SEVENTH STUDY

map: YEAR OF POPULARITY, PART TWO.

3.Tour in Central Galilee(Capernaum to Nazareth and return). The object of this journey was a second visit to Nazareth (Mark 6. 1), but, like the first, it was unsuccessful; so Jesus left "his own country" and preached in the villages of central Galilee (Mark 6. 6).

4.Retirement to Bethsaida(Capernaum, Bethsaida, and return). In order to obtain needed rest and seclusion Jesus and his disciples sailed across the lake to the unsettled country near Bethsaida (Mark 6. 31, 32). Here he wrought the miracle of Feeding the Five Thousand, recrossed the lake in the night, and a day or two afterward gave his last discourse of the Galilean ministry.

Let the pupil draw the same map as with Part One, but omitting the journeys of that part; and place upon the maps the journeys of the later Galilean ministry.

VI.The Events of the Later Galilean Ministry.

1.) With the First Journey, theTour in Southern Galilee:

1.)The Widow's Son Raised(Luke 7. 11-16). This took place at Nain, southwest of the Sea ofGalilee.2.)Washing the Saviour's Feet(Luke 7. 36-50). This event is to be carefully distinguished from the "anointing by Mary," much later in the history.

1.)The Widow's Son Raised(Luke 7. 11-16). This took place at Nain, southwest of the Sea ofGalilee.

2.)Washing the Saviour's Feet(Luke 7. 36-50). This event is to be carefully distinguished from the "anointing by Mary," much later in the history.

These two events are related only by Luke.

2.) With the Second Journey, theVoyage to Gergesa:

3.)Parables by the Sea(Mark 4. 1-34; also in Matt. 13. 1-52). These were given just before the journey.4.)Stilling the Tempest(Mark 4. 1-35-41).5.)The Gadarene Demoniac Restored(Mark 5. 1-20).6.)Jairus's Daughter Raised(Mark 5. 21-43). Two miracles wrought after the return from the Gadarene country.

3.)Parables by the Sea(Mark 4. 1-34; also in Matt. 13. 1-52). These were given just before the journey.

4.)Stilling the Tempest(Mark 4. 1-35-41).

5.)The Gadarene Demoniac Restored(Mark 5. 1-20).

6.)Jairus's Daughter Raised(Mark 5. 21-43). Two miracles wrought after the return from the Gadarene country.

3.) With the third Journey, theTour in Central Galilee.

7.)Second Rejection at Nazareth(Mark 6. 1-6). Compare with this the account of his former rejection, and note the differences.8.)Sending out the Twelve(Mark 6. 7-13). Read the longer report of the charge to the Twelve in Matt. 10.

7.)Second Rejection at Nazareth(Mark 6. 1-6). Compare with this the account of his former rejection, and note the differences.

8.)Sending out the Twelve(Mark 6. 7-13). Read the longer report of the charge to the Twelve in Matt. 10.

4.) With the Fourth Journey, theRetirement to Bethsaida:

9.)Feeding the Five Thousand(Mark 6. 31-44). This and the following are the only miracles related in all the four gospels. Compare their accounts.10.)Walking on the Sea(Mark 6. 45-52). Note the additions in Matt. 14. 22-33).11.)Discourse on the Bread of Life(John 6. 24-59). This marked a crisis in his ministry, for it proclaimed a spiritual application of the miracle, and not a "kingdom of meat and drink," as men were expecting. Note the results (John 6. 60-68). Thus at the close of his Galilean ministry—as before at the close of his Judean ministry—the Saviour was left alone with his few disciples.

9.)Feeding the Five Thousand(Mark 6. 31-44). This and the following are the only miracles related in all the four gospels. Compare their accounts.

10.)Walking on the Sea(Mark 6. 45-52). Note the additions in Matt. 14. 22-33).

11.)Discourse on the Bread of Life(John 6. 24-59). This marked a crisis in his ministry, for it proclaimed a spiritual application of the miracle, and not a "kingdom of meat and drink," as men were expecting. Note the results (John 6. 60-68). Thus at the close of his Galilean ministry—as before at the close of his Judean ministry—the Saviour was left alone with his few disciples.

Blackboard OutlinePart Two

V.Jour. Lat. Gal. Min.1. To. Gal. 2. Voy. Ger. 3. To. Cen. Gal. 4. Ret. Beth.VI.Ev. Lat. Gal. Min.—Jour. 1.1. Wid. So. Rai. 2. Wash. Sav. Fe.Jour. 2.3. Par. Sea. 4. Still Tem. 5. Gad. Dem. Res. 6. Jai. Dau. Ra.Jour. 3.7. Sec. Rej. Naz. 8. Sen. Twel.Jour. 4.9. Fe. Fi. Th. 10 Wal. Sea. 11. Dis. Br. Li.

Questions for Review

Part Two[Review the Questions with Part One.]

How many journeys are named with the later Galilean ministry? What was the first journey of the later Galilean ministry? The second journey? The third? The fourth? What two events took place with the tour in southern Galilee? What four events with the Gadarene voyage? What two events with the tour in Central Galilee? What three events with the retirement to Bethsaida?

The Year of Opposition

Part One

I.General Aspects of the Period.

1.It was a year, lacking one week.Jesus did not attend the third passover of his ministry. We find him at this time still in Galilee, and soon afterward leaving Galilee for "the coasts of Tyre and Sidon" (John 7. 1-3; Mark 7. 24). Nearly a year later, on the week before the fourth passover, we find Jesus at Bethany, where the anointing by Mary took place (John 12. 1, 2). Between these two passovers came the year of opposition.

2.It was a year of wandering.During this period we notice that Jesus was in constant motion, staying only a little while at each place, and in succession visiting all the five provinces of Palestine. Notice the province referred to in each of the followingreferences: John 7. 1; Mark 7. 31; Mark 8. 27; Luke 9. 51, 52; Mark 10. 1; John 10. 40.

3.It was a year of retirement.We do not find that Jesus sought the multitudes during this year, though in new places he was sought by them (Luke 11. 29; 12. 1). He seems to have chosen most of the time a secluded life, preferring to be alone with his disciples. See instances in Mark 7. 24, 32, 33, 36; 8. 22, 23, 26; 9. 30.

4.It was a year of instruction.He chose to be alone with his disciples, knowing that he was rapidly nearing the close of his life on earth; and he wished to instruct his chosen followers in the deeper truths of the gospel before he should be taken from them. His teaching in this period presented the spiritual side of truth and the doctrines of the cross. Notice how often during this year he foretold his own death (Mark 8. 31; 9. 31, 32; 10. 32-34; John 12. 7, 8).

5.It was a year of opposition.Nearly all the people had nowforsaken Jesus and turned against him. Note the attitude of the Pharisees. (Matt 12. 23, 24, 38, 39; 23. 23.) The Sadducees, who were the office-holding class, are mainly referred to in John 11. 47, 48, 53. The attitude of the people. (John 6. 66.) Jesus was now rejected by the rulers, the leaders of the religious class, and by the people.

II.The Localities of the Period.Beside the fiveprovinces, Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Bashan and Peræa, two other lands or districts are named:

1.Phœnicia, called in the gospels "the borders of Tyre and Sidon," narrow strip of territory between Mount Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea, northwest of Palestine.

2.Decapolis.The word means "ten cities," and refers to a region, partly in Bashan and partly in Peræa, wherein were ten important cities, not Jewish but Gentile.

In addition to the above we meet with names of eight cities:

3.Cæsarea Philippi, at the foot of Mount Hermon, in the province of Bashan.

4.Bethsaida, on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

5.Capernaum, on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

6.Bethabara, in the Jordan Valley, east of the river, south of the Sea of Galilee.

7.Jericho, in the Jordan Valley, west of the river, near the head of the Dead Sea.

8.Jerusalem, the capital.

9.Bethany, two miles east of Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.

10.Ephraim, or Ephron, fourteen miles north of Jerusalem, among the mountains.

III.The Journeys and Events of the Period.The information upon this year is meager, and it is impossible to arrange its places and facts with absolute certainty. No other period is so uncertain in the order of its events as this. We trace in this period nine journeys; and with each journey call attention to the most important events connected with it. The first journey begins at Capernaum.

1.A Visit to Phœnicia.(From Capernaum to Phœnicia.) (Matt. 15. 21). This was the only land outside of Palestine visited by Jesus, and it is uncertain how far he entered within its limits. Hesought retirement and opportunity of instructing his disciples (Mark 7. 24).

On this journey was wrought the miracle on theSyrophenician Woman's Daughter(Mark 7. 25, 26), in which Jesus showed his disciples that Gentiles may have true faith.

map: YEAR OF OPPOSITION.

2.A Visit to Decapolis.Finding seclusion impossible he went around Galilee to Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee (Mark 7. 31).

Here two miracles were wrought: 1.)Healing the Deaf Man.Notice its peculiarities in Mark 7. 32-37. 2.)Feeding the Four Thousand(Mark 8. 1-9). Notice its differences from a former miracle in the preceding period.

3.A Visit to Cæsarea Philippi.(Decapolis to Dalmanutha, Bethsaida, and Cæsarea Philippi.) Trace the route from Mark 8. 10, 22, 27.

During this journeyoccurredfour events: 1.)Healing the Blind Man(Mark 8. 22-26). This was at Bethsaida. 2.)Peter's Confession(Matt. 16. 13-20). 3.)The Transfiguration(Mark 9. 2-8). 4.)Healing the Demoniac Boy(Mark 9. 14-29). These three events were at Cæsarea Philippi.

4.A Visit to Capernaum.(Cæsarea Philippi to Capernaum.) (Mark 9. 33). Notice that his coming was unattended by the crowds of former times (Mark 9. 33). This visit is noteworthy as his farewell to the city which had been his home.

On this visit took place the touching incident of theChild in the Midst(Mark 9. 36, 37).

Part Two

5.A Visit to Jerusalem.(Capernaum, through Samaria, to Jerusalem.) See Luke 9. 51, 52. His visit to the capital was for the purpose of attending the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7. 2, 10, 14) and he seems to have remained until the Feast of Dedication, two months later.

In connection with this visit note, 1.)The Rejection by Samaritans(Luke 9. 52-56). 2.)Mary and Martha(Luke 10. 38-42). 3.)The Pool of Siloam(John 9. 1-7). 4.)The Good Shepherd(John 10. 1-18).

6.A Visit to Bethabara.(Jerusalem to Bethabara.) From the Feast of Dedication Jesus went down to Bethabara, evidently with the purpose of beginning a ministry in Peræa (John 10. 39, 40).

With this journey we placeSending out the Seventy(Luke 10. 1). These messengers were sent out to prepare for the visit of Jesus to a new province.

7.AVisitto Bethany(John 11. 1, 7.) From Bethabara Jesus was suddenly called to Bethany, near Jerusalem (John 11. 18).

With this visit we place theRaising of Lazarus(John 11. 1-46),a miracle narrated only by John, and told because it led directly to the conspiracy against the life of Jesus (John 11. 47, 48).

8.A Visit to Peræa.(From Bethany to Ephraim and Peræa.) Trace the journey from John 11. 54, and Mark 10. 1. Jesus stayed some months in Peræa, preaching to his people.

Many events might be given with this Peræan ministry, of which we name only, 1.)Blessing the Children(Mark 10. 13-16). 2.)The Rich Young Ruler(Mark 10. 17-25). 3.)Parable of the Prodigal Son(Luke 15. 11-32).

9.A Second Visit to Bethany.(From Peræa, through Jericho, to Bethany.) Notice the journey in Mark 10. 32, 46; John 12. 1.

With this journey notice the events, 1.)The Healing of Bartimæus(Mark 10. 46, 52). 2.)The Visit to Zacchæus(Luke 19. 1-10). 3.)The Anointing by Mary(John 12. 1-8). This brings the life of Christ within one week of the Crucifixion, and completes the period.

Blackboard Outline

I.Gen. Asp.1. Year. 2. Wan. 3. Ret. 4. Ins. 5. Opp.II.Loc. Per.La. Ph. Dec. Cit. C. P. B. C. B. J. J. B. E.III.Jour.1.Vis. Phœ.1.) Syr. Wom. Dau.2.Vis. Dec.1.) He. De. M. 2.) Fe. Fou. Thou.3.Vis. Ces. Phil.1.) Hea. Bl. M. 2.) Pet. Con. 3.) Trans. 4.) Hea. Dem. B.4.Vis. Cap.1.) Ch. Mid.5.Vis. Jer.1.) Rej. Sam. 2.) M. and M. 3.) P. Sil. 4.) G. Sh.6.Vis. Beth.1.) Sen. 70.7.Vis. Beth.1.) Rai. Laz.8.Vis. Per.1.) Bl. Ch. 2.) R. Yo. Ru. 3.) Par. Prod. So.9.Sec. Vis. Beth.1.) Hea. Bar. 2.) Vis. Zac. 3.) Anoin. Ma.

ReviewQuestions

With what event does the Year of Opposition begin? With what does it end? How long was it? Where was it passed? How did it differ from the preceding year? Why did Jesus seek retirement at this time? What was the feeling of the people toward Jesus? What land outside of Palestine was visited by Jesus? What miracle was wrought during this visit? Where wasthe Second Journey of this Period? What two miracles were wrought at this time? What was the Third Journey? Name four events connected with this journey. What was the Fourth Journey? The Fifth Journey? Name four events with this journey. Where did Jesus go for the Sixth Journey? Whom did he send out at this time, and for what purpose? What was the place and what the purpose of the Seventh Journey? Where was the Eighth Journey? What took place with this journey? What was the Ninth Journey? Name three events of this journey.

The Week of the Passion

I.General View of the Period.

1. Our studies have now reached the close of the Saviour's ministry and have brought us to hislast visit to Jerusalem. This period presents the last appeal of Jesus to the Jewish people and his final conversations with his disciples before his death.

2. Strictly speaking, "the week of the passion" or suffering of Jesus should include all the events from his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on Sunday until his burial on Friday evening. But the events of the day of his crucifixion were so many and so important as to make that day a period by itself, and we therefore consider at present onlyfive days, from the Sunday morning to the Thursday night of the Jewish Passover, the night before the Saviour's crucifixion.

3. All its events took place in ornear Jerusalem. On each morning Jesus went from Bethany, where he remained at night with his friends, the household of Mary and Martha; and on each evening except the last he returned to Bethany. The days were mostly spent in Jerusalem.

II. In the study of this period we note the followingPlaces:

1.Bethany, a small village on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. It was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11. 1). Its distance from Jerusalem (John 11. 18). The lodging place of Jesus at this time (Matt. 21. 17).

2.The Templein Jerusalem. Here Jesus passed most of the time during the first three days of this week in discussion with the Jews (Luke 21. 37). The part of the temple in which Jesus taught (John 8. 20; Mark 12. 41). This was the Court of the Women, called "the treasury" because of boxes for contributions upon its walls. It was inside the larger Court of the Gentiles, and wasabout two hundred and thirty feet square, open above to the sky, but with galleries around.

3.The Supper room.See Mark 14. 13-17. The place is unknown; but there is on Mount Zion a locality pointed out by tradition which may or may not be correct. This was probably the "upper room" used as a meeting place after the Resurrection and Ascension (John 20. 19; Acts 1. 13; 2. 1).

4.The Mount of Olives.This is a range of hills east of Jerusalem and separated from the Temple by the Valley of the Kedron (John 18. 1). Its distance from the city (Acts 1. 12). Here began the Triumphal Entry (Luke 19. 37). From this height Jesus gave his prophecy of the destruction of the city (Mark 13. 3, 4).

5.The Garden of Gethsemane.The word means "oil-press," and suggests that it was an olive orchard on the western slope of the Mount of Olives (Mark 14. 26, 32). A garden is still shown which may be the true locality of the Agony.

Let the student draw a map of Jerusalem and its surroundings and locate upon it the above places, not failing to search out the references and associate the events with their localities.

III. We draw on our map and fix in our memory the followingJourneys:

1.On Sunday, the First Journey; from Bethany to the Temple and Return.On the first day of the week Jesus left Bethany, entered in triumphal procession into Jerusalem, looked around on the Temple, and at evening returned to Bethany.

2.On Monday, the Second Journey; from Bethany to the Temple and Return.Early in the morning, without waiting for breakfast, Jesus left Bethany (Mark 11. 12), and crossed the ridge of the Mount of Olives, on the way cursing the barren fig tree. He cleansed the Temple of its traders, and at evening returned again to Bethany (Mark 11. 19).

3.On Tuesday, the Third Journey; from Bethany to the Temple and Return.This was the last day of Christ's public teaching, closing with a terrible denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees. Toward evening he went out of the Temple for the last time, sat upon the Mount of Olives with his disciples, and gave to them his prediction of the destruction of the city (Mark 13. 1-4).

4.On Thursday afternoon, the Fourth Journey; from Bethanyto the Supper room.Take notice that no journey or event is named by any evangelist as taking place on Wednesday. Probably the day was passed in seclusion and meditation, for no conversations with disciples are recorded. On Thursday afternoon Jesus with his disciples left Bethany and walked over the mountain and the valley to Jerusalem (Mark 14. 16, 17), where they celebrated the passover and partook of the Last Supper together. Afterward came the long conversations recorded in John 13 to 17.

5.On Thursday, at about midnight, the Fifth Journey; from the Supper room to Gethsemane.The Saviour and his eleven disciples went from the supper room into the silent streets of Jerusalem, through the gate, and into the valley of Kedron. They crossed the brook and entered the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Agony took place, and immediately after it the Arrest (John 18. 1).

IV. We now pass in order theEventsof these five days:

1.The Triumphal Entry.(Sunday.) (Mark 11. 1-10.) Compare the accounts and note the additions made by John. (John 12. 12-16.)

2.The Barren Fig tree.(Monday.) (Mark 11. 12-14.) This was not a wanton or petulant act of cursing. The tree was a vivid picture of the Jewish state, bearing leaves but no fruit, and the miracle was wrought as a warning of impending doom.

3.Cleansing the Temple.(Monday.) (Mark 11. 15-17.) Once before, in the beginning of his ministry, Jesus had purged the Temple (John 2. 13-16). But the former abuses had crept in again, and Christ again proclaimed his authority in his Father's house.

4.The Last Discourses.(Tuesday.) (Mark 11. 27; 12. 44.) On this day Jesus met and vanquished in debate successively the rulers (Mark 11. 27-33); the Pharisees (Mark 12. 1-12; Matt. 21. 45); the Herodians (Mark 12. 13-17); the Sadducees (Mark 12. 18-27); and the scribes (Mark 12. 28-37). He closed his ministry with a rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23. 1-39); and after commending the gift of the widow (Mark 12. 41-44) went out of the Temple, never to return (Mark 13. 1, 2.)

5.The Prophecy of the Last Things.(Tuesday.) In the afternoon of that day Jesus sat with his disciples on the Mount of Olives, and looking down upon the city gave a prophecy to his disciples, mingling the predictions of the city's overthrow and of the end ofthe world (Mark 13. 1-37). In Matthew are added two parables—the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25. 1-13), and the Talents (Matt. 25. 14-30), and also the description of the Last Judgment (Matt. 25. 31-46).

6.The Retirement at Bethany.(Wednesday.) Inasmuch as none of the gospels mention any event of Wednesday we assume that the day was passed in retirement.

7.The Last Supper.(Thursday.) On the afternoon of Thursday Jesus went to Jerusalem with the Twelve, partook of the Passover, and at its close instituted the Lord's Supper (Mark 14. 12-31).

8.The Last Conversation.(Thursday evening.) (John 14 to 18.) After the Supper the long conversation took place recorded in full by John, and scarcely mentioned in the other gospels.

9.The Agony in the Garden.(Thursday, midnight.) Late at night Jesus crossed the brook Kedron and entered the Garden of Gethsemane, where the Agony came upon him (Mark 14. 32-42).

Blackboard OutlineThe Week of the Passion

I.Gen. Vi.1. La. Vis. Jer. 2. Fi. Da. 3. Ne. Jer.II.Pla.1. Beth. 2. Tem. 3. Sup.-ro. 4. Mo. Oli. 5. Gar. Geth.III.Jour.1. (Sun.) Be. Tem. Re. 2. (Mon.) Be. Tem. Re. 3. (Tu.) Be. Tem. Re. 4. (Thu.) Be. Sup.-ro. 5. (Thu.) Sup.-ro. Geth.IV.Events.1. Tri. Ent. (Sun.) 2. Bar. Fig. tr. (Mon.) 3. Cl. Tem. (Mon.) 4. La. Dis. (Tue.) 5. Pro. La. Th. (Tue.) 6. Ret. Beth. (Wed.) 7. La. Sup. (Thu.) 8. La. Con. (Thu.) 9. Ag. Gar. (Thu.)

Questions for Review

Where did the events of this period take place? Between what days did they occur? In what village did Jesus pass most of the nights of this week? Where was the Last Supper partaken? Where did Jesus begin his triumphal entry into the city? What journey took place on the Sunday of this week? On Monday? On Tuesday? On Thursday afternoon? Name the events of Sunday. Of Monday. Of Tuesday. Of Wednesday. Of Thursday.

The Day of the Crucifixion

I.General View of the Period.

1. This period embraces the events of butone dayin the life of Jesus. It was the day following the Passover Day, and therefore the fifteenth of the month Nisan, in the Jewish year. See Num. 28. 16.

The betrayal of Jesus took place a little after midnight, on Friday morning, and the burial about sunset on the same day; so that the transactions of the period include about eighteen hours.

2. It was, however,an eventful dayin the life of Jesus. No day in all Bible story is narrated with the fullness of this day. Nearly one-twelfth of the matter in the four gospels is occupied with the account of this one day. If the whole story of Christ's life were written out with equal completeness to this one day's record it would require more than four hundred volumes as large as the New Testament.

3. It was animportant day; the most important in the history of the world. Notice in the epistles how much more is said of the death of Christ than of his life. See 1 Cor. 2. 2; Gal. 6. 14; 1 John 1. 7. Because of its eventfulness and importance we should give it careful study and place in order its events as a separate period in the life of Jesus Christ.

II.The Places.All these are in or near Jerusalem; but none of them can be identified with certainty. Yet it is well to know the traditional localities and to fix them upon the map of the city. There are five places named in the story of this day.

1.The Garden of Gethsemane.Here Jesus was arrested, immediately after the agony (Mark 14. 43). See the mention of this locality in the last study.

2.The High Priest's House(Mark 14. 53, 54). The high priest at that time was Caiaphas, but his father-in-law, Annas, who had been deposed by the Romans, was still regarded by the Jews as thelegitimate priest, and possessed great authority. There was no special "palace" of the high priest, and Annas and Caiaphas may have lived in the same group of buildings. The place is located by tradition on Mount Zion, near that of the supper room.

3.Pilate's Palace(Mark 15. 1-16). The Roman capital of Judea was not in Jerusalem, but at Cæsarea, where the procurator resided (Acts 23. 23, 24). But it was customary for the governor to visit Jerusalem at the time of Passover, in order to quell any disturbance at that time, when the city was thronged. Pilate may have made his headquarters in Jerusalem either in the castle of Antonia, north of the temple (referred to in Acts 21. 34, and elsewhere), or in the palace of Herod the Great on the northwest corner of Mount Zion, the place now occupied by the (so-called) Tower of David. The latter locality is accepted by the best of the recent authorities. Here Jesus was brought for his trial and sentence by Pontius Pilate.

4.Herod's Palace.At that time Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Peræa (Luke 3. 1), the slayer of John the Baptist, was present in Jerusalem attending the Passover, and to him Jesus was sent by Pilate (Luke 23. 7). His abiding place was probably the old Maccabean palace, about midway between the temple and Pilate's headquarters.

5.Calvary or Golgotha.See Luke 23. 33 and Mark 15. 22 for the two names, one of which is Greek, the other Hebrew, both meaning "skull-like" or "the place of skulls." All positively known about this place is that it was outside the wall, but near the city (John 19. 20). Two localities are given: the traditional one, north of Zion and west of the temple, now occupied by the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; the other, recently coming into notice and accepted by many scholars, a hill on the north of the city, containing a great cave known as the "Grotto of Jeremiah." We adopt the latter place as Calvary, although the evidence is by no means certain. The place of the cross and that of the burial were in the same locality (John 19. 41, 42).

It would be well for the student to draw a rough diagram showing these places in their general relation to each other, as above.

III. We notice theJourneys of Jesuson the day of his crucifixion.

1.From Gethsemane to the High Priest's House.From the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was taken to the high priest's house for examination before Annas and Caiaphas (Luke 22. 54.)

2.From the High Priest's House to Pilate's Palace.After examination before the high priests and the Jewish council Jesus was led to Pilate for another trial (Luke 23. 1).

map or diagram of Jesus' journey from Grethsamane to Calvary

3.From Pilate's Palace to Herod's Palace and return.Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee; but Herod was unwilling to pass judgment upon him and sent him back (Luke 23. 7-11).

4.From Pilate's Palace to Calvary.At this second appearance before Pilate Jesus was condemned to death, and was taken to Calvary, outside the wall. Here he was crucified and after his death was buried (John 19. 16, 17, 41).

Let the student draw on the diagram a line representing each of these journeys and recall the events associated with them.

In Jerusalem, at the present time, there is a street known as Via Dolorosa, "the Sorrowful Way," over which Jesus is believed to have carried his cross from Pilate's judgment hall to Calvary. But in our view both Pilate's judgment hall and Calvary are wrongly located by tradition, and therefore this path cannot be the true "way of the cross."

IV.The Events.We may group all the transactions of this momentous day around eleven leading events:

1.The Betrayal(Mark 14. 43-50). This was in the Garden of Gethsemane, a little after midnight, and, therefore, on Friday, the 15th of Nisan. See the more detailed account in John 18. 1-11.

2.Jesus before Annas(John 18. 12, 13). This was a preliminary examination, and not official in its character.

3.Jesus before Caiaphas(John 18. 24). Read the account of the event in Mark 14. 53-72. By comparing the four accounts we find that there was first an examination before the high priest and such of the council as could be gathered (Mark 14. 55), and then later a trial before the entire Sanhedrin, or body of the elders (Luke 22. 66), at which Jesus was condemned to death. Peter's denial took place in the house of the high priest (John 18. 24, 25).

4.Jesus before Pilate.The Jews had no power to sentence to death, and hence were compelled to bring Jesus before Pilate (John 18. 28-32). Notice that the Jews condemned Jesus on one ground, but accused him before Pilate on another (Matt. 26. 65, 66; Luke 23. 2). The dialogue of Pilate with Jesus is given in John 18. 29-37. Pilate declared Christ's innocence and proposed that he should be released, but the people still demanded that he should be put to death.

5.Jesus before Herod.Pilate was unwilling to take the responsibility either of putting to death an innocent man or of offending the Jews by releasing him. He therefore sent him to Herod. But Herod also refused to judge the case and after mocking Jesus sent him back to Pilate (Luke 23. 6-11).

6.Jesus Condemned to Death.After Jesus was brought back Pilate still endeavored to save his life. But instead of setting him free at once as an innocent man he proposed to release him as an actof good feeling at the Passover festival. The Jews chose Barabbas and rejected Jesus; and at last Pilate gave unwilling sentence that Jesus should be crucified. He was then delivered to the soldiers to be mocked and tortured (Luke 23. 13-25).

7.Jesus Bearing his Cross.On the way from Pilate's palace to Calvary Jesus was compelled to carry one of the beams of his own cross (John 19. 17). A part of the way his cross was carried by a man named Simon, of Cyrene, in Africa (Mark 15. 21).

8.Jesus on the Cross.At Calvary Jesus was fastened to the cross by nails through his hands and feet (Luke 23. 33; John 20. 25). He was crucified at nine o'clock in the morning and lived until three o'clock in the afternoon (Mark 15. 25-34). The stupefying potion offered to him before he was crucified (Mark 15. 23). Note the four versions of the superscription (Matt. 27. 37; Mark 15. 26; Luke 23. 38; John 19. 19). The witnesses (John 19. 25).

9.The Seven Words from the Cross.The first word (Luke 23. 34). The second word (John 19. 26, 27). The third word (Luke 23. 43). The fourth word (Matt. 27. 46). The fifth word (John 19. 28). The sixth word (John 19. 30). The seventh word (Luke 23. 46).

10.The Death on the Cross.The fact (Mark 15. 37). A remarkable testimony (Mark 15. 39). A remarkable event (Matt. 27. 51-53). An evidence of his death (John 19. 32-35).

11.The Burial.Why the body was taken away (John 19. 31). How it was obtained (John 19. 38). The preparation (John 19. 39, 40). The place of burial (Matt. 27. 59, 60). The witnesses (Matt. 27. 61). The sealing of the tomb (Matt. 27. 62-66).

Blackboard OutlineDay of Crucifixion

I.Gen. Vie.1. On. Da. 2. Ev. Da. 3. Imp. Da.II.Pla.1. Gar. Geth. 2. H. P. Ho. 3. Pil. Pal. 4. Her. Pal. 5. Cal. Gol.III.Jour.1. Geth. H.-p. Ho. 2. H.-p Ho. Pil. Pal. 3. Pil. Pal. Her. Pal. Re. 4. Pil. Pal. Calv.IV.Events.1. Betr. 2. J. bef. Ann. 3. J. bef. Cai. 4. J. bef. Pil. 5. J. bef. Her. 6. J. Con. Dea. 7. J. Bear. Cro. 8. J. on Cro. 9. Sev. Wo. Cro. 10. De. Cro. 11. Bur.

Questions for Review

How long was this period? What was its date in the Jewish year? What shows that it was an eventful day? Why was this the most important day in the world's history? What are the five places named in this period? State the probable location of each place. Name four journeys of this period. Name eleven events of this period. Before what rulers was Jesus brought for examination or trial? State the seven utterances of Jesus on the cross. What took place at the moment of Jesus's death? Why was the body buried so soon? Why was the tomb sealed? Who witnessed the burial?

The Forty Days of Resurrection

I.The Necessity of Christ's Resurrection.Strange as the resurrection may appear to men in general, and unexpected as it was to the disciples of Jesus, it was the necessary completion of his work on earth.

1. It was necessaryfrom the nature of Christ. A divine man, it was impossible that he should be held in the grave (Acts 2. 24). His resurrection showed that he was the Son of God (Rom. 1. 4).

2. It was necessaryfor the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus himself declared that the prophecies pointed to his resurrection (Luke 24. 45, 46). The apostles constantly appealed to the Old Testament prophecies (Acts 13. 34, 35; 26. 22, 23; 1 Cor. 15. 4).

3. It was necessary for thework of redemption. He lived as our example, and he must appear before God as our high priest and mediator (Rom. 4. 25; 8. 34; 1 Cor. 15. 17).

4. It was necessary for thefaith of the disciples. If Christ had not risen the world would never have heard of his life and the church would never have existed (1 Cor. 15. 19, 20; 1 Pet. 1. 3).

5. It was necessary toattest Christ's authority. But for the resurrection the name of Jesus could have possessed no more weight than any other name. Raised from the dead he has all power (Matt. 28. 18; Acts 13. 33; 17. 31).

6. It was necessary as apledge of our resurrection. If Christ rose we too shall rise (Acts 26. 23; 1 Cor. 15. 12, 20-23).

II.The Fact of Christ's Resurrection.

1.It was proved by the testimony of witnesses.See Acts 1. 3; 2. 32. The conduct of the disciples before and after the resurrection was in itself a proof. Before they were in sorrow (Mark 16. 10; Luke 24. 17). Afterward they were glad (Luke 24. 52; John 20. 20). The Christian Church to-day is the best evidence; for without the resurrection it could never have been established.

2.It was effected by the power of God.(Acts 3. 15; Rom. 8. 11; Eph. 1. 20). Jesus speaks of his own power in connection with this (John 2. 19; 10. 18). The Holy Spirit is also mentioned as raising Christ from the dead (1 Peter 3. 18).

3. It took placeon the first day of the week. (Mark 16. 9). In commemoration of this event the first day of the week was observed by the early Church (Acts 20. 7; 1 Cor. 16. 2). The name given to this day (Rev. 1. 10).

4. It took place onthe third day after his death. The body of Jesus was in the grave between thirty and thirty-six hours—from sunset on Friday to daybreak on Sunday. But in the Jewish notation of time this was three days (Luke 24. 46; Acts 10. 40; 1 Cor. 15. 4).

III.The Ten Appearances of Jesus after his Resurrection.It is not easy, perhaps not possible, to harmonize precisely all the accounts in the gospels and in 1 Cor. 15. 4-7. But the best authorities unite in the following order of the manifestations of Christ between the resurrection and the ascension:

1.To Mary Magdalene(Mark 16. 9). This was at the sepulcher, very soon after the resurrection. Several women went to the sepulcher, found it open, and were told by an angel that Jesus had risen. They went to bear the news to the disciples (Mark 16. 1-8; Matt. 28. 1-8; Luke 24. 1-10). Mary Magdalene returned after the rest had gone and saw the risen Lord (John 20. 1-18). Notice that this Mary is to be carefully distinguished from Mary of Bethany, John 11. 2, and from the unnamed woman in Luke 7. 37.

2.To the other women(Matt. 28. 9). This was near the sepulcher, a few minutes later than the first appearance. The names of these women (Mark 16. 1; Luke 24. 10).

3.To two disciples(Luke 24. 13-32). The place where Jesus was revealed (Luke 24. 13). The name of Luke's probable informant (Luke 24. 18).

4.To Peter(Luke 24. 33, 34; 1 Cor. 15. 5). This was in Jerusalem. What took place at this meeting has not been revealed.

5.To ten disciples(Luke 24. 36-43). Another account in John 20. 19-25. This was in the upper room in Jerusalem, where the Last Supper had been partaken, and it was on the evening of the day of resurrection.

6.To eleven disciples(John 20. 26-29). This was in the same place a week later.

7.To seven disciplesat the Sea of Galilee (John 21. 1-22). At this interview Peter was reinstated in his apostleship.

8.To five hundred disciples(1 Cor. 15. 6). This was the official manifestation of Christ appointed before his death (Matt. 26. 32; 28. 16). It took place "on the mountain" (Rev. Ver.), probably where the Sermon on the Mount was preached. At this time the great commission was given (Matt. 28. 18-20).

9.To James(1 Cor. 15. 7). Nothing is known about this meeting. The relationship of James to Jesus (Mark 6. 3; Gal. 1. 19). Allusions to him in Acts 15. 13; 21. 18. His epistle (James 1. 1). Probably this appearance was in Jerusalem (Acts 1. 14).

10.The Ascension(Luke 24. 50-53; Acts 1. 9). This was at Bethany, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives (Acts 1. 12). The promise at his departure (Acts 1. 10, 11).

This list of appearances should be carefully memorized and the place of each noted on the map, with its circumstances and events.

IV.The Traits of the Risen Christ.There were some respects in which Jesus after his resurrection was the same as he had been before; but there were also some essential differences.

1.He was the very same Jesus.It was not a spirit, a disembodied ghost, which appeared to the disciples. He possessed personal identity, and was the living one whom the disciples had known before. See Luke 24. 39, 40; John 20. 27.

2.He appeared only occasionally.He did not come to remain with his people, for it was better for them that he should go away (John 16. 7). He manifested himself after his resurrection often enough to strengthen faith, but not enough to lead his disciples to lean upon his presence.

3.He appeared to his disciples only(Acts 10. 40, 41). Why he did not appear to unbelievers (Luke 16. 31). His personal ministry was ended, and henceforth he was to speak to men through his messengers (2 Cor. 5. 19, 20).

4.He possessed a spiritual body.There is a spiritual body (1 Cor. 15. 40-44). Christ possessed such a body, uncontrolled by physical law, but dominated by the spirit. He came and went at will (Luke 24. 36; John 20. 19). He withheld himself from recognitionor permitted it as he chose (Luke 24. 15, 16; 24. 30, 31; John 20. 14-16; 21. 4-7). With us the body limits the spirit; with him the spirit controlled the body.

5.He recognized individualsafter his resurrection. The grave had not blotted out his memory of the past nor of his personal regard for people. He called his friends by name after his resurrection (Matt. 28. 10; John 20. 16; 20. 26; 21. 15). He showed the same spirit of affection, of tenderness, and of patience with the mistakes of his followers as he had shown during his earthly life. His gentleness toward a sorrowing woman (John 20. 11-15). His kindness toward a doubting disciple (John 20. 24-29). His forgiveness of a denying disciple (John 21. 15-19). Such were the traits which he bore away from earth, and such are the traits which he bears still on his throne.

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