: "You see that you are gaining nothing.
Look, the world has gone after him." (John 12:17–19).
Now it was time for Jesus to reveal himself who he really is, the coming Messiah. This was the first time that Jesus allowed a public declaration of who he is.
To call someone the Son of David is to proclaim that person to be the Messiah.
It's a messianic title. This means that the people recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
But in less than a week, many of the same people would be calling for his crucifixion. They expected Jesus to be a crowned king, their liberator in this world, not to give his life for their sins. They didn't understand that he was going to Jerusalem to die.
Watch the following videos:
- Time 2:24–4:36 in Luke 19 (Part 2) :11-48 • Jesus Arrives in Jerusalem.
- Time 7:09–7:59 in Bible Q&A with Pastor Paul.
The Pharisees understood that the people recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
They could recognize him as a teacher but rejected him for being the Messiah.
By coming upon a colt, Jesus fulfilled a prophesy about being the Messiah
(Zechariah 9:9).
Presumably the donkey was a security for the unaccustomed colt. The donkey was the animal of peace, unlike the horse which was associated with war. Riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (a colt in this case) signals peace. Jesus showed that he came humbly in peace by riding a colt. If he had come on a horse, he would have come as a conqueror. But this time he came to give his life for mankind.
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
When Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said:
"Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation." (Luk 19:41–44).
Jesus later said about the temple: "Do you see these great buildings?
There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."
(Luk 21:5–6, Mat 24:1–2, Mark 13:1–2)
The expression "one stone upon another" (Luk 19:44, 21:6, Mat 24:2, Mark 13:2)
are examples of Jewish idioms, see time 14:55–16:46 in Temple Mount/Fort Antonia, Which One Stood on Mount Moriah? The Definitive EVIDENCE. It's a phrase to express total destruction, which also occurred 70 AD of the Roman army. That Jesus wept shows that God has no pleasure in anyone's death (Ezekiel 18:31–32).
Jesus entered Jerusalem and entered the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
(Mark 11:11).
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
In the morning the following day, as they were returning to the city of Jerusalem
from Bethany, Jesus became hungry. And when he saw in the distance a fig tree in leaf by the roadside, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it wasn't the time for figs. And he said to it:
"May no fruit ever come from you again!" And his disciples heard it.
The fig tree withered at once. (Mat 21:18–19, Mark 11:12–14).
from Bethany, Jesus became hungry. And when he saw in the distance a fig tree in leaf by the roadside, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it wasn't the time for figs. And he said to it:
"May no fruit ever come from you again!" And his disciples heard it.
The fig tree withered at once. (Mat 21:18–19, Mark 11:12–14).
The fig tree is a picture of the nation of Israel. The leaves are an external image
of their religiosity. But God looks for fruit, but finds none. Normally, a fig tree
produces fruit before it shows its leaves. This tree appears on the outside to have
a large crop, but on closer inspection it was without fruit. The Jews rejected Jesus' claim to be the Messiah. Their religious leaders and even the people wanted to crucify him. This is a picture of the coming judgment on the nation of Israel,
see the following parables:
of their religiosity. But God looks for fruit, but finds none. Normally, a fig tree
produces fruit before it shows its leaves. This tree appears on the outside to have
a large crop, but on closer inspection it was without fruit. The Jews rejected Jesus' claim to be the Messiah. Their religious leaders and even the people wanted to crucify him. This is a picture of the coming judgment on the nation of Israel,
see the following parables:
See also Miracle with Negative Reaction in Miracles of Jesus.
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
And they came to Jerusalem. He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he wouldn't allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. He taught them and said to them:
"Is it not written: 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'?
But you have made it a den of robbers."
(Isaiah 56:7b, Jer 7:11, Mat 21:12–13, Mark 11:15–17, Luk 19:45–46).
Jesus taught daily in the temple. The blind and lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them, see Miracles of Jesus. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children shouted in the temple: "Hosanna to the Son of David!", they were indignant and said to him:
"Do you hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them: "Yes; have you never read: 'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’” (Psalm 8:2 (3 in some translations)). The chief priests, the scribes, and the principal men of the people tried to destroy him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching. But they found nothing they could do, for all the people hung on his words. And Jesus left them and went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there. (Mat 21:14–17, Mark 11:18–19, Luk 19:47–48).
This happened in the outer court, which was the only place in the temple where the God-fearer Gentiles were allowed to go; to pray and offer their sacrifices, see time 2:26–3:10 in Herod's Temple - Interesting Facts. There they could buy animals to sacrifice, but there was a scam going on. Everyone knew this, even Jesus:
- They turned a place predicated for prayer for all nations into a market place and worse; to a corrupt place where people were deceived:
- The animals were overcharged.
- The priests who inspected the animals before they were sacrificed, many times rejected the animals for sacrifice, animals that they themselves had put up for sale.
- The money changers who converted the currency into temple shekel,
since no other money was accepted, used corrupt scales for the conversion.
Jesus also cleansed the temple at the beginning of his public ministry
(John 2:13–22). But then he called the outer court a house of trade
(John 2:16). Now he called it a den of robbers (Mat 21:13). It had become worse.
The religious leaders' response was to try to destroy Jesus instead of changing their wrongdoings. This is how evil men react when confronted with their evil.
That they accepted the scam but became indignant at the children's worship is an example of empty religion, see Confronting Meaningless Religion.
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
As they passed by in the morning, they saw that the fig tree withered down to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him: "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered. How did the fig tree wither at once?" And Jesus answered:
"Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you.
You will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain: 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea', it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and you will receive it. It will be yours if you have faith. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in Heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mat 21:20–22, 6:14–15, Mark 11:20–25).
"Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt in your heart, but believe that what you say will come to pass, it will be done for you.
You will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain: 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea', it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it and you will receive it. It will be yours if you have faith. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in Heaven forgive your trespasses." (Mat 21:20–22, 6:14–15, Mark 11:20–25).
It's important not to take a promise out of context, see Ask, and it will be given to you in The Sermon on the Mount. See also Forgive and You will Be Forgiven.
Jesus' Authority is Challenged
And they came back to Jerusalem and Jesus entered the temple. As he went into the temple teaching the people and preaching the gospel, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him, and they said to him: "Tell us by what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?" Jesus answered them: "I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From Heaven or from man?" And they discussed it among themselves, saying: "If we say: 'From Heaven', he will say to us: 'Why then did you not believe him?' But if we say: 'From man', we are afraid for the crowd that they will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet." So they answered Jesus: "We do not know." And he said to them: "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." (Mat 21:23–27, Mark 11:27–33, Luk 20:1–8).
This shows how far the Jewish leadership had slipped into apostasy. They weren't interested in the truth. They weren't looking for an answer. They just wanted something to blame Jesus for and make Jesus look stupid. Jesus has the ability
to see what was going on in their hearts. Jesus promised to answer their question
if they answered his, but they didn't. Jesus exposed the duplicity of their hearts and the unwillingness to even have a genuine conversation, and he wanted no part of it, see The Parable of the Two Sons and The Parable of the Tenants.
See also Casting pearls before swine in The Sermon on the Mount.
to see what was going on in their hearts. Jesus promised to answer their question
if they answered his, but they didn't. Jesus exposed the duplicity of their hearts and the unwillingness to even have a genuine conversation, and he wanted no part of it, see The Parable of the Two Sons and The Parable of the Tenants.
See also Casting pearls before swine in The Sermon on the Mount.
Paying Taxes to Caesar
The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on him at that very moment, for they understood that he had told The Parable of the Tenants against them, but they feared the people. So they watched him and sent spies, pretending to be sincere, to catch him in something he said, so they could deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the Governor. (Luk 20:19–20).
The Pharisees went and plotted how to ensnare him in his words. And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, to catch him in his speech.
(Mat 22:15–16a, Mark 12:13, Luk 20:19–20).
(Mat 22:15–16a, Mark 12:13, Luk 20:19–20).
They said to Jesus: "Teacher, we know that you are true, show no partiality, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?" But Jesus, aware of their malice and craftiness, said: "Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax. Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them: "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said: "Caesar’s". Then he said to them: "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." When they heard it, in the presence of the people they couldn't catch him in what he said, but marveling at his answer they became silent. And they left him and went away.
(Mat 22:16b–22, Mark 12:14–17, Luk 20:21–26).
(Mat 22:16b–22, Mark 12:14–17, Luk 20:21–26).
A denarius was a day wages. Paying taxes to the Romans was for every loyal Jew a national betrayal. What Jesus is saying is that he hadn't come to Earth to establish a political earthly government. He also says that it's right to pay taxes. We should do so and obey the Civil Laws, see This World is Not Our Home in
The Book of Romans. A government has a rightful place in a society.
The Book of Romans. A government has a rightful place in a society.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
Jesus later said to his disciples: "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." (Mat 26:1–2).
Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary had seen what Jesus did when he raised Lazarus from the dead, see The Death of Lazarus, and therefore believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
(John 11:45–46).
(John 11:45–46).
Then the chief priests, the Pharisees, the scribes, and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas. They said: "What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them:
"You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish." He didn't say this by himself, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather the children of God who are scattered abroad. They planned together to secretly arrest Jesus and kill him. But they said: "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."
(Mat 26:3–5, Mark 14:1–2, Luk 22:1–2, John 11:47–52).
"You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish." He didn't say this by himself, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not only for the nation, but also to gather the children of God who are scattered abroad. They planned together to secretly arrest Jesus and kill him. But they said: "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people."
(Mat 26:3–5, Mark 14:1–2, Luk 22:1–2, John 11:47–52).
From that day they planned to kill him. Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the
Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they stood in the temple: "What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?" Now the chief priests and Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they could arrest him. (John 11:53–57).
Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they stood in the temple: "What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?" Now the chief priests and Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they could arrest him. (John 11:53–57).
Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them, and said: "What will you give me if I deliver Jesus over to you?" When they heard that, they were glad and promised to give him money. They paid him thirty pieces of silver. Judas agreed and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in
the absence of a crowd. (Mat 26:14–16, Mark 14:10–11, Luk 22:3–6).
the absence of a crowd. (Mat 26:14–16, Mark 14:10–11, Luk 22:3–6).
Preparation of The Passover Lamb
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the lamb,
Jesus sent Peter and John and said: "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." The disciples came to Jesus and said: "Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" Jesus said to them: "Behold, Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house: 'The Teacher says to you, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples. Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare it there." The disciples did as Jesus had told them. They set out and went to the city and found it just as he had said, and they prepared the Passover. (Mat 26:17–19, Mark 14:12–16, Luk 22:7–13).
Jesus sent Peter and John and said: "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." The disciples came to Jesus and said: "Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?" Jesus said to them: "Behold, Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house: 'The Teacher says to you, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples. Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; prepare it there." The disciples did as Jesus had told them. They set out and went to the city and found it just as he had said, and they prepared the Passover. (Mat 26:17–19, Mark 14:12–16, Luk 22:7–13).
This occurred in the evening just after sunset (6 PM) at the beginning of the day of Passover, see chapter Passover at the beginning of this article.
Jesus Predicts the Betrayal
Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve. He said: "I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled: 'He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' (Psalm 41:10). I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he."
(John 13:18–19).
(John 13:18–19).
And as they ate at the evening, Jesus was troubled in his spirit and testified: "Behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. Truly,
I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." The disciples looked at each other, unsure of whom he was talking about. They were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another: "Is it I, Lord?" Judas, who would betray him, said: "Is it I, Rabbi?" Jesus said to him: "You have said so."
They began to ask each other, which of them it could be who was going to do this. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at the table by Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he spoke. Then that disciple leaned back toward Jesus and said to him: "Lord, who is it?" He replied: "It is one of
the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born. It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it."
When he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Then when he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him: "What you are going to do, do quickly." Now no one at the table knew why he told him this. Some believed that since Judas had the money bag, Jesus said to him: "Buy what we need for the feast", or that he would give something to the poor.
After receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
(Mat 26:20–25, Mark 14:17–21, Luk 22:21–23, John 13:21–30).
I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me." The disciples looked at each other, unsure of whom he was talking about. They were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another: "Is it I, Lord?" Judas, who would betray him, said: "Is it I, Rabbi?" Jesus said to him: "You have said so."
They began to ask each other, which of them it could be who was going to do this. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at the table by Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he spoke. Then that disciple leaned back toward Jesus and said to him: "Lord, who is it?" He replied: "It is one of
the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the dish with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born. It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it."
When he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Then when he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him: "What you are going to do, do quickly." Now no one at the table knew why he told him this. Some believed that since Judas had the money bag, Jesus said to him: "Buy what we need for the feast", or that he would give something to the poor.
After receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.
(Mat 26:20–25, Mark 14:17–21, Luk 22:21–23, John 13:21–30).
Judas called Jesus Rabbi but not Lord, see Why Judas betrayed Jesus.
John writes about himself when he writes about the disciple who Jesus loved
(John 13:23). The Greek word that is used for love is agape, see Agape Love
in Spiritual Gifts. The truth is, Jesus loves them all.
(John 13:23). The Greek word that is used for love is agape, see Agape Love
in Spiritual Gifts. The truth is, Jesus loves them all.
Institution of the Lord’s Supper
thanks, broke it and gave it to the disciples, saying: "Take, eat; this is my body, which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
Jesus said to them: "Take this, and divide it among yourselves. Drink of it, all of you, for this cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Truly, I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom."
As often as we eat this bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (Mat 26:26–29, Mark 14:22–25, Luk 22:17–20, 1 Cor 11:23–26).
For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Truly, I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom."
As often as we eat this bread and drink the cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (Mat 26:26–29, Mark 14:22–25, Luk 22:17–20, 1 Cor 11:23–26).
See the New Covenant explained in Jesus and the Law.
Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then
Simon Peter said to him: "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him:
"Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward."
Jesus said to them: "You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
(Zechariah 13:7). But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."
Jesus said to Peter: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that
he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Peter answered him: "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death. Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away." Jesus said to him: "Truly, I tell you,
this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times that you know me." But Peter said emphatically to Jesus: "Even if I must
die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same.
(Zechariah 13:7, Mat 26:30–35, Mark 14:26–31, Luk 22:31–34, John 13:36–38).
Simon Peter said to him: "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered him:
"Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward."
Jesus said to them: "You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
(Zechariah 13:7). But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."
Jesus said to Peter: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that
he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Peter answered him: "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death. Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away." Jesus said to him: "Truly, I tell you,
this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times that you know me." But Peter said emphatically to Jesus: "Even if I must
die with you, I will not deny you!" And all the disciples said the same.
(Zechariah 13:7, Mat 26:30–35, Mark 14:26–31, Luk 22:31–34, John 13:36–38).
See God is omniscient and God is sovereign in God's Attributes.
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Jesus walked with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. They came to a place called Gethsemane, it was an olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives. There he said to them:
"Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he said to his disciples:
"Sit here, while I go over there and pray." And when he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John), he began to be greatly distressed, sorrowful,
and troubled. Then he said to them: "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death;
remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther, about a stone’s throw,
he knelt down, fell on his face, and prayed that, if it was possible, the hour would pass him by. And he said: "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
And an angel from Heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. And when he was in anguish he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood that fell to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping with sorrow. And he said to Peter: "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch with me one hour? Rise, watch, and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed: "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy, and they knew not what to answer him. So he left them again, went away and prayed a third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them: "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. See, the hour is at hand, and the
Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see,
my betrayer is at hand." (Mat 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luk 22:39–46, John 18:1).
"Pray that you may not enter into temptation." And he said to his disciples:
"Sit here, while I go over there and pray." And when he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John), he began to be greatly distressed, sorrowful,
and troubled. Then he said to them: "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death;
remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther, about a stone’s throw,
he knelt down, fell on his face, and prayed that, if it was possible, the hour would pass him by. And he said: "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will."
And an angel from Heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. And when he was in anguish he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood that fell to the ground. And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping with sorrow. And he said to Peter: "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch with me one hour? Rise, watch, and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed: "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy, and they knew not what to answer him. So he left them again, went away and prayed a third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them: "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. See, the hour is at hand, and the
Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see,
my betrayer is at hand." (Mat 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luk 22:39–46, John 18:1).
Jesus thought of the wrath and judgement from God the Father that he would endure on the cross. It wasn't only the physical suffering that was horrific but also the spiritual suffering that was the target of the wrath and fury of God the Father. Jesus would become like an enemy to God the Father. He would be judged for the sin of mankind, separated from God the Father. This was the source of Jesus' reaction. But there was no other way. Jesus' death on the cross is the only way for mankind to be reconciled with God, see Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus
Judas, who would betray Jesus and was one of the twelve, knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. Judas went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons, having procured a band of soldiers, some officers of the chief priests and Pharisees. With him came a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people. Judas had given them a sign, saying: "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him and lead him away under guard." And he immediately came up to Jesus and said: "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. Jesus said to him: "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss? Friend, do what you came to do." When Jesus knew all that was to happen to him, he went forward and said to them: "Whom do you seek?" They answered him: "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them: "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, stood with them. When Jesus said to them: "I am he", they drew back and fell to the ground. So he asked them again: "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered: "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go." This was to fulfill the word which he had spoken: "Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one." (John 6:39, 17:12). Then they came up and laid their hands on Jesus and seized him. And when those around him saw what was to follow, they said: "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" Then Simon Peter, with a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. But Jesus said: "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him. Jesus said to Peter: "Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" At that hour Jesus said to the chief priests, officers of the temple, and elders who had come out against him: "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I was with you sitting in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. All this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and fled. A young man followed him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth around his body. They seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked. (Mat 26:47–56, Mark 14:32–42, Luk 22:47–53, John 18:1–11).
This young man is believed to be John Mark who is the author of the Gospel of Mark.
Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council
The soldiers, their captain, and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. The men who held Jesus in custody mocked him as they beat him. They also blindfolded him and kept asking him: "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?"
They said many other things against him and blasphemed him.
(Luk 22:63–65, John 18:12).
They said many other things against him and blasphemed him.
(Luk 22:63–65, John 18:12).
First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. The high priest (Annas) then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him:
"I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said this, one of the officers standing struck Jesus with his hand and said: "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him:
"If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?" Annas then sent him bound to the high priest Caiaphas. (John 18:13–14, 19–24).
"I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." When he had said this, one of the officers standing struck Jesus with his hand and said: "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him:
"If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?" Annas then sent him bound to the high priest Caiaphas. (John 18:13–14, 19–24).
Then those who had seized Jesus led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders had gathered. They led him away to their council. Peter followed him at a distance as far as the the high priest's courtyard. When they went inside, he sat with the guards and warming himself by the fire to see the end. Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus that they might put him to death, but they found none, although many false witnesses came forward. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimonies didn't agree. Two came forward and said: "We heard him say: 'I am able to destroy the temple of God that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'" But even about this testimony they didn't agree. The high priest stood up and said: "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent and made no answer.
They said: "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them: "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer." The high priest said to him:
"I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus said to him: "I am. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the power of God and coming on the clouds of Heaven." So they all said: "Are you the Son of God, then?" And he said to them: "You say that I am." Then the high priest tore his garments and said:
"He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?" They answered: "We have heard it ourselves from his own lips. He deserves death." They all condemned him to deserve death. Some began to spit on him and to cover his face and beat him. Some slapped him and said: "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?" And the guards received him with blows. (Mat 26:57–68, Mark 14:53–65, Luk 22:66–71).
They said: "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them: "If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer." The high priest said to him:
"I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God,
the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus said to him: "I am. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the power of God and coming on the clouds of Heaven." So they all said: "Are you the Son of God, then?" And he said to them: "You say that I am." Then the high priest tore his garments and said:
"He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?" They answered: "We have heard it ourselves from his own lips. He deserves death." They all condemned him to deserve death. Some began to spit on him and to cover his face and beat him. Some slapped him and said: "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who is it that struck you?" And the guards received him with blows. (Mat 26:57–68, Mark 14:53–65, Luk 22:66–71).
Messiah is a Hebrew word meaning anointed. The Greek word Christ means the same thing. See also Jesus – I AM and The Parable of the Tenants.
Jesus speaks the truth, see Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
See also time 23:24–25:50 in John 18:1-18 – Glory Under Arrest. It's believed that Annas and Caiaphas were Sadducees, see Our Resurrection from Death.
See also time 23:24–25:50 in John 18:1-18 – Glory Under Arrest. It's believed that Annas and Caiaphas were Sadducees, see Our Resurrection from Death.
Peter Denies Jesus
Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple (John). Because that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest's courtyard, but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. (John 18:15–16).
Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. The servant girl at the door, who was one of the servant girls of the high priest, came by to Peter. Seeing him warming herself, she looked at him closely and said: "You also were with that Nazarene,
Jesus the Galilean. You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?"
But he denied it before them all, saying: "I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about." Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, for it was cold, and they stood and warmed themselves. Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself. And he went out into the entryway. And as he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders:
"This fellow is one of them. This man was with Jesus of Nazareth."
And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while,
the bystanders came forward. One of them was one of the high priest's servants,
a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off. He said to Peter: "Certainly you too are one of them, for you are a Galilean, your accent betrays you. Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Then he began to call down curses, invoke a curse on himself, and he swore to them: "I don’t know this man you’re talking about." Immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered what Jesus said: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. (Mat 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, John 18:17–18, 25–27).
Jesus the Galilean. You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?"
But he denied it before them all, saying: "I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about." Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, for it was cold, and they stood and warmed themselves. Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself. And he went out into the entryway. And as he went out to the entrance, another servant girl saw him, and she said to the bystanders:
"This fellow is one of them. This man was with Jesus of Nazareth."
And again he denied it with an oath: "I do not know the man." After a little while,
the bystanders came forward. One of them was one of the high priest's servants,
a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off. He said to Peter: "Certainly you too are one of them, for you are a Galilean, your accent betrays you. Did I not see you in the garden with him?" Then he began to call down curses, invoke a curse on himself, and he swore to them: "I don’t know this man you’re talking about." Immediately the rooster crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered what Jesus said: "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. (Mat 26:69–75, Mark 14:66–72, John 18:17–18, 25–27).
See Peter's fall and restoration described and explained in The Apostle Peter.
Jesus Before Pilate and the Crucifixion
The morning came. Very early in the morning, all the chief priests, together with the elders of the people who counseled against Jesus to put him to death, the teachers in the Law and the whole Sanhedrin made their plans. They bound Jesus, led him away from the house of Caiaphas, and handed him over to the governor’s headquarter (Praetorium). They all brought Jesus before the governor Pilate.
It was early in the morning (Passover). They themselves didn't enter the governor’s headquarter, so that they wouldn't be defiled, but could eat the Passover.
(Mat 27:1–2, Mark 15:1, Luk 23:1, John 18:28).
It was early in the morning (Passover). They themselves didn't enter the governor’s headquarter, so that they wouldn't be defiled, but could eat the Passover.
(Mat 27:1–2, Mark 15:1, Luk 23:1, John 18:28).
Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judaea, serving under Tiberius from the year 26/27 to 36/37 AD.
Pilate went outside to them and said: "What accusation do you bring against this man?" They answered him: "If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you." Pilate said to them: "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." The Jews said to him: "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death." This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he would die. (John 18:29–32, Mat 20:17–19, 26:2b).
Since the Jews weren't allowed to sentence anyone to death, they sent him to Pilate. The Talmud notes that "forty years before the destruction of the (second) temple,
capital punishment ceased in Israel", a date traditionally placed at 28 AD, just a couple of years before Jesus' crucifixion, see Capital punishment in Judaism.
If it hadn't ceased, Jesus would have been stoned to death, but then the prophecy wouldn't have fulfilled. The crucifixion was foretold in detail, see
Psalm 22: the Crucifixion Psalm.
capital punishment ceased in Israel", a date traditionally placed at 28 AD, just a couple of years before Jesus' crucifixion, see Capital punishment in Judaism.
If it hadn't ceased, Jesus would have been stoned to death, but then the prophecy wouldn't have fulfilled. The crucifixion was foretold in detail, see
Psalm 22: the Crucifixion Psalm.
Jesus stood before the governor. Those who brought him before Pilate began
to accuse him, saying: "We found this man misleading our nation, forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."
The governor asked him: "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said: "You have said so." The chief priests accused him of many things. But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he didn't answer. Then Pilate said to him:
"Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.
Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he didn't answer him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor was very amazed.
(Mat 27:11–14, Mark 15:2–5, Luk 23:2–3).
to accuse him, saying: "We found this man misleading our nation, forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."
The governor asked him: "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus said: "You have said so." The chief priests accused him of many things. But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he didn't answer. Then Pilate said to him:
"Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.
Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?" But he didn't answer him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor was very amazed.
(Mat 27:11–14, Mark 15:2–5, Luk 23:2–3).
Pilate re-entered his headquarter. He called Jesus and said to him:
"Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered: "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" See this answer explained at time 20:24–22:12 in John 18:19-40 – Glory On Trial. Pilate answered: "Am I a Jew?
Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered: "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." Then Pilate said to him:
"So you are a king?" Jesus answered: "You say that I am a king. For this purpose
I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him: "What is truth?" (John 18:33–38a).
"Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered: "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" See this answer explained at time 20:24–22:12 in John 18:19-40 – Glory On Trial. Pilate answered: "Am I a Jew?
Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" Jesus answered: "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." Then Pilate said to him:
"So you are a king?" Jesus answered: "You say that I am a king. For this purpose
I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice." Pilate said to him: "What is truth?" (John 18:33–38a).
Jesus had previously told the Pharisees: "But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Mat 12:28). "But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Luke 11:20). Jesus had also previously answered the Pharisees
in the following way when they asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come:
"The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say: 'Here it is' or 'There it is'; because the kingdom of God is in your midst" (or: "is within you"). (Luk 17:20–21). Jesus wanted them to understand that the kingdom of God is more than just what they had envisioned it to be.
He sought to enlarge their understanding of the spiritual nature of this kingdom.
The kingdom of God was in their midst because Jesus was in their midst. When Jesus went to be with the Father, the Holy Spirit came, meaning that the kingdom of God was still in their midst. The kingdom of God works in the hearts of born again Christians.
in the following way when they asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come:
"The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say: 'Here it is' or 'There it is'; because the kingdom of God is in your midst" (or: "is within you"). (Luk 17:20–21). Jesus wanted them to understand that the kingdom of God is more than just what they had envisioned it to be.
He sought to enlarge their understanding of the spiritual nature of this kingdom.
The kingdom of God was in their midst because Jesus was in their midst. When Jesus went to be with the Father, the Holy Spirit came, meaning that the kingdom of God was still in their midst. The kingdom of God works in the hearts of born again Christians.
Pilate wasn't really interested in the answer. Jesus came as a king, but his
kingdom isn't of this world. As born again Christians, we belong to his kingdom
(Phil 3:20, Col 1:13), that is within the kingdom of the world (1 John 5:19).
There will come a day when Jesus is handed back that kingdom (Rev 11:15),
see The Millennial Kingdom. See this explained at time 5:07–9:15 in
1 John 3 • Beloved, we are God’s children. See also step 5 in
Objections to Christianity in Misconceptions and Objections.
kingdom isn't of this world. As born again Christians, we belong to his kingdom
(Phil 3:20, Col 1:13), that is within the kingdom of the world (1 John 5:19).
There will come a day when Jesus is handed back that kingdom (Rev 11:15),
see The Millennial Kingdom. See this explained at time 5:07–9:15 in
1 John 3 • Beloved, we are God’s children. See also step 5 in
Objections to Christianity in Misconceptions and Objections.
After Pilate had said this, he went back out to the Jews. He said to the chief priests and the crowds: "I find no guilt in this man." But they were in haste, saying:
"He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to
this place." (Luk 23:4–5, John 18:38b).
"He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to
this place." (Luk 23:4–5, John 18:38b).
When Pilate heard this, he asked if the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod Antipas, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard of him, and he hoped to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but Jesus didn't answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then he dressed him in splendid clothes and sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that day, for before this event they had been at enmity with each other. (Luk 23:6–12).
The reason Jesus didn't answer Herod was because Jesus knew what was in his heart, he wasn't interested in hearing the truth, he just wanted to be entertained, see Casting pearls before swine in The Sermon on the Mount.
Pilate then called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people, and said to them: "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him." (Luk 23:13–16).
Now at the feast (Passover) the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd any prisoner they wanted; a prisoner whom the people requested. They then had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. He was a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. He was also a robber.
The crowd came forward and asked Pilate to do for them what he used to do.
So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them: "You have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. Whom do you want me to release for you:
Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" For Pilate knew that it was out of self-interest and envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. Moreover, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him: "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream."
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor said to them again: "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" They all shouted together: "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas." Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, and said to them: "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ, with the one you call the King of the Jews?" But they kept shouting: "Crucify, crucify him!" And he said: "Why? What crime has he committed? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him." But they were urgent and demanded with loud cries that he should be crucified. They shouted all the louder: "Let him be crucified!" And their voices prevailed. So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing but a riot began, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying: "I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered: "His blood be on us and on our children!"
He wanted to satisfy the crowd and decided that their demands should be granted.
Pilate released to them Barabbas, the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he handed Jesus over to their will.
(Mat 27:15–26, Mark 15:6–15, Luk 23:18–25, John 18:39–40).
The crowd came forward and asked Pilate to do for them what he used to do.
So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them: "You have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. Whom do you want me to release for you:
Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ? Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" For Pilate knew that it was out of self-interest and envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. Moreover, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him: "Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream."
Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. The governor said to them again: "Which of the two do you want me to release for you?" They all shouted together: "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas." Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, and said to them: "Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ, with the one you call the King of the Jews?" But they kept shouting: "Crucify, crucify him!" And he said: "Why? What crime has he committed? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him." But they were urgent and demanded with loud cries that he should be crucified. They shouted all the louder: "Let him be crucified!" And their voices prevailed. So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing but a riot began, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying: "I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves." And all the people answered: "His blood be on us and on our children!"
He wanted to satisfy the crowd and decided that their demands should be granted.
Pilate released to them Barabbas, the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he handed Jesus over to their will.
(Mat 27:15–26, Mark 15:6–15, Luk 23:18–25, John 18:39–40).
Pilate then had Jesus flogged (John 19:1): Torture normally preceded an execution. The Roman scourge, called a flagellum, was a short whip made of three or more leather straps connect to a handle. It had spikes of bone or metal that tore the prisoners back so that they sometimes died even before the execution.
The maximum number of strokes of the Romans was unlimited.
The maximum number of strokes of the Romans was unlimited.
Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus to the governor’s headquarter (Praetorium), and they gathered the entire Roman cohort before him. They stripped him and put a purple robe on him, and twisted a crown of thorns and put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. They knelt before him and mocked him and said:
"Hail, King of the Jews!" Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spat on him. They fell on their knees and paid homage to him.
(Mat 27:27–30, Mark 15:16–19, John 19:2–3).
"Hail, King of the Jews!" Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spat on him. They fell on their knees and paid homage to him.
(Mat 27:27–30, Mark 15:16–19, John 19:2–3).
Pilate went out again and said to them: "See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him." Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them: "Behold the man!" When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted: "Crucify him, 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 according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God." When Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid. He went back into his headquarter and said to Jesus:
"Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him:
"You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?" Jesus answered him: "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin." (John 19:4–11).
"Where are you from?" But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him:
"You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?" Jesus answered him: "You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin." (John 19:4–11).
Pilate had only the authority over Jesus that had been granted to him by
God the Father, see God is sovereign in God's Attributes.
God the Father, see God is sovereign in God's Attributes.
From then on, Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews shouted: "If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes
Caesar." When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat in a place called The Stone Pavement and in Aramaic Gabbatha.
He said to the Jews: "Behold your King!" They shouted: "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." (John 19:12–15).
Caesar." When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat in a place called The Stone Pavement and in Aramaic Gabbatha.
He said to the Jews: "Behold your King!" They shouted: "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." (John 19:12–15).
When they had mocked Jesus, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. And they brought him out to crucify him. (Mat 27:31, Mark 15:20, John 19:16), see The Crucifixion of Jesus.
Pilate compromised instead of doing the right thing, which was to release Jesus because Pilate understood that Jesus was innocent. Although the crucifixion of Jesus was foretold, we always have a free choice, see The Predestination Theory.
Local Rulers in Israel
To better understand the trial of Jesus, see Who Actually Ran the Roman Empire? The Complicated Governmental Structure that Kept Rome Alive.
- Time 27:37–31:28 in The Intertestamental Period.
- Time 21:49–26:25 in Lecture: Intertestamental Period pt. 2.
- Time 27:37–31:28 in The Intertestamental Period.
See also How a non-Jewish family ruled in Israel for nearly a century and made it into the Bible forever!. All are mentioned in the New Testament, see:
- Time 1:09– 8:00: Herod the Great.
- Time 8:01–10:49: Herod Archelaus.
- Time 10:50–12:58: Herod Antipas.
- Time 12:59–16:32: Herod Agrippa I.
- Time 16:33–19:41: Herod Agrippa II.
See also Some stories in the gospels at the end of The Four Gospels.
