A Quick Tour of the Gospels

The Story of the Person, Mission, and Message of Jesus

 

1Co 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1Co 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

1Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

1Co 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

 

I.  Introduction

1.  Luke's Introduction  

Though none claim it, we must take it on faith that all four writers had divine guidance.

Matthew and John were without a doubt first hand eye witnesses and maybe so also was Mark. 

Luke tells us right off the bat that all his information is second hand.

 

Luk 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,

Luk 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

 

2.  Pre-fleshly state of Christ

John, in the opening verses of his gospel, leaves nothing back for later in his revelation of the person and work of Jesus.

 

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Joh 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Joh 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

Joh 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

 

3.  Genealogy of Jesus Christ

Mat 1:1  The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Mat 1:17  So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.

 

 II.  Birth and Early Life of Jesus and John the Baptist

 

1.  7 B.C. - Jerusalem (Temple) - Announcement of Birth of John

Luk 1:13  But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Luk 1:16  And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

Luk 1:17  And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

 

2.  7 or 6 B.C. Nazareth - Announcement of Birth of Jesus to the Virgin

There is no hint in Luke 1:32-33 that the "throne" is in a spiritual sense rather than an actual worldly sense; a new Israel set free from Roman rule.

If the angel had been a little more clear, the followers of Jesus might have been saved a let down and better able to make an informed choice to follow Jesus when asked to do so.

 

Luk 1:33  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luk 1:35  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 

3.  c. 5 B.C. - Hill Country of Judah - Song of Elizabeth to Mary

Luk 1:45  And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.

 

4.  c. 5 B.C. - Hill Country of Judah - Mary’s Song of Praise

Luk 1:47  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

 

5.  5 B.C. - Judea - Birth, Infancy  and Purpose for Future of John the Baptist

Luk 1:76  And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

Luk 1:77  To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

 

6.  5 B.C. Nazareth - Announcement of Jesus' Birth to Joseph

Hard to tell if  Joseph was asleep the whole time of the visit.

The message leaves no doubt that Jesus was conceived by God the Holy Ghost but leaves in doubt the person of Jesus and how He was to perform His mission.  We know from hindsight what Joseph could only guess - Jesus was and is God and He would furnish the salvation of his people (and us gentiles too) by His sacrifice on the cross.

 

Mat 1:20  But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Mat 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

 

7.  5-4 B.C. - Bethlehem - Birth of Jesus Christ

Luk 2:4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

Luk 2:6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

 

8.  5-4 B.C. - Near Bethlehem - Proclamation by the Angels

Here we have angels telling shepherds so much and yet so little about the new born babe; only a hint the He is God in human form and that His death, burial and resurrection would be the source of salvation for all humanity.

 

Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

 

9.  5-4 B.C. - Bethlehem - The Visit of Homage by Shepherds

No clue here as to how the shepherds interpreted the direct message from angels as to the mission and person of the new born babe.

 

Luk 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

 

10.  5-4 B.C. - Bethlehem - Jesus' Circumcision

Luk 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 

11.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem - First Temple Visit with Acknowledgments by Simeon and Anna

Again, only hints from Simeon and Anna.

 

Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Luk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luk 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

 

12.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem and Bethlehem - Visit of the Wise Men

The Wise Men, We can assume were looking for a new born spiritual leader not a political one.  They didn't come to worship Herod, why would they come to worship his successor?

If they had explained that to Herod a little better, it might not have been such upsetting news.

Actually it is Herod's own spiritual advisors who put a political slant to the prophecy in Mica 5:2.

 

Mat 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

Mat 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Mat 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 

13.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Egypt - Flight into Egypt and Massacre of Innocents

Mat 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

 

14.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Egypt - From Egypt to Nazareth with Jesus

Mat 2:19  But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Mat 2:20  Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

Mat 2:23  And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

 

15.  Afterward - Nazareth - Childhood of Jesus

Up to this time Mary had hints from an angel, Simeon, Anna and wise men from afar that her son was quite special.

But this passage shows that the full extent of His person and mission was not yet revealed even to His mother and possibly not even to young Jesus Himself.  

 

Luk 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

 

16.  A.D. 7-8 - Jerusalem - Jesus, 12 Years Old, Visits the Temple

This passage shows that at the age of twelve Jesus was there at the temple to learn not to teach; though he was endowed with superhuman ability to learn, he had yet to learn that He Himself was God and that His ultimate mission was His sacrifice on the cross.

 

Luk 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

 

17.  Afterward - Nazareth - 18-Year Account of Jesus’ Adolescence and Adulthood

There is a clue here that Jesus was yet to become fully God.

 

Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

 

III.  Ministry of John the Baptist - c. A.D. 25-27

John (The Baptist) had as his mission: 

Luk 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

His message was:

Mat 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Those who did confess and turn from their sins he baptized with water. 

But that's only step one.  The people must look to Jesus:

Luk 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

 

1.  c. A.D. 25-27 - Judean Wilderness - Johns Ministry Begins

Both John and Jesus grew up knowing they had a special calling from God.

Here we see from Luke that God did not reveal to John the specifics of his mission until he was about thirty years old; a good indication the same was true for Jesus.

Luk 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Luk 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

 

Joh 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

 

2. and 3. c. A.D. 25-27 - Judean Wilderness - Man and Message, his picture of Jesus

And here are the specifics of John's mission: he was first to preach repentance for sins and to baptize in the Jordon those who received his message.  And secondly he was to inform his hearers that his message of repentance was only a preliminary to the salvation message to be provided by his cousin Jesus.

 

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Luk 3:17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

 

4.  c. A.D. 25-27 - Judean Wilderness - His Courage

Mat 14:10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

Luk 3:19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,

 

IV.  Ministry of Jesus - Beginning - c. A. D. 27

Missions of Jesus:

Luk 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Luk 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

 

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

 

 

1.  c. A.D. 27 - Jordan River - Jesus Baptized

This event may well be the most important event in the history of the entire physical universe.

And yet its entire and true meaning is a mystery - each of us who come to it need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to take it in, to understand its meaning.

That said, I make a few comments on this event:

1. Jesus himself admits He needs the baptism of John.  I take that to mean He admits to having a sin nature just like all the rest of us humans,  and wishes to be dunked in the Jordan by John as a public declaration of His repentance.

2. After He and all the rest of those in the crowd who repented were baptized by John, Jesus prayed and this triggered His second baptism, His born again experience, His baptism of the Holy Ghost.

I take this passage to show that Jesus as a human like the rest of us had free will to accept or reject the indwelling of the Holy Ghost and His prayer was one of acceptance.

Like all Old Testament saints he needed to look forward in faith to the perfect sacrifice of the Messiah on the cross for the atonement of His sin.

Whether or not He knew at that time He was to become that sacrifice is a mystery.  I suspect not, I suspect it was revealed to Him in the next event when He fasted forty days and forty nights in the wilderness.

 

Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Joh 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

Joh 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

 

That Jesus needed to be baptized by water shows to me he was still mortal and required repentance.

That John needed yet to be baptized by Jesus shows he needed to look to Jesus for his salvation.

What does the dove mean?  The dove was the sacrifice available to even the poorest.  That could be it. God's word would imply that Jesus, now in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit, is now the perfect sacrifice for all sin.

 

2.  c. A.D. 27 - Wilderness - Jesus Tempted

After forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus still did not answer Satan with the information that He was equal to God but rather that as "Son of God" He was still subservient  to the Father.

And His answers give little clue as to His mission - a mission that was revealed to Him during the past forty days of fasting.

 

Mat 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

Mat 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Mat 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

 

3.  c. A.D. 27 - Beyond Jordan - Calls First Disciples

How did John the Baptist know at this time that Jesus was "the Lamb of God"?

One may guess that Jesus told him so.  Jesus came back to His cousin after forty days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness and told him that God had revealed to Him what was to be His mission here on earth - that He was to undergo death, burial and resurrection as God the Father's perfect sacrifice for the atonement of the sins of humanity.

How did Nathanael know "Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel"?

Anyone who was present forty-one days ago at the baptism of Jesus knew that.  They got it straight from the Holy Ghost who said it at that time.

 

Joh 1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

Joh 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

Joh 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Joh 1:40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

Joh 1:41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

Joh 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

Joh 1:51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

 

4.  c. A.D. 27 - Cana in Galilee - The First Miracle

Jesus gave His mother a rather brusque reply but did do as she seems to suggest- do a miracle and make some wine.

How did she know He had the ability? 

He must have been doing little tricks like this in private for her since He was a child.

His answer to His mother sets the tone for the next three years.  He will reveal His true mission to the world step by well measured step.

The main point can be no other than as stated. That is to show his Godly ability and thereby give his disciples cause to believe him worth following.

 

Joh 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

Joh 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

 

5.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum is "His" city - First Stay in Capernaum

Joh 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

 

6.  A.D. 27 - Jerusalem - First Cleansing of the Temple

This is like a mini parable; the first with many more to come.

Here He reveals to all His mission but none understand, not even His chosen disciples.

 

Joh 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Joh 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

 

7.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Received at Jerusalem

He did commit Himself to one man. 

That man, Nicodemus, came to Him in private at night with an open heart wanting to know the full meaning Jesus' person and mission.

 

Joh 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

 

8.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Teaches Nicodemus about Second Birth

First, Jesus tells Nicodemus he needs two born again experiences - one of water and two of spirit. 

Hard to see how Nicodemus could fully understand this, but with the benefit of hindsight, we know He is referring to the water baptism for repentance of sin as preached and performed by John the Baptist and the baptism of the Holy Spirit which Jesus Himself will shortly begin to preach but which cannot actually happen until after Pentecost; a baptism which happens to those who place their trust in Jesus and His sacrifice for the sins of all on the cross.

Then Jesus confirms what Nicodemus suspects - that His message is from God.

And He tells him quite bluntly that He is the Only Begotten Son of God and that His mission is to die on the cross for the sins of humanity.

By his actions three years later Nicodemus showed that he took the lessons he learned this night to heart.

 

Joh 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

9.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Co-Ministry with John

These are very strong words from John the Baptist showing that his cousin Jesus has revealed to him His divinity and His mission to die on the cross and the meaning of that mission - everlasting life for those that believe.

My understanding is that the Old Testament saints are those who put their faith in an unnamed Messiah to be provided by God at some unspecified date in the future.

John the Baptist and Nicodemus would seem to be the first two to learn the Messiah had come and His name is Jesus.

 

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

 

10.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Leaves for Galilee

There is a great significance in the fact that Jesus did not baptize disciples.  All the baptisms taking place at this time were in the water of the Jordan as a public declaration of repentance.  Those baptisms can be well handled by John the Baptist and his disciples. (Some of whom were now following Jesus)

The focus of Jesus' message is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and that can only take place after Jesus' death on the cross, burial and resurrection.

Up to now Jesus has limited His public ministry to the performance of miracles in order to establish Himself as a teacher come from God.

At this time Mark tells us "Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God", but with not the least outline of His preaching.

 

Mat 4:12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

Joh 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.

 

11.  A.D. 27 - Samaria - Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s Well

The Gospel of John gives quite a good outline of what Jesus was preaching around the time of this event.  It's the same message He gave also in private to Nicodemus a few days before.

In Joh 4:10 Jesus gives the Samaritan woman a hint that He is divine and can offer her a baptism certifying eternal life.

In Joh 4:13 He hints that a water baptism alone will not give that certification.

In Joh 4:14 He confirms that His baptism is what leads to eternal life.

In Joh 4:21 He tells her that the way to salvation will soon change for all who worship the Father, for both God's chosen people the Jews and for her and the rest of the world, the gentiles.

In Joh 4:24 He hints that His baptism revolves around spirit.

In John 4:25 the Samaritan woman shows a remarkable knowledge of Old Testament prophecy; Jesus' message to her rings a bell in her mind of predictions of a coming Messiah.

And in Joh 4:26 Jesus tells her she has hit the nail on the head and further more he is that very person.

John specifically states the returning disciples did not ask Jesus what He was talking about with the Samaritan woman so up to this time she now knew more about His message and mission than they.

Then in Joh 4:34 - 37 Jesus makes a pun when asked to eat and gives them two more mini parables - the first about His mission and the second about what is to be their jobs.

Not much hope that at this time they could catch the meaning.  Even a year later they needed His help to understand a similar parable about sowing and harvesting. (Mat 13:3 - 23)

 

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Joh 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Joh 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

 

12.  A.D. 27 - Returns to Galilee

The only recorded mention of preaching Jesus did on this trip to Galilee was during a two day stop at Samaria.

The record of the detail of what He preached is that given by John in his account of Jesus witnessing to the Samaritan woman the first afternoon of this visit.

Very likely what He preached in the city was the same message that He preached to the woman.

Also very likely His disciples (at this time we are told of only four) were in the audience and were exposed for the first time to His "preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

 

Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

 

 

V.  Northern Ministry of Jesus - A. D. 27-29

1.  A.D. 27 - Cana - Healing of the Nobleman's Son

Jesus has the power to cure the whole world of sickness and death.

He chose to do so in this particular case to establish Himself to all who witnessed the miracle that He was their predicted messiah. 

 

Joh 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Joh 4:54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

 

2.  A.D. 27 - Nazareth - Rejected at Nazareth

This is the third event presented in the Gospels which give some insight into Jesus' message to the world - Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman and now to His home folks in Nazareth.

Not a word in all three about repentance.

Maybe He was going to bring it up here, but they gave Him no chance; they tried to throw Him off a cliff at the very beginning of His message for claiming to be the Messiah predicted by Isaiah. (Isaiah 61:1-2)

 

Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luk 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

 

3.  A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Moved to Capernaum

Up to this time Jesus seems to have left it up to His cousin John to preach the first step to salvation - repentance.

Now that John is in Herod's jail He appears to have taken on that duty also.

 

Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

4.  A.D. 27 - Sea of Galilee - Four Become Fishers of Men

Of the four Gospels, Luke gives the most detail of this account.  (John who was an actual participant gives none)

Luke had ample opportunity to quiz Peter some years later after the event and that's likely to have been the source of his detail.

Luke's account indicates that Peter for one had taken Jesus' message of repentance to heart and that it was the miracle of the large catch of fish which made all four decide to follow Jesus' call to service.

There is no indication here that Jesus had yet publicly revealed his divinity and the need for all to rely on Him for a spiritual rebirth.

 

Luk 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Luk 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luk 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

 

5.  A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Demoniac Healed on the Sabbath Day

Wow, what can we make of this?  Devils inhabiting sick people!  Is that covered in your health insurance plan?

But one thing we can get from this event - fallen angels know God when they see Him and His name is Jesus.

 

Luk 4:33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

Luk 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.

 

6.  A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Peter’s Mother-in-Law Cured, Plus Others

Another instance of Jesus rebuking fallen angels for revealing His divinity to the general public.

The time for that had not yet come.

 

Luk 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Luk 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

 

7.  c. A.D. 27 - Galilee - First Preaching Tour of Galilee

There can be no doubt the person who sent Jesus to preach and gave Him the message is God the Father.

 

Mar 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Luk 4:42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

Luk 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

 

8.  c. A.D. 27 - Galilee - Leper Healed and Response Recorded

Here is a clue as to why Jesus has not yet fully revealed His divinity and not yet fully revealed God the Father's plan for salvation for the whole world.

He wants to give the priests ample time to repent of their failure as spiritual leaders of His chosen people and to recognize the predicted Messiah now that He has come.

 

Mat 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

 

9.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Paralytic Healed

This man received so much more than he and his friends came for.  They wanted health for the bed ridden man in this life; he received life eternal.

Each person on earth has his or her unique ability to express repentance and faith.  I understand this event as showing that God judges each of us as to whether or not we have demonstrated repentance and faith taking our unique abilities in consideration.  A person with a doctor's degree in religion should have a better testimony of repentance and faith than the village idiot or the back woods native who never heard a word about Jesus.

 

Mat 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

 

10.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Matthew’s Call and Reception Held

The point of this event is not that the religious leaders have no need for repentance.

The point is that Jesus was sent because they were a generation of vipers; they were not doing their God given job of teaching and preaching God' word.

 

Mar 2:16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

Mar 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

 

11.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Disciples Defended via a Parable

Here Jesus had a perfect opportunity to reveal His divinity and God's plan for salvation for the whole world - a plan which involved overturning the old temple/priesthood system.

But the time was not ripe.  So He chose to tell the Jewish religious leaders the first of His famous parables; stories for which most of His hearers lacked the spiritual ability to understand.

 

The Parable "New Cloth on Old Garment" : The old system of Jewish priests teaching God’s rules of conduct and sacrifices at the temple as payment for violations thereof is so corrupt he won’t mend it with his new system, his kingdom, his church, his body of believers and his sacrifice on the cross.

 

The Parable "New Wine in Old Bottles" : We can trust in God’s word and Jesus’ sacrifice to preserve us forever.

 

Mat 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

Mat 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.

 

12.  A.D. 28 - Jerusalem - Goes to Jerusalem for Second Passover; Heals Lame Man

And here we see Jesus' reason for holding back the revelation of His person and message to the Jewish religious leaders.  The more He reveals,  the more they seek to kill Him.

His death on the cross is, of course, God's plan for the world's salvation but it can't be rushed.  Jesus will need two more years to find and train the disciples who will carry His message to the world.

 

Joh 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

Joh 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

Joh 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Joh 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

 

13.  A.D. 28 - En Route to Galilee - Plucked Grain Precipitates Sabbath Controversy

When asked, Jesus told the truth about His divinity.

But the truth is more than the religious leaders can comprehend.

 

Mat 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

Mat 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

 

14.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Withered Hand Healed Causes Another Sabbath Controversy

Rather than responding in joy that the messiah has come, the religious leaders plot to kill Him. 

This just builds up more evidence that they must be thrown out and the temple and their positions of authority be abolished.

 

Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Mat 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

 

15.  A.D. 28 - Sea of Galilee - Multitudes Healed

And again Jesus cautions the multitudes of common people and fallen angels not to reveal His true identity.

 To do so would only hasten His sacrifice at the hands of the religious leaders before its proper time, before He has trained His disciples.

 

Mat 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Mat 12:16 And charged them that they should not make him known:

Mar 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

Mar 3:12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

 

16.  A.D. 28 - Near Capernaum - Twelve Apostles Selected After a Night of Prayer

Next starts the training period for these twelve apostles.  As said before, it will take two years before they are ready to be sent out with the complete message of God's plan of salvation for the entire world.

For two years they will be taught with parables which will takes special spiritual discernment to understand, will witness miracles which confirm the divinity of Jesus, and they will witness His death, burial and resurrection.

And at the end of their training period, as a graduation ceremony at Pentecost, they will receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

 

Mar 3:13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

Mar 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Mar 3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

 

17.  A.D. 28 - Near Capernaum - Sermon on the Mt.

Now Jesus begins His training program for the twelve chosen ones.

1. First He tells them the blessings they will receive if they come to their mission of service with proper attitudes.  (Mat 5:1-12 The Beatitudes)

2. Next He tells them to be like Him in sacrifice and light.  (Mat 5:13-16 The Similitudes)

3. Then He cautions them that they will be required to live lives of exemplary testimony.  They will have to go above and beyond  the requirements given to them by Moses in the Ten  Commandments, specially in the areas of murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love.  (Mat 5:17- 48)

4. Next He outlines what will be required in their spiritual acts of obedience to God in almsgiving, prayer, fasting, wealth, and judging.  (Mat 6:1-7:6)

5. Then, after laying down all these very strict rules of conduct for his close servants, He gives them some very encouraging news.  Their Heavenly Father will be with them at all times to supply their needs and give success in their mission.  (Mat 7:7-11)

6. Finely, He sums up this first training session by telling His chosen apostles that there will be opposition but the path He has set them on is the only one to true success.  (Mat 7:12-29)

 

 The Parable "Candle Under a Bushel": If you disciples are wondering why you received such strict instructions in righteousness in “The Sermon on the Mount”, it’s because you will be Jesus’ surrogates here on earth.  People will judge Jesus and his creditability by your actions.

 The Parable "A Wise Man Builds on a Rock": Jesus told this parable to his disciples as part of his “Sermon on the Mount”.  It is basically instructions in conduct for those who enlist in his elite band of apostles and disciples.  The penalty for sloth in following these instructions is quite severe - eternity separated from God.

 

Mat 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

 

1. Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

 

2. Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

3. Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

4. Mat 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

 

5. Mat 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

 

6. Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

 

18.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Centurion’s Servant Healed

Jesus has been doing these miracles of healing with the purpose of establishing a belief in His chosen disciples and in the multitudes of other Jewish witnesses that He is the predicted messiah.

Ironically, we have here a Gentile who catches on quicker than the Jews.

 

Mat 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Mat 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

 

19.  A.D. 28 - Nain - Raises Widow’s Son from Dead

This is another demonstration to the Jews that He is the messiah, a quite successful one.

 

Luk 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Luk 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

 

20.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Jesus Allays John’s Doubts

John is in prison facing a martyr's death for his faithful preaching of the need for repentance of sin.

He knows the water baptism which he offers is only step one.  He knows the world also needs the opportunity for a Spiritual baptism.  He knows only his cousin Jesus can offer that baptism and must be wishing as his time here on earth draws near to the end that his cousin would start preaching the need for the second baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

But Jesus is not yet ready to do that.  He wants more time to train His disciples and God is willing to give the religious leaders more time to repent of their sins and save their jobs.

 

Mat 11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

Mat 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Luk 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Luk 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

 

21.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Woes Upon the Privileged

The message in this event shows the extreme importance of repentance.

There is no hope for a person, a city or a church which does not recognize the realty of sin and the need for repentance.

 

Mat 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

Mat 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

 

22.  A.D. 28 - Simon's House, Capernaum - A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus

Jesus leaves unanswered the question "who is this that forgiveth sins also?'

His miracles have revealed His divinity to the sinful woman but the wise Pharisee is still blind.

 

The Parable "The Creditor and the Two Debtors" : Simon as a religious leader bears responsibility not only for his own sins but also shares responsibility for the sins of those who he misleads.  If and when he recognizes his sin, repents and puts his trust in Jesus, he will “love him the most”.

 

Luk 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

 

23.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Another Tour of Galilee

The plus side of this mission tour of Jesus' home territory is that He is building up the faith in His close core group of followers.

 

Luk 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

 

24.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Jesus Accuses the Pharisees of Blasphemy

By hindering Jesus' appeal for repentance, by accusing Him of working for Satan, the religious leaders show themselves beyond redemption and that their system of service for God must be abolished.

 

Mat 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

 

25.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Jesus’ Answer to a Demand for a Sign

By comparing Himself to Jonah Jesus here predicts His coming death, burial and resurrection - but in a way that not even His closest follower can, at this time, grasp His meaning.

 

The Parable "Candle Under a Bushel No.2": Jesus is here giving a recruiting speech to the multitudes.  He promises the support of his body here on earth, the church, but he warns that he is looking for candidates of high righteousness and virtue.

 

Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

 

26.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Mother, Brothers Seek Audience

What a compliment, what a source of inspiration to His close followers!  Jesus informs them that they mean more to Him than His actual brothers and even His mother.

 

Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

 

27.  A.D. 28 - By Sea of Galilee - Famous Parables of Sower, Seed, Tares, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Treasure, Pearl, Dragnet, Lamp Told

Why does Jesus speak so much to the multitudes in parables?

The answer is in Mat 13:10 - 11. 

Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

This is the greatest parable of all.  What's the difference between disciples and the multitude?

Disciples are those who have accepted what has been Jesus' message up to this point.  They accept the fact that they are sinners, they accept Jesus' claim to be the promised Messiah, and they want to know more about the Kingdom of Heaven.

The rest of the multitude have not accepted the fact that they are sinners, have not repented of their sins, and do not believe Jesus is the promised Messiah.  They are not ready to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 8:18 is also a parable and can be explained as follows:

Whosoever has the rebirth of water which comes from repentance can receive the second rebirth, the baptism of the spirit; whosoever has not repented of his sins loses the opportunity for spiritual rebirth and those in high positions of spiritual authority will lose those positions.

Mat 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Luk 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

 

The Parable of  "The Sower ": Jesus’ mission is to find men with honest and good hearts capable of teaching others the gospel of the kingdom and thereby aid in its growth.  Hopefully they will also be capable of spiritual growth themselves and thereby be more useful for greater heavenly duties after their earthly service is over.

 

The Parable of  "The Tares": Judging who has a heart for God is best left to God.

 

The Parable of "Candle Under a Bushel No.2": You who have chosen to follow me are to be like me, a light to the world.  To help your light to shine you will have the aid of my body here on earth, the church.

 

The Parable of "The Growing Seed": You who preach God’s word are not going to know for sure the fruit of your sowing until God’s harvest.

 

The Parable of "The Mustard Seed": Beware of false teachers who shall bring damnable heresies into the church.

 

The Parable of "The Leaven": Beware of sin and false doctrine in the church.  Its nature is to grow.

 

The Parable of "The Hidden Treasure": Jesus paid it all.

 

The Parable of " The Pearl of Great Price": God paid an infinite price to dwell in the temple of the believer’s body.

 

The Parable of "The Net": You disciples will have a very important job.  You will be spreading a message of repentance and the kingdom, which will affect where people chose to spend eternity.

 

Mat 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

Mat 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

Mat 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

Mar 4:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

 

28.  A.D. 28 - Sea of Galilee - Sea Made Serene

This event is another lesson for His disciples that  Jesus is God.

 

Mat 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

 

29.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Gadarene Demoniac Healed

Jesus is still not keen to have his healing power published to the world.  The man was instructed to reveal his cure to his own home but he told the whole city.

 

Luk 8:38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Luk 8:39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

 

30.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Jairus’ Daughter Raised and Woman with Hemorrhage Healed

So now He instructs them to tell no one of His healing power.

 

Mat 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Mat 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

Mat 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

Mat 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Mat 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Mar 5:43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

 

31.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Two Blind Men’s Sight Restored

Mat 9:30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

 

32.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Mute Demoniac Healed

Mat 9:34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

 

33.  A.D. 28 - Nazareth - Nazareth’s Second Rejection of Christ

Mat 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

Mat 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

 

34.  A.D. 28 - Nazareth - Twelve Sent Out

The mission of the apostles was not for the Samaritans, not for the gentiles, was not a message of salvation.  Its purpose was to give the Jews another call to repentance.

But above that, its purpose was to show the apostles the resentment from loved ones they will experience as servants of Jesus; to harden them for the task ahead of telling the world the good news of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior.

 

Mat 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Mat 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

Mar 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

 

 

35.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Fearful Herod Beheads John

 

Luk 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Luk 9:9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

 

36.  Spring A.D. 29 - Near Bethsaida - Return of 12, Jesus Withdraws, 5000 Fed

Joh 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

Joh 6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

Joh 6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

Joh 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

Joh 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

 

37.  Spring A.D. 29 - Sea of Galilee - Walks on the Water

Mat 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Mat 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Mat 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Mat 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

 

38.  Spring A.D. 29 - Gennesaret - Sick of Gennesaret Healed

I can't find this area or city on any map.  I will guess it is a short boat ride (or for Jesus a short walk) from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee.  There is no indication the people there took notice of Jesus any further than as a miraculous healer. (one commentator says "the plain of Gennesaret several miles south of Bethsaida".

 

Mar 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

Mar 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

 

39.  Spring A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Peak of Popularity Passes in Galilee

Jesus explains in the synagogue in the manner of a parable that all must trust in his sacrifice for their salvation.

This startling message lost Him many disciples and the Jewish religious leaders in Galilee sought to kill Him.

 

Joh 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Joh 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Joh 6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Joh 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

 

40.  A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Traditions Attacked

Mat 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Mat 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Mat 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

Mat 15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Mat 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

 

41.  A.D. 29 - Phoenicia - Aborted Retirement in Phoenicia: Syro­Phoenician Healed

Jesus always addressed His good news message to the Jews.

It is not until some years after Pentecost that His disciples are allowed, in fact commanded, to preach the Gospel to the gentiles.

 

Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 

42.  A.D. 29 - Decapolis - Afflicted Healed

Mat 15:30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

 

43.  A.D. 29 - Decapolis - 4000 Fed

This act of compassion had a secondary purpose: His disciples saw Him produce food out of thin air.

The multitude probably never realized their meal came by way of an act of God.

 

Mat 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

44.  A.D. 29 - Magdala - Pharisees Ask for a Sign

This looks like bad news for the Pharisees.

Up to this time Jesus has only asked them to repent and now He comes close to saying there is no hope they will do so.

 

Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

 

45.  A.D. 29 - Magdala - Disciples Reprimanded

Here's a turning point - the disciples come to realize their religious leaders were teaching them false doctrine.

 

Mat 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

Mat 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Mat 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

 

46.  A.D. 29 - Magdala - Blind Man Healed

Mar 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

 

46.  A.D. 29 - Near Caesarea Philippi - Peter Takes Step Forward - Sees Jesus as The Christ

And here's an even greater turning point in the training of Jesus' disciples - it has finely gotten through to at least one of them that Jesus is God in the flesh.

The disciples are told to keep this information to themselves.

 

Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

 

47.  A.D. 29 - Caesarea Philippi - Jesus Foretells His Death

So now it's time for Jesus to start teaching His disciples the good news, His gospel message that they are to take to the whole world, the message that Christ died for our sins.

 

Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

 

48.  A.D. 29 - Caesarea Philippi - Kingdom Promised

Jesus here foretells His Second Coming:

Rev 19:11 Then I saw heaven standing open, and there was a white horse! Its rider is named Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and wages war. Rev 19:12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many royal crowns. He has a name written on him that nobody knows except himself. Rev 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. Rev 19:14 The armies of heaven, wearing fine linen, white and pure, follow him on white horses. Rev 19:15 A sharp sword comes out of his mouth to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod and tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. Rev 19:16 On his robe and his thigh he has a name written: "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." Rev 19:17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, "Come! Gather for the great supper of God. Rev 19:18 Eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of commanders, the flesh of warriors, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, both free and slaves, both unimportant and important." Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. Rev 19:20 The beast was captured, along with the false prophet who had performed signs on its behalf. By these signs the false prophet had deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Rev 19:21 The rest were killed by the sword that belonged to the rider on the horse and that came from his mouth. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

 

Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

 

49.  A.D. 29 - Mountain Unnamed - The Transfiguration

The purpose of this event seems mainly to bolster the teaching abilities, the confidence of the three apostles who witnessed it.

Who can better teach the message that Jesus is God and that he died for our sins than one who heard it direct from God the Father?

 

Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

 

50.  A.D. 29 - Mt. of Transfiguration - Epileptic Healed

Mat 17:14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Mat 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

Mat 17:18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

 

51.  A.D. 29 - Galilee - Again Tells of Death and Resurrection

This is the second time for most of the disciples to hear this news (Peter, James, and John are hearing it for the third time).

The account in Mark and Luke implies that none understood.

 

Mar 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

Mar 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Mar 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

 

52.  A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Taxes Paid

Mat 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

 

53.  A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Disciples Contend about Greatness

Maybe James and John understood to some extent that they had been selected for high place in the Kingdom and are here wrangling over who will be the highest.

They are still overly concerned about the matter a year later. (Mat 20:20 - 28)

 

The Parable of "The Unforgiving Servant": Be careful what you ask for and promise.  God will keep his end and will see to it that you keep your end of the deal.

 

Mat 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

 

54.  A.D. 29 - Galilee - Jesus Rejects Brothers' Advice

His brethren wanted Jesus to go to Jerusalem and prove to all His divinity.

Jesus did go, but to prove the hatred of the religious leaders for Him and His message of their need for repentance.

 

Joh 7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

Joh 7:8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

 

55.  c. Sept. A.D. 29 - Galilee - Samaritan Rejection

Two years earlier Jesus brought many Samaritans to repentance and trust in Him.

Now Samaritans reject Him because He is going to worship in Jerusalem.  Jesus does not find this at all reason to give up hope for their later salvation.

A short time later He shows in the parable of the good Samaritan that this hope is well founded.  The Samaritan loves Him but the religious leaders of the Jews reject Him and try to kill Him.

 

Luk 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Luk 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Luk 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

 

56.  c. Sept. A.D. 29 - Galilee - Demands of Discipleship

Jesus again lets His people know that those chosen as apostles and missionaries are held to very strict rules of obedience.

They are to live a life without a permanent home.  Their service in preaching salvation to the world comes ahead of service to their own earthly family.

 

Luk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

 

 

VI.  Southern Ministry of Jesus - Oct. A.D. 29 - A.D. 30

1.  Oct. A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Feast of Tabernacles

Now Jesus is shouting His message of salvation not just in private to individuals, to His chosen ones, His disciples and apostles. 

Now He is shouting it to all Jews in hearing distance.

 

Joh 7:25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

Joh 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

 

2.  Oct. A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Forgiveness of Adulteress

And the first event after His salvation message to the Jews is a message for the need for repentance and forgiveness to those who call Him Lord.

 

Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

 

3.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - I Am the Light

Jesus continues His public declaration to the Jews that He is a prophet sent by God His Father.

 

Joh 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

 

4.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Temple - Pharisees Can’t Meet the Prophecy Thus Try to Destroy the Prophet

Some of the Jews believe Jesus' claims to be the promised Messiah, but the Pharisees reject.

When Jesus tells them flat out that He is Devine they take steps to kill Him.

 

Joh 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

 

5.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Man Born Blind Healed

God planned this opportunity for the Pharisees to recognize the divinity of Jesus when the man was born blind.

When the opportunity arose the Pharisees failed to see.

Once again they proved themselves unfit for their jobs as religious leaders.

 

Joh 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

Joh 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

 

6.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Parable of the Good Shepherd

Here Jesus explains who are God's sheep. 

They are those who recognize His voice.

It is clear that the current religious leaders are not His sheep

 

The Parable of "The Good Shepherd": You scribes and Pharisees don’t have a clew.  You are blind spiritually.  You are heading to destruction, but you won’t get my apostles to follow.

 

Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Joh 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

Joh 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

 

7.  A.D. 29 - Probably Judea - The Service of the Seventy

Almost a year before this event the twelve apostles were sent out with the same message - a call for repentance to the Jews because God will shortly establish a new Kingdom here on earth.

God's disciples will not be sent out to preach a rebirth of the spirit message until after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

 

Luk 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Luk 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

8.  A.D. 29 - Judea - The Good Samaritan

The Parable of "The Good Samaritan": Get out of here and shape up you hypocrite lawyer; you know very well that your neighbors are your fellows who love God. But right now your head judges are planning to nail your God to a cross and your fellow lawyers, Pharisees and Priests will stand by and cheer.  One of the last ones to give God love and thanks before you have him nailed to that cross will be a Samaritan, whom you despise.

Luk 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, Luk 17:16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

9.  A.D. 29 - Bethany - Hospitality of Martha and Mary

Martha makes her statement of faith in Jesus later at the time of the resurrection from the dead of her brother.

Joh 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

 

Luk 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

 

10.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Lord's Prayer (again) and Parable of "a Friend in Need"

 

The Parable of "A Friend in Need": When a Gentile comes in need to a disciple, the disciple will never find a “do not disturb” sign when he (the disciple) asks God for help.  He will always get a good answer.

 

Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

11.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Accused of a Connection with Beelzebub

Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

 

12.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Judgment Against Lawyers and Pharisees

Luk 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Luk 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Luk 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

Luk 11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

 

13.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Jesus Deals with Hypocrisy, Covetousness, Worry, and Alertness

The verses Luke 12:8-9 could almost be understood as a Readers' Digest version of Jesus' salvation message - whosoever calls Jesus Lord is saved from eternity in Hell.

The rest of this passage (Luke 12:13-57 is much a repeat of the message given by Jesus about a year and a half earlier  in the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus tells His chosen disciples they will be subjected to very strict standards and trials.

 

Luk 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

Luk 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luk 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

 

 

The Parable of "The Rich Fool": Jesus uses this “certain rich man” in three parables: this one “The Rich Fool”, “The Unjust Steward”, and “The Rich Man and Lazarus”.  He was a chief priest and no doubt well versed in scripture and so received ample warning from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jesus himself in his sermon condemning the whole crowd which was running the temple (Matthew chapter 23).  Three days later this man together with the rest of his crew of scribes and Pharisees had Jesus crucified.

 

The Parable of "The Faithful and the Evil Servants": The disciples have responsibility and accountability; responsibility to preach the gospel of repentance from sin, an accountability for the sins of those who fail to get the message due to the disciple’s negligence.  Jesus gives them fair warning that he will check in on them at a time when they may least expect.

 

The Parable of "Faithful and Wise Steward": Yes Peter, Jesus was talking about you and anyone else who is given the special call and gifts to be His (Jesus’) apostle, disciple, preacher, or church leader.

14.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Repent or Parish

Still no mention of the penalty for sin and how it will be paid.

 

Luk 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

Luk 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

 

15.  A.D. 29 - Judea - The Barren Fig Tree

The Parable of " The Barren Fig Tree": The Jews are to get just a short time more to repent and turn to Jesus.  If the temple priest system does not start to bear fruit of God loving people it will be destroyed; which it was in 70 A.D.

 

16.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Crippled Woman Healed

Luk 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

Luk 13:13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

 

17.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven

The Parable of "The Mustard Seed ": Beware of false teachers who shall bring damnable heresies into the church.

 

The Parable of "The Leaven": Beware of sin and false doctrine in the church.  Its nature is to grow.

 

 

18.  Winter A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Feast of Dedication

This passage contains some confusing statements but they make complete sense if it is kept in mind that Jesus is explaining that God does the choosing when it comes to selecting those qualified to be His full time agents, His missionaries, His sheep.  It is not a matter of free will.  It is not open to all. 

This passage should not be used to prove the Calvinistic doctrine that God has determined who is qualified for salvation.  That is open to all, a matter of free will choice for each of us.

 

Joh 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Joh 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Joh 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

 

19.  Winter A.D. 29 - Withdrawal Beyond Jordan

Joh 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

Joh 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

Joh 10:42 And many believed on him there.

 

20.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Return to Jerusalem

Two points here:

When a disciple asks Jesus if few will be saved, He doesn't say yes. He says many will come to salvation from all over the world, but they will come God's way.

And He tells the Pharisees that He will be sacrificed by them in Jerusalem according to God's plan.

 

Luk 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

Luk 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

 

 

 

21.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Meal with a Pharisee Ruler

 

The Parable of "Best Places": This is a reminder to the proud Pharisees in the crowd of the many passages in scripture that God prefers the humble.  (If they are to get an invitation to “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb”, they must first humble themselves, turn from their sin and look to Jesus as their savior.)

 

The Parable of "The Great Supper": Yes, it is a blessing to eat bread at the  “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb”, but the choice is yours to make if you are invited.

 

 

22.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Demands of Discipleship

 

The Parable of "Building a Tower, a King Making War": When you enlist in Jesus’ army be prepared to give it everything you have.  If you don’t, there is a steep penalty.

 

23.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Parables of Lost Sheep, Coins, Son

The Parable of "The Lost Sheep": We are all lost sheep and the joy in heaven will be just as great for each of us who repents of our sins and trusts Jesus as our shepherd.

 

The Parable of "The Lost Coin": The scribes and Pharisees are just as lost if not more so than the publicans and sinners.

 

The Parable of "The Prodigal Son": The elder son is still dead to sin but doesn’t know it.

 

24.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Parables of the Unjust Steward, Rich Man and Lazarus

The Parable of "The Unjust Steward": You apostles and disciples, if you decide to be slothful in your duties of ministry, do it at my expense, not my sheep’s.

 

The Parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus": This is not a parable; Lazarus was literally raised from the dead to demonstrate to the priests their need for repentance.  Their answer was to plot the death of both him and Jesus.

 

25.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Lessons on Service

The Parable of "Unprofitable Servants": What ever we get from God is purely a gift, he does not need our services.

 

26.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea to Bethany - Resurrection of Lazarus

The main purpose of this event, the death and resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus states twice (John 11:4 and 11:15).

He staged it to strengthen the belief of His disciples that He is the source of eternal life.

 

Joh 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Joh 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

 

27.  Winter A.D. 29 - Reaction of the Pharisees

However, the resurrection of Lazarus had a second purpose: to show the corruption of the chief priests and the Pharisees.  It strengthened their determination to put Jesus to death.

 

Joh 11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

 

28. and 29.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Last Journey, Heals Ten Lepers

Here again, Jesus want's the people and the priests to realize he has God given powers.

 

Luk 17:14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

 

30.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Lesson on the Coming Kingdom

Jesus tells the Pharisees the Kingdom of God has arrived in His person.  But they refuse to observe it.  He goes on to tell His disciples that they won't be around when the unbelivers will be destroyed with fire as predicted by John the Baptist. 

Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

 

Luk 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

 

31.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Parables - Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector

The Parable of  "The Importunate Widow": If you want answered prayer, your first prayer must be to repent of your sins and place your trust in Jesus.

 

The Parable of' "The Pharisee and the Publican": Pride is a red warning light of sin, specially for those in position of religious authority.

 

32.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Doctrine of Divorce

Again, the disciples are told that they will work under higher standards

 

Mat 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

 

33.  A.D. 30 - Perea - Jesus Blesses Children

Little children, young children, infants, this event is proof that they are pure in God's eyes.

Only until we reach a certain point of maturity are we held accountable for sin.

 

Luk 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

 

34.  A.D. 30 - Perea - Rich Young Ruler

Let's hope the young man has not rejected salvation when he rejected the invitation to follow Jesus as a disciple.  But he has lost "an hundredfold" by hanging on to his possessions.

 

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

 

35.  A.D. 30 - Perea - Laborers of the Eleventh Hour

The Parable of "The Labourers in the Vineyard": What God says is fair payment is fair payment just based on the fact that He says so.

 

36.  A.D. 30 - Near Jordan - Foretells Death

The most wonderful event in the history of the world is about to take place a quarter of a year from now - the death, burial, and resurrection of God's Son Jesus, the atonement for the sins of all.

Jesus now informs His chosen ones of exactly how and when His sacrifice will take place.  He is preparing them for their job of spreading the good news of this atonement around the world.

 

Mat 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

Mat 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

 

37.  A.D. 30 - Near Jordan - Ambition of James and John

Jesus has just revealed His upcoming sacrifice and the first  reaction of His disciples was to squabble over positions of authority in His Kingdom.

Now Jesus reveals the reason for His sacrifice is to serve others, to pay the sin penalty for "many" and that His disciples are to emulate Him in such service not in authority.

 

Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

38.  A.D. 30 - Jericho - Blind Bartimaeus Healed

Once again Jesus proves to His disciples and to the people that He has God given power to save.

 

Luk 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

 

39.  A.D. 30 - Jericho - Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus is a Jew.  He has broken God's commandments to the Jews.  He has repented of his sins and now looks to Jesus as Lord, the promised Messiah.  Jesus pronounces him saved.

There is no hint that Zacchaeus realizes his salvation will be accomplished in another week or so by Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

 

Luk 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

 

40.  A.D. 30 - Jericho - The Minas

Here is more instruction and warning to His chosen disciples.  They are all to be given an equal amount of spiritual gifts to enable them to perform their assigned jobs of spreading the salvation message. 

Depending on their performance, they will be rewarded more spiritual gifts and authority in the future.  None will lose their salvation.

But things look very bad for the currant Jewish religious leaders who refuse to follow Jesus a Messiah.  They face spiritual death.

 

The Parable of "The Minas": First comes this parable about the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that Jesus will shortly after his resurrection confer on ten of his apostles.  The Holly Spirit is infinite and does not come more to some and less to others.  A few days later Jesus relates the parable of the “talents”.  That has to do with the conferring of spiritual gifts.  These do come in packages of varying amounts.  The point of both parables is that the apostles will be judged for their actions in the use of these gifts.  Sloth in the use of Spiritual gifts is penalized more severely than sloth practiced by one indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Which leads one to think that a person who receives water baptism a la John the Baptist for repentance of sin can receive spiritual gifts prior to (or if ever) receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the time of taking Jesus as a personal savior.

41. and 42.  A.D. 30 - Bethany - Return to Home of Lazarus and Plot to Kill Lazarus

As Jesus predicted in the parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus", the chief priests did not repent even though He brought Lazarus back from the dead.

 

Joh 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

Joh 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

 

 

VII.  Final Week at Jerusalem - Spring A. D. 30

1.  Sunday - Bethany, Jerusalem, Bethany - Triumphal Entry

Here we have Jesus' disciples doing just what He has been training them to do: proclaim to all that will hear that Jesus is our Messiah.

And Jesus tells His enemies that if the disciples don't do that job the stones - works of God's creation will tell all willing to hear to look to their creator for salvation.

 

Luk 19:37 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;

Luk 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

 

2.  Monday - Bethany to Jerusalem - Fig Tree Cursed

The barren fig tree, of course, represents the temple leaders who are keeping people from God.

 

Mar 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

 

3.  Monday - Jerusalem - Attraction of Sacrifice

Jesus explains His mission to the chief religious rulers and is backed up by the voice of God from heaven.

Still they refuse to follow Him.

 

Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Joh 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

Joh 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

 

4.  Tuesday - Bethany to Jerusalem - Withered Fig Tree

Jesus had two purposes here in this miracle.  One, he wanted to build up the faith of his disciples in God and his Son.  Two, he wanted to demonstrate what will happen to the corrupt temple leaders.

 

Mat 21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

 

5.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Sanhedrin Challenge Jesus

The Parable of "The Two Sons": The chief priests and elders convict them selves out of their own mouths of refusing to do the work of God, that is repent and believe on Jesus.

 

The Parable of "The Wicked Husbandmen": This was Jesus’ last warning to the chief priests and elders.  Three days later they had him crucified.

 

The Parable of "The Wedding Feast": God here warns that his old covenant with Israel will be cancelled and be superceded by a new one that covers all humanity.

 

6.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Tribute to Caesar

In this attempt to build up evidence against Jesus, the chief  priests and scribes actually are building up more evidence against themselves.  They are a generation of vipers.

 

Luk 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

 

7.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Sadducees Question the Resurrection

The Sadducees may have come to Jesus with honest respect.  Jesus' answer may have gained some converts from even the scribes.

 

Luk 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Luk 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

 

8.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Pharisees Question Commandments

Here Jesus seems to have gained some more converts from the scribes.  Unfortunately they quit their questioning.

 

Mar 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

Mar 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

 

9.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Jesus and David

Jesus tried to draw them on but the scribes made the worst decision of their lives, they stopped the discussion.

 

Mat 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

Mat 22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

Mat 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

 

10.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Jesus' Last Sermon

Jesus continues the theme of this day: The Jewish religious leaders have condemned themselves to hell by their corruption.  They are the ones to blame for the destruction of the temple and of all Jerusalem which is to come in another forty years.

 

Mat 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Mat 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

11.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Widow's Mite

In the midst of being questioned by his enemies, Jesus continues to instruct his disciples on how to serve God.

 

Mar 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

Mar 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

 

 

12.  Tuesday - Mt. of Olives - Jesus Tells of the Future

The temple system of worship came to a halt because it ceased to produce fruit for God.

The current church system has endured for nearly two thousand years but God may very well bring it also to an end if it too ceases to produce good fruit.

 

The Parable of "The Fig Tree": The temple and system of priests will end in the lifetime of those alive today.  However, those who follow Jesus will have their names written in his book, “The Lamb’s Book of Life”, and live forever.

 

The Parable of "The Absent Householder": This is another red alert from the Lord to his servants to not let down on their jobs.  There is a two fold reason to be faithful.  The salvation message will be thereby better spread to a lost and dieing world and to identify the faithful servants for even greater positions of service in the spiritual realm.

 

13.  Tuesday - Mt. of Olives - Parables of the Ten Virgins, Talents, and Sheep and Goats

The Parable of "The Wise and Foolish Virgins": The good disciple will keep his powers of ministry in peak condition at all times through an active prayer life.  To neglect to do so is to risk missing out on the rewards to be passed out on awards night (Marriage Supper of the Lamb).

 

The Parable of "The Talents": Those chosen as apostles and disciples are to be blessed with spiritual powers of different types and amounts.  They are expected to use these powers in spreading the gospel and to increase them through exercising faith, fasting and prayer.  Those that use these powers well and increase them will be blessed with further responsibilities in heaven.  Those who are slothful with their spiritual gifts will have them taken away and (harsh as it may seem) will them selves be rejected from heaven.

 

The Parable of "The Sheep and the Goats": Jesus continues the teaching of his disciples that they must be faithful in the use of his gifts of spiritual powers to spread the word.  Those who meet the needs of ministry as they arise will be blessed, those who neglect will be rejected.

 

14.  Tuesday - Mt. of Olives - Jesus Tells Date of Crucifixion

Only a few weeks ago Jesus informed His disciples of His upcoming sacrifice.

Now He continues the countdown to its occurrence.  There are two more days to go. 

 

Mat 26:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

Mat 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

 

15.  Tuesday - Bethany - Anointing by Mary - Again

And now this evening, Jesus prepares his friends for some trying days coming up at the end of the week.

 

Mat 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Mat 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

 

16.  Tuesday -  Judas Contracts the Betrayal

Who gets the blame, Satan or Judas?  Either way, it's all part of God's plan for our salvation.

 

Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

 

17.  Thursday - Jerusalem - Preparation for the Passover

Jesus continues to perform miracles right up to the end, building faith in his disciples.

 

Mar 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

Mar 14:16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

 

18.  Thursday P.M. - Jerusalem - Passover Eaten, Jealousy Rebuked

Jesus enjoys the fellowship of eating with His apostles and He tells them it won't happen again until after His resurrection.

Peter informs us in Acts 10:41 that He did make good on this promise. 

Act 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

 

Luk 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

Luk 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

 

19.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Feet Washed

For one last time Jesus tells His disciples they must have a servant attitude.

 

Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Joh 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

 

20.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Judas Revealed

The future looks dark for Judas.

But he did repent.  Depending on his heart attitude toward Jesus, we may yet hope to see him in heaven.

 The main lesson in this event for the disciples is to increase their knowledge that Jesus has fulfilled all the Old Testament predictions concerning the Messiah.

 

Mat 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

 

21.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Jesus Warns of Further Desertions

The lesson here is for Jesus' disciples.  God knows their weaknesses long before they show them.

This should remind them to trust in God for the strength to carry them forward in their duties.

 

Mat 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.

 

22.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Institution of the Lord's Supper

This may be the passage in the Gospels which most clearly shows the reason for Jesus' sacrifice - for the remission of our sins.

 

Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Luk 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

 

23.  Thursday P.M. - Jerusalem - Last Speech to the Apostles

Jesus devotes His last words to His disciples to strengthen their courage through His death, burial, and resurrection.

He tells them:

1.  He will care for them and prepare a place for them in heaven.

2. God will meet their needs through prayer.

3. They will have the indwelling of The Holy Spirit for their constant guidance.

4. They have been specially selected by God to perform their duties as disciples.

5. The Jewish religious leaders will have completely revealed their hatred for God and His Messiah.

6. Shortly after His death, He will resurrect and teach them not with parables but with words of meaning clear to all.

 

Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

 

Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

 

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

 

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

 

Joh 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

 

Joh 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

 

24.  Thursday-Friday -Mt. Olives - The Grief of Gethsemane

Jesus reveals His complete humanity by expressing His wish not to undergo His sacrifice.

He shows His divinity by His complete willingness to obey the will of God The Father.

 

Mat 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

 

25.  Friday - Gethsemane - Betrayal

Judas has rejected Jesus as the predicted Messiah.

But that rejection and betrayal only goes to further prove that Jesus is what He claims to be.

Psa 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

 

Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Mat 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

 

26.  Friday - Jerusalem - Examined by Annas

This poor "Rich Man" had two opportunities to make a good decision for Christ and he flubbed it both times. Right here and later as Luke records in the book of Acts: Act 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Act 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

 

Joh 18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

 

27.  Friday - Jerusalem - Trial by Caiaphas

Now the guilt of the high priest is complete.  He has received it right from the Son's mouth that He is what He claims to be and the high priest has rejected Him.

 

Mat 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

Mat 26:64 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.

Mat 26:65 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.

 

28.  Friday - Jerusalem - Peter's Triple Denial 

Even during His trial the Lord is training His servant for the hard times ahead

 

Luk 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 

Luk 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

 

29.  Friday - Jerusalem - Condemnation by the Council

Just as with the high priest Caiaphas, the rest of the council proves their unfitness for their jobs.  They reject the very God they were appointed to serve.

 

Mat 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

 

30.  Friday - Jerusalem - Suicide of Judas

Looks bad for the salvation of Judas.  Both he and Peter have denied their Savior.  Both repented.  But Peter went on to serve, Judas commits suicide.

 

Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

 

31.  Friday - Jerusalem - First Appearance Before Pilate

Little does Pilate realize the person on trial here is himself.

He recognizes Jesus as spiritual king of the Jews but fails to respond when Jesus tells him He is also spiritual King of all who hear His voice.

 

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

 

32.  Friday - Jerusalem - Jesus Before Herod

And like Pilate, Herod, not Jesus, is the person on trial.  And like Pilate, Herod rejects Him as his Savior.

 

Luk 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

Luk 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 

Luk 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

 

33.  Friday - Jerusalem - Second Appearance Before Pilate

Sorry Pilate, it's not that easy.  You can't just wash your own hands.  You must submit to the water baptism of repentance and trust in Jesus to pay the penalty for your sins.  

 

Mat 27:24 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.

Mat 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

 

34.  Friday - Jerusalem - Mockery by Roman Soldiers

What can be said for these soldiers mocking their Savior?  Are they vile sinners or just faithful soldiers following orders? 

They seem to have crossed the line.

 

Mat 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

Mat 27:29 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!

 

35.  Friday - Jerusalem - Led to Golgotha

Great symbolism here.  We all have opportunities to bear the cross.  I can only hope it will be recorded I bore mine with as little compulsion as Simon.

 

Mat 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

 

36.  Friday - Calvary - Events of First Three Hours on Cross

Now that's not so hard is it?:  "I am justly condemned, Lord, remember me."

We have a loving God.

 

Luk 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Luk 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

Luk 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

Luk 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Luk 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Luk 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

 

37.  Friday - Calvary - Last 3 Hours on Cross

The fact that God the Father would forsake God the Son as He died on the cross was predicted by David a thousand years before the event.

This is just one of dozens of examples of how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophesies for the coming Messiah.

Psa 22:1 <To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

 

Mat 27:46 And 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?

Mat 27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

 

38.  Friday - Calvary - Events Attending Jesus' Death

I can't pretend to know what's going on here.

 

Mat 27:51 And, 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;

Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

39.  Friday - Jerusalem - Burial of Jesus

Mar 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Mar 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Mar 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

Mar 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

 

40.  Friday - Jerusalem - Tomb Sealed

Mat 27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

 

41.  Friday - Saturday - Jerusalem - Women Watch

Mar 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

 

 

VIII.  The Resurrection though the Ascension - A.D. 30

1.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Women Visit the Tomb

This is the most important event in the Gospels.

Without it, as Paul says: "...your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins."

1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

 

Mat 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

Mat 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

 

 

2.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Peter and John See the Empty Tomb

Joh 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Joh 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Joh 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Joh 20:10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

 

3.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Jesus’ Appearance to Mary Magdalene

God the Son has been forsaken by God the Father, has shed His blood for the remission of our sins, has suffered death on the cross and a three day separation from His Father.

His first act after His rebirth is to renew His fellowship with His Father in heaven.

Then He can come back to earth and further instruct His apostles on spreading the good news - the penalty for our sins has been paid.

 

Joh 20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

Joh 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Joh 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

 

4.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Jesus’ Appearance to the Other Women

Mat 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

 

5.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Guards' Report of the Resurrection

Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

 

6.  Sunday Afternoon - Jesus' Appearance on the way to Emmaus

After reestablishing fellowship with His Father, Jesus is quick to return to earth to begin the process of spreading the Good News.

Jesus teaches two ordinary disciples how He has fulfilled Old Testament prophesy concerning the Messiah.  These two immediately relate their experience to the apostles.

This is a living example to His apostles and to all His missionaries of what and how to teach the world.

 

Luk 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Luk 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Luk 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

 

7.  Late Sunday - Jerusalem - Jesus Appears to Ten without Thomas

Now and for a few more times to come, Jesus tells His apostles to go out and tell.

As promised shortly before His sacrifice, Jesus instills them with a guide and comforter, The Holy Ghost.

And He reminds them of their main message to the world: look to Jesus for the remission of your sins.

 

Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Joh 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

 

8.  One Week Later - Jerusalem - Appearance with Thomas

Thomas can certainly lay claim to have been the greatest doubter in creation.

He had it from ten eye witnesses, all apostles chosen by God, all close friends, he had their testimony that Jesus arose from the dead and he chose to disbelieve.

All of us who read the Gospels have that same freedom of choice

 

Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

 

9.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Galilee - Jesus Appears to Seven by Galilee

Joh 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

 

10.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Mt. in Galilee - Appearance to 500

1Co 15:6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

 

11.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Mt. in Galilee - Great Commission

And just after we might have thought that Thomas deserved the title of world champion doubter, we have it from Matthew that some apostles continued to doubt their very own eyes that Jesus had conquered death.

But the hope of the world rests on those who do believe, accept the power as promised, and go out and teach as instructed.

 

Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

12.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Mt. Olivet - The Ascension

 Luk 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.