March 23, read the Bible in a year; in PowerPoint, with comments.

Matthew 27:1-31 depicts the first half of the longest day, beginning with Jesus being handed over to Pilate, the Roman governor; since the Jews did not have right to execute capital punishment. Judas hanged himself and the thirty pieces of silver given him in exchange for the betrayal of Jesus was used to buy the Potter’s field. Pilate tried to wiggle out of his role as judge; his wife had warned him, so he used his privilege to release one prisoner at Passover which was the custom at that time. Pilate chose Jesus or Barabbas to be released and of the two the people chose Barabbas; a known insurrectionist to be released and Jesus to be crucified. Pilate acquiesced to the mob and so Jesus was flogged by the soldiers for a public spectacle and then he was led away to be crucified.

Deuteronomy 29. In preparation of the tribes entering the promised land God renews the Mosaic Covenant in Moab.

March 15, read through the Bible in a year.

Today there are three chapters to read.

March 15: Mark 15, Deuteronomy 9, Deuteronomy 10 (click on the chapter to begin reading)

Mark 15. Early in the morning Jesus is brought before Pilate since only the Romans could execute capital punishment. Pilate, trying to get out of the situation offers to release Barabbas or Jesus and the crowd chooses Barabbas. Pilate gives in to the crowd, the Soldiers mock Jesus, and so the Crucifixion of Jesus the King begins. Dead it carefully. Jesus Dies, and at the same time the Temple vail was rent in two, from top to bottom, opening up for us full access to God himself. Finally Jesus’ burial is recorded.

Deuteronomy 9, Israel’s rebellion is reviewed, but in spite of being a stiffnecked people doing abominations to the LORD like the Golden Calf, God in His mercy still keeps His promises.

Deuteronomy 10, take Two Tablets, Fear the LORD and circumcise your hearts,  that is the Essence of the Law. Remember, you too were aliens in Egypt.

 

Matthew 27, Judas hangs himself, Jesus trial, the mocking, the Crucifixion, Jesus death, burial and securing the tomb.

Matthew 27

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Verse 63 was the verse that finally convinced me that Jesus is risen. The honesty in recording  what the chief priests and Pharisees said suddenly convinced me that the resurrection is true. They too wanted to make sure Jesus was dead for good, and by sealing the grave they wanted to be absolutely sure Jesus would cause no more trouble for them. God works in wonderful ways.

John 19, the crucifixion, the seven last words, the burial, the special Sabbath.

Psalm 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

A Psalm of David: Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

The word Elohim is plural. Eli or Eloi is “my God” in the singular. They had never heard it in the singular, so they thought Jesus called for Elias!

This was the moment when Jesus became sin for us.

Meanwhile, back in the Temple, the scapegoat having been released, the Passover lamb was placed on the altar.

Jesus was the Passover lamb, sacrificed outside the camp on Golgatha. The veil that separated the holiest area from the rest of the temple was rent from top to bottom to signify the end to all offerings. Jesus was offered once for all time.

This was now late on 14th of Nisan, the Passover.

 

It is now Thursday afternoon, and the next day is a special Sabbath.  Then comes the normal Sabbath on Saturday. This is not all that uncommon, it happens every seventh year on average, and this was the case in A.D. 30. The preparation means to prepare meals for two days as well as the passover meal before sunset. (  https://lenbilen.com/2017/04/14/when-was-the-crucifixion-of-jesus/ )

John 18, Gethsemane, the night of betrayal, Peter’s denial, from Annas to Caiphas to Pilate to Herod to Pilate, Barabbas.

The gospel of Luke adds to this account: Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Jesus had already eaten the Passover with the apostles. Most Jews had switched to the next day to eat the Passover since the evening sacrifice had been switched from just after sunset on the 14th of Nisan to after the ninth hour on the 14th of Nisan, or 21 hours later. (Remember, a Jewish day starts at sunset.)

Luke 23: When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. 12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.