There is nothing greater then being in JESUS PRESENCE. The disciples always enjoyed this special time with Him, and I always do too.
This is the last of my GOSPEL STUDIES - it is now time for me to go out and share this GOOD NEWS, just as Jesus gave His great commission to His disciples. I may not be as "outgoing" as I used to be, but I hope my sharing of HIS WORD, PRAYER, WORSHIP and FELLOWSHP may be a blessing to some.
One of my greatest loves was Easter time - School Holidays - as an Army wife and "unofficial" chaplain and Religious Education teacher in the local Primary Schools, I was able to reach out into these "Defence Districts" - where mothers and children often had fathers away from home. Each Easter we had an Easter School Holiday Program in the local hall.
I still remember the joy I felt when the children gave their hearts to Jesus, and then brougt their parents to our little Church.
"Jesus is more than just an historiacl figure, who died for us, HE IS ALIVE and PRESENT in our lives today." Nicky Gumbel
21. THE GREAT COMMISSION Read Matthew 28: 16-29; Mark 16:14-18, Luke 24:44-49
"All authority has been given to Me in Heaven and on earth. Go therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM in the Name of the FATHER, and the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING THEM to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, even to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19&20 (NKJV)
The RISEN JESUS commissioned His disciples to go and share the GOOD NEWS of Jesus' resurrection and HIS SALVATION. He promised that HE WOULD BE WITH THEM ALWAYS.
Jesus had fulfilled His ministry and now He wants us to share his GOSPEL with others, just as He commissioned His disciples, and He will give us the Holy Spirt and the gifts we need to strengthen and encourae others.
"He opened their understanding , that they may comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them: "You are the witnesses of these things: The Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a TOTAL LIFE CHANGES through the FORGIVENESS OF SINS ...... What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to say, so stay here in the city until He arrives, until YOU ARE EQUIPPED WITH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT on High." Luke 24:45,46, 48&49 (NKJV/MSG)
22. JESUS ASCENSION Read Luke 50-52, Read Acts 1:1-11
"When He had led them into the vicinity of Bethany, HE LIFTED UP HIS HANDS AND BLESSED THEM. While He was blessing them, HE LEFT THEM AND WAS TAKEN UP INTO HEAVEN. Then they WORSHIPPED HIM and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. They stayed continually at the Temple PRAISING GOD." Luke 24:50-52 (NIV)
""But you will recieve POWER when the HOLY SPIRIT comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their very sight........"Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up 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 1:8,9,11 (NIV)
After Jesus had returned to Heaven, the disciples followed HIS WILL - they returned to Jerusalem and continued PRAYING AND WORSHIPING HIM in the Temple, with joy in teir hearts. They also waited for the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT which Jesus had promised.
This is the second chapter of the Gospel story - where the disciples tell about the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT in their lives and their going out into their ministry. Luke also tells us about how Peter follows what Jesus has told him to do and becomes the leader of the Early Church. A new Apostle was also chosen, to take the place of Judas. Luke tells us that they needed special "qualifications" - having been with Jesus, witnessed His resurrection and will receive the Holy Spirit.
"So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. Then they prayed: "Lord, you knw everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry.... then they cast lots and Matthias was added to the eleven apostles." Acts 1:23 & 26 (NIV)
A few days later on the Day of Pentecost, these men of God were filled with the Holy Spirit, just as God had promised, and they began their ministry using their Spiritual gifts. We too can do this, living as Jesus did, becoming a servant, teacher, pastoral care, or simply showing love, kindess and hospitality to others - using the specific Spiritual gifts the Lord has given each one of us.
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:4 (NIV)
"They devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.....Every day they continued to meet together in the Temple Courts. They broke bread together in their homes and ate together with sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily, those who were being saved." Acts 2:42, 46&47 (NIV)
23. THE GOSPEL SHAPED LIFE 198 Read 1 Peter 1:3-12; John 3:16&17
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given NEW BIRTH into a living hope through the RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
"For God so loved the world that He gave His ONE AND ONLY SON, that whoever BELIEVES IN HIM shall not perish but will have ETERNAL LIFE. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, BUT TO SAVE THE WORLD THROUGH HIM." John 3:16&17 (NIV)
"This is the TRUE, SOLID FOUNDATION of our CHRISTIAN LIFE - the GOSPEL. Jesus is our RISEN RULER, AND SAVIOUR " Tony Payne
Because of Jesus' resurrection we were BORN AGAIN into a LIVING HOPE, and we have an ETERNAL SALVATION. We have a genuine FAITH in a loving GOD, and we can GROW in our relationship with JESUS CHRIST by continuinh to read HIS WORD and PRAY to Him each day.
"THIS SALVATION was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this GRACIOUS SALVATION prepared for you. .....They were told that their message was not for themselves but FOR YOU. And now GOOD NEWS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED to you who preached by the POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT ." 1 Peter 1:10&12a (NLT)
Because Jesus died for us and ROSE AGAIN we have ETERNAL LIFE with Him in Heaven, with Jesus and His Father. PRAISE THE LORD!!
'THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION", 1982, Thomas Nelson
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
"THE MESSAGE - THE BIBLE IN CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE", 2018, Eugene H Peterson, Nav Press/Tyndale House Publishers
"Shine the Light Spread the Word!" (Matthew 28:19-20) - "Jesus' Great Commission Song" 2025, Little Harmony Club/You Tube
"Because He Lives", 1971/2021, Bill & Gloria Gaither (Composers), Steph McCleod, Mhari Marwick, Scott Wood, Guy & Naomi Stirrat, Chris Amer, Ifedade Thomas (Performers), Celtic Worship/You Tube
Tony Payne/Ken Coleman,"Learn the Gospel" - "Jesus - the Risen Ruler and Saviour" (2022), All Saints Anglican Church, Albion Park/MatthiasMedia
19. JESUS LOVES THE DOUBTER - MEETING THOMAS Read John 20:24-29
Sometimes it's hard to BELIEVE. We dont want to DOUBT but "life's pains often catch us off guard". When we deal with GRIEF or DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES, DOUBT GETS IN!
Thomas was a "great thinker" and also was often filled with doubts - which is why he had the nickname: "Doubting Thomas". Yet he never lacked committment - he just never had all the answers, and this often troubled him.
This is what keeps me at wake at night sometimes. I know the Lord is always with me, and he has our lives in our hands, but there are times, I just can't get these thoughts and worries off my mind. Mark is also a "great thinker" who wants to have all the answers, but he doesn't. He wants to be in control, but he isn't always, and he finds it hard, not so much to "doubt", but just to put his life in God's hands.
Thomas had watched JESUS DIE, and the scene was "permanently seared in His mind". When he heard the "rumours" that Jesus was alive, he couldn't "believe it". He had "SERIOUS DOUBTS". He needed to SEE JESUS FOR HIMSELF!
"Unless I see His hands, the marks of His nails, and place my hand into His side, I WILL NEVER BELIEVE." John 20:25b (NCV)
When Jesus entered Thomas presence, he didn't need too see these things, for all he needed was Jesus.
"Thomas: "My Lord and My God".
"Jesus: "You believe because you see me. THOSE WHO BELIEVE WITHOUT SEEING WILL BE TRULY BLESSED." John 20:28&29 (NCV)
Jesus still loved Thomas even though he still had doubts, and he LOVES US. We are truly BLESSED when we BELIEVE even when we haven't seen great miracles. We were not physical witnesses of Jesus's resurrection, but our FAITH AND COMMITTMENT in strong.
Many people still have doubts and wants to prove that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. Jesus was a mythological figure, just a man, his followers made it up, his witnesses were unreliable, the resurrection is not only important but untrue. We know that there are so many prophecies, miracles, appearances in the Gospels, but the the best claim is from JESUS HIMSELF: "he died for the sins of the world, and we can can receive eternal life by BELIEVING IN HIM". Hugh Claycombe
"But these are written so that YOU MAY BELIEVE that JESUS IS THE SON of GOD, and BY BELIEVING, YOU MAY HAVE LIFE IN HIS NAME." John 20:31 (NCV)
"Thank you Lord for guiding us into a deeper relationship with you. When we go through difficult time, thank you that we can run into your arms and be secure in your LOVE and PRESENCE." Max Lucado.
20. CATCHING FISH - A NEW PETER Read John 21
"Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the followers did not know it was Jesus. Then He said to them: "Friends, did you catch any fish?"
They answered: "No".
He said: "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and yiu will find some."
So they did and they caught so many fish they could not pull the net back into the boat.
Then the follower whom Jesus loved said to Peter: "It is the Lord." John 21:4-7 (NCV)
Peter followed Jesus onto the shore, and they brought some fish so they could share them with Jesus. This was the third time he had spent time with his disciples after his resurrection, but this was a special time for he wanted to spend some special time with Peter.
Jesus told Peter he would LEAD THE EARLY CHURCH and He would die as a martyr. Jje would feed "HIS LAMBS and HIS SHEEP", and TAKE CARE of them. Yet he could only do this if he was PASSIONATE and LOVED JESUS. He would have to serve His people and minister to them the same way that Jesus did. Most of all he would need to feel confident and free from any faiulure he felt.
"Jesus does not want us to keep feeling like a "failure". Just like Peter, He want to FORGIVE US. Jesus comes to us at our home, in our workplace, or wherever we are. We can stand IN HIS PRESENCE, reach up and seek HIS FORGIVENESS. Jesus invites us to TRY AGAIN - WITH HIM! Jesus restores and heals!" Max Lucado
This is something Mark and I have had to work on over the years: failures and rejection we felt as parents, in the workplace, grief, family relationships. If it wasn't for our FAITH AND TRUST in Jesus Christ and His Father God, we would never have made it. If God hadn't given us the opportunity to "feed His lambs" in His Church - His children, and to reach out into the world to "take care of his sheep", we would have been "worthless".
"Yes, all the things I once thought were most important are gone from my life. Compared to the HIGH PRIVILEDGE OF KNOWING CHRIST AS MY MASTER, firshand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant.... I have dumped it in the trash so I CAN EMBRACE CHRIST AND BE EMBRACED BY HIM." Philippians 3:8 (MSG)
"Lord, help us to LOVE YOU as Peter did. Help is to "feed your lambs", and "take care of his sheep", and be willing to pay the price in FOLLOWING YOU." Nicky Gumbel
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION' - 2005, Thomas Nelson
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" - 2015, Tyndale House Publishing
'THE MESSAGE - THE BIBLE IN CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE" - 2018, Eugene.H.Peterson, Tyndale House Publishing
"I Walk By Faith", 2028, Diether Aquino (Performer) Risen Tune/YouTube
"Feed My Sheep", 2018, Heavens Call - Crossroads (Performance), VCR, Home of Gospel Music.
CLAYCOMBE, Hugh, "Evidence for the Resurrection" - "Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Time Charts - 10th Anniversary", 2015, Rose Publishing
LUCADO, Max, "Life Lessons from John - Peter's Second Chance: John 21:1-19", 2018, Thomas Nelson
GUMBEL, Nicky, "Bible in One Year" - "Crazy Love for Jesus" (2009/2026) Alpha International/You Version
17. JESUS WALKS WIITH US - ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS Read Luke 24:13-35;
"The same day two of Jesus followers were walking to the village of Emmaus. As they walked along they were talking about evevrything that had happened to Jesus. As they talked Jesus Himself began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing Him." Luke 24:13-16 (NLT)
As Jesus joined thes two confused men, they engaged in a lively convversation. This was a great TRUE STORY, of "two broken, grieving men", who had just lost their friend Jesus. They were troubled and confused, yet He walked beside them.
Everyone moves through grief differently, and we all heal in our our time. Some of us need to talk through it with a FRIEND, some need to just PRAY in a quiet place. Personally, I have done written a few books about it - most of all expressing my need to spend time with JESUS.
"GOD COMFORTS US ALL IN OUR TROUBLES so that WE CAN COMFORT THOSE IN ANY TROUBLE with the COMFORT WE OURSELVES RECEIVE FROM GOD." 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)
"THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED. He rescues those whose spirits are broken." Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
Jesus knew what it meant to grieve - he had lost family and friends: his father Joseph, John the Baptist and Lazarus - he is aware when we "emotional experiences". Yet even in His own personal heartache, he is able to hae COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. In Latin, compassion means: to "co-suffer". Jesus wants to relieve our suffering, and wants us to GROW through our grieving and "brokeness".
"He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrow, ACQUAINTED WITH DEEPEST GRIEF. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. He was despised and we did not care." Isaiah 53:3 (NASB)
Jesus asked the men on the road to share with Him what had happened in Jerusalem:
"Jesus of Nazareth was a proophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and the rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death and to be crucified; but we had hoped that he was the one who would redeem Israel....... Jesus said to them, "How foolish you are and how slow to believe what the prophets had spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter His glory!" Luke 24: 19-21; 25&26 (NIV)
After they arrived into Emmaus, and came to their home, they invited Jesus to have a meal with them, but they still did not recognize him as their Saviour and Lord. When He say down and broke bread with them, their eyes were opened, and they knew it was JESUS! He then disappeared from their sight.
"They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. The found the Eleven and those assembled together and saying, "IT IS TRUE, THE LORD HAS RISEN"......Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how they recognized Jesus when He broke the bread." Luke 24:33-35 (NIV)
18. MEETING WITH HIS DISCIPLES IN JERUSALEM Read Mark 16:12-14; Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23
Jesus appeared to the disciples again, after Peter, John and the men from Emmaus had told them what they had seen.
"Jesus came and stood among them and said: "Peace be with you."
"He showed them His hands and His side and they were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." John 20:19&20 (NIV)
I remember a time when Jesus appeared to me. It was in when I was in hospital, after losing my second child. He held in His hands my baby boy, Jonathon, and my mother was with him, holding my daughter, Emma. For the first time in my life, my faith had been "trembling" and the vision of my Saviour had been "blurred"; but it now became clear again.
"Jes makes Himself clear and available to us, if we seek Him. We can LIVE A LIFE WITH HIM forever as He has always promised." Max Lucado
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 2011, Biblica
" THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION", 2015, Tyndale House Foundation
"NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE", 2020, The Lockman Foundation
"Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Alleluia", (2018) Jamison Statema (Lead Singer), Chad Graham, D.J Chase Akers (Performers), Go Fish Music - Great Music For Kids/You Tube
"Peace Be With You - Risen Jesus Appears" - (2026), Worship Forever (Artists), Easter Worship/You Tube
LUCADO, Max, "When Christ Comes", 2001, Word Publishing
16. RESURRECTION SUNDAY. - UP FROM THE GRAVE HE AROSE
Read Matthew 28: 1-15; Mark 16:1-10; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18
"Early in the morning women went to the tomb and found the stone closing the tomb's entrance had been rolled back. An angel told them that JESUS WAS ALIVE. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene in the garden and later to Peter and other disciples. HIS RESURRECTION WAS ESTABLISHED AS A FACT!" Hugh Claycome
There are many 4 main examples of JESUS' RESURRECTION in the 4 GOSPELS. Paul also highlights this as a FACT in his letter in 1 Corinthians:
"For what I received I passed on to you, as the first importance: Christ died for sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried and THAT HE WAS RAISED ON THE 3RD DAY ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES.....CHRIST HAS INDEED BEEN RAISED.....since death came through man, RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD CAME ALSO THROUGH A MAN." 1 Corinthians 15:3,4,20&21 (NIV)
a. THE EMPTY TOMB
On the first Easter morning (Sunday), the women came, hoping to embalm Jesus' body, but the tomb was empty.
The women knew where they had buried the body - they wouldn't have gone to a wrong tomb. Even Joseph of Arimethea, the owner of the Tomb, would have shown them the right place.
"Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. They went in and didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus." Luke 24:1-3 (NLT)
b. THE MISSING BODY
As they stood, wondering who might have taken the body, and angel appeared, proclaiming that JESUS HAS RISEN.
The enemies of Jesus took several steps to prevent that Jesus' body would not be stolen. The soldiers at the tomb would have been too afraid to sleep, and the stone would have been too heavy for anyone to move.
"Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn't here! HE IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! Look, this is where they laid His body." Mark 16:6 (NLT)
c. THE RISEN JESUS
All the Gospels tell us that disciples didn't expect at first to see JESUS ALIVE. Mary Magdalene was the first one to see Jesus.
"Mary was standing outside the tomb crying:
Jesus: "Dear woman, why are you crying?"
Mary: "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don't know where you have put Him."
Jesus: "Who are you looking for?"
She thought he was the gardener.
Mary: "Sir, if you have taken Him away, tell me where you have taken Him, so I can go and get him."
Jesus: "MARY!"
Mary turned toward Jesus and and said in her Hebrew language:
Mary: "RABBONI (This means: Teacher)" John 20: 13-16 (NLT/NCV)
d) THE OTHER DISCIPLES COME TO THE TOMB
The other women ran back to tell the other disciples about JESUS' RESURRECTION. Peter and John met with Jesus, and "they had great hope for the future". They were all a great witness to the fact that Jesus was indeed RAISED FROM THE DEAD.
"Peter and the other disciple started out for the tomb.....Simon Peter arrived and went inside . He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there......Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in and saw and BELIEVED - until then, they still hadn't understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead." John 20:3, 6,8&9 (NLT)
"GOD RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD, and we are all witnesses of this." Acts 2:32 (NLT)
"We are encouraged to believe in the benefits of JESUS' RESURRECTION, to have victory and power for living." David Wheaton (Canon Amiratis)
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" - 2011, Biblica
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" - 2015, Tyndale House Foundation
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION" -2005, Thomas Nelson
"He Arose", "Jesus Is Alive - I Believe" - (2015/2918), Jamison Statema (Lead Singer), Chad Graham, D.J Chase Akers (Performers), Go Fish Music - Great Music For Kids/You Tube
CLAYMORE, Hugh, "Evidence for the Resurrection/Palm Sunday to Easter - Walking with Jesus Each Day: Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Timelines - 10th Anniversary.", 2015, Rose Publishings
WHEATON, David/Canon Emiratis, "St Albans Cathedral, Principal, Oak Hill Techer's College/ Chaplain: Her Majesty the Queen".
Read Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42
"Death and crucifixion was long and drawn out - it was often 2 days or more. JESUS WAS DEAD! Joseph of Arimathea saved Jesus from his final indignity. He gave up His grave , so didn't need to be buried in a mass grave." Pat & David Alexander
"This all happened on FRIDAY, the day of preparation.....Afterward, Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus's body . When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him, came Nicodemus, the man who came to Jesus at night. He brought about 70 pounds of perfumeed ointment made from myrrh and aloe." John 19:38&39 (NLT)
Some people say that Jesus didn't really die, but soldiers and Pilate checked him, and he was indeed DEAD. Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene Joseph's mother, also were with them. They would not have taken him down if he was still alive, and would definitely would not have prepared his body for burial.
15. RESURRECTION SUNDAY Read Matthew 28:1-13; Mark 16:1-11;
Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18
"Early in the morning , women went to the tomb and found that th
"Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth and wrapped Jesus' body in it. He laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of a rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of Jospeh also saw where Jesus' body was laid." Mark 15:46&47 (NLT)
"At a very crucial moment in history, when Jesus was deafeating the powers of darkess, all of disciples and many followers deserted him, but the WOMEN WERE STILL AT THE CROSS! What BRAVERY AND LOYALTY! In a culture where women were mostly ignored, Jesus empowered them. "Many woman had come up with him to Jerusalem". (Mark 15:41) Pippa Gumbel
In Luke we see how they were not only "loyal and brave", but they were very "practical". They went home and prepared the spices and perfumes to prepare his burial, caring for Him right up until "the very end".
"Jesus' body was placed in the Tomb before 6o'clock pm, Friday night, when the Sabbath began and all the work stopped. He lay in the tomb throughout the Sabbath." Hugh Claycombe
At the end of the day, Jesus' followers - both the men and the women went away to grieve and continue their Sabbath observances.
Meanwhile, the Pharisees and Religious Leaders were still afraid - they remembered that Jesus had said he would "rise again", and they thought the disciples would steal the body. So to keep them happy, Pilate allowed them to put guards at the grave. We know that this is not only very unlikely to be true, for the "disciples feared for their lives" and at this time we know from God's promises in His Word, that what Jesus said would indeed TAKE PLACE.
"For passed on to you what was most important, and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the SCRIPTURES SAID. HE WAS BURIED AND WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD ON THE THIRD DAY, just as the SCRIPTURES SAID." 1 Corinthians 15:3&4 (NLT)
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" , 2015, Tyndale House Publishing
"AN EASTER HALLELUJAH", 2021, Cassandra and Callanahan Star (Performers), Leonard Cohen , Kelley Mooney, Jeff Buckley (Arrangement), Karaoke Studios/MJ Interactive (Maverick Judson (Recording).
CLAYCOMBE, Hugh, "Palm Sunday to Easter, Walking With Jesus Each Day" - "Rose Book of Charts, Maps and Timelines - 10th Anniversary", 2915, Rose Publishing
GUMBEL, Pippa, "The Bible with Nicky & Pippa Gumbel - the Bible in One Year - Mark 15/Luke 23", 2009/2026, Alpha International/You Version
ALEXANDER, Pat & David, "The Lion Handbook to the Bible" - 4th Edition" , 2009, Lion Publishers
Read Matthew 27:27-32; Mark 15:16-21 Luke 23:26-32
"Barabbas was released and set free, whilst Jesus was handed over to be crucified. The innocent one faced the punishment of death, so that we, the guilty could go FREE. We may not be murderers like Barabbas, but we all need to be rescued by OUR SAVIOUR." Nicky Gumble
Jesus went to the cross willingly. He was required to carry His cross to the "Place of the Skull", where he was crucified with two other prisoners. Why did he do this?
* Because HE LOVED US!
* Because HE WAS OUR SAVIOUR!
"This is HOW MUCH GOD LOVED THE WORLD: HE GAVE HIS SON, HIS ONE AND ONLY SON. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all that trouble of SENDING HIS SON MERELY TO APPOINT THE ACCUSING FINGER, telling the world how bad it was. HE CAME TO HELP, to put to world right again, TO SAVE THE CWORLD THROUGH HIM." John 3:16&17 (MSG/NLT)
"Lord, you were willing to suffer pain, ridicule and even death for us. How can we THANK YOU? All we can do is OFFER OUR HEARTS AND LIVES. Help us to live in OBEDIENCE AND SERVICE to You; until we meet you again. While we wait, help us to LOVE OTHERS, bringing them to a relationship with you." Max Lucado
"A passer by named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming from the countryside just then and the soldiers forced Him to carry Jesus' cross. They made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd trailed behind Him, including many grief stricken women." Mark 15:21/Luke 23:26b&27 (NLT)
We don't know much about Simon the Cyrene, but we do know that he was willing to help Jesus CARRY HIS CROSS. Why? Well, maybe because he was truly a BELIEVER AND FOLLOWER; or maybe he just wanted to be a SERVANT, and still had a lot to learn about this Saviour and King.
We do know, that we too have a CROSS TO CARRY each day, as we seek to serve our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We want to reach out in the world as His believers and followers, so we can tell others our story of how Jesus carried His cross and died for us.
13. JESUS ON THE CROSS - Our King and Saviour Read Matthew 27:33-44; Mark 15:22-32; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:16-27
Jesus accepted the title, "THE KING OF THE JEWS". The soldiers used it as a term of abuse and the name written on the cross was a charge against Him. Yet, when Jesus was handed over to Pilate it was out of envy by the Religious Leaders, not the promise of King David.
"Beesus is our Messiah, our anointed King and Saviour. When on the cross the reliigious leaders mocked him: "Come down from the Cross and save yourself". "He saved others, but he cannot save Himself.
The soldiers made fun of Him - throwing lots for His clothes.
"He was oppressed, treated harshly. He was led like a LAMB TO THE SLAUGHTER. ....unjustly condemned, He was led away......I will give Him honours because He exposed Himself TO DEATH....He bore the sins of many." Isaiah 53:7a, 8, 12a (NLT)
" The Bible is not just a storybook with many heroes. There is only ONE HERO: THE SON, THE LAMB, THE SAVIOUR, THE KING, OUR REDEEMER - JESUS CHRIST. Jesus is the hero of our pilgrim story we will dwell in His presemce amd sing His praises....Because Jesus is the KING OF KINGS He rules over every circumstance we face in our life." Ruth Chou Simons/Paul David Tripp
One of the criminals on the cross began to shout insults at Him:
"Aren't you the Christ. Then save yourself and us."
The second criminal rebuked him: "Don't you fear God, since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, getting what we have deserved, but this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus: "Remember me when you come into your Kingdom."
Jesus answered Him: "Truly I tell you, today, you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23: 39-43 (NIV)
Jesus FORGAVE all those all the soldiers, reliigious leaders and prisoners who had had yelled "Crucify Him" or "abused Him".
"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 (NCV)
"
Jesus was thinking of others when He was on the CROSS. He was always seen as a HUMBLE SERVANT, "finding Himself in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient to DEATH ON THE CROSS". (Philippians 2:8) (NIV)
In John we read how his mother Mary and other women, were standing near the cross, with John, the "disciple whom he loved".
"Jesus said to her: "Woman, here is your son".
Then to the disciple, "Here is your mother". From that moment John accepted her as his own mother." John 19:26&27 (MSG)
Jesus wants us to reach out to people in need, especially the elderly who are grieving over family they have lost; for this is a very difficult time, especially a time of LONELINESS. This is a time I have experienced, and I know my mother and father have in the past. But I also know that JESUS was always there for us in our time of LOSS, and gave us special friends to be with us and to comfort us.
"Even though we walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; your rod and your staff THEY COMFORT ME." Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
14. JESUS DIES. Read Matthew 27:45-56; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-39; John 19:28-37
"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrow and acquinted with grief, as one whom men hide their faces. He was despised and we esteemed Him not....But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, and by His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone to his own way, and the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:5&6 (NKJV)
"Only Mark's Gospel gives an exact record of the actual times when Jesus was on the cross: the "3rd hor", the "6th hour" and the "9th hour". Darkness came over the whole land. In the other Gospels we hear what Jesus cried out." Hugh Claycombe
* "Jesus cried out: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew 26:46 (NASB)
* "I am thirsty". John 19:28 (NASB)
* "It is finished" John 19:30 (NASB)
* "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Luke 23:46 (NASB)
When Jesus said He was thirsty they didn't give Him water, it was "wine vinegar soakedwith a sponge", which did not really quench his thirst. John tells us that Jesus chose the time for his death - the 9th hour - and he gave up His life as a sacrifice.
These were the other events that followed Jesus's death:
* The earthquake that tore the Temple curtain (veil) in two - "the earth was shook and the the rocks were split". Matthew 27:51 (NASB)
* Tombs that were broken open: and "bodies of the saints who were fallen asleep were raised." Matthew 27:52 (NASB)
* The Centurian exclaimed: "Truly, this was the Son of God." "Certainly this man was innocent". Matthew 27:54/Luke 23:37 (NASB)
* The thieves legs were broken, but Jesus' legs didn't need to be. "they saw He was already dead, they did not break his legs". John 19:33 (NASB)
* "The soldier pierced Jesus' side, and immediately blood and water came out". John 19:34 (NASB)
These were all prophecies from the Scriptures: "Not a bone of His will be broken", "They shall look on Him whom they pierced." John 19:36&37 (NASB)
"The centre of the GOSPEL is JESUS' DEATH and RESURRECTION. The King who offers us SALVATION AND FORGIVENESS. Jesus knew that this was GOD'S PLAN. JESUS DIED FOR US!" Tony Payne
"The cross is the turning point for all human history. It was the FINISHED WORK of Christ, offered up once and for all - a sacrifice that made our redemption possible. Without the cross, we would not be pilgrims deserved for Heaven. IT MAKES IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO COMPLETE OUR JOURNEY!" Ruth Chou Simon
Jesus didn't deserve punishment or DEATH, but he DIED:
* So that we could be RECONCILED AND REDEEMED.
* So we can be declared RIGHTEOUS AND JUST.
* He was our SUBSTITUTE - taking our place on the CROSS.
"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only OURS, but also the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2 (NKJV)
"For God demonstrates His love for us, in this: while we were still still sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US." Romans 5:8 (NLT)
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION" - 1982, Thomas Nelso
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" - 2011, Biblica
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" - 2015, Tyndale House Publishing
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION" -2005, Thomas Nelson
"NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE" - 2020, The Lockman Foundation
"THE MESSAGE" - "THE BIBLE IN CONTEMPORARY LANGUAGE", 2018, Eugene H Peterson, Tyndale House Publishers
"IT'S ABOUT THE CROSS" - The Ball Brothers: Andrew & Daniel Ball, Chad McCloskey, Rhett Roberts (Performers), Jamie Statema (Songwriter), 2009, Musicmatch/YouTube
"JESUS DIED FOR ALL OUR SINS" , "THE OLD RUGGED CROSS" - (Powerful Reggae Gospel Song of Love and Redemption), 2025, Jahwae Harmonies/YouTube"
"CROWN HIM WITG MANY CROWNS" , 1851/1995, Matthew Bridges (Composer); Michael W Smith (Songwriter/Performer)' Larnell Harris, Anointed (Performers), Sony/MileneMusic/YouTube
GUMBLE, Nicky, ""Crucified/Total Forgiveness" - "The Bible in One Year" (2009/2026), Alph International/YouVersion
LUCADO, Max, "Life Lessons from Luke" - "Christ's Sacrifice" (2018), Thomas Nelson CLAYCOMBE, Hugh, "Jesus' Hours on the Cross" - "Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps & Timelines - 10th Anniversary", 2015, Rose Publishing PAYNE, Tony, "Learn the Gospel - Deepen your Understanding & Trust in the Message About Jesus", 2022, Matthias Media
CHOU SIMONS, Ruth, TRIPP, Paul Davd, "Pilgrim, 25 Ways God's Character Leads Us Onward" - "Worthy Beyond Compare - The Preeminance of Christ"/"More ThanEnough: The Finished Work of Christ.", 2001/2015, Harvest House Publishers/Facebook Post
"Following his BETRAYAL, JESUS WAS ARRESTED. There were FALSE TRIALS, DENIALS, CONDEMNATION, BEATINGS AND MOCKERY." Hugh Claycombe
The religious leaders in Jerusalem struggled with Jesus' identity, but they soon came to understand His identity as the SON OF GOD and MESSIAH. Still, they chose to REJECT HIM! Some of them still rejected His public teaching and they were jealous of his popularity - Annas - a former High priest, Caiphas - the High Priest and the Sanhedrin. One man, though, was Nicodemus, who had come to Jesus back in John's Gospel, and he still BELIEVED.
"There was a man name Nicodemus , a religious leader, who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening He came to speak with Jesus: "Rabbi", he said, "We all know thatGod has sent you to teach us. You miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you." John 3:1&2 (NLT)
"For God so loved the world He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but will have EVERLASTING LIFE. God sent His Son into the word, not to condemn the world, but that that the would be SAVED THROUGH HIM." John 3:16&17 (NIV)
This is why Jesus at the time of his arrest Jesus conducted himself with "dignity". He knew that His mission had "consequences". It would lead to a number of trials, no specific charges, "blasphemy claims" and sentence to death. He would go before the Jewish Sanhenhrin and High Priests, then the Roman civil authorities, but it was never in the real "pursuit of truth".
9. TRIAL 1: THE HIGH PRIEST QUESTIONS JESUS.
Read Matthew 26:57-75; Mark 14:53-65; Luke 22:66-71
JESUS: "I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews came together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me? " Luke 15:20&21 (NCV)
Peter and John returned and followed Jesus - Peter "lurking in the shadows", while John watched as Jesus was questioned and then later beaten and sent to Caiphas.
"There was a woman who asked Peter: "You're not one of that man's disciples are you?"
"No", he said, "I am not".
Peter was standinding warming himself by the fire, they asked him again: "You're not one of his disciples are you?"
He denied it, saying: "No, I am not".
"Didn't I see you out there in the grove with Jesus?"
Again, Peter denied it. And immediately the rooster crowed." John 18:17, 25-27 (NLT)
"The Sanhedrin - the supreme governing body in Israel. They managed the day to day operation of the Temple. They ruled over civil religious misconduct and occasionally heard criminal cases. Rome had exclusive rights to carry out death sentences." Charles Swindoll
Caiphas met with the members of the "council" and the Sanhedrin in the early hours of Friday morning. The chief priests tried to obtain "false testimonies" against Jesus. They wanted to put Jesus to death. They said:
"We heard him say: "I will destroy this Temple I made with My handsand in three days I will make another Temple." Mark 14:59 (NASB)
"Jesus answered them: "Destroy this temple in 3 days, and I will raise it up".
The Jews then said: "It took 46 years to build this Temple, and you will raise it in 3 days."
Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body." John 2:19-21 (NASV)
By the time the Sanhedrin had finished their questioning, they were read to pass Him on to the Jews.
10. TRIAL 2: PONTIAS PILATE
Read Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-7; John 18:28-4
"With the Jewish Passover in full swing, Jerusalem was packed......Jesus was presented to Pilate." Charles Swindoll
This next trial, before Pontias Pilate took place in the PUBLIC ARENA. There was enough evidance for the Romans:
* Jesus claimed to be the King of the Jews - the Messiah.
* Jesus was charged with treason and blasphemy against Rome.
* Other charges remained the same.
"So Pilate asked Him: Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus replied: "You have said it".
"Pilate turned the leading priests and to the crowd and said: "I find nothing wrong with this man!" Luke 23: 3&4 (NLT)
Pilate discovered that he was a Galilean, so he decided to send him to Herod Antipas, the Governer of Galilee.
TRIAL 3: HEROD ANTIPAS Read Luke 23:8-12
"When he learned that Jesus was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod who was also in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, He was pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see Him. From what he had har about Him, he had hoped to see Him perform a sign of some sort. He plied Him with many questions, but Jesus gave no answers." Luke 23:7-9 (NIV)
Herod had come for the Passover celebration and as a leader of the Jewish people, he had taken residence in their courts. He was the Son of Herod the Great and had inherited many of his traits and "cruel dispositions". He was very proud and self indulgent, especially when came to his affairs with women. He advocated for the Jewish people, appearing to be loyal to them, yet at the same time he "balanched his ties with the Rome".
Pilate had known that Herod had wanted to meet with Jesus for a long time, to see His miracles, yet he also knew the Chief Priests and Saducees were standing by "accusingJesus of wrong doing, and wanting him to be killed". But he had no desire for the "truth", and he finally got tired of their "games". He sent Jesus back to Pilate, after having his soldiers dress him up in "royal robes."
"Then Herod and His soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. That day, Herod and Pilate became friends - before they had been enemies." Luke 23:11&12 (NIV)
11. TRIAL 4: PILATE - "CRUCIFY HIM" Read Matthew 27:11-26; 15:1-15; Luk3 23:13-24; John 19:1-16
In the cell near the court there was a prisoner called Barrabas. He was soon to be crucified. But during the Jewish Passover there was a policy, that one prisoner was allowed to be released. Pilate was sure that the people would certainly choose Jesus, for he still could find no reason for his arrest, and defintely not his imprisonment. He believed JESUS WAS INNOCENT!
"Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews gathered there, "Look, I am bringing Him out to you to let you know I find no basis for a charge against Him." When Jesus came oput wearing His crown of thorns and purple robe, Pilate said to them: "Here is the man!".
As soon as the chief priests and officials saw Him, they shouted: "Crucify Him"! "Crucify Him!"...... "Shall I crucify your King?" Pilate asked. "We have no King, only Ceasar," the Chief Priests answered. Finally Pilate, handed him over to them to be CRUCIFIED." John 19: 4-6; 15&16 (NIV)
Pilate, was convinced of the TRUTH, yet He was terrified of the JEWS, in fear of losing favour from all the leaders in Jerusalem. Herod too had been distracted by the TRUTHand Pilate's wife could not discern it because of FEAR. As for the religious leaders, they were "wilfully frustrated with personal agendas".
"The trials of Jesus were OVER, yet we like all those on the Jury - Herod, Pilates' wife, Pilate and the angry mob, must still reach a verdict today. Today, we can recognize the TRUTHand acknowledge it, or we can still live in FEAR, and REJECT HIM. We can have a great desire of POWER and MATERIALISM, or we can TRUST IN THE LORD AND pursue a RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. Jesus is our SAVIOUR AND KING and and we can go into the world to testify about His TRUTH." Charles Swindoll
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION" - 2011, Biblica
"THE HOLY BIBLE - NEW LIVING TRANSLATION" - 2015, Tyndale House Publishers
"NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE" - 2020, The Lockman Foundation
"JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR" - "King Herod's Song", "Pilate and Christ", "Trial Before Pilate", - Andrew Lloyd Weber/Tim Rice (Composers); Bruce Dow: Herod , Barry Dennon:Pilate, Ted Neeley: Jesus (Performers) 2012/2016, Broadway/You Tube:Video
SWINDOLL,Charles, "Great Life of All - Jesus" - Chapter 14- "The Last Trials and Torture of Jesus" , 2008, Thomas Nelson
CLAYCOMBE, Hugh, "Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps and Time Lines - 10th Anniversary - Pam Sunday to Easter - Walking with Jesus Each Day - False Trials", 2015, Rose Publishing
