Bible Text: Mark 14-15, Matthew 26-27 | Preacher: Jerry | Series: The Path | Primary texts for today.  These two texts tell the sacred story of Jesus last day on the earth as a man:

Mark 14 – 15
Matthew 26-27

This week’s study focuses on the time frame of the Last Supper to the Crucifixion.  These notes are largely based on Adam Hamilton’s book: “24 Hours”.

Prelude: Triumphant entry into Jerusalem

Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26)

Takes place in the Upper Room with the 12 Disciples where they have gathered to celebrate the Passover (Exodus 12-13)
Judas leaves to betray Jesus to the religious authorities.
Jesus changes the Passover ritual to what we call the Lord’s Supper.
Other related passages:

Matthew 26:1-30, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Luke 22:39-44

Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:26-52

The group, less Judas, walks to the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus goes away from the group to pray, but brings along Peter, James and John.
The three keep falling asleep, disappointing Jesus
Jesus is in anguish/turmoil, pleading with God about what is to come.
Jesus shows His humanity in His distress, He shows His divinity in knowing what is coming.
Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss.
The Disciples run away.
Other related passages:

Matthew 26:31-56, Luke 19:41-44.

Condemned by the Religious Authorities (Mark 14:53-72)

A “mob”, likely the temple police, take Jesus to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest of the Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin was 71 elders, much like our Senate, that were the highest religious leaders of the Jewish people.
This trial took place at night during a high festival. It was not legal according to Jewish law to have a secret trial at night, nor did the Sanhedrin meet during festivals.
Jesus was on trial with the Sanhedrin for blasphemy.
Jesus threatened the Sanhedrin’s position of respect and authority.
They decided that Jesus must die. But the Jewish authorities were not allowed under Roman law to execute people.
Their problem was blasphemy was not a capital offence to the Romans. Therefore, they changed the charge to Jesus claimed to be “King of the Jews” which was a threat to Caesar the Emperor.
During this mock trial Jesus did not try to defend himself.
Peter denies Jesus, “the cock crows thrice!”
Other related passages:

Matthew 26:57-75, Daniel 7:13-14, Psalm 110:1-4

Trial by Pontius Pilate, traded for Barabbas (Mark 15:1-15)

Pilate questions Jesus, but Jesus is silent.
Pilate recognizes that Jesus is innocent – that the Jewish leaders are jealous of Jesus’ popularity.
Pilate’s wife had a dream about Jesus and pleaded with Pilate to have nothing to do with Jesus! (Matthew 27:19)
There was a custom for Pilate to release one prisoner during this festival. He has Barabbas convicted to death by crucifixion, but offers Jesus up for release.
Barabbas full name was Jesus Barabbas which meant: Savior, son of the Father.
One irony is that both Jesus (the Christ) and Barabbas represented messianic figures. Jesus through peace and love, Barabbas through violence and strength.
The crowd insists that Pilate release Barabbas.
This made Barabbas the first sinner that Jesus died for.
Judas hangs himself
Other related passages:

Matthew 27:1-26, Romans 6:23

Torture and Humiliation (Mark 15:16-23)

Pilate releases Jesus to the soldiers to be flogged and crucified.
Flogging was an “art form” with the Romans. Whips with hooks like fishhooks were used to literally tear open prisoner’s flesh and muscles.
Their practice was to flog a prisoner to the point that they were just able to carry their own cross to the crucifixion site.
They also humiliated Jesus in several ways – please read the Scriptures
During this segment of time we see evil in human beings. This evil is still among us today when people are placed in certain situations.
It is notable that Jesus came to save the world, but the world stooped so low to treat Jesus in this fashion. And Jesus “took it”.
After being beaten so badly, Jesus was forced to carry His cross the 1 mile to Golgotha – except he couldn’t. The Romans had beaten him too hard!
Jesus refused to drink any of the “bitter gall” (a narcotic) that the soldiers offered to him 0 so he could keep a clear mind.
Other related passages:

Matthew 27:27-34

Crucifixion (Mark 15:24-41)

I will leave this to your reading. There are no words to describe this.
Other related passages:

Matthew 27:35-56.

Coming up next: Easter – the Risen Savior