Vs. 1-5 The Sanhedrin had made it’s decision. Now they send Jesus to Pilate hoping that he will agree to carry out their sentence. However, Pilate is not about to rubber stamp their condemnation. He proceeds to judge for himself. The Jewish leaders say that this Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah- an [...]
Vs. 54 All of the disciples of Jesus scattered at his arrest except Peter. Verse 54 records that Peter followed the procession at a distance and even ventured into the courtyard of the high priest. From that position, he was somewhat privy to the discussion of the Sanhedrin. Usually the council held their meetings near the [...]
In the last article I presented an overview of the Gospel of Judas, based upon chapter six of Ehrman’s book: The Lost Gospel of Judas Iscariot. I realize now that I should have included some kind of response and compared the contents to orthodox Christianity. The following is adapted from an article I published in April 2006 when the [...]
A continuing series reflecting on the book: “What Jesus Demands from the World”, By John Piper (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Books, 2006, 400 pgs.) Jesus began his public ministry with the declaration: “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17) What is repentance? What does it mean, and more important, what did Jesus mean [...]
Following his arrest, Jesus was taken to the high priest and before a hastily called session of the Sanhedrin. The trial of Jesus can be divided into two parts- first the religious trial before the Sanhedrin, and second the legal/political trial before Pilate and Herod Antipas (However, the Gospel of Mark does not include the appearance [...]
Vs. 43-45 Judas showed up that night with a whole gang of officials and Temple guards fully armed. He had probably observed Jesus slip away from crowds on numerous occasions and decided to leave nothing to chance. In the dim light flowing through the orchards on the Mount of Olives at night, it was necessary for Judas to [...]
Vs. 32-34 Following the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples travel to the Mount of Olives to spend the night, then on to the garden or orchard of Gethsemane on the lower slopes of the Mount. This was one of Jesus’ favorite places to go, particularly for prayer and meditation.
