Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. Next week we will look at the Passover.

The Crucifixion

(Psalm 69:1-36; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16-27)

32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36And sitting down they watched him there; 37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Jesus is mocked and beaten by the soldiers before being led to Golgotha, where He is crucified alongside two robbers. Bystanders and religious leaders mock Him as He hangs on the cross.

Matthew 27:32–44 describes Jesus’ march to the cross, aided by a man named Simon of Cyrene. Jesus is offered a numbing, bitter wine, but refuses it, and is nailed to the cross. Soldiers gamble for His clothes. A somewhat sarcastic sign above Him reads “the King of the Jews.” Observers, including several Jewish religious leaders, mock Jesus for not being able to save Himself. Even the criminals being executed on either side of Jesus insult Him. Mark 15:20–32, Luke 23:36–43, and John 19:16–27 cover this same process.(https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-32.html)

The Death of Jesus

(Psalm 22:1-31; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30)

45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

After three hours of darkness, Jesus cries out and gives up His spirit. Miraculous signs occur: the temple curtain tears in two, the earth shakes, and many holy people are resurrected.

Matthew 27:45–56 describes the climactic moment when Jesus dies on the cross. Darkness falls over Israel as Jesus hangs near death. Jesus cries out the words of Psalm 22:1, which mean “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some nearby think He is calling for Elijah the prophet to come and save Him. Jesus dies. Immediately, the massive temple curtain is torn in two, top to bottom. Earthquakes open the tombs of some of the saints of Israel, who are later resurrected. A Roman centurion is shocked enough to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. Three women, Jesus’ friends, watch from a distance.(https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-45.html)

The Burial of Jesus

(Isaiah 53:9-12; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

Joseph of Arimathea provides his own tomb for Jesus’ burial. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary observe where Jesus is laid.

Matthew 27:57–61 describes Jesus’ burial and the watch placed over His tomb. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Jesus, asks for Jesus’ body. Pilate agrees. Joseph wraps Jesus’ body in a clean linen shroud and places it in his own, never-used tomb, which is cut out of the rock in a garden. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-57.html)

The Guard at the Tomb

62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

The chief priests and Pharisees secure Pilate’s permission to seal and guard the tomb to prevent Jesus’ disciples from stealing His body and claiming resurrection.

Jesus’ enemies ask Pilate to place Roman soldiers at the grave site. They seek to prevent anyone from stealing His body and claiming He has been resurrected. Pilate agrees. The tomb is sealed. A guard is posted. These events are also seen in Mark 15:42–47, Luke 23:50–56, and John 19:38–42. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-62.html)

Conclusion

Matthew 27 is a heart-wrenching narrative of Jesus’ last hours, showcasing the depths of His sacrifice for humanity. It includes the remorse and suicide of Judas, Jesus’ trial before Pilate, His crucifixion, and burial. The chapter concludes with the chief priests and Pharisees securing the tomb to prevent Jesus’ resurrection prophecy from being fulfilled fraudulently.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. Next week we will look at the Passover.

The Crucifixion

(Psalm 69:1-36; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16-27)

32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36And sitting down they watched him there; 37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Jesus is mocked and beaten by the soldiers before being led to Golgotha, where He is crucified alongside two robbers. Bystanders and religious leaders mock Him as He hangs on the cross.

Matthew 27:32–44 describes Jesus’ march to the cross, aided by a man named Simon of Cyrene. Jesus is offered a numbing, bitter wine, but refuses it, and is nailed to the cross. Soldiers gamble for His clothes. A somewhat sarcastic sign above Him reads “the King of the Jews.” Observers, including several Jewish religious leaders, mock Jesus for not being able to save Himself. Even the criminals being executed on either side of Jesus insult Him. Mark 15:20–32, Luke 23:36–43, and John 19:16–27 cover this same process.(https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-32.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus mocked, beaten, lead away to be crucified (Matthew 27:27-31)

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

Matthew 27:27-31 describes the moment when Roman soldiers brutally mocked Jesus before his crucifixion, essentially “crowning” him as a fake king by putting a crown of thorns on his head, dressing him in a purple robe, and kneeling before him while calling him “King of the Jews” in a sarcastic manner, highlighting the contrast between Jesus’ true identity as king and the way he was being treated by his captors; this act further emphasizes the humiliation Jesus endured. 

Key points about this passage:

• Mockery of Jesus’ claims:
  Since Jesus was accused of claiming to be the “King of the Jews,” the soldiers deliberately mocked this title by dressing him up in a way that parodied royalty. 
• Physical abuse:
  Besides the symbolic mockery, the soldiers also physically abused Jesus by spitting on him and hitting him with a reed. 
• Significance of the crown of thorns:
  The crown of thorns, a painful and sharp object, represents the suffering Jesus endured while being treated as a false king.   

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26)

“And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.¹² And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.¹³ Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?¹⁴ And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.¹⁵ Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.¹⁶ And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.¹⁷ Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?¹⁸ For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.¹⁹ When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.²¹ The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.²² Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.²³ And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.²⁵ Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.²⁶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

Although the Jewish religious leader thought that crucifying Jesus would end their problems, it did not. Going to the cross was God’s plan all along. So the wicked religious leaders were playing right into the plan of God. They killed the Messiah for their own political gain. They made their decision, have you?

Fifty-three years ago, I was at this decision point. I was confronted with the fact that Jesus was real, He died on the cross for my sin, and He wanted me to live with Him forever. I confessed my sin and trusted Christ to be my Savior and Lord.

God wants you too. Would you bow the knee to Him today?

Need to know more, please call me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (Matthew 26:46-56)

“Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.⁴⁷ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.⁴⁸ Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.⁴⁹ And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.⁵⁰ And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.⁵¹ And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.⁵² Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.⁵³ Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?⁵⁴ But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?⁵⁵ In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.⁵⁶ But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”

The disciples are a fine lot. Three fell asleep in prayer. One betrays Him openly. One cuts off the ear of the servant to the high priest. The rest forsake Him and flee. The reason why, so the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. How do we forsake Jesus? Do we faithfully read His word, witness about Him, pray, worship? Unfortunately, we are no better than the disciples. However, when the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us, convicts us, we have the opportunity to get back into a right relationship with Jesus.

Will we?

Trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)

“And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.⁵⁸ But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.⁵⁹ Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;⁶⁰ But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,⁶¹ And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.⁶² And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?⁶³ But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.⁶⁴ Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.⁶⁵ Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.⁶⁶ What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.⁶⁷ Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,⁶⁸ Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?”

The religious leaders tried to get false witnesses to accuse Jesus. They could not. But when Jesus was asked directly are you the Son of God, He told the chief priest, He was. In their eyes Jesus was guilty of blasphemy and worthy of death. Unfortunately for them, they could not carry out the execution of Jesus. They needed help from Rome.

Jesus was going to the cross because He was God’s Son, sent to redeem mankind through His precious holy blood. We were and are guilty of not following Jesus. We have a better way than Jesus gave us through the Bible.

If you do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord, repent now. Confess your sin and ask Jesus to take up residence in your life. Allow Him to have complete control of all areas of your being.

Trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26)

“And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.¹² And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.¹³ Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?¹⁴ And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.¹⁵ Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.¹⁶ And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.¹⁷ Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?¹⁸ For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.¹⁹ When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.²¹ The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.²² Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.²³ And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.²⁵ Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.²⁶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

Although the Jewish religious leader thought that crucifying Jesus would end their problems, it did not. Going to the cross was God’s plan all along. So the wicked religious leaders were playing right into the plan of God. They killed the Messiah for their own political gain. They made their decision, have you?

Fifty-three years ago, I was at this decision point. I was confronted with the fact that Jesus was real, He died on the cross for my sin, and He wanted me to live with Him forever. I confessed my sin and trusted Christ to be my Savior and Lord.

God wants you too. Would you bow the knee to Him today?

Need to know more, please call me.

Jesus mocked, beaten, lead away to be crucified (Matthew 27:27-31)

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

Matthew 27:27-31 describes the moment when Roman soldiers brutally mocked Jesus before his crucifixion, essentially “crowning” him as a fake king by putting a crown of thorns on his head, dressing him in a purple robe, and kneeling before him while calling him “King of the Jews” in a sarcastic manner, highlighting the contrast between Jesus’ true identity as king and the way he was being treated by his captors; this act further emphasizes the humiliation Jesus endured. 

Key points about this passage:

Key points about this passage:

• Mockery of Jesus’ claims:
  Since Jesus was accused of claiming to be the “King of the Jews,” the soldiers deliberately mocked this title by dressing him up in a way that parodied royalty. 
• Physical abuse:
  Besides the symbolic mockery, the soldiers also physically abused Jesus by spitting on him and hitting him with a reed. 
• Significance of the crown of thorns:
  The crown of thorns, a painful and sharp object, represents the suffering Jesus endured while being treated as a false king.   

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (Matthew 26:57-68)

“And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.⁵⁸ But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.⁵⁹ Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;⁶⁰ But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,⁶¹ And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.⁶² And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?⁶³ But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.⁶⁴ Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.⁶⁵ Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.⁶⁶ What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.⁶⁷ Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,⁶⁸ Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?”

The religious leaders tried to get false witnesses to accuse Jesus. They could not. But when Jesus was asked directly are you the Son of God, He told the chief priest, He was. In their eyes Jesus was guilty of blasphemy and worthy of death. Unfortunately for them, they could not carry out the execution of Jesus. They needed help from Rome.

Jesus was going to the cross because He was God’s Son, sent to redeem mankind through His precious holy blood. We were and are guilty of not following Jesus. We have a better way than Jesus gave us through the Bible.

If you do not know Jesus as Savior and Lord, repent now. Confess your sin and ask Jesus to take up residence in your life. Allow Him to have complete control of all areas of your being.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

The betrayal and arrest of Jesus (Matthew 26:46-56)

“Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.⁴⁷ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.⁴⁸ Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.⁴⁹ And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.⁵⁰ And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.⁵¹ And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear.⁵² Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.⁵³ Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?⁵⁴ But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?⁵⁵ In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.⁵⁶ But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”

The disciples are a fine lot. Three fell asleep in prayer. One betrays Him openly. One cuts off the ear of the servant to the high priest. The rest forsake Him and flee. The reason why, so the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. How do we forsake Jesus? Do we faithfully read His word, witness about Him, pray, worship? Unfortunately, we are no better than the disciples. However, when the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us, convicts us, we have the opportunity to get back into a right relationship with Jesus.

Will we?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying Jesus’ last week on earth and Passover.

This week, we will look at four perspectives of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They come from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Aug 31, 2024

The Triumphal Entry in All Four Gospels

All four of the Gospel accounts record Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem but each one chose to include certain details important to their respective audiences.

JOHN 12:12-19

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. 16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

As one of the Twelve, John was up close and personal to the Lord during His public ministry. He was writing to the Church, which is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, and showing Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Israel, who is coming sacrificially into the world to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. He is the only one who stated what kind of “leafy branches” these were – they were palm branches. And the reason this is important to note is because in Leviticus 23 God gave the nation of Israel a certain number of festivals…all of which He revealed, over time, had prophetic implications.

At this time in Jesus’ ministry, the people were preparing for the Feast of Passover. Yet, because they brought out palm branches, they were acting as if it was the fulfillment of the Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23:40) which is the only festival where the people were specifically commanded to take and use palm branches in their time of celebration. Whereas Passover occurred at the beginning of the calendar year and looked forward to the ultimate sacrifice for sin, Booths occurred near the end of the year and looked forward to the arrival of all nations coming to Him in worship during His global reign as King.

This is why John pointed out that the religious leaders were worried that “the world has gone after Him.” Because both Jews and Gentiles were going out to see Him and were publicly proclaiming Him as the King of Israel, the Anointed of the LORD, the fulfillment of the Old Testament, the Master over death, and the One to come whom all previous generations eagerly anticipated. God used His Triumphal Entry to present Jesus as King!

CONCLUSION

Jesus came to redeem the whole world, Jew and Gentile alike and, two-thousand years later, He hasn’t wavered in His mission. Today, He speaks through His Word to bring hope to a broken and hurting world. In the last week of His earthly ministry, of which the Triumphal Entry is the start, we see our Lord weep over the sin of His people, rebuke those doing evil, serve one who would betray Him, and pray to His Father. Let us each pray that the Lord would work in us to implement these four characteristics into our lives so that we might be used by Him to bring hope and Truth to the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR       

Cameron Neace is the pastor of Watermark Church. Born & raised in Missouri, he & Caitlin and their two cats, Pierogi & Poptart, have called Union home since 2023. In his free time, Cameron enjoys playing board games, writing, reading, & drinking coffee.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying Jesus’ last week on earth and Passover.

This week, we will look at four perspectives of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They come from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Aug 31, 2024

The Triumphal Entry in All Four Gospels

All four of the Gospel accounts record Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem but each one chose to include certain details important to their respective audiences.

LUKE 19:28-44

And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Luke’s account was also written to a non-Jewish audience – specifically one man named Theophilus. While Luke did not directly quote from or reference any Old Testament prophecy, he did record a statement Jesus made which implied Israel’s willful ignorance to the times and events which they were experiencing. Jesus basically said that Israel should have known about these things, but because they were unaware, they would be judged (19:42-44). What Christ was referring to was the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 in which the angel told Daniel exactly when the Messiah would arrive in Jerusalem.

In this passage, Luke recorded that the people were proclaiming Jesus as “the King who comes in the Name of the Lord!” Obviously, there were both believers and non-believers in this crowd because even some of the religious leaders were shouting for Jesus to rebuke His disciples for what they were saying. And yet, this was a rare event in which Jesus received public worship and praise from the people and stated that, if they had remained silent, then even the earth would begin crying out in worship.

This brings up another interesting point: the pronouncement of blessing upon Jesus is almost identical here as it was at the beginning of the book when Jesus was born. In Luke 2:13-14 a crowd of heavenly hosts proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” Whereas in Luke 19:38 a crowd of human hosts proclaimed, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

The next six weeks we will be studying Jesus’ last week on earth and Passover.

This week, we will look at four perspectives of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They come from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Aug 31, 2024

The Triumphal Entry in All Four Gospels

All four of the Gospel accounts record Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem but each one chose to include certain details important to their respective audiences.

MATTHEW 21:1-11

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.3 And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,5 Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,  7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

The book of Matthew was primarily written with the focus to portray Jesus as Israel’s promised Messianic King. He recorded this account for Jewish people whose background was the Old Testament. Thus, they understood the Law and the Prophets. Specific prophecies like Zechariah 9:9 would have stuck out which Matthew quoted to pinpoint Jesus’ fulfillment of that five-hundred-year-old promise.

As the people were shouting His praises, Matthew made sure to document their acknowledgment and confession of Him being the Son of David which he also began his account with regarding Christ’s genealogy (1:1). This proved both His birth-right and legal-right to the throne of David as their King. Another interesting point to take note of is that, at the beginning of the book, when the wise men came to worship baby Jesus, the whole city was “troubled” (2:3), and now nearing the end of the book, “the whole city was stirred up” (21:10). Things happen when Jesus is in a city!

MARK 11:1-11

And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. 3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

John Mark, known more simply as Mark, wrote this account primarily to Gentile [non-Jewish] believers – specifically those living in Rome. These men and women, for the most part, were not necessarily well-versed in the Old Testament which is why he did not include any specific reference to Jesus fulfilling ancient prophecies. Instead, Mark focused his account more on the arrival of Israel’s humble King who was bringing about the very Kingdom of God.

Roman believers would have been accustomed to royal parades and grand entrances of the emperor. However, their leader(s) would have more than likely ridden on horseback to signify strength, power, authority, and conquest. Therefore, what Mark was pointing out was that Israel’s King is like no other king – He is humble and bringing peace. And His patience is demonstrated in the fact that Jesus walked into the temple, saw all of the evil that was going on, yet held His tongue and controlled His emotions by leaving for the night. As Mark would go on to describe, Jesus came back the next day to clean house. 

LUKE 19:28-44

And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

Luke’s account was also written to a non-Jewish audience – specifically one man named Theophilus. While Luke did not directly quote from or reference any Old Testament prophecy, he did record a statement Jesus made which implied Israel’s willful ignorance to the times and events which they were experiencing. Jesus basically said that Israel should have known about these things, but because they were unaware, they would be judged (19:42-44). What Christ was referring to was the prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27 in which the angel told Daniel exactly when the Messiah would arrive in Jerusalem.

In this passage, Luke recorded that the people were proclaiming Jesus as “the King who comes in the Name of the Lord!” Obviously, there were both believers and non-believers in this crowd because even some of the religious leaders were shouting for Jesus to rebuke His disciples for what they were saying. And yet, this was a rare event in which Jesus received public worship and praise from the people and stated that, if they had remained silent, then even the earth would begin crying out in worship.

This brings up another interesting point: the pronouncement of blessing upon Jesus is almost identical here as it was at the beginning of the book when Jesus was born. In Luke 2:13-14 a crowd of heavenly hosts proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” Whereas in Luke 19:38 a crowd of human hosts proclaimed, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

JOHN 12:12-19

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. 16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

As one of the Twelve, John was up close and personal to the Lord during His public ministry. He was writing to the Church, which is comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, and showing Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Israel, who is coming sacrificially into the world to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. He is the only one who stated what kind of “leafy branches” these were – they were palm branches. And the reason this is important to note is because in Leviticus 23 God gave the nation of Israel a certain number of festivals…all of which He revealed, over time, had prophetic implications.

At this time in Jesus’ ministry, the people were preparing for the Feast of Passover. Yet, because they brought out palm branches, they were acting as if it was the fulfillment of the Feast of Booths (Leviticus 23:40) which is the only festival where the people were specifically commanded to take and use palm branches in their time of celebration. Whereas Passover occurred at the beginning of the calendar year and looked forward to the ultimate sacrifice for sin, Booths occurred near the end of the year and looked forward to the arrival of all nations coming to Him in worship during His global reign as King.

This is why John pointed out that the religious leaders were worried that “the world has gone after Him.” Because both Jews and Gentiles were going out to see Him and were publicly proclaiming Him as the King of Israel, the Anointed of the LORD, the fulfillment of the Old Testament, the Master over death, and the One to come whom all previous generations eagerly anticipated. God used His Triumphal Entry to present Jesus as King!

CONCLUSION

Jesus came to redeem the whole world, Jew and Gentile alike and, two-thousand years later, He hasn’t wavered in His mission. Today, He speaks through His Word to bring hope to a broken and hurting world. In the last week of His earthly ministry, of which the Triumphal Entry is the start, we see our Lord weep over the sin of His people, rebuke those doing evil, serve one who would betray Him, and pray to His Father. Let us each pray that the Lord would work in us to implement these four characteristics into our lives so that we might be used by Him to bring hope and Truth to the world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR       

Cameron Neace is the pastor of Watermark Church. Born & raised in Missouri, he & Caitlin and their two cats, Pierogi & Poptart, have called Union home since 2023. In his free time, Cameron enjoys playing board games, writing, reading, & drinking coffee.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com