Table of Contents
Today I will be sharing with you part one of a two-part post. I will focus on the events leading from what I call from Gethsemane to Calvary. From the Last Supper to the sentencing of Jesus by Pilate. In tomorrow’s post, we will look at the Crucifixion of Christ as we anticipate His resurrection on the day of First Fruits!
Continuing with how the Jewish nation celebrates Passover, this is Pesach, day 2. The daily Scripture readings are below, As a reminder, Pesach is the Jewish term for the Passover. You can find the Introduction here and the Pesach, Day 1 here if you have not had a chance to read them.
Pesach/Passover Daily Readings
Torah Haftara Brit Chadashah
- Torah: The first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures
- Haftara: A passage selected from the Prophets
- Brit Chadashah: New Testament
- Leviticus 22:26 – 23:44 – Moses gave the Israelites instructions regarding the annual festivals of the Lord.
- Numbers 28:16-25 – the fifteenth day of the month, a joyous, seven-day festival begins – Feast of Unleavened Bread
- 2Kings 23:1-9; 1-25 – King Josiah reads the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the Lord’s Temple to the people and Josiah demolished all the pagan shrines.
- Revelation 15:1-4 – singing of the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb
Beginning the Counting of the Omar
15 “From the day after the Sabbath—the day you bring the bundle of grain to be lifted up as a special offering—count off seven full weeks. 16 Keep counting until the day after the seventh Sabbath, fifty days later. Then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.” – Leviticus 23:15-16
The omer refers to the 49-day period between the second night of Passover (Pesach) and the holiday of Shavuot (Pentecost). An omer is a unit of measure. On the second day of Passover, in the days of the Temple, an omer of barley was cut down and brought to the Temple as an offering.
This period marks the beginning of the barley harvest when, in ancient times, Jews would bring the first sheaves to the Temple as a means of thanking God for the harvest. The word omer literally means “sheaf”. The counting is intended as a reminder of the link between Passover, which commemorates the Exodus, and Shavu’ot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah.
Jewish believers in Christ see the fulfillment of the promise of Christ to send the Comforter after Jesus returns to His heavenly throne at the right-hand side of the Father. This is the day that Christ was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and sentenced to be crucified.
Prior to the Betrayal
The Treason of Judas
3″Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, 4 and he went to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. 5 They were delighted, and they promised to give him money. 6 So he agreed and began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus so they could arrest him when the crowds weren’t around.” – Luke 22:3-6 (NLT)
The Disclosure
20 “When it was evening, Jesus sat down at the table with the Twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”… 25 Judas, the one who would betray him, also asked, “Rabbi, am I the one?” And Jesus told him, “You have said it.” – Matthew 26:20-21;25 (NLT)
26 “Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. 27 When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” – John 13:26-27 (NLT)
From the Seder to the Kiss
30 “Then they sang a hymn and went out to the Mount of Olives.” – Matthew 26:30 (NLT)
Jesus Prays for You and Me
After the Passover Seder (what we call the Last Supper) Jesus and His disciples (sans Judas Iscariot) walk to the olive grove called Gethsemane. On the way, Jesus once again shares with His disciples what is about to happen. Before reaching the destination, Jesus prays a precious prayer not only for His disciples but for All Believers throughout time.
READ THE PRAYER HERE: John 17:1-26
The Battle in the Garden
One arriving at Gethsemane, Jesus asks His disciples to “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me… – Matthew 26:36-38
The agony of Jesus is so great that He actually sweats drops of blood.
“He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.” – Luke 22:44
The official name of this condition is Hematidrosis.
There is a great spiritual battle going on here that most FAIL TO REALIZE. Who’s will, will prevail? Remember Jesus had a choice, He did not have to go through with the most painful, demoralizing, humiliating death the Roman army could conceive!
“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” – John 10:18 (NLT)
Praise God that the Lord’s decision was:
- …” your will be done.” – Matthew 26:42 (NLT)
- …” Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Luke 22:42 (NLT)
The Kiss of Judas Satan
“… Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss.” – Matthew 26:47-49 (NLT)
The Illegitimate Trial of all Eternity
“So the soldiers, their commanding officer, and the Temple guards arrested Jesus and tied him up. 13 First, they took him to Annas since he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest at that time.” – John 18:12-14 (NLT)
Annas Questions Jesus
“Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. 20 Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. 21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.”
22 Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded. 23 Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” 24 Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.” – John 18:19-24 (NLT)
“Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered.” – Matthew 26:57 (NLT)
Jesus Taken to Caiaphas, the High Priest
Matthew 26:59-68 (NLT)
59 Inside, the leading priests and the entire high council were trying to find witnesses who would lie about Jesus, so they could put him to death… 62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Well, aren’t you going to answer these charges? What do you have to say for yourself?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
The Oath
In an article by Ray Stedman, he states: The high priest was stunned by Jesus’ silence, and so he did something absolutely illegal. He put Jesus under oath to testify against himself. “I demand in the name of the living God—tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” This was a very solemn oath. In response to that, Jesus breaks his silence and answers the high priest’s question.
Now what the priest is really asking is, “Are you the one who the Old Testament predicts will come, the Messiah, the Promised One? Are you the Son of God?” This is a clear-cut question directly placed and the high priest puts Jesus under oath to answer. Jesus’s replied:
64 Jesus replied, “You have said it. And in the future, you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, “Blasphemy! Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. 66 What is your verdict?” “Guilty!” they shouted. “He deserves to die!” (emphasis mine)
67 Then they began to spit in Jesus’ face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, 68 jeering, “Prophesy to us, you Messiah! Who hit you that time?” – Matthew 26:59-68 (NLT)
Peter’s Denial
It is during this time that Peter denies Jesus three times as predicted by Jesus. You can read the accounts in – Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-65, and John 18:15-18, 25-27.
Judas Hangs Himself
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” 5 Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.”– Matthew 27:3-5 (NLT)
Jesus Trial Before Pontius Pilate
“Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. 2 Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.” – Matthew 27:1-2 (NLT)
Why Did the Council go to Pilate?
According to Ligonier.org: After the Roman general, Pompey got involved in a dispute between rival ruling factions in Judea in 63 B.C., the territories that belonged to the Jews became part of the Roman Empire. Rome allowed the Jews and other conquered peoples to have a measure of self-rule, and in the case of the Jews, the Sanhedrin was the highest court. The Sanhedrin, made up of “the chief priests and the elders and the scribes” could rule on religious matters, but it did not have the authority to carry out capital punishment.
Only the Romans had the authority to pronounce and enact a capital sentence. That is why the Sanhedrin, after deciding Jesus was worthy of death brought him to Pontius Pilate.
The Council Accuses Jesus of Treason
The Jewish elders ask Pontius Pilate to judge and condemn Jesus, accusing him of claiming to be the King of the Jews. Such a claim would be considered treasonous, being a direct challenge to the Roman authorities.
Pilate Questions Jesus
When Pilate finds that Jesus is from Galilee, he decides to send Jesus to Herod Antipas (Tetrarch of Galilee and son of Herod the Great) for judgment. (Luke23:6)
Jesus Before Herod Antipas
“Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. 9 He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. 10 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. 12 (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)” – Luke 23:8-12 (NLT)
After questioning Jesus and receiving very few replies, Herod sees Jesus as no threat and returns him to Pilate. Fearing defilement, the Jews did not enter the court, and Pilate’s discussion with them occurred outside the praetorium.
Pilate Declares Jesus Innocent
“Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, … I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. 15 Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty.” Luke 23:13 – 15 (NLT)Barnabas
Pilate knew very well that the religious leaders had arrested Jesus out of envy. However, he tried another tactic to release Jesus to save face. He also thought the council would be pleased if he ordered Jesus whipped. (see John 19:1-3)
When that did not please them he tried one more idea. He had a custom of releasing a prisoner at Passover. He offered them a choice between Jesus or a notorious prisoner, named Barabbas. However, just as he gets ready to offer the crowd a choice, his wife sends him a message.
“Just then, as Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Leave that innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night.” – Matthew 27:19 (NLT)
Flash Mob
“20 Meanwhile, the leading priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to be put to death. 21 So the governor asked again, “Which of these two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouted back, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate responded, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” They shouted back, “Crucify him!” – Matthew 27:20-22 (NLT)
Jesus Sentenced to Death
Pilate is in a precarious position. And when the Council tells him:
7 The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law, he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was more frightened than ever. 9 He took Jesus back into the headquarters again and asked him, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave no answer. 10 “Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”
11 Then Jesus said, “You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin.”
This is one of my favorite verses. If comforts me to know that whatever comes my way, God is in control. No one has power over us unless God allows it. And if God allows it, I can rest assured it is for my benefit. Period!
Jewish Council Plays the “Caesar Card”
“Then Pilate tried to release him, but the Jewish leaders shouted, “If you release this man, you are no ‘friend of Caesar.’ Anyone who declares himself a king is a rebel against Caesar.” – John 19:12 (NLT)
“Pilate saw that he wasn’t getting anywhere and that a riot was developing. So he sent for a bowl of water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. The responsibility is yours!” – Matthew 27:24 (NLT)
It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover when the sentence was passed. Can you even imagine the chaos? For the past 12 hours or so, Jesus the Son of God, has been:
- betrayed by a friend
- denied by Peter
- stood before four different “authorities”
- flogged and mocked by the Roman soldiers
- been denied by the same crowds that waved palm branches and welcomed Him a few days before
John Calvin states it so well”’
“The Son of God stood, as a criminal, before a mortal man, and there permitted himself to be accused and condemned, that we may stand boldly before God.”
John Calvin
Isaiah 53:1-4 (NLT)
1 Who has believed our message?
To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
like a root in dry ground.
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
nothing to attract us to him.
3 He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
You may enjoy learning more from these recommended sites:
- Hebrews4Christians.com
- Annas and Caiaphas by Julian Spriggs M.A.
- Judaism 101
