Memorial Bible Reading Schedule 2024 and Invitation
Monday, March 25 Sunrise
[Image:] Jesus identifying himself before a mob who have come to arrest him.
Matthew 27:1 through 61
[Click to read scripture]|[Matthew 27:1 through 61:] When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people consulted together against Jesus to put him to death. After binding him, they led him off and handed him over to Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, felt remorse and brought the 30 pieces of silver back to the chief priests and elders, saying: “I sinned when I betrayed innocent blood.” They said: “What is that to us? You must see to it!” So he threw the silver pieces into the temple and departed. Then he went off and hanged himself. But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said: “It is not lawful to put them into the sacred treasury, because they are the price of blood.” After consulting together, they used the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for strangers. Therefore, that field has been called Field of Blood to this very day. Then what was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “And they took the 30 silver pieces, the price that was set on the man, the one on whom a price was set by some of the sons of Israel, and they gave them for the potter’s field, according to what Jehovah had commanded me.” Jesus now stood before the governor, and the governor put the question to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus replied: “You yourself say it.” But while he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him: “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him, no, not a word, so that the governor was very surprised. Now from festival to festival, it was the custom of the governor to release a prisoner to the crowd, whomever they wanted. Just at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them: “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus the so-called Christ?” For Pilate was aware that out of envy they had handed him over. Moreover, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him, saying: “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I suffered a lot today in a dream because of him.” But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas, but to have Jesus put to death. In response the governor said to them: “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said: “Barabbas.” Pilate said to them: “What, then, should I do with Jesus the so-called Christ?” They all said: “To the stake with him!” He said: “Why? What bad thing did he do?” Still they kept shouting out all the more: “To the stake with him!” Seeing that it did no good but, rather, an uproar was arising, Pilate took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying: “I am innocent of the blood of this man. You yourselves must see to it.” At that all the people said in answer: “Let his blood come upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but he had Jesus whipped and handed him over to be executed on the stake. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s residence and gathered the whole body of troops together around him. And disrobing him, they draped him with a scarlet cloak, and they braided a crown out of thorns and put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying: “Greetings, you King of the Jews!” And they spat on him and took the reed and began hitting him on his head. Finally, after they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak and put his outer garments on him and led him off to be nailed to the stake. As they were going out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon. This man they compelled into service to carry his torture stake. And when they came to a place called Golgotha, that is, Skull Place, they gave him wine mixed with gall to drink; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had nailed him to the stake, they distributed his outer garments by casting lots, and they sat there keeping watch over him. They also posted above his head the charge against him, in writing: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” Then two robbers were put on stakes alongside him, one on his right and one on his left. And those passing by spoke abusively of him, shaking their heads and saying: “You who would throw down the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are a son of God, come down off the torture stake!” In the same way also, the chief priests with the scribes and the elders began mocking him, saying: “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel; let him now come down off the torture stake, and we will believe in him. He has put his trust in God; let Him now rescue him if He wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” In the same way, even the robbers who were on stakes alongside him were reproaching him. From the sixth hour on, a darkness fell over all the land until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour, Jesus called out with a loud voice, saying: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” At hearing this, some of those standing there began to say: “This man is calling Elijah.” And immediately one of them ran and took a sponge and soaked it in sour wine and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the rest of them said: “Let him be! Let us see whether Elijah comes to save him.” Again Jesus called out with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And look! the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two, from top to bottom, and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. And the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the holy ones who had fallen asleep were raised up (and people coming out from among the tombs after his being raised up entered into the holy city), and they became visible to many people. But when the army officer and those with him keeping watch over Jesus saw the earthquake and the things happening, they grew very much afraid and said: “Certainly this was God’s Son.” And many women were there watching from a distance, who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee to minister to him; among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joses and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. Now as it was late in the afternoon, a rich man of Arimathea came, named Joseph, who had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it up in clean, fine linen, and laid it in his new tomb, which he had quarried in the rock. And after rolling a big stone to the entrance of the tomb, he left. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary continued there, sitting before the grave. [Click to close]
Mark 15:1 through 47
[Click to read scripture]|[Mark 15:1 through 47:] Immediately at dawn, the chief priests with the elders and the scribes, indeed, the whole Sanhedrin, consulted together, and they bound Jesus and led him off and handed him over to Pilate. So Pilate put the question to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” In answer he said: “You yourself say it.” But the chief priests were accusing him of many things. Now Pilate began questioning him again, saying: “Have you no reply to make? See how many charges they are bringing against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. Well, from festival to festival, he used to release to them one prisoner whom they requested. At the time the man named Barabbas was in prison with the seditionists, who in their sedition had committed murder. So the crowd came up and began to make their request according to what Pilate used to do for them. He responded to them, saying: “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” For Pilate was aware that out of envy the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas to them instead. Again in reply Pilate said to them: “What, then, should I do with the one you call the King of the Jews?” Once more they cried out: “To the stake with him!” But Pilate went on to say to them: “Why? What bad thing did he do?” Still they cried out all the more: “To the stake with him!” At that Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and after having Jesus whipped, he handed him over to be executed on the stake. The soldiers now led him off into the courtyard, that is, into the governor’s residence, and they called the whole body of troops together. And they dressed him in purple and braided a crown of thorns and put it on him; and they began to call out to him: “Greetings, you King of the Jews!” Also, they were hitting him on the head with a reed and spitting on him, and they got on their knees and bowed down to him. Finally, after they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple and put his outer garments on him. And they led him out to nail him to the stake. Also, they compelled into service a passerby, a certain Simon of Cyrene, coming from the countryside, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his torture stake. So they brought him to the place called Golgotha, which means, when translated, “Skull Place.” Here they tried to give him wine drugged with myrrh, but he would not take it. And they nailed him to the stake and distributed his outer garments by casting lots over them to decide who would take what. It was now the third hour, and they nailed him to the stake. And the inscription of the charge against him was written: “The King of the Jews.” Moreover, they put two robbers on stakes alongside him, one on his right and one on his left. And those passing by spoke abusively to him, shaking their heads and saying: “Ha! You who would throw down the temple and build it in three days, save yourself by coming down off the torture stake.” In the same way also, the chief priests with the scribes were mocking him among themselves, saying: “Others he saved; himself he cannot save! Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down off the torture stake, so that we may see and believe.” Even those who were on stakes alongside him were reproaching him. When it became the sixth hour, a darkness fell over all the land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour, Jesus called out with a loud voice: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, when translated: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of those standing near, on hearing it, began to say: “See! He is calling Elijah.” Then someone ran, soaked a sponge in sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying: “Let him be! Let us see whether Elijah comes to take him down.” But Jesus let out a loud cry and expired. And the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. Now when the army officer who was standing by with him in view saw that he had expired under these circumstances, he said: “Certainly this man was God’s Son.” There were also women watching from a distance, among them Mary Magdalene as well as Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome, who used to accompany him and minister to him when he was in Galilee, and many other women who had come up together with him to Jerusalem. Now as it was already late in the afternoon, and since it was Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, there came Joseph of Arimathea, a reputable member of the Council, who also himself was waiting for the Kingdom of God. He took courage and went in before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. But Pilate wondered whether he could already be dead, and summoning the army officer, he asked him whether Jesus had already died. So after making certain from the army officer, he granted the body to Joseph. After he bought fine linen and took him down, he wrapped him in the fine linen and laid him in a tomb that was quarried out of rock; then he rolled a stone up to the entrance of the tomb. But Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses continued looking at where he had been laid. [Click to close]
Luke 22:66 through 23:56
[Click to read scripture]|[Luke 22:66 through 23:56:] And when it became day, the assembly of elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they led him into their Sanhedrin hall and said: “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them: “Even if I told you, you would not believe it at all. Moreover, if I questioned you, you would not answer. However, from now on the Son of man will be seated at the powerful right hand of God.” At this they all said: “Are you, therefore, the Son of God?” He said to them: “You yourselves are saying that I am.” They said: “Why do we need further testimony? For we ourselves have heard it out of his own mouth.” So the multitude got up, one and all, and led him to Pilate. Then they began to accuse him, saying: “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar, and saying he himself is Christ a king.” Now Pilate asked him the question: “Are you the King of the Jews?” In answer he said: “You yourself are saying it.” Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds: “I find no crime in this man.” But they insisted, saying: “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee even to here.” On hearing that, Pilate asked whether the man was a Galilean. After ascertaining that he was under the jurisdiction of Herod, he sent him on to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem in those days. When Herod saw Jesus, he rejoiced greatly. For a considerable time he had been wanting to see Jesus because he had heard much about him, and he was hoping to see some sign performed by him. So he began to question him at length, but he gave him no answer. However, the chief priests and the scribes kept standing up and vehemently accusing him. Then Herod together with his soldiers treated him with contempt, and he mocked him by clothing him with a splendid garment and then sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends with each other on that very day, for before that they had been at enmity with each other. Pilate then called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them: “You brought this man to me as one inciting the people to revolt. Now look! I examined him in front of you but found in this man no grounds for the charges you are bringing against him. In fact, neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us, and look! he has done nothing deserving of death. I will therefore punish him and release him.” But the whole crowd shouted out: “Do away with this man, and release Barabbas to us!” (This man had been thrown into prison for sedition that had occurred in the city and for murder.) Again Pilate called out to them, because he wanted to release Jesus. Then they began to yell, saying: “To the stake with him! To the stake with him!” The third time he said to them: “Why? What bad thing did this man do? I found in him nothing deserving of death; I will therefore punish him and release him.” At this they became insistent, demanding with loud voices that he be executed, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate made the decision that their demand be met. He released the man whom they were demanding, who had been thrown into prison for sedition and murder, but he surrendered Jesus to their will. Now as they led him away, they seized a certain Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the countryside, and they placed the torture stake on him to carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people were following him, including women who kept beating themselves in grief and wailing for him. Jesus turned to the women and said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for me. Weep instead for yourselves and for your children; for look! days are coming when people will say, ‘Happy are the barren women, the wombs that did not give birth and the breasts that did not nurse!’ Then they will start saying to the mountains, ‘Fall over us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us over!’ If they do these things when the tree is moist, what will occur when it is withered?” Two other men, criminals, were also being led off to be executed with him. And when they got to the place called Skull, they nailed him to the stake there alongside the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. But Jesus was saying: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Furthermore, they cast lots to distribute his garments. And the people stood looking on. But the rulers were sneering and saying: “Others he saved; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.” Even the soldiers mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” There was also an inscription over him: “This is the King of the Jews.” Then one of the criminals hanging there began to speak abusively to him, saying: “You are the Christ, are you not? Save yourself and us too!” In response the other rebuked him, saying: “Do you not fear God at all, now that you have received the same judgment? And we rightly so, for we are getting back what we deserve for the things we did; but this man did nothing wrong.” Then he said: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your Kingdom.” And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.” Well, by now it was about the sixth hour, and yet a darkness fell over all the land until the ninth hour, because the sunlight failed; then the curtain of the sanctuary was torn down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice and said: “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” After he said this, he expired. Because of seeing what occurred, the army officer began to glorify God, saying: “Truly, this man was righteous.” And when all the crowds that were gathered together there for this spectacle saw the things that occurred, they returned home, beating their chests. And all those acquainted with him were standing at a distance. Also, women who had accompanied him from Galilee were there and saw these things. And look! there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, who was a good and righteous man. (This man had not voted in support of their scheme and action.) He was from Arimathea, a city of the Judeans, and was waiting for the Kingdom of God. This man went in before Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it up in fine linen, and he laid it in a tomb carved in the rock, where no man had yet lain. Now it was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin. But the women who had come with him from Galilee followed along and took a look at the tomb and saw how his body was laid, and they went back to prepare spices and perfumed oils. But, of course, they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment. [Click to close]
John 18:28 through 19:42
[Click to read scripture]|[John 18:28 through 19:42:] Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the governor’s residence. It was now early in the morning. But they themselves did not enter into the governor’s residence, so that they would not get defiled but could eat the Passover. So Pilate came outside to them and said: “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him: “If this man were not a wrongdoer, we would not have handed him over to you.” So Pilate said to them: “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews said to him: “It is not lawful for us to kill anyone.” This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to indicate what sort of death he was about to die. So Pilate entered the governor’s residence again and called Jesus and said to him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered: “Are you asking this of your own originality, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied: “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What did you do?” Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.” So Pilate said to him: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus answered: “You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him: “What is truth?” After saying this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them: “I find no fault in him. Moreover, you have a custom that I should release a man to you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” Again they shouted: “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. Pilate then took Jesus and scourged him. And the soldiers braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head and clothed him with a purple robe, and they kept coming up to him and saying: “Greetings, you King of the Jews!” They also kept slapping him in the face. Pilate went outside again and said to them: “See! I bring him outside to you in order for you to know that I find no fault in him.” So Jesus came outside, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them: “Look! The man!” However, when the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted: “To the stake with him! To the stake with him!” Pilate said to them: “Take him yourselves and execute him, for I do not find any fault in him.” The Jews answered him: “We have a law, and according to the law he ought to die, because he made himself God’s son.” When Pilate heard what they were saying, he became even more fearful, and he entered the governor’s residence again and said to Jesus: “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. So Pilate said to him: “Are you refusing to speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and I have authority to execute you?” Jesus answered him: “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been granted to you from above. This is why the man who handed me over to you has greater sin.” For this reason Pilate kept trying to find a way to release him, but the Jews shouted: “If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” Then Pilate, after hearing these words, brought Jesus outside, and he sat down on a judgment seat in a place called the Stone Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews: “See! Your king!” However, they shouted: “Take him away! Take him away! To the stake with him!” Pilate said to them: “Shall I execute your king?” The chief priests answered: “We have no king but Caesar.” Then he handed him over to them to be executed on the stake. So they took charge of Jesus. Bearing the torture stake for himself, he went out to the so-called Skull Place, which is called Golgotha in Hebrew. There they nailed him to the stake alongside two other men, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the torture stake. It was written: “Jesus the Nazarene the King of the Jews.” Many of the Jews read this title, because the place where Jesus was nailed to the stake was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. However, the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate: “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered: “What I have written, I have written.” Now when the soldiers had nailed Jesus to the stake, they took his outer garments and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier, and they also took the inner garment. But the inner garment was without a seam, being woven from top to bottom. So they said to one another: “Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots over it to decide whose it will be.” This was to fulfill the scripture: “They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.” So the soldiers actually did these things. By the torture stake of Jesus, however, there were standing his mother and his mother’s sister; Mary the wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. So when Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother: “Woman, see! Your son!” Next he said to the disciple: “See! Your mother!” And from that hour on, the disciple took her into his own home. After this, when Jesus knew that by now all things had been accomplished, in order to fulfill the scripture he said: “I am thirsty.” A jar was sitting there full of sour wine. So they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop stalk and held it up to his mouth. When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said: “It has been accomplished!” and bowing his head, he gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, so that the bodies would not remain on the torture stakes on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath day was a great one), the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and those of the other man who was on a stake alongside him. But on coming to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers jabbed his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And the one who has seen it has given this witness, and his witness is true, and he knows that what he says is true, so that you also may believe. In fact, these things took place for the scripture to be fulfilled: “Not a bone of his will be broken.” And again, a different scripture says: “They will look to the one whom they pierced.” Now after these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus but a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body away. Nicodemus, the man who had come to him in the night the first time, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about a hundred pounds. So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Incidentally, there was a garden at the place where he was executed, and in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had ever yet been laid. Because it was the day of Preparation of the Jews and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 127
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 127. Tried by the Sanhedrin, Then On to Pilate]
Matthew 27:1 through 11; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66 through 23:3; John 18:28 through 35
Chapter Overview. Morning trial before the Sanhedrin. Judas Iscariot tries to hang himself. Jesus is sent to Pilate to be condemned.
The night is drawing to a close when Peter denies Jesus for the third time. The members of the Sanhedrin have finished with their mock trial and have dispersed. Come dawn Friday morning, they reconvene, likely to give some cloak of legality to the illegal night trial. Jesus is brought before them. Again the court demands: “If you are the Christ, tell us.” Jesus answers: “Even if I told you, you would not believe it at all. Moreover, if I questioned you, you would not answer.” However, Jesus courageously indicates to them his identity as the one foretold at Daniel 7:13. He says: “From now on the Son of man will be seated at the powerful right hand of God.” (Luke 22:67 through 69; Matthew 26:63) They persist: “Are you, therefore, the Son of God?” Jesus replies: “You yourselves are saying that I am.” This seems to justify killing Jesus on the charge of blasphemy. “Why do we need further testimony?” they ask. (Luke 22:70 and 71; Mark 14:64) So they bind Jesus and lead him away to Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. Judas Iscariot may see Jesus being taken to Pilate. When Judas realizes that Jesus has been condemned, he feels a certain remorse and despair. However, rather than turning to God in true repentance, he goes to give back the 30 pieces of silver. Judas tells the chief priests: “I sinned when I betrayed innocent blood.” But he gets the heartless reply: “What is that to us? You must see to it!” (Matthew 27:4) Judas throws the 30 silver pieces into the temple and then adds to his wrongs by attempting self-murder. As Judas tries to hang himself, apparently the branch to which he ties the rope breaks. His body drops to the rocks below, where it bursts apart. (Acts 1:17 and 18) It is still early in the morning when Jesus is taken to the palace of Pontius Pilate. But the Jews taking him there refuse to enter. They think that such contact with Gentiles will defile them. That would disqualify them from eating the meal on Nisan 15, the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which is viewed as part of the Passover period. Pilate comes out and asks them: “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They respond: “If this man were not a wrongdoer, we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate may feel that they are trying to pressure him, so he says: “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews reveal their murderous intent, replying: “It is not lawful for us to kill anyone.” (John 18:29 through 31) Actually, if they kill Jesus during the Passover festival, it will likely cause a public uproar. Yet if they can get the Romans to execute Jesus on a political charge, which the Romans are authorized to do, it will tend to absolve these Jews of responsibility before the people. The religious leaders do not tell Pilate that they had condemned Jesus for blasphemy. Now they trump up different charges: “We found this man [1] subverting our nation, [2] forbidding the paying of taxes to Caesar, and [3] saying he himself is Christ a king.” (Luke 23:2) As a representative of Rome, Pilate has reason for concern about the charge that Jesus is claiming to be a king. So Pilate reenters the palace, calls Jesus to him, and asks: “Are you the King of the Jews?” In other words, ‘Have you broken the law of the empire by declaring yourself to be a king in opposition to Caesar?’ Perhaps to find out how much Pilate already has heard about him, Jesus says: “Are you asking this of your own originality, or did others tell you about me?” (John 18:33 and 34) Professing ignorance of the facts about Jesus but desiring to learn them, Pilate replies: “I am not a Jew, am I?” He adds: “Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What did you do?” (John 18:35) Jesus does not attempt to dodge the central issue, kingship. He answers in a way that no doubt greatly surprises Governor Pilate.
[Box] The Field of Blood. The chief priests are not sure what to do with the silver pieces that Judas throws into the temple. “It is not lawful to put them into the sacred treasury,” they say, “because they are the price of blood.” So they use the money to purchase the potter’s field in which to bury strangers. It comes to be called the “Field of Blood.” (Matthew 27:6 through 8) [End of Box]
[Box, Questions for review]
Why does the Sanhedrin reconvene in the morning?
How does Judas die, and what happens to the 30 pieces of silver?
On what charges do the Jews want Pilate to have Jesus killed? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 128
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 128. Found Innocent by Both Pilate and Herod]
Matthew 27:12 through 14, 18 and 19; Mark 15:2 through 5; Luke 23:4 through 16; John 18:36 through 38
Chapter Overview. Jesus is examined by Pilate and by Herod.
Jesus does not try to conceal from Pilate that he really is a king. Still, his Kingdom is no threat to Rome. “My Kingdom is no part of this world,” Jesus says. “If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.” (John 18:36) Yes, Jesus has a Kingdom, but it is not of this world. Pilate does not leave the issue at that. He asks: “Well, then, are you a king?” Jesus lets Pilate know that he has drawn the right conclusion, answering: “You yourself are saying that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” (John 18:37) Jesus had earlier told Thomas: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Now even Pilate hears that the purpose of Jesus’ being sent to earth is to bear witness to “the truth,” specifically the truth about his Kingdom. Jesus is determined to be faithful to that truth even if it costs him his life. Pilate asks: “What is truth?” but he does not wait for further explanation. He feels that he has heard enough to judge this man. (John 14:6; 18:38) Pilate returns to the crowd waiting outside the palace. Jesus apparently is at his side when he tells the chief priests and those with them: “I find no crime in this man.” Angered by that decision, the crowd insists: “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, starting from Galilee even to here.” (Luke 23:4 and 5) The Jews’ unreasoning fanaticism must amaze Pilate. As the chief priests and older men continue shouting, Pilate asks Jesus: “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” (Matthew 27:13) Jesus makes no attempt to answer. His calm in the face of the wild accusations surprises Pilate. The Jews indicated that Jesus had ‘started from Galilee.’ Pursuing that clue, Pilate learns that Jesus is, in fact, a Galilean. This gives Pilate an idea of how he might escape responsibility for judging Jesus. Herod Antipas (the son of Herod the Great) is the ruler of Galilee, and he is in Jerusalem this Passover season. So Pilate sends Jesus to Herod. It was Herod Antipas who had John the Baptist beheaded. Later, at hearing that Jesus was performing miraculous works, Herod was concerned that Jesus might be John raised from the dead. (Luke 9:7 through 9) Herod now rejoices at the prospect of seeing Jesus. This is not because he wants to help Jesus or wishes to make any real attempt to learn whether there are valid charges against him. Herod is simply curious, and he is “hoping to see some sign performed by him.” (Luke 23:8) However, Jesus does not satisfy Herod’s curiosity. In fact, as Herod questions him, Jesus says not a word. Disappointed, both Herod and his soldiers treat Jesus “with contempt.” (Luke 23:11) They clothe him with a splendid garment and mock him. Then Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate had been enemies, but now they become good friends. When Jesus returns, Pilate calls together the chief priests, the Jewish rulers, and the people and says: “I examined him in front of you but found in this man no grounds for the charges you are bringing against him. In fact, neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us, and look! he has done nothing deserving of death. I will therefore punish him and release him.” (Luke 23:14 through 16) Pilate is eager to free Jesus, for he realizes that it is out of envy that the priests have handed him over. As Pilate tries to release Jesus, he receives further motivation to do so. While he is on his judgment seat, his wife sends him the message: “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I suffered a lot today in a dream [evidently of divine origin] because of him.” (Matthew 27:19) How can Pilate release this innocent man, as he should?
[Box, Questions for review]
How does Jesus tell “the truth” regarding his kingship?
Pilate reaches what conclusion about Jesus, how do the people respond, and what does Pilate do?
Why is Herod Antipas pleased to see Jesus, and what does he do with him?
Why does Pilate want to free Jesus? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 129
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 129. Pilate Proclaims: “Look! The Man!”]
Matthew 27:15 through 17, 20 through 30; Mark 15:6 through 19; Luke 23:18 through 25; John 18:39 through 19:5
Chapter Overview. Pilate attempts to free Jesus. The Jews ask for Barabbas. Jesus is mocked and mistreated.
Pilate told the crowd seeking Jesus’ death: “I ... found in this man no grounds for the charges you are bringing against him. In fact, neither did Herod.” (Luke 23:14 and 15) Now, trying to spare Jesus, Pilate uses another approach, saying to the people: “You have a custom that I should release a man to you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” (John 18:39) Pilate is aware of a prisoner named Barabbas, who is known as a robber, a seditionist, and a murderer. So Pilate asks: “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas or Jesus the so-called Christ?” Having been stirred up by the chief priests, the people ask that Barabbas be released, not Jesus. Pilate asks again: “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” The crowd shouts: “Barabbas”! (Matthew 27:17 and 21) Dismayed, Pilate asks: “What, then, should I do with Jesus the so-called Christ?” The people roar: “To the stake with him!” (Matthew 27:22) To their shame, they are demanding the death of an innocent man. Pilate pleads: “Why? What bad thing did this man do? I found in him nothing deserving of death; I will therefore punish him and release him.” (Luke 23:22) Despite Pilate’s repeated efforts, the enraged crowd yells in unison: “To the stake with him!” (Matthew 27:23) The religious leaders have worked the crowd into such a frenzy that they want blood! And it is not the blood of some criminal, some murderer. It is the blood of an innocent man who five days before was welcomed into Jerusalem as King. If Jesus’ disciples are present, they remain silent and inconspicuous. Pilate sees that his appeals are doing no good. An uproar is arising, so he takes some water and washes his hands before the eyes of the crowd. He tells them: “I am innocent of the blood of this man. You yourselves must see to it.” Even that does not put the people off. Rather, they say: “Let his blood come upon us and upon our children.” (Matthew 27:24 and 25) The governor wishes to satisfy them more than he wishes to do what he knows is right. So in accord with their demand, Pilate releases Barabbas to the mob. He has Jesus stripped and then scourged. After this torturous beating, the soldiers take Jesus into the governor’s palace. The body of troops gather and heap further abuse on him. They braid a crown of thorns and push it down on his head. The soldiers also put a reed in Jesus’ right hand and put a scarlet-colored robe on him, such as is worn by royalty. They say with scorn: “Greetings, you King of the Jews!” (Matthew 27:28 and 29) More than that, they spit on Jesus and keep slapping his face. Taking the sturdy reed from him, they hit him on the head with it, driving deeper into his scalp the sharp thorns of his humiliating “crown.” Jesus’ remarkable dignity and strength through all of this so impresses Pilate that he makes another attempt to absolve himself, saying: “See! I bring him outside to you in order for you to know that I find no fault in him.” Could Pilate think that bringing Jesus out now, bruised and bleeding, would move the crowds to relent? As Jesus stands before the heartless mob, Pilate proclaims: “Look! The man!” (John 19:4 and 5) Though battered and wounded, Jesus displays a quiet dignity and calm that even Pilate must acknowledge, for his words seem to mingle respect with pity.
[Box] Scourging. Doctor William D. Edwards in The Journal of the American Medical Association describes the Roman practice of scourging: “The usual instrument was a short whip (flagrum or flagellum) with several single or braided leather thongs of variable lengths, in which small iron balls or sharp pieces of sheep bones were tied at intervals.... As the Roman soldiers repeatedly struck the victim’s back with full force, the iron balls would cause deep contusions, and the leather thongs and sheep bones would cut into the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Then, as the flogging continued, the lacerations would tear into the underlying skeletal muscles and produce quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh.” [End of Box]
[Box, Questions for review]
How does Pilate attempt to have Jesus released and thereby absolve himself of responsibility?
What is involved in being scourged?
After Jesus is scourged, how is he further mistreated? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 130
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 130. Jesus Is Handed Over and Led Away to Die]
Matthew 27:31 and 32; Mark 15:20 and 21; Luke 23:24 through 31; John 19:6 through 17
Chapter Overview. Pilate tries to release Jesus. Jesus is condemned and sent to die.
Despite Jesus’ having been viciously abused and ridiculed, Pilate’s efforts to release him do not move the chief priests and their accomplices. They want nothing to prevent having Jesus put to death. They keep shouting: “To the stake with him! To the stake with him!” Pilate responds: “Take him yourselves and execute him, for I do not find any fault in him.” (John 19:6) The Jews do not convince Pilate that Jesus is worthy of death on a political charge, but what about a religious one? They fall back on the charge of blasphemy that was raised at Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin. “We have a law,” they say, “and according to the law he ought to die, because he made himself God’s son.” (John 19:7) This is a new charge for Pilate. He goes back into his palace and tries to find a way to release this man who has borne up under severe treatment and about whom Pilate’s own wife had a dream. (Matthew 27:19) What of this new charge that the Jews are making, that the prisoner is “God’s son”? Pilate knows that Jesus is from Galilee. (Luke 23:5 through 7) Yet he asks Jesus: “Where are you from?” (John 19:9) Could Pilate be wondering whether Jesus might have lived before and, in some sense, be of divine origin? Pilate had heard directly from Jesus that he is a king but that his Kingdom is no part of this world. Not needing to elaborate on what he earlier said, Jesus remains silent. His refusal to reply stings Pilate’s pride, and he indignantly says to Jesus: “Are you refusing to speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and I have authority to execute you?” (John 19:10) Jesus says simply: “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been granted to you from above. This is why the man who handed me over to you has greater sin.” (John 19:11) Jesus likely does not have in mind one specific individual. Rather, he means that Caiaphas, his accomplices, and Judas Iscariot bear a heavier responsibility than Pilate does. Impressed by Jesus’ comportment and words, and increasingly fearful that Jesus may be of divine origin, Pilate tries again to release him. However, the Jews bring up another fear that Pilate must have. They threaten: “If you release this man, you are not a friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” (John 19:12) The governor brings Jesus outside once more and, sitting on the judgment seat, tells the people: “See! Your king!” The Jews will not relent, though. “Take him away! Take him away! To the stake with him!” they shout. Pilate pleads: “Shall I execute your king?” The Jews have long chafed under Roman rule; still, the chief priests boldly assert: “We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:14 and 15) Cowardly caving in under the Jews’ relentless demands, Pilate hands Jesus over to be executed. The soldiers strip the scarlet-colored cloak off Jesus and put on his outer garments. As Jesus is led off, he must bear his own torture stake. It is now well into the morning of Friday, Nisan 14. Jesus has been awake since early Thursday morning and has suffered one agonizing experience after another. As he struggles under the weight of the stake, Jesus’ strength gives out. So the soldiers force a passerby, Simon from Cyrene in Africa, to carry the stake to the place of execution. Many people follow, some beating themselves in grief and bewailing what is happening. Jesus says to the grieving women: “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for me. Weep instead for yourselves and for your children; for look! days are coming when people will say, ‘Happy are the barren women, the wombs that did not give birth and the breasts that did not nurse!’ Then they will start saying to the mountains, ‘Fall over us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us over!’ If they do these things when the tree is moist, what will occur when it is withered?” (Luke 23:28 through 31) Jesus is referring to the Jewish nation. It is like a dying tree that still has some moisture left, for Jesus is present and so are a number of Jews who believe in him. When these are taken out from the nation, only a spiritually withered national organization will remain, being like a dead tree. There will be intense weeping when the Roman armies act as God’s executioners against that nation!
[Box, Questions for review]
The religious leaders make what charge against Jesus?
Why does Pilate grow fearful?
How do the chief priests get Pilate to have Jesus executed?
What does Jesus mean by referring to the tree as “moist” and then “withered”? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 131
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 131. An Innocent King Suffers on the Stake]
Matthew 27:33 through 44; Mark 15:22 through 32; Luke 23:32 through 43; John 19:17 through 24
Chapter Overview. Jesus is nailed to a torture stake. The sign over Jesus’ head provokes mockery. Jesus offers hope of life in paradise on earth.
Jesus is led to a location not far from the city where he and two robbers are to be executed. The place is called Golgotha, or Skull Place, and is a spot that is visible “from a distance.” (Mark 15:40) The three condemned men are stripped of their garments. Then wine drugged with myrrh and bitter gall is provided. Apparently, women of Jerusalem have prepared the mixture, and the Romans do not deny this pain-dulling potion to those being put to death. Upon tasting it, though, Jesus refuses to drink any. Why? He wants to have full possession of all his senses during this major test; he wants to be conscious and faithful to death. Jesus is stretched out on the stake. (Mark 15:25) The soldiers pound nails into his hands and his feet, piercing flesh and ligaments, causing intense pain. As the stake is swung upright, the pain is even more excruciating as the weight of Jesus’ body tears at his wounds. Yet, Jesus does not berate the soldiers. He prays: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) The Romans customarily post a sign stating the crime of the condemned criminal. This time, Pilate has posted a sign that reads: “Jesus the Nazarene the King of the Jews.” It is written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so most everyone can read it. Pilate’s act reflects his disdain for the Jews who insisted on Jesus’ death. The dismayed chief priests protest: “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that he said, ‘I am King of the Jews.’” However, not wanting to be their pawn once again, Pilate answers: “What I have written, I have written.” (John 19:19 through 22) The enraged priests repeat the false testimony that was given earlier at the Sanhedrin trials. Not surprisingly, passersby wag their heads in mockery and say abusively: “Ha! You who would throw down the temple and build it in three days, save yourself by coming down off the torture stake.” Similarly, the chief priests and scribes say to one another: “Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down off the torture stake, so that we may see and believe.” (Mark 15:29 through 32) Even the condemned robbers on Jesus’ left and right reproach him, though he is the only one truly innocent. The four Roman soldiers also make fun of Jesus. They may have been drinking sour wine, so now in mockery they apparently hold some of it before Jesus, who obviously cannot reach out and take any. The Romans tauntingly allude to the sign above Jesus’ head and say: “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself.” (Luke 23:36 and 37) Think of it! The man who has proved to be the way, the truth, and the life is now being subjected to undeserved abuse and ridicule. Yet he resolutely suffers it all, without reproaching the Jews who are watching, the Roman soldiers mocking him, or the two condemned criminals hanging on stakes alongside him. The four soldiers have taken Jesus’ outer garments and divided them into four parts. They cast lots to see who gets which piece. Jesus’ inner garment, though, is of superior quality, “without a seam, being woven from top to bottom.” The soldiers reason: “Let us not tear it, but let us cast lots over it to decide whose it will be.” They thus fulfill the scripture that says: “They divided my garments among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing.” (John 19:23 and 24; Psalm 22:18) In time, one of the criminals realizes that Jesus truly must be a king. He rebukes his companion with the words: “Do you not fear God at all, now that you have received the same judgment? And we rightly so, for we are getting back what we deserve for the things we did; but this man did nothing wrong.” Then he beseeches Jesus: “Remember me when you get into your Kingdom.” (Luke 23:40 through 42) Jesus replies: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me,” not in the Kingdom, but “in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) This promise differs from what Jesus has told his apostles, namely, that they would sit on thrones with him in the Kingdom. (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:29 and 30) However, this Jewish criminal may have heard about the earthly Paradise that Jehovah had originally provided as a home for Adam, Eve, and their descendants. Now this robber can die with that hope before him.
[Box, Questions for review]
Why does Jesus refuse to drink the wine offered to him?
What sign is posted over Jesus’ head, and how do the Jews react to it?
How is prophecy fulfilled in what is done with Jesus’ garments?
What prospect does Jesus hold out to one of the criminals? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 132
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 132. “Certainly This Man Was God’s Son”]
Matthew 27:45 through 56; Mark 15:33 through 41; Luke 23:44 through 49; John 19:25 through 30
Chapter Overview. Jesus dies on the stake. Unusual events at Jesus’ death.
It is now “the sixth hour,” or noon. A strange darkness falls “over all the land until the ninth hour,” three o’clock in the afternoon. (Mark 15:33) This eerie darkness is not caused by a solar eclipse. Those occur at the time of the new moon, but this is Passover season, when the moon is full. And this darkness lasts much longer than the few minutes of an eclipse. So God has caused this darkness! Imagine the effect this must have on those mocking Jesus. During this dark period, four women approach the torture stake. They are Jesus’ mother, Salome, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of the apostle James the Less. The apostle John is with Jesus’ grieving mother “by the torture stake.” Mary watches the son she bore and nurtured as he hangs there in agony. For her, it is like being pierced by “a long sword.” (John 19:25; Luke 2:35) Despite his intense pain, however, Jesus thinks of her welfare. He makes the effort to nod toward John and say to his mother: “Woman, see! Your son!” Then, nodding toward Mary, he tells John: “See! Your mother!” (John 19:26 and 27) Jesus is entrusting the care of his mother, who is evidently now a widow, to the apostle whom he especially loves. Jesus is aware that his half brothers, Mary’s other sons, have not as yet put faith in him. So he is making provision for his mother’s physical care as well as for her spiritual needs. What a fine example! About the time the darkness ends, Jesus says: “I am thirsty.” In this he is fulfilling the scriptures. (John 19:28; Psalm 22:15) Jesus senses that his Father has, as it were, withdrawn his protection so that his Son’s integrity might be tested to the limit. Christ calls out in what may be Aramaic of a Galilean dialect: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some standing nearby misunderstand him and exclaim: “See! He is calling Elijah.” One of them runs and, placing a sponge soaked with sour wine on the end of a reed, gives Jesus a drink. But others say: “Let him be! Let us see whether Elijah comes to take him down.” (Mark 15:34 through 36) Jesus then cries out: “It has been accomplished!” (John 19:30) Yes, he has accomplished all that his Father sent him to earth to do. Finally, Jesus says: “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) Jesus thus commits to Jehovah his life force, confident that God will restore it to him. With undiminished trust in God, Christ bows his head and dies. At that, a violent earthquake occurs, splitting rocks. It is so powerful that tombs outside Jerusalem break open and corpses are thrown out of them. Passersby who see the dead bodies exposed enter “the holy city” and report what they just witnessed. (Matthew 12:11; 27:51 through 53) When Jesus dies, the long, heavy curtain that divides the Holy from the Most Holy in God’s temple is ripped in two, from top to bottom. The astonishing event is a manifestation of God’s wrath against those who killed his Son and signifies that the way into the Most Holy, heaven itself, is now possible. (Hebrews 9:2 and 3; 10:19 and 20) Understandably, the people become very afraid. The army officer in charge at the execution proclaims: “Certainly this man was God’s Son.” (Mark 15:39) He may have been there at Jesus’ trial before Pilate when the issue of divine sonship was discussed. Now he is convinced that Jesus is righteous and is, in fact, the Son of God. Others, overcome by these unusual events, head to their homes, “beating their chests” as a gesture of their intense grief and shame. (Luke 23:48) Among those observing at a distance are many female disciples who at times traveled with Jesus. They too are deeply moved by all these momentous events.
[Box] “To the Stake”. Jesus’ enemies yelled: “To the stake with him!” (John 19:15) The basic Greek word for “stake” used in the Gospel accounts is staurosʹ. The book History of the Cross reports: “Stauros means ‘an upright pale,’ a strong stake, such as farmers drive into the ground to make their fences or palisades, no more, no less.” [End of Box]
[Box, Questions for review]
Why can a solar eclipse not be the cause of the three hours of darkness?
Jesus provides what fine example as to caring for aged parents?
What does the earthquake cause, and what is signified by the temple curtain’s being ripped in two?
How do Jesus’ death and surrounding events affect those present? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Jesus The Way, the Truth, the Life, chapter 133
[Click to read Jesus The Way]|[Chapter 133. Jesus’ Body Is Prepared and Buried]
Matthew 27:57 through 28:2; Mark 15:42 through 16:4; Luke 23:50 through 24:3; John 19:31 through 20:1
Chapter Overview. Jesus’ body is taken down from the stake. The body is prepared for burial. Women find an empty tomb
It is getting late on Friday afternoon, Nisan 14. At sundown, the Sabbath of Nisan 15 will begin. Jesus is already dead, but the two robbers alongside him are still alive. According to the Law, dead bodies “should not remain all night on the stake” but, rather, should be buried “on that day.” (Deuteronomy 21:22 and 23) Furthermore, Friday afternoon is called Preparation because people prepare meals and complete any other tasks that cannot wait until after the Sabbath. At sunset, a double, or “great,” Sabbath will begin. (John 19:31) This is so because Nisan 15 will be the first day of the seven-day Festival of Unleavened Bread, the first day of which is always a Sabbath. (Leviticus 23:5 and 6) This time that first day coincides with the weekly Sabbath, the seventh day. So the Jews ask Pilate to hasten the death of Jesus and the two robbers alongside him. How? By having their legs broken. That will make it impossible for them to use their legs to raise their bodies so as to breathe. The soldiers come and break the legs of the two robbers. But Jesus appears to be dead, and thus they do not break his legs. This fulfills Psalm 34:20: “He is guarding all his bones; not one of them has been broken.” To remove any doubt that Jesus is truly dead, a soldier jabs a spear into his side, piercing the region of his heart. ‘Immediately blood and water come out.’ (John 19:34) This fulfills another scripture: “They will look to the one whom they pierced.” (Zechariah 12:10) Joseph from the city of Arimathea, “a rich man” and reputable member of the Sanhedrin, is also present at the execution. (Matthew 27:57) He is described as “a good and righteous man,” who is “waiting for the Kingdom of God.” In fact, as “a disciple of Jesus but a secret one because of his fear of the Jews,” he did not support the court’s judgment of Jesus. (Luke 23:50; Mark 15:43; John 19:38) Joseph takes courage and asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. Pilate summons the army officer in charge, who confirms that Jesus is dead. Thereupon, Pilate grants Joseph’s request. Joseph buys clean, fine linen and takes Jesus’ body down from the stake. He wraps the corpse in the linen in preparation for burial. Nicodemus, “who had come to [Jesus] in the night the first time,” helps with the preparation. (John 19:39) He brings about a hundred Roman pounds (72 modern pounds) (33 kilograms) of a costly mixture of myrrh and aloes. Jesus’ body is wrapped in bandages containing these spices, according to the Jews’ burial custom. Joseph owns an unused tomb carved in rock nearby, and Jesus’ body is laid in it. Then a large stone is rolled in front of the tomb. This is hastily done, before the Sabbath begins. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James the Less may have been helping with the preparation of Jesus’ body. They now hurry home “to prepare spices and perfumed oils” to treat Jesus’ body further after the Sabbath. (Luke 23:56) The next day, the Sabbath, the chief priests and Pharisees go to Pilate and say: “We recall what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I am to be raised up.’ Therefore, command that the grave be made secure until the third day, so that his disciples may not come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He was raised up from the dead!’ Then this last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate replies: “You may have a guard. Go make it as secure as you know how.” (Matthew 27:63 through 65) Very early Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and other women bring spices to the tomb to treat Jesus’ body. They say to one another: “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb for us?” (Mark 16:3) But an earthquake has occurred. Moreover, God’s angel has rolled the stone away, the guards are gone, and the tomb appears empty!
[Box, Questions for review]
Why is Friday called Preparation, and why is this a “great” Sabbath?
What do Joseph and Nicodemus have to do with Jesus’ burial, and what is their relationship to Jesus?
What do the priests want done, but what occurs early Sunday morning? [End of Box] [Click to close]
Sunset (Nisan 15 begins)
Invitation to the 2024. Memorial of Jesus’ Death. What Can His Sacrifice Mean for You? [Press play below to hear your invitation]
[Image:] Artwork of Jesus Christ.
We invite you to two free events: First, the special Bible talk “The Resurrection, Victory Over Death!”.
Second, the Memorial of Jesus’ death
Memorial of Jesus’ Death. Will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2024
[Image:] One of Jehovah’s Witnesses sharing his Bible with a man during a congregation meeting at a Kingdom Hall.
Once each year, Jehovah’s Witnesses commemorate the death of Jesus just as he commanded when he said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
[Quotation] Luke 22:19: Also, he took a loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “This means my body, which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
[Image:] Joyful families embracing their resurrected loved ones in Paradise.
SPECIAL BIBLE TALK “The Resurrection, Victory Over Death!”
This talk will be given on a weekend shortly before the Memorial. The speaker will discuss what the resurrection can mean for you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How long is the program? It will last for about one hour.
Where will it be held? Contact Jehovah’s Witnesses for local details.
Is there a fee to attend? No.
Will collections be taken? No. Jehovah’s Witnesses never take collections at their meetings.
Is there a dress code? While this event has no specific dress code, Jehovah’s Witnesses try to follow the Bible’s advice to dress modestly and respectfully. (1 Timothy 2:9)
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 2:9: Likewise, the women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind, not with styles of hair braiding and gold or pearls or very expensive clothing, [End Quotation]
Your clothing does not need to be expensive or formal.
What will happen at the Memorial? The meeting starts and ends with the singing of a song, as well as a prayer offered by a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses. A Bible-based talk will discuss the importance of Jesus’ death and how we can benefit from what God and Christ have done for us.
When will future Memorial observances be held? Sunday, March 24, 2024; Saturday, April 12, 2025; Thursday, April 2, 2026
For more details, see the article “Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Observe the Lord’s Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?” [This will play at the end of this invitation]
For a preview of the wonderful future that the death of Jesus makes possible. [Press play below for Video: Remember Jesus’ Death (1:41)]
[Click for transcript]|[Remember Jesus Death]
Presenter: “Imagine a world filled with peace,
[A waterfall in a lush rainforest]
free of suffering,
[Children run on along a shoreline]
an abundance of food for all,
[Friends around a bounteous table]
and life in perfect health.
[As waves roll onto a beach, a young couple strolls hand in hand]
But how can this beautiful future be possible? Because of what Jesus did for us.
[Onlookers watch Jesus drag his torture stake]
He came to earth for a purpose.
[Soldiers sink the stake into the ground]
He gave his life for those he loved. The night before he died, Jesus asked that we commemorate his sacrifice.
[Jesus at the Lord’s evening meal]
He said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.”
[Text: Luke 22:19, New World Translation]
On the anniversary of his death, people around the world will gather to remember him.
[Scenes of the memorial worldwide]
Jehovah’s Witnesses invite you and your family to attend the Memorial of Jesus’ death.
[An audience holds Bibles]
At that meeting, you will find out why his sacrifice was so important and how his promises affect you.
[They pass unleavened bread]
To learn more on what the Bible says on this, and many other topics go to JW.org.”
[A Bible opens and computer icons pop up then transforms into the JW icon.
[Logo inside a White box. Black capital letter JW.ORG. Produced by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. Wallkill, New York, U.S.A. Copyright 2016 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania] [Click to close]
You may have heard that he died for our sins. But could one man’s sacrifice really benefit millions of people? [Press play below for Video: Why Did Jesus Die? (4:11)]
[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]
[Click for Transcript]|[Why Did Jesus Die?]
[Text: Why Did Jesus Die?]
[A funeral procession]
Presenter: “Billions of people have died throughout history. But the death of one person stands alone —that of Jesus Christ.
[Jesus hanging on a stake]
Why did he die? Did his death have a purpose? To find the answer, we need to go back to the beginning of human history.
[The garden of Eden]
The Bible explains that God created the man Adam perfect, without sin. He was free to eat from all the trees in the garden of Eden —except one. God gave the simple command not to eat from that particular tree.
[Text: Genesis 2:15-17]
This tree symbolized God’s right to set the standards of good and bad. As long as Adam remained obedient to Jehovah, he had the prospect of living forever on a paradise earth. But Adam did not appreciate all the good things God had done for him.
[Eve gave Adam a fruit]
He chose to disobey God.
[He bites the fruit]
As a result, he lost the opportunity to live forever.
[Text: Genesis 3:17-19]
But he was not the only one affected. All of his descendants have inherited the fatal effects of sin.
[Text: Romans 5:12]
By themselves, humans could not break free from sin and death. They needed someone to rescue them.
[The funeral procession]
For this reason, Jehovah miraculously caused one of his perfect spirit sons to come to earth as a human.”
[Within the Universe, the earth shifts forward]
“Jesus was a perfect man, just as Adam had been. However, unlike Adam, Jesus remained obedient. This allowed him “to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”
[Text: Matthew 20:28]
But how could the death of one man benefit all of mankind?
[A factory building]
Well, imagine that the manager of a large factory steals money from the company.
[A manager takes money from a safe and puts it in his briefcase]
His actions plunge the company into debt, forcing it to shut down.
[Man pulls a lever at the factory]
The workers lose their jobs and cannot pay their bills. Many suffer because of that one man’s corruption.
[Rows of houses, the lights go out]
Now suppose a kind and generous man feels sorry for all those who are suffering.
[A man contemplates as e closes his newspaper]
He is moved to pay off the debt and reopen the company.
[The gates slide open. Factory workers enter. The factory in full operation]
By cancelling that one debt, he brings relief to all the employees and their families.
[Rows of houses, lights turn on]
Adam is like that corrupt manager. When he rebelled, he incurred a large debt of sin and passed it on to his children. You may wonder, did Jesus really exist?
Is believing in Jesus enough for salvation?
Is Jesus God?
To learn more about what the Bible says on this and many other topics go to j.w.org
[Text: Romans 5:19]
Jesus is like the generous man. When he gave up his perfect human life, he paid off the debt of sin and reopened the prospect of living forever for each of us.”
[Logo inside a White box. Black capital letter JW.ORG. Copyright 2016 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania] [Click to close]
Visit JW.org to find details of a local event near you. www.JW.org
“Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Observe the Lord’s Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?”
[Click to read article]|[Frequently Asked Questions About Jehovah’s Witnesses, article 45]
“Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Observe the Lord’s Supper Differently From the Way Other Religions Do?”
We adhere strictly to the Bible in our observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal, which is also known as “the Lord’s supper,” the Last Supper, and the Memorial of Jesus’ death. (1 Corinthians 11:20; King James Version)
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:20: When you come together in one place, it is not really to eat the Lord’s Evening Meal. [End Quotation]
In contrast, many beliefs and practices of other denominations in connection with this observance are not based on the Bible.
Purpose. The purpose of the Lord’s Evening Meal is to remember Jesus, showing our gratitude for his sacrifice in our behalf.
[Quotation] Matthew 20:28: Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:24: and after giving thanks, he broke it and said: “This means my body, which is in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
The observance is not a sacrament, or a religious practice that imparts merit such as grace or the forgiveness of sins. The Bible teaches that our sins can be forgiven, not by a religious rite, but only through faith in Jesus.
[Quotation] Romans 3:25: God presented him as an offering for propitiation through faith in his blood. This was to demonstrate his own righteousness, because God in his forbearance was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 John 2:1 and 2: My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. [End Quotation]
How often? Jesus commanded his disciples to commemorate the Lord’s Evening Meal, but he did not specifically say how often.
[Quotation] Luke 22:19: Also, he took a loaf, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying: “This means my body, which is to be given in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
Some feel that it should be observed monthly, while others observe it weekly, daily, several times each day, or as often as a person feels is appropriate.* [Footnote] Some Bible translations use the term “as often as” in reference to the Lord’s Evening Meal, and that phrase has been interpreted to indicate how often the meal should be commemorated. However, the correct sense of the original-language term in this context is “whenever” or “every time.” 1 Corinthians 11:25 and 26; New International Version; Good News Translation.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:25 and 26: He did the same with the cup also, after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood. Keep doing this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he comes. [End Quotation] [End of footnote] However, here are some factors that should be considered. Jesus instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal on the date of the Jewish Passover, and he died later that same day.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:1 and 2: Now when Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples: “You know that two days from now the Passover takes place, and the Son of man will be handed over to be executed on the stake.” [End Quotation]
This was no coincidence. The Scriptures compare Jesus’ sacrifice to that of the Passover lamb.
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 5:7 and 8: Clear away the old leaven so that you may be a new batch, inasmuch as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. So, then, let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [End Quotation]
The Passover was observed once each year.
[Quotation] Exodus 12:1 through 6: Jehovah now said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: “This month will be the beginning of the months for you. It will be the first of the months of the year for you. Speak to the entire assembly of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth day of this month, they should each take for themselves a sheep for their father’s house, a sheep to a house. But if the household is too small for the sheep, they and their nearest neighbor should share it between themselves in their house according to the number of people. When making the calculation, determine how much of the sheep each one will eat. Your sheep should be a sound, one year old male. You may choose from the young rams or from the goats. You must care for it until the 14th day of this month, and the whole congregation of the assembly of Israel must slaughter it at twilight. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Leviticus 23:5: In the first month, on the 14th day of the month, at twilight is the Passover to Jehovah. [End Quotation]
Likewise, the Memorial of Jesus’ death was observed once each year by the early Christians, and Jehovah’s Witnesses follow that Bible-based pattern.
Date and time. The pattern established by Jesus helps determine not only the frequency but also the date and time of the Memorial. He introduced the observance after sundown on Nisan 14, 33 C.E., according to the Bible’s lunar calendar.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:18 through 20: He said: “Go into the city to So-and-so and say to him, ‘The Teacher says: “My appointed time is near; I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your home.”’” So the disciples did as Jesus instructed them and prepared for the Passover. When evening came, he was reclining at the table with the 12 disciples. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Matthew 26:26: As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the disciples, he said: “Take, eat. This means my body.” [End Quotation]
We continue to observe the Memorial on this date each year, following the practice of early Christians. Although Nisan 14, 33 C.E. was a Friday, the anniversary of that date might fall on a different day of the week each year. We determine the date that Nisan 14 falls each year using the same method as was used in the time of Jesus, rather than applying the method used for the modern Jewish calendar.* [Footnote] The modern Jewish calendar determines the beginning of the month of Nisan by the astronomical new moon, but that technique was not used in the first century. Instead, the month began when the new moon was first visible in Jerusalem, which can be a day or more after the moment of the astronomical new moon. This difference is one reason why the date on which Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Memorial does not always coincide with the date used by modern Jews for the Passover. [End of footnote]
Bread and wine. For the new observance, Jesus used unleavened bread and red wine that were left over from the Passover meal.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:26 through 28: As they continued eating, Jesus took a loaf, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and giving it to the disciples, he said: “Take, eat. This means my body.” And taking a cup, he offered thanks and gave it to them, saying: “Drink out of it, all of you, for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. [End Quotation]
Following his example, we use bread without leaven or added ingredients and plain red wine, not grape juice or wine that has been sweetened, fortified, or spiced.
Some denominations use bread with leavening or yeast, but leaven is often used in the Bible as a symbol of sin and corruption. (Luke 12:1; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 5:7-9)
[Quotation] Luke 12:1: In the meantime, when a crowd of so many thousands had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, he started by saying first to his disciples: “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 5:6 through 8: Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough? Clear away the old leaven so that you may be a new batch, inasmuch as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. So, then, let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Galatians 5:7 through 9: You were running well. Who hindered you from continuing to obey the truth? This sort of persuasion does not come from the One calling you. A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough. [End Quotation]
Thus, only bread free from leaven and other additives can be a fitting symbol for Christ’s sinless body.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 2:22: He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. [End Quotation]
Another practice not supported by the Bible is that of substituting unfermented grape juice for wine. Some churches do so because of their unscriptural prohibition against consuming alcohol.
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 5:23: Do not drink water any longer, but take a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness. [End Quotation]
Emblems, not literal flesh and blood. The unleavened bread and red wine served at the Memorial are emblems, or symbols, of Christ’s flesh and blood. They are not miraculously changed into or mixed with his literal flesh and blood, as some feel. Consider the Scriptural basis for this understanding. If Jesus had commanded his disciples to drink his blood, he would have been telling them to break God’s law against consuming blood.
[Quotation] Genesis 9:4: Only flesh with its life, its blood, you must not eat. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Acts 15:28 and 29: For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you except these necessary things: to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” [End Quotation]
Yet this could not be, for Jesus would never instruct others to violate God’s law regarding the sacredness of blood.
[Quotation] John 8:28 and 29: Jesus then said: “After you have lifted up the Son of man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing of my own initiative; but just as the Father taught me, I speak these things. And the One who sent me is with me; he did not abandon me to myself, because I always do the things pleasing to him.” [End Quotation]
If the apostles had been literally drinking Jesus’ blood, he would not have said that his blood “is to be poured out,” indicating that his sacrifice was yet to occur.
[Quotation] Matthew 26:28: for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. [End Quotation]
Jesus’ sacrifice took place “once for all time.”
[Quotation] Hebrews 9:25 and 26: This was not done to offer himself often, as when the high priest enters into the holy place from year to year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, he would have to suffer often from the founding of the world. But now he has manifested himself once for all time at the conclusion of the systems of things to do away with sin through the sacrifice of himself. [End Quotation]
However, if the bread and wine were changed into his flesh and blood during the Lord’s Evening Meal, then those partaking would be repeating that sacrifice. Jesus said: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me,” not “in sacrifice of me.”
[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 11:24: and after giving thanks, he broke it and said: “This means my body, which is in your behalf. Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” [End Quotation]
Those who believe in transubstantiation, that the bread and wine become Jesus’ literal body and blood, base this doctrine on the wording of certain Bible verses. For example, in many Bible translations, Jesus is recorded as saying of the wine: “This is my blood.”
[Quotation] Matthew 26:28: for this means my ‘blood of the covenant,’ which is to be poured out in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins. [End Quotation]
However, Jesus’ words can also be translated as: “This means my blood,” “This represents my blood,” or “This signifies my blood.” As he had often done, Jesus was teaching by using a metaphor.
[Quotation] Matthew 13:34 and 35: All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them, in order to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet who said: “I will open my mouth with illustrations; I will proclaim things hidden since the founding.” [End Quotation]
Who partake? When Jehovah’s Witnesses observe the Lord’s Evening Meal, only a small fraction of us partake of the bread and wine. Why is that so? Jesus’ shed blood established “a new covenant” that replaced the covenant between Jehovah God and the ancient nation of Israel.
[Quotation] Hebrews 8:10 through 13: “‘For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,’ says Jehovah. ‘I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I will write them. And I will become their God, and they will become my people. “‘And they will no longer teach each one his fellow citizen and each one his brother, saying: “Know Jehovah!” For they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them. For I will be merciful toward their unrighteous deeds, and I will no longer call their sins to mind.’” In his saying “a new covenant,” he has made the former one obsolete. Now what is obsolete and growing old is near to vanishing away. [End Quotation]
Those who are in that new covenant partake of the Memorial emblems. It includes, not all Christians, but only “those who have been called” in a special way by God.
[Quotation] Hebrews 9:15: That is why he is a mediator of a new covenant, in order that because a death has occurred for their release by ransom from the transgressions under the former covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the everlasting inheritance. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Luke 22:20: Also, he did the same with the cup after they had the evening meal, saying: “This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf. [End Quotation]
These ones will rule in heaven with Christ, and the Bible says that just 144,000 people receive that privilege.
[Quotation] Luke 12:28 through 30: Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation in the field that today exists and tomorrow is cast into an oven, how much more will he clothe you, you with little faith! So stop seeking what you will eat and what you will drink, and stop being in anxious suspense; for all these are the things the nations of the world are eagerly pursuing, but your Father knows you need these things. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 5:9 and 10: And they sing a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought people for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
Revelation 5:10: and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 14:1: Then I saw, and look! the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 14:3: And they are singing what seems to be a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders, and no one was able to master that song except the 144,000, who have been bought from the earth. [End Quotation]
In contrast to the “little flock” of those called to rule with Christ, the vast majority of us hope to be part of “a great crowd” who will gain everlasting life on earth.
[Quotation] Luke 12:32: “Have no fear, little flock, for your Father has approved of giving you the Kingdom. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Revelation 7:9 and 10: After this I saw, and look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep shouting with a loud voice, saying: “Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.” [End Quotation]
While those of us with an earthly hope do not partake of the Memorial emblems, we do join in expressing thanks for the sacrifice that Jesus made in our behalf.
[Quotation] 1 John 2:2: And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. [End Quotation] [Click to close]