David Scott Nichols MD

Preface The Greatest Story Ever Told

My goal is to present a detailed outline of the Life of Jesus from Old Testament times to His ascension back into Heaven as noted in the Book of Acts

Pictures and maps will be used to help visualize His journeys while here on earth

Introduction In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Gen 1:1-2

God gave us the Bible so we can learn about Him and to learn how He wants us to live our lives

Progressive revelation: ex. the Messiah, the Trinity

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon Judges 6:34

The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands Judges 14:6

The Beginning… In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was

with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; John 1:1-3

Man was created with a free will… this has had significant consequences

God is Love

Adam and Eve originally had a blissful relationship with God while in the Garden of Eden

God asked them to follow Him…

The Fall of Man Unfortunately, Eve and Adam did not resist the

temptations of Satan…

This resulted in their fall from grace

The consequences of their sin follow…

The Old Testament (Covenant) times

The days of Noah…

The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Gen 6:5

The Flood

Abraham The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country,

your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Gen 12:1-3

Abram heads west to the “Promised Land”

The Patriarchal Stage Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his twelve sons

Joseph is sold into slavery and ends up as the Prime Minister of Egypt!

Eventually, the Jewish people become slaves to the Pharaohs of Egypt

Moses leads them out of Egypt

The Law is given at Mt. Sinai

Wandering in the desert for 40 years due to their lack of faith

Adam/Eve

Cain Seth

Enos

Cainan

Jared

Enoch

Methuselah

Lamech

Noah

Ham Shem

Abraham (married

Sarah)

Ishmael from Haggar (Arab progency)

Isaac from Sarah (married Rebeccah)

Jacob = Israel

6 sons with Leah

Reuben Simeon Levi Judah Zebulun Issachar

2 sons with Zilpah

Gad Asher

2 sons with Rachel

Joseph (marries Asenath)

Ephraim Manasseh

Benjamin

2 sons with Bilhah

Dan Naphtali

Esau > Edom/Arabs

Japeth

Abel

The Sacrificial System God gave mankind a system to gain forgiveness of their

sins – repentance and sacrifice

This was seen as early as with Cain and Abel

Further conceptualization is seen in Egypt during the incredible Passover night

The blood of a lamb was necessary for salvation

The Law gave more details on this concept of repentance and sacrifice

Day of Atonement – yearly observance necessary

Joshua, Judges and Kings The passage into the Promised Land by Joshua

Over the Jordan and the fall of Jericho

The dark days of the Judges

King Saul, David and Solomon

The Divided Kingdom follows:

Israel – the Northern Kingdom

Judah – the Southern Kingdom

Israel falls to Assyria (721 BC) and Judah falls to Babylonia (605 BC)

The Return Stage

The Point of this Summation… God had planned from the beginning how He would

save mankind

God gave man the Law and the Sacrificial System

Lessons were to be learned!

Faith in God is required for salvation… no one will be saved via the Law

Sacrifice will be required for salvation

Since the time of Jesus’ life on earth, we are all asked to place our faith in Him for our salvation

The Messiah The Jews awaited the coming of their Messiah as

prophesied all throughout the Old Testament

The Messiah would soon come, but most of the Jews would not recognize Him as the Christ… the Messiah

They were awaiting His coming in political power and glorious splendor:

Then the LORD will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign LORD will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south, and the LORD Almighty will shield them. Zech 9:14-15

From the west, men will fear the name of the LORD, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. Isaiah 59:19

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. Isaiah 9:6-7

Messiah – His First Visit He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry

ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:2-5

I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:6-7

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zech 9:9

There are dozens more Old Testament verses that herald the coming of the “suffering” Messiah that we saw come two thousand years ago…

Jesus will come again… the next time, He will come in all of His glory and power… even more amazingly glorious than the Jews had imagined He would

The Life of Christ On Earth The Jews miss His coming… except for a remnant

Oddly, most of the Jews did not see the evidence in the Old Testament

The Life of Christ – a word on the dating in these lectures

The Birth of Christ – 5 B.C.

The story of Zechariah

Gabriel speaks to Zechariah… the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah;

your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah Luke 1:13-17

“Herod’s” Temple

Details of Temple

Temple and Surroundings

First Century Jerusalem

Zechariah’s story continues… A moment of doubt…

Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." Luke 1:18

Zechariah is struck dumb

Elizabeth soon conceives

Joseph and Mary in Nazareth

Mary has an encounter with Gabriel…

Gabriel speaks to Mary… "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with

God. 31 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" Luke 1:30-34

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. Luke 1:35-38

Joseph’s Predicament… Joseph hears about the baby… and has doubts about the

explanation…

Gabriel appears to Joseph in a dream to allay Joseph’s fears "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" --which means, "God with us." Matt 1:20-23

Mary visits Elizabeth When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby

leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Luke 1:41-44

The Magnificat "My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God

my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me-- holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers." Luke 1:46-55

Mary and Elizabeth Mary stayed a while longer with her cousin; then she

returned home to Nazareth to be with Joseph

Elizabeth delivers a fine son!

The 8th day…

Zechariah is able to say his son’s name… John

"Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” Luke 1:68-69

Zechariah’s Song continued… salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all

who hate us-- to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to rescue us from the hand of our enemies, and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” Luke 1:71-77

Off to Bethlehem… The decree of Caesar Augustus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. Luke 2:1-5

No room at the Inn When Mary and Joseph arrive, they find no rooms to

lodge for the night.

They stay in a barn and then Mary goes into labor

While they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7

The Shepherds and the Angels Angels visit shepherds on one very special night… Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in

the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:8-14

Jesus – His first few days… The first days of life…

Time to go to Jerusalem

"Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD“ (Exodus 13:2,12,15), and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." (Lev. 12:8) Luke 2:23-24

Simeon receives his promise from God!

Simeon’s Story… Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.

When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel." Luke 2:27-32

Pangs of Anxiety… Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his

mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." Luke 2:34-35

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. Luke 2:36

Anna also told all that came to the Temple that day that the baby Jesus was the Messiah!

The Early Years… Time was spent in Nazareth

Joseph takes his family back to Bethlehem

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, Matt 2:1-3

An Ancient Prophecy But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small

among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. " Micah 5:2

Herod is worried…

Herod has a plan…

The wise men meet Jesus!

Jesus receives presents for a King After they had heard the king, they went on their way,

and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matt 2:9-12

Joseph flees to Egypt An angel warns Joseph of pending danger

Herod goes beserk!

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under… Matt 2:16

Herod dies in ~4 B.C.

Back to Nazareth ~3 B.C.

Jesus becomes a Nazarene After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a

dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, "Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead." So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: "He will be called a Nazarene." Matt 2:19-23

First visit to Jerusalem… Jesus visits Jerusalem at the age of twelve (A.D. 7)

After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." Luke 2:43-48

Jesus answers Mary… "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't

you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Luke 2:49-50

The family returns to Nazareth where Jesus grows to manhood and becomes a carpenter as was His earthly father, Joseph

Jesus and John the Baptist The years pass and Jesus grows to adulthood…

The wilderness of Judea… (A.D. 25-26)

John the Baptist in the Jordan

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Matt 3:1-6

John tells of the coming Jesus "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me

will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matt 3:11-12

This event occurred in ~A.D. 26

John Baptizes Jesus Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized

by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Matt 3:13-17

All members of the Trinity appear here, at the Jordan River

Jesus begins His ministry At 30 years old, Jesus begins His wonderful ministry to the

world Jesus was in the line of: Nathan, the son of David, the son

of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. Luke 3:31-38

Jesus goes into the wilderness Jesus is about to be tempted by Satan!

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' “ (Deut. 8:3) Matt 4:1-4

Jesus withstands two more temptations using quotes from the scriptures against Satan

Next stop - Bethbara Jesus begins his ministry after coming out of the wilderness

in Bethbara John, His cousin, was nearby with two of his own followers

(one of them was Andrew) Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked,

"What do you want?" They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" "Come," he replied, "and you will see." So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour. Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. John 1:38-42

More disciples are added… From Bethbara to Bethsaida (in Galilee) (autumn A.D. 26) Philip and Nathaniel come to Jesus – that makes four so

far… Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the

one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." John 1:45-48

Jesus speaks to Nathaniel… Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of

God; you are the King of Israel." 50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51 He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." John 1:49-51

The first miracle… Jesus next travels to Cana as He and His new friends

were invited to a wedding

The miracle of water into wine

On to Capernaum for a short stay in the winter months of A.D. 26-27

Next stop – Jerusalem!

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty. Mal 3:1

Jesus attends Passover Jesus goes south to Jerusalem

Jesus confronts the “moneychangers”

"Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" John 2:16

Then the Jews demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." John 2:18-19

The Jews do not understand what Jesus is saying

Jesus teaches and heals the sick throughout Passover week, winning converts along the way

Nicodemus comes to Jesus One night, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, came to

Jesus searching for the truth…

"Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." John 3:2

Jesus gives him a detailed answer…

"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." John 3:3

Nicodemus doesn’t understand

You must be born again… Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the

kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.“ John 3:5-8

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

Jesus is the Light of the world… This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but

men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. John 3:19-20

Nicodemus had a lot to think about… evidence suggests that he made the right decision!

Back to the Jordan River Jesus and His cousin John continued to baptize followers

in the Jordan River After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean

countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. John 3:22-23

The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:29-30

Herod has John arrested

Jesus passes through Samaria

The Samaritan Woman Jesus passes through Samaria on His way back to Galilee.

He asks the Samaritan woman at the well for a drink of water. She balks at His request.

"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." John 4:10

Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.“ John 4:13-14

Jesus continues His conversation Jesus tells the woman about herself to demonstrate His

omniscience

She recognizes that Jesus is a prophet

a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. John 4:23

She mentions that the Messiah will come and tell them all things…

Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am He." John 4:26

The Disciples Return After Jesus had finished His discussion with the woman at

the well, His disciples returned They offered Jesus food. His answer was… "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me

and to finish his work. Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor." John 4:34-38

A Summer in Cana Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned

the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. "Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe." John 4:46-48

The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." John 4:49-50

His child was healed at that exact moment.

Back home in Nazareth Jesus went to his hometown in Nazareth. On the

Sabbath, He went into the Synagogue and read…

The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke 4:17-19

A Powerful Revelation! Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the

attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, 21 and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." Luke 4:20-21

Jesus is not accepted in his hometown. They could only respond with…"Isn't this Joseph's son?" they asked. Luke 4:22

He uses examples from the life of Elijah to explain the situation He was facing with those people

They almost killed Jesus! God saved Him miraculously.

Back to Capernaum

Jesus now brings a fresh message… From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for

the kingdom of heaven is near." Matt 4:17 (this was in late summer A.D. 27)

Jesus begins a preaching tour around the Sea of Galilee

Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to be His “permanent” disciples. They accept the invitation.

He next calls James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They accept as well

Jesus begins preaching in earnest and gains a great following in the autumn of A.D. 27

Jesus cures a man with a demon spirit A man with a demon spirit is cured

"Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him. All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!" And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area. Luke 4:35-37

Jesus goes to the house of Peter Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law

Jesus heals many, many others

Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. Luke 4:41

Jesus goes off to pray early in the morning

He moved on soon after He returned that day as there were so many others to reach… "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.“ Luke 4:43

The First Galilean Tour Continues Jesus was preaching, teaching and healing many

throughout Galilee.

Jesus got into a boat to teach just off the shore of the Sea of Galilee

After His teaching to the multitudes, He told Simon to "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." Luke 5:4

He then taught about “fishing for men”

The disciples give their total allegiance to Jesus

Jesus heals a leper

Jesus forgives a man’s sins! Jesus preaches in a house in Capernaum

Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:3-5

Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Mark 2:6-7

Jesus heals the paralytic "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier:

to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." Mark 2:8-11

Jesus was claiming to be God!

Many loved Him… yet, many were becoming very suspicious of Jesus (especially the Pharisees and scribes)

Matthew, the tax collector Jesus meets Levi (Matthew)

"Follow me," Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:27-32

Jesus talks to the Pharisees They said to him, "John's disciples often fast and pray,

and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking." Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast." Luke 5:33-35

Jesus also taught them that the New Covenant superseded the Old Covenant. He used another parable to do this…

Wineskin Parable "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it

on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, 'The old is better.'" Luke 5:36-39

A Galilean Grain Field Jesus and His disciples pass through a grain field (spring

A.D. 28) One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and

his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.“ Luke 6:1-5

Jesus preaches in a synagogue On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was

teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. 7 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. 8 But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?" 10 He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored. 11 But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:6-11

Jesus was gaining more enemies By the second year of His ministry, Jesus was

suggesting more and more that He was the Messiah… in fact, God the Son

This was causing much anger among the scribes and Pharisees

Jesus’ fame spreads throughout the region

Isaiah predicted His coming "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I

love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope." Matt 12:18-21 from Isaiah 42:1-4

Sermon on the Mount Summer A.D 28

Jesus completes His choice of disciples

The Beatitudes:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matt 5:3-7

Beatitudes continued… Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matt 5:8-12

Beatitudes continued… Blessed means “happy, fortunate, blissful” – a deep

contentment knowing that God will honor those who trust and follow Him

This earth is not our home – our home is Heaven

Trusting and obeying Jesus will lead to a greater contentment while on this earth

Give over our daily life to the control of the Holy Spirit… one day at a time

Salt and Light "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its

saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matt 5:13-16

Jesus came to fulfill the Law "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or

the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matt 5:17-18

Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:19

Sinful Thoughts lead to Perdition For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that

of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:20

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Matt 5:21-22

I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matt 5:28

Jesus continues with instruction If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and

throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Matt 5:29

Jesus speaks on topic of divorce

let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; Matt 5:37

Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. Matt 5:39-40

Love Your Enemies Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute

you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Matt 5:44-46

Do Your Good Deeds in Private "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before

men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Matt 6:1-2

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matt 6:5-6

Jesus teaches us how to Pray Do not use vain repetitions

when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matt 6:6

The Lord’s Prayer Jesus teaches us how to pray…

"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ' Matt 6:9-13 (NIV)

Jesus Condones Fasting "Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the

hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matt 6:16-18

Where Your Treasure is… "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:19-21

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. Matt 6:24

Do Not Worry Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what

you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? Matt 6:25-27

Let God Take Care of You! "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of

the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' Matt 6:28-31

your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:32-34

Do Not Judge Others Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the

same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matt 7:1-2

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Matt 7:3

do not throw your pearls to pigs Matt 7:6

Ask and it will be given unto you "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matt 7:7-8

The Golden Rule - do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matt 7:12

The Narrow Gate "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate

and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt 7:13-14

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Matt 7:15-16

Make Sure You Are Saved! "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter

the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Matt 7:21-23

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matt 7:24-25

Back to Capernaum Summer A.D. 28

The cleansing of the leper

The healing of the centurion’s trusted servant

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel." 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Luke 7:9-10

From Capernaum to Nain A young man is raised from the dead!

Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. Luke 7:14-15

They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people." 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country. Luke 7:16-17

Dining with the Pharisee Jesus was asked to dine with a Pharisee

A woman with a flask of alabaster came to Jesus…

she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Luke 7:38

Simon, the Pharisee, is upset at this demonstration of love

Jesus explains with a parable… and, once again, concludes with…

Jesus forgives sins Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 The

other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Luke 7:48-50

Jesus is telling everyone that He is God

Jesus is telling everyone that faith is what saves them

Second Galilean Tour Many people followed Him on this tour of Galilee The parable of the sower of seed Some fell by the wayside Some fell on rock Some fell on thorns Some fell on good ground His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He

said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, "'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.' Luke 8:9-10

Jesus explains the parable

Sea of Galilee

Parable of the Seeds "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of

God. Luke 8:11 (NIV)

Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Luke 8:12

Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. Luke 8:13

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature Luke 8:14

The Seed in the Good Soil… But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble

and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Luke 8:15

Jesus begins to have more trouble Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd

gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind." Mark 3:20-21

And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub ! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons." Mark 3:22

So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan?” Mark 3:23

The Family of Jesus Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing

outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:31-35

The Kingdom of Heaven is like… Jesus preaches concerning the Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 "The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 28 "'An enemy did this,' he replied. Matt 13:24-28

Parable continued… "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and

pull them up?' 29 "'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'" Matt 13:28-30

A Mustard Seed… "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which

a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches." Matt 13:31-32

Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.“ Matt 13:33

The Parables Fulfilled Prophecy Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did

not say anything to them without using a parable. 35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." Matt 13:34-35 Psalm 78:2

The disciples asked Jesus to explain the parable of the tares

He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. Matt 13:37-39

Parable of the Tares The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is

the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matt 13:39-43

Tares and Wheat

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Matt 13:44

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matt 13:45-46

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. Matt 13:47-48

Sea of Galilee

Crossing into Gerasenes Jesus, later that evening, decided to go across the Sea of

Galilee with His disciples

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" 26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Matt 8:23-26

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matt 8:27

Gadarenes

Two Demon Possessed Men When he arrived at the other side in the region of the

Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. 29 "What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?" Matt 8:28-29

Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. 31 The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs." 32 He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Matt 8:30-32

Jesus sails back to Capernaum Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they

were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. Luke 8:40-42

As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 "Who touched me?" Jesus asked. Luke 8:42-45

The “Issue of Blood” When they all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the people

are crowding and pressing against you." 46 But Jesus said, "Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me." 47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace." Luke 8:45-48

Unfortunately, Jarius then got some terrible news…

The Daughter of Jarius While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the

house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don't bother the teacher any more." 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed." Luke 8:49-50

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child's father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep." 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. Luke 8:51-53

Capernaum

Ruins of Capernaum

Jesus Raises a Child From the Dead But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get

up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, Luke 8:54-56

Jesus, with His omnipotent power, is able to raise the dead and perform any other supernatural act that He deems appropriate.

Jesus continued on… soon thereafter, He restored sight to two blind men and hearing to a deaf man… because of their faith.

Pharisees continue to seethe with anger…

John the Baptist asks a question Summer A.D.28 continues…

Even the great John the Baptist had a moment of doubt…

When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Matt 11:2-5

Jesus commends His cousin John Blessed is the man who does not fall away on

account of me." As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matt 11:6-11

John and Jesus - rejected by Men For John came neither eating nor drinking, and

they say, 'He has a demon.' 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' Matt 11:18-19

But wisdom is proved right by her actions." Matt 11:19

Feast of Tabernacles Autumn A.D. 28 Jerusalem – Pool of Bethsaida and the invalid Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and

walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath John 5:8-9

More trouble from the Pharisees Jesus teaches the Pharisees and the scribes… Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this

very day, and I, too, am working." For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:17-18

Ruins of Pool of Bethsaida

Pool of Bethsaida - model

Jesus tells them who He is! "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he

can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. John 5:19-23

Jesus will judge mankind "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word

and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. John 5:24-27

Jesus – His judgment is just "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming

when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. John 5:28-30

Those who testifies about Jesus "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid.

John 5:31

Those who bear witness:

John the Baptist

The Miracles of Jesus

The Father from Heaven

The Scriptures

However, Jesus notes that He still is rejected!

Back North to Nazareth Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the

people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Matt 13:54-58

Third Galilean Preaching Tour A.D. 28-29 (winter)

Jesus prepares to send His disciples out to preach…

Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt 9:37-38

Jesus called His disciples together and gave them power to preach and heal and to cast out demons in His name

Jesus sent them to the lost sheep of Israel… at that time

Jesus’ Marching Orders… As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is

near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10 take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep. 11 "Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. Matt 10:7-14

I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matt 10:15-16

Jesus continues to prepare them for their work…

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Matt 10:28-33

Jesus did not come to bring peace "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the

earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-- a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' Matt 10:34-36

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37-38

anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. "He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Matt 10:38-40

…if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Matt 10:42

John the Baptist is beheaded On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced

for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." Matt 14:6-8

When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Matt 14:13

The Feeding of the 5,000 Jesus and His disciples go to Bethsaida

As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." Matt 14:15-16

"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me," he said. Matt 14:17-18

He directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matt 14:19-21

On one other occasion, Jesus fed thousands again in a similar fashion

Jesus walks on water After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus

did, they began to say, "Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself. John 6:14-15

Jesus walks out to meet His seafaring disciples!

The disciples are amazed and afraid

Jesus calms them

Peter walks on water "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you

on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matt 14:26-31

Jesus lands on the shores of Gennesaret and continues His ministry – the second year of His ministry comes to a close

Jesus Preaches in Capernaum Late spring A.D. 29

"Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him." John 6:26-28

The audience asked how they could do the miracles that He had been performing

Jesus answered…

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:29

Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " 32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." John 6:31-33

The Bread of Life The people ask for bread from Jesus Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to

me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35

Jesus tells the people that He has come to do the will of His Father

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:37-40

The Bread of Life continued… The Jews grumble among themselves about this

“Nazarene” – how could Jesus be anyone significant?

It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. John 6:45-48

Jesus tells them that He is the Living Bread from Heaven!

Bread from Heaven I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If

anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. John 6:51-56

Some Disciples Leave Jesus Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?

What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." John 6:61-65

Some disciples decided to leave Jesus at this time

"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.) John 6:67-71

The Pharisees complain again! the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why

don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?" He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: "'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.' You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men." Mark 7:5-8

Jesus continues to speak to the Pharisees… Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going

into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' Mark 7:15

A Journey Out West Jesus goes to Tyre and Sidon

A Greek woman asks for help

"First let the children eat all they want," he told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." "Yes, Lord," she replied, "but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." Then he told her, "For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter." She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone. Mark 7:27-30

Magdala

Mount Tabor

Decapolis & Mt Tabor Jesus went to the area known as Decapolis (summer A.D. 29)

The healing of the deaf man

From Decapolis to Mt. Tabor

"I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their own houses, they will faint on the way; for some of them have come from afar." Mark 8:2

So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets of leftover fragments. Now those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away, immediately got into the boat with His disciples, and came to the region of Dalmanutha (near Magdala). Mark 8: 8-10

Pharisees seek a sign… Off to Magdala "Why does this generation seek "When it is evening you

say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'; and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.“ Matt 16:2-4

Jesus teaches His disciples… Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the

leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." Matthew 16:6 An explanation is required

A Brief Stop in Bethsaida… The healing of the blind man

A note concerning the dates of Jesus’ ministry…

The Feast of Tabernacles (A.D. 29)

Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come." When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee.

Jesus goes on down to Jerusalem a little later

Jerusalem – time of Jesus

Temple and Surroundings

First Century Jerusalem

Jesus goes to the Temple If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath, so that

the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry with Me because I made a man completely well on the Sabbath? Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." John 7:23-24

The Pharisees and other leaders plot against Jesus…

Now some of them from Jerusalem said, "Is this not He whom they seek to kill? But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? John 7:25-27

Officers sent to arrest Jesus!

Jesus says He is going away soon Jesus said, "I am with you for only a short time, and

then I go to the one who sent me. You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come." John 7:33-34

The Pharisees are confused…

What did he mean when he said, 'You will look for me, but you will not find me,' and 'Where I am, you cannot come'?" John 7:36

Streams of Living Water On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood

and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 7:37-39

Jesus teaches that the Holy Spirit will indwell believers

The People are Divided On hearing his words, some of the people said, "Surely

this man is the Prophet." 41 Others said, "He is the Christ." Still others asked, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? 42 Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" 43 Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. 44 Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him. John 7:40-44

Jerusalem from Mount of Olives

Mount of Olives

The Woman Caught in Adultery Jesus went to pray on the Mount of Olives that evening

The next morning…

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" John 8:3-5

"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." John 8:7

Jesus is the Light of the World When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am

the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

The Pharisees call Jesus a liar!

In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." John 8:17-18

Jesus restates that He is going away Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and

you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come." 22 This made the Jews ask, "Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, 'Where I go, you cannot come'?" 23 But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am [the one I claim to be], you will indeed die in your sins." John 8:21-24 (NIV)

Jesus foretells His Crucifixion "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you

will know that I am [the one I claim to be] and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."

Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him. John 8:28-30

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32

Jesus speaks with the Pharisees The Pharisees claim: "We are Abraham's descendants

and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" John 8:33

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36

Jesus and the Pharisees verbally spar back and forth

The Jews rant on… The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you

are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?" "I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." John 8:48-51

At this the Jews exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that if anyone keeps your word, he will never taste death. John 8:52

The Great “I AM” "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham

was born, I AM!" 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. John 8:58-59

Who Sinned? His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or

his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” John 9:2-3

As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." 6 Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7 "Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" John 9:4-7

The Pharisees Question the Blind Man the day on which Jesus had made the mud and opened

the man's eyes was a Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. "He put mud on my eyes," the man replied, "and I washed, and now I see." John 9:14-15

Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others asked, "How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?" So they were divided. John 9:16

The parents of the blind man are questioned

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God, " they said. "We know this man is a sinner." He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" John 9:24-25

We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." John 9:31-33

Then, the Pharisees cast the blind man out

Jesus seeks the blind man out Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when

he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him." Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you." Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him. Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see” John 9:35-39

Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains. John 9:41

The Sheep know the Shepherd’s Voice "I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the

sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” John 10:1-4

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. John 10:9

The Good Shepherd "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays

down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:11-15

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." John 10:16-18

This is a beautiful prophecy of Jesus’ coming crucifixion and resurrection for Jews and Gentiles alike

Feast of Dedication Winter A.D. 28 – Hanukkah Jesus visits the Temple The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep

us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:24-28

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." John 10:29-30

The Jews began to stone Him

Perea

Jerusalem to Perea A.D. 30 Perea and then to Caesarea Philippi When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he

asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Matt 16:13

They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.” Matt 16:14-17

Caesarea Philippi

The Church Built on the “Rock” And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I

will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. Matt 16:17-20

Jesus tells of His Coming Death From that time on Jesus began to explain to his

disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Matt 16:21-23

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom." Matt 16:24-28

The Transfiguration Caesarea Philippi to Mt. Hermon After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the

brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Matt 17:1-3

Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Matt 17:4-5

Jesus Heals the Epileptic Boy When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and

knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him." Matt 17:14-16

“Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.” Mark 9:24 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was

healed from that moment. Matt 17:18 The disciples asked why they could not heal the boy. "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have

faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matt 17:20

Upon Arrival Back in Galilee… When they came together in Galilee, he said to them,

“Let these sayings sink down into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief. Matt 17:22-23 Luke 9:44

Jesus pays taxes A tax collector accosts Peter

"What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?" "From others," Peter answered. "Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him.

"But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.“ Matt 17:25-27

The Greatest Disciple? The disciples consider who will have the most

important role in the Kingdom… At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?“

He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matt 18:1-4

Do Not Harm the “Little Ones” if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in

me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matt 18:6

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.' Everyone will be salted with fire. Mark 9:47-48

Parable of the Lost Sheep "See that you do not look down on one of these little

ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost. Matt 18:10-14

Conflict Between Christians "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his

fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Matt 18:15-17

Forgiveness of Sins "I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be

bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.“ Matt 18:18-20

Peter asks how many times Christians should forgive…

I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matt 18:22

Parable of the Unmerciful Servant "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who

wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. Matt 18:23-27

"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. Matt 18:28-30

When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. "Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.“ Matt 18:31-35

Perea

From Capernaum to Perea Jesus starts toward Jerusalem – disciples head out in

front of Him

His disciples tell him some of those in Samaria reject Jesus… should they be punished?

But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. Luke 9:55-56

Following Jesus As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I

will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father.“ Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:57-62

Jesus appoints 70 “Others” After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and, sent

them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:1-2

Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. "When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' Luke 10:3-5

Jesus is giving instructions on how they (and we) are to witness

Towns that reject Jesus But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its

streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' Luke 10:10-11

It will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. "He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." Luke 10:12-16

The Seventy Return… The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even

the demons submit to us in your name." Luke 10:17

He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Luke 10:18-21

Come to Jesus… His Yoke is Easy "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No

one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:27-30

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. Luke 10:23

The Good Samaritan On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test

Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Luke 10:25

"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" Luke 10:26

"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " Luke 10:27

"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." Luke 10:28

Who is your neighbor? But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And

who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:29

Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan

The Priest

The Levite

The Samaritan

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:36-37

From Perea to Bethany The story of Mary and Martha

Jesus teaches on the importance of persistence in prayer…

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:9-13

Jesus drives out a demon Once again, Jesus was accused of being demon possessed

as He drove a demon out of a person

Jesus once again spoke of the absurdity of this concept

A lesson concerning evil spirits…

"When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first." Luke 11:24-26

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be

forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Matt 12:31-32

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matt 12:36-37

The Sign of Jonah The Pharisees seek after another sign from Jesus

Jesus will only give them one more sign… the sign of Jonah…

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.” Matt 12:39-40

Jesus Dines with a Pharisee Jesus continues on … a woman calls out how Mary was

blessed to be the mother of Jesus. Jesus responds…

"More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!" Luke 11:28

And as He spoke, a certain Pharisee asked Him to dine with him. So He went in and sat down to eat. When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. Matt 11:37-38

Jesus upbraids the Pharisees once again…

Jesus Continues His Scoldings Jesus lets the Pharisees, Scribes and Lawyers know that

how they are living and working is sinful and hypocritical… and they must repent to be saved

And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently. Luke 11:53

A crowd forms around Jesus and He says…

"Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light… Luke 12:2-3

Jesus gives some advice… "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those

who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4

Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:5-6

Confess Jesus Before Men "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him

the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to him who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven. Luke 12:7-10

Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say." Luke 12:11-12

The Rich Man’s Treasure… Then one from the crowd said to Him, "Teacher, tell

my brother to divide the inheritance with me." But He said to him, "Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?" And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.“

The parable of the rich man - the point of this story???

'But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20-21

Do Not Worry "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life.”

Luke 12:22

Jesus continues on and gives another sermon very similar to His famous Sermon on the Mount, then adds…

"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Luke 12:35-37

I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." Luke 12:35-40

Peter then asks who Jesus is referring to…

We are judged by our knowledge "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the

master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Luke 12:42-43

"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:47-48

Why Did Jesus Come to Earth? "I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it

were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.“ Luke 12:49-53

The Signs of the Time… Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance

of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time? Luke 12:56

As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled to him on the way, or he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. 59 I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. " Luke 12:58-59

Why Do Tragedies Happen? Some folks asked Jesus about a recent tragedy to some

Galileans. Jesus answered…

"Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Luke 13:2-5

Job asked a similar question… and got a similar answer.

The Barren Fig Tree "A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he

went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?‘

"'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'" Luke 13:6-9

Israel represents the fig tree

Another Sabbath Healing On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the

synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Luke 13:10-13

As usual, the Pharisees were indignant

Jesus Responds… "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath

untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. Luke 13:15-17

The Narrow Door Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching

as he made his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.' "Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.' "But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ Luke 13:22-27

"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last." Luke 13:28-30

The Kingdom of God is open to everyone who accepts Jesus as their Savior… but to no one else.

The Pharisees speak to Jesus At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him,

"Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day--for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! Luke 13:31-33

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' " Luke 13:34-35

Dinner with a Pharisee … again Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it

lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away. Then he asked them, "If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?" And they had nothing to say. Luke 14:3-6

A parable concerning humility

A parable concerning giving to the poor

Parable of the Great Banquet… Jesus next gave a parable concerning Israel and the coming

Church.

"A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' "But they all alike began to make excuses.” Luke 14:16-18

The originally invited guests declined their invitation

Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' Luke 14:21

I tell you, not one of those men who were (originally) invited will get a taste of my banquet.'" Luke 14:24

Love Jesus With All Your Heart Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and

said to them, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:25-26

Bear your cross and count the cost

any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple. "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." Luke 14:33-35

God Cannot Bear to Lose One The Pharisees and Teachers of the Law complained as Jesus

entertained sinners…

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:4-7

The Prodigal Son The well known story …

The older brother is upset

"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" Luke 15:31-32

This is one of many examples of the uniqueness of Christianity

Jesus speaks about money Jesus commends a man for his thoughtful stewardship "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted

with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? Luke 16:10-12

"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." Luke 16:13

The Pharisees then derided Him. Jesus responds pointedly

Kingdom of God The law and the prophets were until John. Since that

time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail. Luke 16:16-17

The parable of poor Lazarus and the rich man the scene is set

Father Abraham tells it like it is… sadly, it is too late. There are no mulligans after death

A few more words to the disciples Jesus once again warns about harming children

One other reference concerning the need to always be willing to forgive

The power of faith is enormous

Trust and obey Jesus… that is our good and profitable service … and do not be proud doing these things

The final trip into Jerusalem Winter A.D. Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He

passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory"Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? to God except this foreigner?" 19 And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well." Luke 17:11-19

When will the Kingdom of God come? "The kingdom of God does not come with observation;

21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:20-21

There are various manifestations of the Kingdom

End-times - For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man. Luke 17:24-26

More on Prayer The persistent widow and the judge…

'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.' " Luke 18:4-5

The prayer of the Pharisee and the prayer of the tax collector – the imperative of humility.

A Few Words on Divorce Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea

by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again. 2 The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him. Mark 10:1-2

Infants are brought to Jesus…

"Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." Luke 18:16-17

The Raising of Lazarus Jesus is told about Lazarus… He waits as He says…

"This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." John 11:4

Jesus waits two more days…

Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." 8 The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?" 9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." John 11:7-11

Lazarus continued… Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get

well." 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him." 16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him." John 11:12-16

Jesus Arrives in Bethany So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in

the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. John 11:17-19

Martha pleads with Jesus

Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:23-26

Jesus Raises Lazarus! Mary and Martha speak with Jesus

Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, "See how He loved him!" John 11:33-36

Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." John 11:38-39

The Stone is Rolled Away Mary warns Jesus about the stench of the dead body

Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40

They took away the stone…

Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." John 11:41-42

He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" John 11:43

The Consequences of this Miracle Many believed on Jesus

The Pharisees and Sadducees plotted Jesus’ demise

And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. John 11:49-52

From that day on, they plotted His death as Passover drew near

Therefore, Jesus went into nearby city called Ephraim

The Rich Young Man One came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good

thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" Matt 19:16-17

Jesus tells him that he must keep all of the commandments, plus sell everything that he had accumulated throughout his life.

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

No one on earth can live a perfect life – except Jesus Christ

Jesus has the answer Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to

you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matt 19:23-24

When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" Matt 19:25

"With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matt 19:26

Jesus then tells them who will be saved

More parables on the Kingdom "For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went

out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. Matt 20:1-2

The landowner hires men at different hours of the day… but pays them all the same at the conclusion of the day

Those hired in the morning complain to the landowner

Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?' 16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen." Matt 20:15-16

Jesus turns back toward Jerusalem Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve

disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again." Matt 20:17-19

James’s and John’s mother Salome, the wife of Zebedee asks Jesus for…

"Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom." Matt 20:21

"You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to Him, "We are able." 23 So He said to them, "You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father." Matt 20:22-23

A Lesson in Humility And when the ten heard it, they were greatly

displeased with the two brothers. 25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, Matt 20:24-25

"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matt 20:25-28

Jericho

Jericho

Jesus heads out of Jericho Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude

followed Him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, "Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!" Matt 20:29-30

So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 33 They said to Him, "Lord, that our eyes may be opened." 34 So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him. Matt 20:32-34

Zacchaeus A wealthy tax collector climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus.

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." Luke 19:5

The typical reaction by the crowd…

Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." 9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:8-10

Jesus nears Jerusalem He spoke another parable, because He was near

Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Luke 19:11

Jesus wanted to correct this mistaken idea

Therefore He said: "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. Luke 19:12

The time of trial between Christ’s first visit and His glorious return.

The Parable of the Ten Minas And so it was that when he returned, having received

the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Luke 19:15

Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned ten minas.' 17 And he said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' Luke 19:16-17

The Master’s Conclusion… Then another came, saying, 'Master, here is your mina, which I

have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' 22 And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?' 24 And he said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.' 25 (But they said to him, 'Master, he has ten minas.') 26 For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.' " Luke 19:20-27

On to Jerusalem… And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went

from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, "What do you think--that He will not come to the feast?" 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him. John 11:55-57

Final Week - Saturday Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany,

where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:1-3

Judas shows his true colors

But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." John 12:7-8 (NKJV)

Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. John 12:9-11

Evening comes and Jesus spends it with friends.

Palm Sunday He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to

pass, when He came near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, 'Why are you loosing it?' thus you shall say to him, 'Because the Lord has need of it.' " Luke 19:28-32

So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. ……. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. 36 And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Luke 19:32-36

The Triumphal Entry of Messiah Then, as He was now drawing near 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 they had seen, 38 saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' (Psalm 118:26) Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Luke 19:37-38

And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Mark 11:8-10

Fulfilled Prophecy Now all this was done that might be fulfilled by the

prophet, saying…"Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, Sitting on a donkey's colt." (Zechariah 9:9) His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!" John 12:15-19

Jesus weeps over Israel… And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd,

"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." 40 But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." Luke 19:39-40

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the

things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.“ Luke 19:41-42

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem

Monday… Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany,

He was hungry. 13 And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 In response Jesus said to it, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again." Mark 11:12-14

Jesus drives out the moneychangers once again…and healed the sick

And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. 19 When evening had come, He went out of the city. Mark 11:18-19

Tuesday… Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the

fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away." Mark 11:20-21

Jesus reminds the disciples of the vital necessity of faith – Israel, as a whole, lacked this faith…

Jesus arrives again at the Temple. The scribes and elders ask… "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?" Mark 11:28

But Jesus answered and said to them, "I also will ask you one question; then answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: 30 The baptism of John--was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me." Mark 11:29-30

They did not know how to answer this question…

Therefore, Jesus told them that He would refrain from answering their question as well.

Parable of the Two Sons "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came

to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. Matthew 21:28-32

The Landowner and His Heir "Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner

(God) who planted a vineyard (Israel) and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers (Jewish leaders) and went into a far country (heaven). Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants (good prophets and priests) to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. Then last of all he sent his son (Jesus) to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'

But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.' So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers? They said to Him, "He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.“

"Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD'S doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes'? (Psalms 118:22-23)

"Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. (The kingdom of God was about to be given to the Gentiles) And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder." Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet. Matt 21:33-46

The Marriage Feast and the Garment "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged

a marriage for his son (Jesus), and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding (Israel); and they were not willing to come. Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.“

But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants (ex. prophets), treated them spitefully, and killed them.

But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants (disciples, and other evangelists), 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.'

So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment

Someone such as a Jewish Pharisee who refused to accept Jesus and His message of salvation had come to the wedding supper…

Then the king said to the servants…

'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."

Pharisees and Sadducees Question Jesus Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might

entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians Matt. 22:15-16

The question concerning taxes…

The Sadducees question concerning marriage and the resurrection

Jesus shows the Sadducees one piece of evidence for Heaven spoken of in the Torah

And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. Some of the scribes made answer and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” Luke 20:39

The Greatest Commandments But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the

Sadducees, they gathered together. Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"

Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

Jesus had just summarized the Ten Commandments

Whose Son is the Messiah? The scribe answered wisely and Jesus was impressed… Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to

him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him. Mark 12:32

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" They said to Him, "The Son of David." He said to them, "How then does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool" '? "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his Son?“ (Psalms 110:1) And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore. Matt 22:34-46

Teacher and Father Jesus teaches the multitudes concerning the identity of

their teacher and their Father.

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:9-12

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Matt 23:14

Seven woes are cast upon the Pharisees and scribes

The Spirit of the Law For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and

have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Matt 23:23

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Matt 23:27-28

Jesus pronounces judgment on Jerusalem I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you

will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Matt 23:34-35

Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. 37 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!‘” Matt 23:36-39

The Widows Mite Jesus teaches the importance of giving all you have to

Jesus

"Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." Mark 12:43-44

The Time Had Come to Die Greeks ask Philip for an audience with Jesus

Philip and Andrew ask Jesus…

But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. John 12:23-24

He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. John 12:25-26

God confirms Jesus from Heaven "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father,

save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again." Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him." John 12:27-29

Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die. John 12:30-33

The Son Must Be Lifted Up The people answered Him, "We have heard from the

law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?" Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." John 12:34-36

The scriptures stated that the Messiah’s Kingdom would last forever.

Israel Rejects the Messiah… These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden

from them. But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: "Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?" (Isaiah 53:1) John 12:37-38

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

The Light of the World Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me,

believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." John 12:44-50

The Olivet Discourse Jesus walked back toward Bethany… and stopped at the

base of the Mount of Olives to speak. Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and

His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (approximately 40 years later this prophesy would be fulfilled when the Romans, literally, leveled the Temple). Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?" And Jesus, answering them, began to say: Mark 13:3-5

Signs of the End-Times… "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come

in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Matthew 24:4-10

The Future of Jerusalem Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matt 24:11-14

"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Luke 21:20-24

Abomination of Desolation "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of

desolation,' (most believe this will occur at the mid-point of the tribulation) spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. Matt. 24:15-21

The Coming of the Son of Man And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would

be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. 23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Matt 24:22-27

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matt 24:29-31

The Parable of the Fig Tree "Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its

branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near--at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. 36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Matt 24:32-37

For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Matt 24:38-39

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Matt 24:42

Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. Matt 24:46-47

Two More Parables… Ten virgins and their lamps – five were wise, five were

foolish

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Matt 25:13

The Master and his servants who he gave various amounts of “talents”

His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' Matt 25:21

Dividing the Sheep and the Goats "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy

angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Matthew 25:31-33

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' Matt 25:34-36

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' 40 And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' Matt 25:37-40

What about the goats???

Two Days Until Passover… Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these

sayings, that He said to His disciples, "You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified." Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. But they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people." Matt 26:1-5

Wednesday – relatively quiet…

Thursday – The Passover Feast Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief

priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. Matt 26:14-16

Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, "Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?" And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him. Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?"' “Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us." Matthew 26:17-19

The Last Supper So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and

found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover. Matt 26:19

Jesus was acutely aware of the plans of Judas, of course.

Jesus teaches His disciples concerning being humble servants through footwashing

Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, "Lord, are You washing my feet?" Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." Peter said to Him, "You shall never wash my feet!" Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me." John 13:1-8

Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you." (Judas was not clean - saved) For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, "You are not all clean." So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

Jesus speaks of Judas 'He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel

against Me.' (Psalms 41:9) Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.“ John 13:18-20

When Jesus had said these things, He was troubled in spirit, and testified and said, "Most assuredly, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me." And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?" And another said, "Is it I?" He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had never been born." Mark 14:18-21

The Supper continues… then, Judas goes about his business

"Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you cannot come,' so now I say to you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:31-35

Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." Luke 22:14-15

Who shall be the greatest? And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise

lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves. 28 But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. 29 And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel." Luke 22:25-30 (NKJV)

Jesus corrects Peter… again Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?"

Jesus answered him, "Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward." 37 Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake." John 13:36-37

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22:31-32

Peter will deny Christ Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for My

sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times. John 13:38

However, Jesus then adds these comforting words…

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know." John 14:1-4

Jesus is the only Way to Heaven Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are

going, and how can we know the way?" John 14:5

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? John 14:7-9

Asking in the Name of Jesus… Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father

in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves. 12 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it. John 14:10-14 (NKJV)

If We Love Jesus… "If you love Me, keep My commandments. John 14:15

I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16-18

"A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. John 14:19-21

The Mystery of the Holy Spirit "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father

will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me. 25 "These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John 14:23-26

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Jesus tells them that He is going away You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and

coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here. John 14:28-31

The Fruit of the Vine "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:1-5

A Commandment from Jesus This is My commandment, that you love one another as I

have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. John 15:12-17

Now there is no excuse for sin! If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no

sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, 'They hated Me without a cause.' 26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. John 15:22-27

Jesus tells them what the future holds The disciples will be persecuted, even to death for

Jesus

It is to their advantage for Him to go away…

The Holy Spirit will lead them into all Truth

Jesus tells them about His death on the cross… and His resurrection

Jesus concludes these intimate comments to His disciples

Jesus Prays to His Father… Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven,

and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 17:1-5

Jesus Prays for His Disciples "I have manifested Your name to the men whom You

have given Me out of the world. (Now Jesus begins a petition on behalf of His disciples). They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me. I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. John 17:6-9

Jesus’ Prayer Continued… now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that

they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:13-17

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one… John 17:20-22

A Few Words of Caution… And He said to them, "When I sent you without money

bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?" So they said, "Nothing." Then He said to them, "But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. Luke 22:35-36

For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: 'And He was numbered with the transgressors.' (Isaiah 53:12) For the things concerning Me have an end." So they said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough." Luke 22:35-38

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Mark 14:26

Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' (Zechariah 13:7) But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."

Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times."

Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And so said all the disciples. Mark 14:27-31

Into the Garden of Gethsemane Then Jesus came with them to a place called

Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. (Isaiah 53:3) Stay here and watch with Me." Mark 14:32-34

"Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." Mark 14:36 (NKJV)

Jesus Talks With His Father And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping.

And he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt 26:40-41

And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:41-44

Judas Brings the Soldiers Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Sleep and

take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand." Matt 26:45-46

Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" Luke 22:47-48

Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." John 18:4-5

Simon Strikes the Soldier Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the

high priest's servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) John 18:10

Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" Matt 26:52-54

"Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Matt 26:55-56 (Psalm 88:8,18)

Gethsemane to Annas’s House First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of

Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. John 18:13-14

The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." John 18:19-21

When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" John 18:22

From Annas to Caiaphas Peter’s three denials…

The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.'" Matt 26:59-61

Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?" 63 But Jesus remained silent. Matt 26:62-63

The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." Matt 26:63b

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.“ Matt: 26:64

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" Matt 26:65-66

Jesus is beaten and mocked Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were

mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?" 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him. Luke 22:63-65

Peter continues to watch from afar… but people continue to recognize him …

The Third Denial Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking

about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. Luke 22:59-60

And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." 62 And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62

The Third Trial Begins… At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both

the chief priests and teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 "If you are the Christ, " they said, "tell us." Jesus answered,

"If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God."

They all asked, "Are you then the Son of God?" He replied, "You are right in saying I am." 71 Then they said, "Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips." Luke 22:66-71

The Fate of Judas Iscariot Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the

elders of the people came to the decision to put Jesus to death. 2 They bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. Matt 27:1-2

When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 "I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood." Matt 27:3-4

Judas commits suicide

The Fourth Trial… By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial

uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate came out to them and asked, "What charges are you bringing against this man?" 30 "If he were not a criminal," they replied, "we would not have handed him over to you." 31 Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." "But we have no right to execute anyone," the Jews objected. 32 This happened so that the words Jesus had spoken indicating the kind of death he was going to die would be fulfilled. John 18:28-32

Jesus stands before Pilate… Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned

Jesus and asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?“

"Is that your own idea," Jesus asked, "or did others talk to you about me?"

"Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" 36 Jesus said,

"My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place."

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. John 18:33-37

Pilate finds no fault in Jesus… Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In

fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

"What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against him.

The crowd kept complaining to Pilate for some definitive action… Pilate then thought of Herod!

Trial number five - Herod When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased,

because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. 9 He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 The chief priests and the teachers of the law were standing there, vehemently accusing him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked him. Dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends--before this they had been enemies. Luke 23:8-12

Pilate has Jesus flogged… Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2 The soldiers

twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3 and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face. 4 Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5 When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" 6 As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him." John 19:1-6

Still not good enough for the Jews!

One Last Hope… it was Passover Pilate struggles with his decision…Pilate answered,

"You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him." John 19:6 (NIV)

The Jews still balk at this…

Pilate speaks again to Jesus… then the crowd

Pilate allows one prisoner to go free…

The crowd chooses Barabbas

When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!" 25 All the people answered, "Let his blood be on us and on our children!" 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. Matt 27:24-26

The Walk to Golgotha Begins Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus

flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said. 30 They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. Matt 27:26-32

Jesus Speaks to the Women… As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who

was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them,

"Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' 30 Then "'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!"' 31 For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?" Luke 23:26-31 (NIV)

The King of the Jews So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own

cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others--one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews." 22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." John 19:16-22 (NIV)

Golgatha

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. 24 "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing." John 19:23-24 (Psalm 22:18)

It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27 They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Mark 15:25-28 (Isaiah 53:12)

The robbers speak to Jesus Jesus replies to the repentant sinner… Jesus answered him, "I tell you

the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43 (NIV)

Jesus on the Cross The crowd mocks Jesus

In the book of John, it is written… When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27 and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:26-27

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?“

Matt 27:45-46

Jesus Dies… Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the

Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." John 19:28

A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:29-30

And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:45-46

The Veil of the Temple Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from

top to bottom. 39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, "Truly this Man was the Son of God!" 40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, 41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. Mark 15:38-41

The results of the earthquake

The Burial of Jesus… when they came to Jesus and found that he was already

dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. John 19:33-34

Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body Mark 15:43

He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. John 19:39

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. Matt 27:61

Saturday Morning… The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief

priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." Matt 27:62-64

Easter Sunday Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene,

and the other Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices that they might come and anoint Him.

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was as lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the guards did quake, and became as dead men.

The Empty Tomb Mary came to the sepulcher while it was still dark, and

saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. She ran therefore and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, he whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They took away the Lord from the sepulcher! And we know not where they laid Him.”

Most of the disciples did not believe the woman…

Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened. Luke 24:12

Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus Mary Magdalene turned around and saw Jesus standing

there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." 16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" John 20:14-17 (NIV)

Now Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them came to the sepulcher when the sun had risen.

Behold two men stood by them in two white garments. And as they became terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who hath been crucified. Why seek ye the living among the dead?

they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word. Luke 24:4-8

The Second Resurrection Appearance So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet

filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Matt 28:8-10

The Roman Guards The guards reported the empty tomb to the priests

The changed lives of the apostles…

Amazingly strong proof of the resurrection…

Which is amazingly strong proof that…

Jesus is GOD the SON!!!

Third Appearance of Jesus Now that same day two of them were going to a village

called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. Luke 24:13-14

"What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?" Luke 24:17

One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" Luke 24:18

The discussion continues…

The Road to Emmaus cont. He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of

heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon (4th appearance)." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. Luke 24:33-35

Jesus appears to the Disciples While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood

among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." Luke 24:36

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. Luke 24:37-43

Jesus speaks a few more words to His disciples…

Thomas no longer doubts… A week later his disciples were in the house again, and

Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said,

"Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:26-29

Jesus at the Beach… Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea

of Galilee John 21:1

Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. John 21:2-3

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" John 21:4-5

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat

and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John 21:6

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. John 21:7

Breakfast is served

Peter, do you love me??? Jesus asks if Peter loves Him. Jesus asks Peter three

times.

I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!" John 21:18-19

Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him (John)?" John 21:21 (NIV)

The Great Commission Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them

were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25 (NIV)

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:16-20

When will the Kingdom come? He appeared to them over a period of forty days and

spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:3-5

So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" Acts 1:6

The Promise of the Holy Spirit He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or

dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:7-8

Jesus Returns to His Father After he said this, he was taken up before their very

eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:9-11

Conclusion Jesus… The Greatest Life Ever Lived

We Must Find Jesus

We Must Repent of our Sins and Accept Jesus into our lives

We Must Obey Jesus and Work Toward Our Sanctification – all the days of our lives

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6