Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #2 A son of God and king who died

The triumphal entry of Jesus honoured as a king

All the time when the by Jesus chosen disciples followed him, they had several times doubts concerning his position and were convinced he was going to save them from the Roman oppressors. They were willing to see in Jesus that promised Massiah/Moshiach or Messiah (the anointed or christou  / kristos / Christ), but thought him to become their worldly king. Several people, over that short time he preached publicly, reckoned he would become their king after he got rid of the Romans. For that reason, many were willing to greet and call him the “King of the Jews“.

The Jews knew very well that out of the seed of Eve their king would arise, him being a descendant of King David. Jews were aware of the message the prophets and Jesus had spoken about.

“10 In this manner the children of The God and the children of the Devil are evident–every person not practicing righteousness is not from The God, nor is the person not showing compassionate affection to a fellow member. 11  Because this is the message which you heard from a beginning: we should be showing compassionate affection to one another; 12 not like Cain, who was from the Wicked One, who slaughtered his own brother. And why did he slaughter Abel? Because his own works were wicked but those of his brother righteous.” (1Jo 3:10-12 mhm)

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Ge 3:15 Webster)

For centuries, they were looking for the one who would bring an end to the curse of death, given in the Garden of Eden. Many Jews saw in Jesus the son of David and the Christ and the one coming in the name of God.

“Traveling from there two blind men followed Jesus, crying out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”” (Mt 9:27 mhm)

“When the crowd rebuked the blind men to keep quiet they cried out even more, yelling, “Sir, have mercy on us, Son of David!”” (Mt 20:31 mhm)

“9 Some of the crowds rushed ahead of Jesus while others followed behind, all yelling, “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is the one coming in the Name of YHWH!’ Hosanna in the highest!” 10 As Jesus entered into Jerusalem the whole city was thrown into commotion, with people asking, “Who is this?” 11 But crowds were yelling, “That is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee!”” (Mt 21:9-11 mhm)

In his lifetime Jesus warned people having to come to see and accept him for whom he is. People have to know he is the one sent from God, coming in the Name of God. they should not make him into their god, but worship the same God as the One Who sent Jesus.

“However, when that appointed season arrived, The God sent forth His Son–born of a woman and born under the Law of Moses –” (Ga 4:4 mhm)

“This is how the compassionate affection of The God was manifested in us, because The God sent forth His only-begotten Son into the world-order of humanity so that we might live through him.” (1Jo 4:9 mhm)

“For I tell you: You will not see me again until indeed you say, ‘Blessed is the one coming in the Name of YHWH.’”” (Mt 23:39 mhm)

“After the master of the house has risen he closes the door, and all of you will begin to stand outside and continue to knock on the door, saying: ‘Master, open to us!’ And he will tell you: ‘I have no idea who you are!’” (Lu 13:25 mhm)

“I have come in the Name of my Father and all of you do not accept me. If someone else should come in his own name, that person you will accept.” (Joh 5:43 mhm)

“The crowd took palm tree branches and went out to meet Jesus. They were crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is the One coming in YHWH’s Name,even the King of Israel!”” (Joh 12:13 mhm)

Pontius Pilate also knew how Jeshua or Jesus was called by many. In this time when Jerusalem was overflowing with pilgrims, the governor had tried to avoid making the city a potential tinderbox for civil unrest. The Jewish religious leaders had refused to release Jesus, as part of an annual custom during Passover. Pilate harboured no suspicions that Jesus was royalty. He had Jesus flogged and his soldiers had twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe calling him “King of the Jews.”

“Leading Barabbas and Jesus together before the crowd Pilate asked them: “Who do you want me to release? Barabbas or the one called ‘Messiah’ –Jesus?”” (Mt 27:17 mhm)

“Realizing none of this accomplished anything but only aroused the mob more, Pilate took water and washed off his hands opposite the mob, telling them, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. You do as you please.”” (Mt 27:24 mhm)

“1  So then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. 2 Also, the soldiers braided a crown out of thorns and put it upon his head. They threw about him a purple robe, 3 and they kept approaching him and saying, “Greetings, king of the Jews!” And they kept slapping him. 4 Then Pilate went outside again and said to the Jews: “Look, I am bringing him outside, so that you people will realize that I can find not a single cause against him.” 5 So, Jesus came outside wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Then Pilate said to the Jews: “Behold, the man!” 6 Now when the chief priests and the Jewish officials saw Jesus, they cried out, saying: “Impale! Impale!” Pilate told them: “You Jews take him and you impale him! Because I cannot find any cause against him.” 7 The Jews answered Pilate: “We have a law and according to that law, he deserves to die, because he made himself a son of God!” 8 Now when Pilate heard this statement, it caused him to become fearful. 9 He entered the Praetorium again and said to Jesus: “Where are you from?” But, Jesus did not give him an answer. 10 So Pilate said to Jesus: “Do you not realize that I have authority to either release you or impale you?” 11 Jesus answered him: “You would have no authority against me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the person who handed me over to you has a greater sin.”12 For this reason Pilate continued to seek to release Jesus. But the Jews cried out, saying: “If you ever release this person you are not a friend of Caesar! Everyone making himself a king is speaking against Caesar!” 13 So, Pilate, having heard these statements, led Jesus outside, and he sat down on the judgment-seat in a place called Stone Pavement–which is ‘Gabbatha’ in Hebrew. 14 Now it was preparation of the Passover–it was the sixth hour. And so Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” 15 As a result the Jews cried out: “Away! Away! Impale him!” Pilate asked them: “Shall I impale your king?” The chief priests answered: “We have no king but Caesar!” 16  So then, Pilate handed Jesus over to them so that he might be impaled. 17 Then they took Jesus into their custody, and carrying his stake himself, he went out to the spot called Skull Place, which is ‘Golgotha’ in Hebrew. 18 There they impaled Jesus and with him two others beside him and Jesus in the middle. 19  Also, Pilate wrote a title and put it upon the stake. On it he had written: “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews.” 20 Now this title was read by many Jews because the place where they impaled Jesus was near the city. It was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. 21 As a result the chief priests of the Jews told Pilate: “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews’ but rather, ‘This person said, “I am King of the Jews”’!” 22 Pilate answered them: “What I have written, I have written.”” (Joh 19:1-22 mhm)

“And then they posted above his head the written charge against him: “This is Jesus–King of the Jews.”” (Mt 27:37 mhm)

“Over his head there was an inscription accusing Jesus of the charges against him: THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Mr 15:26 mhm)

“Over his head there was also an inscription, THIS ONE IS KING OF THE JEWS.” (Lu 23:38 mhm)

When the Nazarene master-teacher died at the stake, it became dark and the earth started to tremble.

“51 Now the curtain of the Sanctuary was torn in two from the top down. The earth was shaken and rocks were cracked open. 52 The tombs were opened and many dead bodies of ancient saints were raised and became visible. 53 And persons left the tombs and entered the holy city. 54 But the centurion and those observing Jesus, having experienced the earthquake and the other things happening, became very frightened. They said, “Surely this person was a Son of God!”” (Mt 27:51-54 mhm)

We can imagine others now could be convinced that that miracle worker was a son of God and him having a special relationship with God. But several who had publicly followed this Nazarene or man from Galilee got frightened that people would turn against them. This was also the reason why some of the female followers watched the event from some distance.

“55 There were many women present who had followed Jesus from Galilee. They had served him and they witnessed the execution from afar. 56 These included Mary the Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of John and James the sons of Zebedee.” (Mt 27:55-56 mhm)

Many afraid, not knowing what was really going on or overcoming the city fled to their homes, where they thought to be safer than on the streets where those people from the grave walked around. Also, the apostles dared not to come on the streets, afraid of being recognised as Jesus his disciples, and as such to be imprisoned and perhaps killed like their master. They became very quiet, not understanding how the man whom they thought was going to liberate them from the Romans was now death and could not come up for them any more.

It was like they could hide in the darkness of the moment. After the death of Christ and the earthquake it was as if a silence came over the town. How many times had the apostles with so many people prayed to God with their master? Now they were on their own to pray to God, wondering what had to happen now. Withdrawn to the closed space, they tried to neatly list all the past events.

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Previous articles

Matthew 21:6-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blessed the One Coming in God’s Name!

God’s Face shining on His servant

10 Nisan An entrance for a king

Matthew 21:10-11 Who Is This? – a Question still posed today #1

Matthew 27 – The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – Bible Students Intro

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #1 Matthew 27:1-2 – Priests Hand Jesus Over to Pilate

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #2 Matthew 27:3-10 – Judas Hangs Himself

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #3 Matthew 27:11-14 – “Are You King of the Jews?”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #4 Matthew 27:15-23 – Barabbas or Jesus?

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #5 Matthew 27:24-26 – “His Blood Come Upon Us!”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #6 Matthew 27:27-31 – Jesus Afflicted by Troops

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #7 Matthew 27:32-37 – Executed at Golgotha

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #8 Matthew 27:38-44 – The Mob’s Abuse

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #9 Matthew 27:45-50 – Jesus Expires During a Darkness

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #10 Matthew 27:51-54 – Temple Curtain Torn in Earthquake

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #11 Matthew 27:55-56 – The Women Who Witness the Execution

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #12 Matthew 27:57-61 – Jesus’ Body Given to Joseph of Arimathea

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #13 Matthew 27:62-66 – Guards Seal the Tomb Against an Imposter

Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #1 Abandonment and burial

Next

Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #3 A sincere man or an imposter

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Additional reading

1. Speaking to the Heart
2. When you believe Jesus is God, do you think he died?
3. The day Jesus died
4. A Messiah to die
5. A Living Faith #7 Prayer
6. Be still and listen
7. Not everyone in the churches of Christ are “ungodly”

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Related articles

1. Why is Jesus called the “Son of God” in the Bible?
2. Spirit of Herod Still Alive Today
3. What Christians Live For: The Redemption from Jesus Christ (Journeys 58-60)
4. Mark 15:12
5. Mark 15:26
6. Jesus, King of the Jews
7. Worship The King
8. The King of the Jews
9. Behold Your King!
10. Jesus, King of the Jews
11. Mark 15: 42-47
12. Matthew 27: The Death of Jesus. The Triptych Enigma.
13. Mt 27.57-61 The Burial of Jesus
14. The Deafening Silence of Black Saturday
15. Black Saturday – Christ’s work continues
16. Holy Saturday (Artful Devotion)
17. Sepulchre of Life

Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #1 Abandonment and burial

We have come to the point where the people in Jerusalem had seen that the man of flesh and blood, Jeshua ben Josef, also known as the son of man and son of God, came to his death at the wood of execution.

When Jesus walked around preaching about his heavenly Father and times to come, many wondered who he was and what gave him the authority to speak about the prophets and God. Several people found it weird that this Nazarene could do such strange things, like making blind see again, and paralysed people walk again. Jesus never claimed that it was by his power that he did such wondrous works.  It annoyed many that he claimed he was doing those miracles by the power of God. How could a man claim to do something by God’s Power or even claim that he could unveil things because “his father in heaven” allowed it?
His claims to come from God and to do works God gave him to do, made many angry and gave reason for them to kill him.

“Everything has been given me by my Father. No one perfectly knows the Son but the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father perfectly but the Son; and whom ever the Son wishes to unveil Him.” (Mt 11:27 mhm)

“Upon approaching Jesus he said to them, “All authority in heaven and upon earth was given to me.” (Mt 28:18 mhm)

“17  However, Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working to the present, and I continue to work.”18 Therefore, because of this, the Jews were seeking for a way to kill Jesus because they thought he not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also he was saying The God was his own Father, making himself equal to The God. 19 Therefore, Jesus answered them:

“I tell you this truth: The Son is unable to do anything from himself unless he sees something the Father is doing. For whatever that One may do, it is possible the Son also may do likewise.20 For the Father has affection for the Son and He is showing the Son what He is doing. And He will show the Son even greater works so that you may struck with awe.21 For just as the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, so also the Son makes alive those he wishes.22 Because the Father judges no one, but all the judgment He has given to the Son,23 so that everyone may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The person not honoring the Son is not honoring the Father who sent him.24 I tell you this truth: The person who listens to my word and continues to believe in the One who sent me possesses endless Life. And so that person does not come into condemnation, but has crossed over from the Death unto the Life.

25 “I tell you this truth: The hour is coming, and is now present, when the dead will listen to the voice of the Son of The God, and those who have responded will live.26 For just as the Father has Life within Himself, so also He gave to the Son to have Life within himself.27 Also, the Father has given to the Son to perform judgment because he is the Son of Humankind.28 Do not wonder about this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear the Son’s voice29 and those having done good things will come out unto a resurrection of Life. Those who have habitually done corrupt things unto a resurrection of condemnation.30 I am not able to do anything from myself. Just as I hear I judge, and my judgment is just because I am not seeking my own will, but the will of the One who sent me.

31  “If I ever testify about myself my testimony is true.32 There is someone else who testifies about me and I know that his testimony about me is true.33 You Jews sent representatives to approach John, and he has testified regarding the truth.34 However I do not accept human testimony, but these things I tell you are so that all of you might be saved.35 John was the burning and illuminating lamp, and all of you wished to rejoice facing toward the light in him for an hour.36 But, I possess a testimony greater than John, for the works the Father has given to me so that I might complete them–these works that I am doing–testify that the Father has sent me forth. (Joh 5:17-36 mhm)

“27 Peace I leave you. I give you apostles my own peace. I am not giving it to you as the world of humankind gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor cowardly.28  You apostles heard that I said to you, ‘I am departing and I am returning to you apostles.’ If you loved me you would certainly rejoice, because I am going toward the Father, because the Father is greater than me.29 And now I have told you apostles before it happens, so that whenever it does happen you should believe.30 I shall not speak with you much longer, for the ruler of the world of humankind is coming, and yet he has nothing on me.31 But, so that the world of humankind may realize that I continue to love the Father, and just as He gave me a commandment, just so I am doing. Rouse yourselves, and let us continue from here.” (Joh 14:27-31 mhm)

Jesus was taken and judged to be killed. He was brought to Golgotha to be impaled as a murderer or a dangerous criminal. When he was hanging there at the torture stake, people mocked with him and asked him, when he would have connections with God, to come from the stake and to save himself.

“and calling out, “The person who said ‘tear the Temple down and in three days’ –save yourself! If you are a son of The God come down from the stake.”” (Mt 27:40 mhm)

“Now it was nine in the morning when they impaled Jesus.” (Mr 15:25 mhm)

“Now let Christ the King of Israel come down now from the stake so that we may all believe!”” (Mr 15:32 mhm)

“Observe carefully the Arch- Leader and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus–who endured execution because of the Joy that lay before him–disdained the humiliation of the stake. He has sat down on the right hand of the Throne of The God.” (Heb 12:2 mhm)

Several people saw in Jesus a con-man or imposter. Also today there are lots of people who do not want to believe who Jesus really was or is. There are also a lot of people who minimalise the deed Jesus did, giving his won life to do the Will of God instead of doing his own will. They say Jesus is God, but in such case, Jesus would always have done the will of himself, though in the olive garden he prayed to God with the words:

““Father, if you wish remove this cup from me. However, let Your will occur and not my own will.”” (Lu 22:42 mhm)

Jesus one moment at the stake thought to have been abandoned by his heavenly Father. It also looked like some of his close friends had abandoned him, like Peter not daring to say he was with Christ. It looked like nobody wanted to come to his defence when he was on trial. At the stake, Jesus called to his heavenly Father, making it clear he is not that person like so many so-called Christians claim.

“About three in the afternoon Jesus screamed in a loud voice, “Eli, eli, lama sabachthani?” (or, “‘My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?’”)” (Mt 27:46 mhm)

“And at three in the afternoon Jesus screamed in a loud voice: “Eloi eloi lama sabakhthani?” (which means when translated: “‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”)” (Mr 15:34 mhm)

God cannot die, so if Jesus would have been God, he clearly would been an imposter, faking that he died at that wooden pole on Golgotha. Not being God, Jesus got wounded by the nails through his hands and feet and by the spear in his body.

When Jesus for a second time called on his Father, he gave up the spirit, which means that he died.

“Now after Jesus again cried out with a loud voice he gave up the pneuma.” (Mt 27:50 mhm)

“Now Jesus screamed in a loud voice and breathed his last.” (Mr 15:37 mhm)

“Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice: “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit!” And having said this, Jesus expired.” (Lu 23:46 mhm)

We can read in the gospel of John that when Jesus had received the sour wine, he considered his work here on earth finished.

“Therefore, when he had received the vinegar, Jesus said, “It has been accomplished!” And then his head fell and his last breath escaped.” (Joh 19:30 mhm)

Jesus was placed on this earth in a special way for a certain task and now his task had come to an end. When going around Galilee he had tried to show people that he is the way to God (and not to himself, what he would have done if he would be God).

“Jesus said to Thomas: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one can approach the Father, if not through me.” (Joh 14:6 mhm)

He who wanted to show his Father, Jehovah God, was now dead, not belonging to living anymore, and got put in a grave.

“He placed the body in a new memorium which he had quarried out of the rock. He then rolled a great stone at the opening to the memorium and departed.” (Mt 27:60 mhm)

“These went their way and secured the grave, sealing the stone with the custodial guards.” (Mt 27:66 mhm)

Jesus was put in a grave in a garden near the place where he was impaled. Normaly This tomb Joseph from Arimathea as a rich man had provided and prepared that sepulchre for himself, as was not uncommon among the Jews. In this tomb Luke and John inform us that no man had been laid.  It was a clean, uncontaminated unused or immaculate tomb. In the providence of God, it was foreseen that Jesus would be put between the rich.

“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” (Isa 53:9 NIV)

None of the people who knew Christ and had seen him from close by, could find any wickedness in him. He always had spoken with a soft voice, except when he was cross with the sellers in the temple and when he threw them out of that holy place.
His disciples also were convinced that Jesus had not committed any sin, and that no deceit could be found on his lips, him always telling the truth and defending the poor and those who could not speak.

“Messiah never committed a sin, nor was deceit ever found in his mouth.” (1Pe 2:22 mhm)

The fulfilment of the prophecy that Jesus would make his grave with the rich in his death is the more remarkable, because during his life he associated with the poor, and was himself poor.

That the tombs or sepulchres in Judea were commonly caves, hewn out in the rock in groves, and mountains was a common way of constructing places to bury the dead. Those burial chambers were cut horizontally in the rock beyond the walls of the cities in which they dwelt, or were excavations made in the sides of hills, or sometimes in solid rocks and were sometimes of great extent. The bodies were laid in niches in the walls or on flat slabs. After the first had been laid in the grave, a large heavy stone was rolled in front of the entrance.

Joseph with the help of some of Jesus’ followers laid the dead Jesus in his new family grave, i.e., not yet used. Because Jesus had been condemned as a criminal the law forbade the owner of a grave to use it again, and therefore we know Joseph sacrificed his own tomb to give Jesus an honourable grave.

Had Jesus been buried in the common burial-ground of the malefactors, his resurrection could not have been so distinctly remarked, as the chief priests would never have thought of sealing the stone there, or setting a watch; but now that the body is got into the hands of a friend, they judged it necessary to make use of these precautions, in order, as they said, to prevent imposture; and from this very circumstance the resurrection of Christ had its fullest evidence, and was put beyond the power of successful contradiction.

“62 Now on the morrow, which is the day after the Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together unto Pilate, 63 saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest haply his disciples come and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: and the last error will be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a guard: go, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, the guard being with them.” (Mt 27:62-66 ASV)

The sealing of the stone and putting official guards in front of it, was intended to secure the place as much as possible, so that nobody could take the body away to declare afterwards that he would have been risen or taken up to heaven.

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Previous articles

Matthew 27 – The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – Bible Students Intro

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #1 Matthew 27:1-2 – Priests Hand Jesus Over to Pilate

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #2 Matthew 27:3-10 – Judas Hangs Himself

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #3 Matthew 27:11-14 – “Are You King of the Jews?”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #4 Matthew 27:15-23 – Barabbas or Jesus?

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #5 Matthew 27:24-26 – “His Blood Come Upon Us!”

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #6 Matthew 27:27-31 – Jesus Afflicted by Troops

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #7 Matthew 27:32-37 – Executed at Golgotha

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #8 Matthew 27:38-44 – The Mob’s Abuse

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #9 Matthew 27:45-50 – Jesus Expires During a Darkness

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #10 Matthew 27:51-54 – Temple Curtain Torn in Earthquake

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #11 Matthew 27:55-56 – The Women Who Witness the Execution

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #12 Matthew 27:57-61 – Jesus’ Body Given to Joseph of Arimathea

Matthew 27 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Final Hours: Trial, Execution and Burial – #13 Matthew 27:62-66 – Guards Seal the Tomb Against an Imposter

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Additional reading

1. When you believe Jesus is God, do you think he died?
2. The day Jesus died

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Related articles

1. Why is Jesus called the “Son of God” in the Bible?
2. What Christians Live For: The Redemption from Jesus Christ (Journeys 58-60)
3. Mark 15: 42-47
4. Mt 27.57-61 The Burial of Jesus
5. The Deafening Silence of Black Saturday
6. Black Saturday – Christ’s work continues
7. Holy Saturday (Artful Devotion)
8. Sepulchre of Life

Matthew 16:21-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Think God’s Thoughts

Matthew 16:21-23 – Think God’s Thoughts

|| Mark 8:31-33

MT16:21 Beginning at this moment Jesus Christ[1] started revealing[2] to his disciples that it was a necessity he go to Jerusalem and suffer very much because of the [Jewish] elders, chief priests and scribes – to be killed and raised up the third day.[3] MT16:22 But, Peter confronted Jesus[4] and began giving him a rebuke,[5] saying, “Courage,[6] Master, that will not happen to you!” MT16:23 Now Jesus turned away [from Peter][7] and said: “Get away from me, Satan![8] You are scandalous to me[9] because you are not minding the things of The God[10] but human [thoughts]!”

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[1] Jesus Christ: The full name and title of the Nazarene is rare in the Gospels. Compare Matthew 1:1 {A bible of a genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham}; Matthew 1:18 {But thus was the genesis of Jesus Christ. His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph. Before they came together she was found to be pregnant from the holy Pneuma.}; Mark 1:1; John 1:17; John 17:3. – The Greek is KHRISTOU and means one christened or anointed. A Hebrew bias word would be, Messiah. – The form Jesus Christ occurs 150 times in the Christian Bible, the most often in the Letter to the Romans. The phrase means “Jesus the christened one; or Jesus the Messiah; Jesus the Anointed.”

[2] Started revealing: Or, KJV: shew; RIEU: began to make it clear; WMS: first time clearly taught; TCNT: began to explain; BECK: kept point out. There is now a prophetic drive toward destiny in Jerusalem.

[3] Third day: The first use of “third day” though the strong inference has been made earlier. See notes on Matthew 12:40. In the Gospel of John Jesus the subject early without the disciples understanding it (John 2:20).

[4] Peter confronted Jesus: Or, KJV: Peter took him; RHM: taking him aside; NEB: took him by the arm. Our imaginations are stirred by exactly what happened.

[5] Rebuke: Or, KNX: remonstrating; WMS: chide; NOR: protestingly said; BECK: started to correct him; MON: reprove him. The very thought startles us. Peter has just confessed the Nazarene to be the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and he feel emboldened to correct Jesus. On the other hand it may tell us more about Jesus: that Peter would even feel he could approach his Lord with words of concern and courage. Surely, Jesus is approachable.

[6] Courage: The Greek is HILEOS. Or, KJV: be it far from thee; RHM: mercy on thee; RSV: God forbid; RIEU: heaven save you; KIT: propitious; WMS: heaven shield you; GDSP: God bless you. We see Peter’s impetuous grasp of his Master at what he has just heard as though he were at once holding him back and at the same time moving him out of range of the others.

[7] Jesus turned away [from Peter]: Or, RIEU: turned his back on him; PME: turned around. He must release himself from Peter’s panicked grasp.

[8] Get away from me, Satan: KJV: get thee behind me, Satan; PME: out of my way; NEB: away with you, Satan; TCNT: get out of my way, you Satan. The words are surely curt and firm. They are not a slip of the tongue, but thought out for Peter has a serious flaw in his character. This will manifest itself later. Jesus has already said this once before at Matthew 4:10. There it was directed to the real Satan in person. Here it is an unwilling instrument whose suggestion resists the will of God. See notes also at Matthew 12:26. Compare Mark 8:33. + Satan: The name means “Resister; Rebel; Apostate.” The name occurs 68 times with the first occurrence at 1 Chronicles 21:1. It occurs most often (17) in the Book of Job.

[9] You are scandalous to me: The Greek is SCANDALON. Or, KJV: offense; ASV: stumbling-block; KNX: a stone in my path; RIEU: a snare in my path; TCNT: hindrance; BECK: tempting me to sin.

[10] You are not minding the things of The God: Or, KJV: though savourest; RHM: not regarding; RSV: not on the side of; WEY: thoughts are not God’s thoughts; GDSP: you do not side with God; MON: no intent on what pleases God; TCNT: you look at things, not as God does. Compare 1 Corinthians 2:16. This could be rendered: You are ignorant of God’s mind but use human thinking.

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Preceding

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:8-11 – A Temptation to Gain World Rule

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Matthew 16 Asking for signs from heaven

Matthew 16 Calvin’s view

Matthew 16 Spurgeon’s view

Matthew 16:1-4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Signs of the Times

Matthew 16:5-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Watch Out for the Leaven of False Teaching

Matthew 16:13-20 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Building a Hades-Proof Congregation

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Additional reading

1. Did the Inspirator exist
2. Most probable and accurate image of Jesus Christ according British scientists
3. The Christ, the anointed of God

The Most important weekend of the year 2018

Soon we shall gather to remember two major instances in the history of the People of God. The first remembrance is the liberation from the slavery in Egypt, where God gave enough signs so that people could come to recognise Who is the Most High God above all gods. The second celebration is that of the Jewish master teacher Jeshua (Jesus Christ) who came together at the upper room to remember the Exodus from Egypt but also to install a special moment, namely bringing some symbols in the light of the evening.

Some disciples close to this master teacher had seen how their master had come typically to the Jews in the end of their age as Prophet, (teacher) as Priest (“when he offered up Himself,” `Heb_7:27`.) and as King. (When he rode into their city at the close of his ministry.) But those disciples could see how the moment of glory was very short and how their Jewish brethren did not receive their master in any of these forms.

For a short time they had walked with him and had witnessed miracles. For them it was clear they had some one in front of them who was

“a teacher sent from God“.

They looked up at him, but still expected him to be  a warrior who would defeat the Romans and would become their “King” or ruler.

The Jewish “Feast of Passover” commenced on the fifteenth day of their month Nisan and lasted seven days. Though before that day, there was the the killing of the lamb on the 14th of Nisan, which shall be this coming Friday, March 30, Erev Pesach or Fast of the First born, followed by Nisan 15, 5778 or Pesach 1.

Having the Friday and Saturday the remembrance moments of the liberation of the Jews and the Gentiles, we should jubilate. You could think we should be sad, because Jesus would be slaughtered as a lamb, but we do know that by his offering we were bought free. By his offering at the stake freedom came over mankind, him making an end to the curse of death. And that should bring happiness in our hearts, also three days later mankind got the proof that a man could get out of the dead.

In case Jesus would have been God we would not have any proof that man could resurrect from the death. But now with this man of flesh and blood, the world could see how God had lifted him and has given him a very special place.

Jesus had told his disciples a lot about how to behave and how to treat others, like the homeless, the poor, the needy and how to handle the material provisions, wealth, prosperity, riches, but also poverty and to be prepared to live a life for God. They had heard strange things, like that 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. They also had heard that when when their master, the Son of Man, would be sitting on his glorious throne, they who had followed him would also come to sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  (Matthew 19:27-30)

They were so convinced they would come to see that kingdom in their lifetime, but that night this man talked about his death, him leaving them. He took bread and spoke about this being his body. They knew Jesus did not turn the bread into his literal flesh and the wine into his real blood. Jesus’ fleshly body was still intact when he offered this bread and wine. Jesus’ apostles were not really eating his literal flesh and drinking his blood, for that would have been cannibalism and a violation of God’s law. (Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 17:10)

According to Luke 22:20, Jesus said:

“This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf.”

The apostles never thought that the cup presented to them literally would have become “the new covenant”. They knew that would be impossible, since a covenant is an agreement, not a tangible object.

Hence, both the bread and the wine have to be looked at as only symbols. The bread symbolizes Christ’s perfect body. Jesus used a loaf of bread left over from the Passover meal. The loaf was made without any leaven, or yeast. (Exodus 12:8) The Bible often uses leaven as a symbol of sin or corruption. The bread therefore represents the perfect body that Jesus sacrificed. It was free of sin.​—Matthew 16:11, 12; 1 Corinthians 5:6, 7; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 2:1, 2.

The red wine represents Jesus’ blood. That blood makes valid the new covenant. Jesus said that his blood was poured out

“for forgiveness of sins.”

Jesus made it clear that humans can become clean in God’s eyes and can enter into the new covenant with Jehovah. (Hebrews 9:14; 10:16, 17) Jesus was convinced that God would accept his offering and consider his act as a covenant, or contract.

Let us come together Friday night to remember that special sent one from god who was willing to give his life for our sins.

 

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Preceding articles

Preparing for the most important weekend of the year 2018

Voorbereiding op het belangrijkste weekend van het jaar 2018

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Additional reading

1. Commemorating the escape from slavery
2. First month of the year and predictions
3. Entrance of a king to question our position #2 Who do we want to see and to be
4. Seven Bible Feasts of JHWH
5. Preparation for Passover
6. The Atonement in Type and Antitype 1 Sacrifices and High Priests
7. The Atonement in Type and Antitype 2 Going forth to Jesus
8. 9 Adar and bickering or loving followers of the Torah preparing for Pesach
9. Making sure we express kedusha for 14-16 Nisan
10. This day shall be unto you for a memorial and you shall keep it a feast to the Most High God
11. Days of Nisan, Pesach, Pasach, Pascha and Easter
12. Yom Hey, Eve of Passover and liberation of many people
13. 8 Reasons Christian Holidays Should Not Be Observed
14. Shabbat Pesach service reading 1/2
15. Who Would You Rather Listen To?
16. Solution for Willing hearts filled with gifts
17. Celebrations pointing to events of ultimate meaning
18. Most important day in Christian year
19. Thinking about fear for the Loving God and an Invitation for 14 Nisan

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Related

1. The Symbol of Blood in Christianity & Upcoming Easter Special
2. Bread and Cup
3. Remembering Passover
4. My Christian testimony: leaving behind the new age deception
5. Everything Jesus had to say about the homeless, wealth, prosperity, poverty, riches, the poor, the needy and giving
6. Nisan 14 Sundown March 30, 2018
7. The Last Supper: What did they eat?
8. Easter
9. Easter, Passover, Abib, and the New Hebrew Sacred Year – and what God says to us
10. The feasts of the lord – part-2
11. The Passover
12. Pesach / Passover
13. Happy Memorial Season!

Matthew 10:16-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Forth as Sheep among Wolves

Matthew 10:16-23 – Sent Forth as Sheep among Wolves

|| Luke 10:3

MT10:16 “Look! I am sending you forth[1] as sheep[2] among wolves,[3] so be cautious as serpents[4] and innocent as doves.[5] MT10:17 Be alert among humans[6] for they will hand you over[7] to courts and in their synagogues[8] they will scourge[9] you. MT10:18 You will be brought before governors and kings as a testimony to them[10] as well as the Non-Jews. MT10:19 But, when they hand you over do not be overly concerned how or what you will say, for what you should speak[11] will be given to you in that hour. MT10:20 Because it is not you who speaks but your Father’s Pneuma[12] speaking in you. MT10:21 Even brother will betray brother[13] – and a father his child – to death. Children will take their stand against parents causing their deaths. MT10:22 You will be hated by everyone because of my name.[14] But, the one who endures completely[15] will be saved.[16] MT10:23 When they persecute you in this town, flee to another.[17] I tell you this truth: You will never complete the cities of Israel[18] before the Ascension[19] of the Son of Humankind.

*

[1] Sending you forth: The Greek is APOSTELLO, a form of “apostle.” An apostle is a representative.

[2] Sheep: The Greek is PROBATA and occurs over 216 times in the whole Bible. Usually used as a metaphor for believers the word occurs: Matthew, 11; Mark, 2; Luke, 2; John, 20; and only five times in the rest of the Christian Bible. Sheep are not adversarial predators and are very gregarious as a flock. They are among the earliest animals named in the Bible (Genesis 24:35; 26:14). They are helpless without a shepherd and easy prey for enemies (Numbers 27:16, 17; Jeremiah 23:4; Ezekiel 34:5, 6, 8; Micah 5:8). It is a metaphor for those defenseless and innocent (2Samuel 24:17; Psalm 44:11, 22; 95:7; 119:176; Matthew 10:6, 16; John 21:16, 17; Romans 8:36). Note Luke 10:3 uses “lambs.”

[3] Wolves: The word group wolf/wolves occurs in Moses and the Prophets, all as pictured by Jesus. See Matthew 7:15 and John 10:2. (Genesis 49:27; Jeremiah 5:6; Ezekiel 22:27; Habakkuk 1:8; Zephaniah 3:3) Under the Messianic rule the wolf changes its disposition (Isaiah 11:6; 65:25) Paul predicts wolves will work their way into the Christian flock (Acts 20:29).

[4] Cautious as serpents: The idea finds its roots right at the beginning of human creation (Genesis 3:1).The serpent (snake) occurs over 70 times in the Bible. The phrase “cautious as serpents” is also rendered: KJV: wise as serpents; NASB: shrewd as. Though the Friend of the Nazarene is guileless in Christian character, Jesus counsels PHRONIMOI a wise caution when among the enemy.

[5] Innocent as doves: The gentle bird occurs 35 times in the Bible. The bird Noah sent forth from the Ark (Genesis 8:8-12). It is sometimes associated with being blameless or without flaw (Canticles 5:2, 12; 6:9). Hosea 7:11 associates the dove with a simple-minded heart without a motive. The bird occurs nine times in the Gospels (Matthew 3:16; 10:16; 21:12; Mark 1:10; 11:15; Luke 3:22; John 1:32; 2:14, 16). The word “innocent” is also rendered: KJV: harmless; MOF: guileless. The name of the prophet Jonah means “Dove.” (See also pidgin or turtledove). Compare Psalm 55:6; Isaiah 60:8.

[6] Be alert among humans: Others render this phrase: KJV: beware of men; TCNT: be on your guard; KNX: do not put your trust in men; RIEU: mankind. Giving this counsel, we must think that our Lord followed his own advice. Compare Philippians 3:2.

[7] Hand you over: Or, KJV: they will deliver you up; TCNT: betray you.

[8] Synagogues: Jesus is talking to Jewish disciples. What he says is not meant as specific directives for all future Friends of the Nazarene. Compare Jesus’ prediction at Mark 13:9 (Compare Matthew 23:34). Note the fulfillment at Acts 5:40.

[9] Scourge: Or, BECK: whip; WEY: flog (Acts 5:40ff).

[10] A testimony to them: See the Acts of the Apostles chapter 4, 5, 7 and others for the actual fulfillment.

[11] What you should speak: This is spoken to the apostles and may not necessarily be applied to all Christians. Note the cases of Peter (Acts 5), Stephen (Acts 7), and Paul (Acts 17), inspired speeches preserved in the Christian Bible.

[12] Your Father’s Pneuma: Or, the spirit of your Father. The Greek is PNEUMA which may also mean breath or wind. The Pneuma is God’s Mind exerting mental pressure to accomplish his will. So we find Peter, for example, speaking by the Pneuma (Acts 5:3, 4).

[13] Brother will betray brother: Compare Matthew 24:10.

[14] Hated by everyone because of my name: The name “Christian” in history becomes a terrible stigma leading to an enormous number of deaths. Note Jesus does not say His Father’s Name, Jehovah, but his own, “Jesus Christ.” WEY: objects of universal hatred; WMS: because you bear my name; NEB: for your allegiance to me.

[15] The one who endures completely: The Greek TELOS is without the article and thus “an end” with regard to each individual’s endurance, often in martyrdom. Compare Matthew 24:13. The word group “endurance” occurs over 30 times in the Christian Bible. Compare (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:16-22; 24:9, 10, 39; Mark 13:9, 12, 13; Luke 21:19; Romans 2:7; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 12:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Hebrews 10:36; James 5:10, 11; Revelation 1:9; Revelation 13:10; Revelation 14:12) The English word “endurance” is drawn from the root dru that is the oak tree and those “druids” as well as “trust.”

[16] Saved: There are two states in the procession of salvation: a) the initial by escape from the judgment on the world; and, b) the final by endurance unto death. See a concordance on the word group “save(d)” and “salvation.” It may be compared to being saved by a lifeguard which does not ensure a future drowning. Compare Matthew 19:25; 24:13, 22; Luke 8:2; John 3:17; 5:34; 10:9; Acts 2:40, 47; 4:12; 11:14; 15:11; 16:30, 31; Romans 5:9, 10; 8:24; 10:9.

[17] Flee to another: The Nazarene’s disciples are not to remain and battle with opposers but move into a more fruitful territory. This advice is seen in the Book of Acts (Acts 8:1, 2).

[18] Never complete the cities of Israel: Jesus has sent out his 12 apostles, and later the 70 disciples, and he tells them they will never preach to all the land of Israel before the fulfillment of Daniel 7:13.

[19] Before the Ascension: This rendering will receive considerable judgment. The Greek is ELTHE a word taken from Daniel 7:13 where the same phrase occurs in the Jewish Greek Septuagint (LXX). Judging from the context and reading of Daniel 7:13 the prophet sees the ascension of a human being to the very Throne-room of the Most High. The Greek word ELTHE and the related word ERCHOMENOM is generally rendered “coming.” However, the word also means “to go” or “leave.” The English word “ascend” means “to go up.” It has been generally misunderstood that this word infers a “coming” in the direction of those disciples on earth, when, in fact, it means the arrival in heaven to become King. Daniel 7:13 and Psalm 110:1 are often combined by Jesus in a conflate or paraphrase. Compare Matthew 22:44; 26:64; Mark 14:62; 16:19; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33, 34; 5:31; 7:55-57; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Hebrews 10:12, 13. It is possible that Jesus actually used the Hebrew/Aramaic word athah which means to arrive and be present at a certain location.

 

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Preceding

Matthew 10:1-4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Twelve Given Authority

Matthew 10:1-4 – Calling of the apostles – by Calvin

Matthew 10:5-10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Jesus’ Orders: Territory, Theme, Trust

Matthew 10:11-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Searching for the Sheep

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Related

1. God’s People are His Flock
2. One Shepherd
3. A call to love Jesus is a call to love his people
4. Shepherding
5. Our Shepherd and God
6. Daily bible passage – 9/11/17
7. Jesus Christ Shepherds His Flock
8. John 10:16
9. Ekklesia
10. Hatred Against Christians in Light of Texas Church Shooting
11. The Man Who Likes To Lose …
12. Why So Much Hatred Against Christians in America Today
13. Why So Much Hatred Against Christians in America Today? 2
14. Why So Much Hatred Against Christians in America Today? (PNW)
15. Evangelicals Are Not Christians
16. Why (Fundamentalist) Christians Hate Atheists