Author: The Sun Porch Lady

As the sun rose that Sunday morning in Jerusalem, the ladies who had followed Jesus had one thing on their mind.  Their Lord deserved a proper burial, and so they set out for the tomb, carrying additional spices to anoint Jesus’ body. 

They knew that moving the stone would not be easy, but when they arrived, they found the stone had been moved and a man, dressed in white, who said, “Don’t be alarmed, he said, “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.  He has risen! He is not here” (Mark 16:6 NIV84).  Those are some of the most powerful words in all of Scripture, but what did they mean to those women and to those who had loved and followed Jesus?

The Scripture tells us that the women were “trembling and bewildered” (Mark 16:8).  They fled from the scene, and “said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid” (Mark 16:8 NIV84).  Not all the women were terrified, and Luke tells us that “they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others” (Luke 24:9 NIV84).

Still, they didn’t understand the significance of the empty tomb.  After Peter and John went to the tomb to see for themselves, Peter “went away, wondering to himself what had happened” (Luke 24:12b NIV84).  John’s account tells us that, “They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9 NIV84).  When Mary Magdalene gave her personal account of her encounter with the risen Savior, Mark tells us that the Disciples did not believe her (Mark 16:11). 

Meanwhile, an empty tomb created a whole new set of problems for the Religious Leaders, so they conspired with the Roman soldiers to say that the disciples had stolen the body (Matthew 28:11 – 15).  Some still believe that story today.

That Sunday morning must have been one of mixed emotions among the followers of Jesus.  We can only imagine the grief mixed with joy, the hope coupled with apprehension, and the wonder tempered by caution.  The Victory had been won, but for many, that Sunday morning was filled with questions.

Read: Matthew 28:1 – 15; Mark 16:1 – 11; Luke 24:1 – 12; and John 20:1 – 18

Food for Thought:

• If you had been one of the disciples that Sunday morning, how do you think you would have responded when you saw the empty tomb?
• Many people still question that empty tomb.  How can we help them to see the truth that Jesus is alive?

For a fictional perspective on the events of that Sunday, read Chapter 21 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

As Joseph and Nicodemus hurried to lay Jesus’ body to rest that Friday afternoon, sundown quickly approached, meaning that Shabbat—the Jewish Sabbath was about to begin.  The men wrapped His body in strips of linen and anointed it with spices, while the women looked on.  Then, the stone was rolled in place.

The Sabbath Day was, and is, a sacred day of remembrance.  God had originally commanded the Jews to do no work on that day, and over the years, the religious leaders had taken that to such an extreme that very little activity was allowed.  As a result, the Sabbath had become a time of family gathering, relaxation, and joy as well as intentional worship. 

On that Sabbath Day, we can only imagine the thoughts and emotions of Mary, the disciples, and all who loved and followed Jesus.  The Scripture is silent as to their actions, but we know that Mary’s son was dead. The disciples’ friend was dead. The Messiah was dead! 

As they honored God by remembering His miraculous deliverances over centuries, did they also remember Christ’s words on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:37 NIV84).  Did they echo that same cry?  Or did they recall the words of David, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer” (Psalm 61:1 NIV84)?

Did they cower in fear, seeking the Lord’s protection from those who had just murdered their friend?  Did they collapse in grief, not just at the loss of a loved one but in the reality that most of them had abandoned Him in His hour of need? 

Most importantly, did they ever recall His words of prophecy, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (Luke 9:22 NIV84 emphasis added)? Was there any hope left or just grief and sorrow?  The only thing we know for certain is that it was a Shabbat like no other.

Read: Exodus 20:8 -11; Psalm 61; Luke 9:22; Matthew 16:21; and Mark 8:31

Food for Thought:

• Have you ever felt forsaken by God?  If so, how did you respond?  How should you respond?
• Have you experienced guilt at the death of a loved one?  If so, how can you find forgiveness through your faith in Christ?

For one fictional perspective on that Sabbath Day, read Chapters 19 and 20 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

After Pilate handed down his sentence, the Messiah was turned over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified, the most painful death ever created by mankind. Many people were present to witness His final breath.  Some of them cheered and mocked His demise.  Others stood helpless as their friend took His last breath. 

Simon, the father of Rufus and Alexander, was forced to carry Christ’s cross.  We know little about him, so we can’t say whether he knew Christ or if he was just caught up in the moment.  Two robbers, legitimately sentenced for their crimes, were on crosses to the right and left of Jesus.  One mocked Him. The other begged for mercy. 

The crowd was filled with onlookers who hurled insults at Jesus, challenging Him to save Himself.  I wonder if some of them were there six days earlier, cheering His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders wouldn’t have missed this event for anything.  It was the moment they had been dreaming of for three years.  They added their insults and protested when Pilate placed a sign that read, “King of the Jews”. Not all the crowd was negative.  Even one of the soldiers who had earlier beaten and mocked Him, ultimately proclaimed, “Surely, he was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54b NIV84).

There were also mourners, people who had loved and followed Jesus, and who believed that He was the Son of God.  Jesus’ mother, Mary, was present.  Did she recall the words of Simeon, “and a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35b NIV84) as she watched her son in pain and agony?  John was the only apostle present, and as he watched in horror, Jesus entrusted His mother’s care to His friend.  Many women who had traveled with Jesus and the disciples were also present: Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James and Joses, the mother of James and John, Salome, and others   

All these people, except for the soldiers, had spent their entire lives looking for the Messiah.  Some of them had come to believe that Jesus was the Christ; others did everything they could to disprove that possibility.  Now, as He hung on that cross with the life draining out of Him, the utmost thought in most of their minds may have been, “What good is a dead Messiah?”

Read: Matthew 27:32 – 61; Mark 15:21 – 47; Luke 23:26 – 56; & John 19:17 – 42

Food for Thought:

• As you read the accounts of the crucifixion, what are your thoughts about Jesus’ sacrifice for us?
• Jesus’ followers had no hope that day, only grief.  Give thanks that we know that “Sunday’s coming” and have the hope that Jesus’ resurrection brings.

For one fictional perspective of an onlooker to the crucifixion, read Chapter 18 of The Shepherd’s Quest by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

As that Thursday evening came to a close, Judas, representatives of the Chief Priests, and a detachment of Roman soldiers found Jesus and the disciples near the Mount of Olives.  After His arrest, Jesus endured an illegal trial by the Sanhedrin, which resulted in the inevitable verdict of “guilty.” Knowing that they could not legally put a man to death, the Religious Leaders, in the early morning hours of Friday, brought Him to Pilate to pronounce the death sentence. 

That brief hearing bore no resemblance to a trial, because the charges against Jesus were frivolous.  When Pilate asked about the charges, the response was simply, “If He weren’t a criminal, we wouldn’t be here” (John 18:30).  Pilate briefly interviewed Jesus, but ultimately concluded, “I find no basis for a charge against him” (John 18:38b NIV84).

Pilate offered to punish Jesus and let Him go, but that did not appease the crowd.  In one last effort to spare Jesus’ life, Pilate reminded them of his custom of releasing a prisoner in celebration of the Passover Feast.  Pilate gave them a choice between Jesus and a man named Barabbas, who had committed murder during an insurrectionist uprising (Mark 15:7).  To Pilate, it seemed like an obvious choice, but the people were adamant that he release Barabbas and crucify Christ. So, on that day, Barabbas, the one who was guilty of the charges against him, was released, and Jesus was sentenced to death. Jesus paid the price that Barabbas owed.

We are “Barabbas”.  We, too, are guilty.  Paul makes it clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV84). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23).  Barabbas didn’t deserve to be freed that day.  He deserved to be punished for his crimes.  We do not deserve eternal life; our sins have condemned us.  Yet, in His great mercy and grace, Jesus took our place, just as He did for Barabbas.  It wasn’t those Jewish leaders or those Roman officials who hung Him on that tree.  It was us!  It was our sins that drove the nails!  Thankfully, it was His love that held Him there!

Read: Mark 14:43 – 15:15 & John 18

Food for Thought:

• Have you ever considered who is to blame for Christ’s crucifixion?  Did you make the connection that we are ultimately responsible?
• Have you ever been unjustly accused of something?  Jesus remained silent.  How would you respond?

For one fictional perspective on Jesus’ appearance before Pilate, read Chapter 17 of The Shepherd’s Quest by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

From Luke’s Gospel (Luke 22:39 – 46), we know that after the Passover meal, Jesus led His disciples to the Mt. of Olives, where He spent time with His Father.  However, John gives us more insight into the prayer that Jesus prayed that night. 

Jesus began by acknowledging that He knew what was about to happen.  He also knew that the purpose of those coming events was two-fold.  First, it was to give glory to God, the Father (John 17:1), and secondly, that the Son might give eternal life (John 17:2). This was the culmination of the mission that Jesus had been sent to complete, and Jesus looked forward to returning to His Father.

Jesus then turned His attention to His disciples, the ones God had chosen for divine appointment and the ones He had taught over the last three years. He knew that they had finally come to believe that Jesus had been sent by God (John 17:8), and He began to pray for them as they remained in the world without Him.  He prayed for their protection and that they might be one as the Father and the Son are one (John 17:11). He knew the coming days and years would not be easy, so He prayed for protection from the evil one (John 17:15), and that God would sanctify them by the truth (John 17:17) as He sent them out into the world, just as He had been sent to the world.

The prayer didn’t end there.  Jesus concluded that last recorded prayer by praying for “those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20 NIV84) –that’s us!  At His final hour, He looked forward some 2000 years and prayed for you and me.  He prayed that we might have unity so that the world might know that God sent Him to save mankind. His love for each of us was utmost in His mind, and His greatest desire was that we might have that same love for Him and the Father.  He concludes with this: “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:26 NIV84).  Our job is to continue to make Him known to the rest of the world!

Read: Luke 22:39 – 46 & John 17

Food for Thought:

• Why do you think “that they may be one” is one of the main points of Jesus’ prayer?
• Does knowing that Jesus prayed for you just before His crucifixion encourage you?  If so, how should you respond?

That last Passover meal with Jesus must have been lengthy, as the Apostle John recounts His teachings in chapters 13 -17 of John’s Gospel.  Following His example of servanthood and His talk of the betrayals that were to come, Jesus began to speak to His Disciples about what to expect in the days to come. 

He comforted them by telling them about the place He was preparing for them and His desire that they would be with Him (John 14:1-4). Those words immediately followed His statements regarding their betrayal, so perhaps they found solace in knowing He would forgive them. 

After making it clear that He is “the way and the truth and the life” and that “No one comes to the Father except through [Him]” (John 14:6), He began to speak about the One who would come after Him.  He announced that the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit would come to “teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26b NIV84). Yes, Jesus was leaving, but He was not forsaking them.  God was about to send the third person of the Trinity to guide them into an uncertain future. 

Finally, He gave them instructions on how to persevere in a world about to be turned upside down.  He said, “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV84). Just as a branch that is detached from the vine withers and dies, the Disciples’ survival and ours are dependent on our “attachment” to the Vine.  That “attachment” enables us to bear fruit for the Kingdom, love others as He has loved us, and withstand the persecution that will come.  Their strength, and ours, comes from the Holy Spirit who lives within us.  The Holy Spirit empowered those eleven men to change the world forever through their testimony.  He gives us the same power today. 

Jesus concluded His final teaching with this message, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV84). That message is still true today!

Read: John 14:1 – 16:33

Food for Thought:

• Think about how you can show others that Jesus is the “way, the truth, and the life.”
• What are you doing or can you do to stay connected to the Vine?  How can you encourage others to strengthen their connection?

Jesus spent those last hours with His disciples teaching them and preparing them for what lay ahead.  As God, He knew exactly what was about to happen.  As a human, He knew the pain and confusion the coming events would cause His disciples.  What was about to happen was beyond anything that they had imagined, beginning with betrayal.

As the meal began, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me” (John 13:21b, NIV84).  The disciples immediately questioned who it might be, but Jesus knew.  He knew that Judas had already betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14 – 16).  He also knew that all the disciples would desert Him when He was arrested (Matthew 26:56b). Finally, He knew that Peter would deny Him three times before the sun came up (John 18:15 – 27).  These were the men He had chosen, the men He had traveled with and taught, the men who had seen His miracles, including His raising of Lazarus.  Yet, they were only men, simple, ordinary men. 

Betrayal is never easy, even when the betrayed One is the Son of God.  John tells us that Jesus was “troubled in spirit” (John 13:21a).  I don’t think He was troubled for Himself.  I believe His concern was for His disciples.  He knew the shame that would drive Judas to the hangman’s tree and would cause Peter to go “outside and weep bitterly” (Matthew 26:75b). He knew they would all regret their actions, but He also knew who would seek His forgiveness, which He would freely give.

We’ve probably all been betrayed by someone we trust and care about.  It’s painful, and often we can’t turn back the clock to restore the broken relationship.  We are hurt and disappointed, but I wonder if we ever stop to consider the betrayer’s afterthoughts. Did they regret their actions?  Were they ashamed?  Were they too embarrassed to ask for forgiveness?  I guess the more important question might be, “Are we willing to forgive, regardless of whether they ask?”  Jesus gave Judas ample opportunity to change his mind.  He also gently restored Peter to his place as a trusted colleague (John 21:15 – 19).  Perhaps it’s time we approach betrayal with a new perspective.

Read: John 13:21 – 38

Food for Thought:

• Have you betrayed anyone?  If so, isn’t it time that you seek forgiveness?

• Has someone betrayed you?  Have you forgiven them?  Have you told them that you forgave them?

As Jesus and His disciples came together to celebrate the Passover Meal, one tradition had been neglected.  As the people of Israel walked the dusty roads in their sandals, their feet became coated with dirt and dust.  It was considered offensive to welcome someone into one’s home without washing one’s guests’ feet.  However, as Jesus’ group gathered, there was no servant to attend to this menial task.  That’s when Jesus stepped into the servant role.

Jesus knew that His time was short, so He used that time to show His disciples “the full extent of his love” (John 13:1b NIV84).  Jesus knew exactly who He was.  He knew the full extent of His power.  He knew where He had come from and where He was returning to.  He knew His mission was about to be completed.  It was at that moment that “he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.  After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:4, 5 NIV84). He took on the role of a servant to teach His disciples and us a valuable lesson.  He was their leader and teacher.  He was their Rabbi.  He had already given up the splendor of heaven to take on this mission of salvation (Philippians 2:6 – 8), and now He willingly became their servant.  His actions were a lesson in love and humility!

The lesson He brought to life that evening was for His disciples, but it was also for us.  Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15 NIV84). I don’t think He was talking about foot washing, although there is nothing wrong with it.  I think the lesson was much deeper. I believe this was another reminder of the kind of leadership that Christ expects from each of us: servant leadership.  Humility is key to Christian leadership.  Position, power, and prestige do not make anyone greater than others.  It may, however, entail greater responsibility to serve, love, and encourage those being led.  We can all lead someone.  The question is: Will we serve them as we lead?  Will we exhibit power or humility?  Christ set the example.  Will we follow?

Read: John 13:1 – 17

Food for Thought:

• When was the last time you “served” someone else?  What opportunities are right in front of you to display a servant heart?

• When someone “serves” you, how do you respond?  Are you more like Peter, or do you graciously accept the love that is being poured out on you?

The first Passover was designed to prepare the Israelites for their escape from Egypt.  Everything about their preparations indicates that they would be leaving in haste (Exodus 12:11).  God was about to bring tragedy on the Egyptians but would spare the Israelites so long as they followed His instructions (Exodus 12:12, 13). Later, He designated the Feast as a permanent reminder of the Lord’s deliverance (Exodus 13:3-5). While the Jewish leaders added various requirements to the celebration over the years, three key elements remained constant: remembrance, purification, and praise.

The miracle of God’s deliverance was one the Israelites had to remember, so they would be reminded not just of God’s great power but also of His love and care.  It was God’s “mighty hand” that delivered them, and generations to come needed to remember that.

The Feast was also sacred, a holy day (Exodus 12:16).  In the days of King Hezekiah, the Passover Feast was reinstated.  It had been neglected because the priests had not consecrated themselves (II Chronicles 20:15).  When the Israelites returned from captivity, Ezra called the people to celebrate the Passover, only after the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were made ceremonially clean (Ezra 6:20).

Finally, praise was an essential part of the Feast.  Psalms 113 and 114, known as the Hallel Psalms, may have been sung by a Temple choir as the lambs were slaughtered.  They were sung again by the individual families, both before and after the Feast. 

Remembrance, purification, and praise.  These are all reminders of another Feast, one that our Lord instituted for us at His last Passover Meal.  We celebrate communion as a reminder of the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for us.  However, before the celebration, the Apostle Paul reminds us to “examine” ourselves (I Corinthians 11:28), which should lead to repentance and the purification that only Christ can provide (I John 1:7).  Finally, the Lord’s Supper is a celebration of the new life we have in Christ and a reminder that He is worthy of all praise!

Read: Exodus 13:1-16, II Chronicles 35:1-19, Ezra 6:19-21, & I Corinthians 11:17-32

Food for Thought:

• Why do you think purification was a key component of the Passover Feast?

• Why is Christ our Passover Lamb? See I Corinthians 5:6-8.

• How should we celebrate our “Passover Feast,” the Lord’s Supper?

For a fictional account of what a Passover Feast might have looked like in Jesus’ time, read Chapter 16 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

On Thursday of Passion Week, many would have been making the final preparations to celebrate the Passover Feast.  For those who followed God’s instructions given when He delivered them from Egypt, Thursday evening would have been the time for the meal.  Those who followed later traditions would celebrate on Friday evening.  Both groups would have needed to prepare for the feast.

The lamb that would be the center of the Passover meal should have been chosen on Monday, the 10^th of Nissan, which was the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-3).  The lamb had to be a year-old male, without defect (Exodus 12:5).  Each family had to determine how much lamb would be needed based on the number of people joining them for the feast.  In addition to the lamb, they had to acquire the bitter herbs, bread, and wine that would be part of the feast and ensure that all leaven had been removed from the household, since only bread without yeast was acceptable for the meal (Exodus 12:8).

On that Thursday, Jesus chose Peter and John to prepare for their Passover meal.  He told them to go into Jerusalem and look for a man carrying a water jar, which would have been an extraordinary sight, since that was normally a woman’s job.  They were to follow the man to a house where they would ask the owner about a place for the Teacher to eat the meal with His disciples.  They were led to a large upper room where the final preparations could be made for the meal they would share that evening (Luke 22:7-13).

The Scripture doesn’t tell us what their exact preparations were, but most likely they sacrificed the lamb at twilight, somewhere between 3:00 and 5:00 that afternoon.  Then, they would spread the blood of the lamb on the doorpost of the dwelling and begin roasting the lamb over an open fire (Exodus 12:6-8).  Once the lamb was cooked, they would be ready for the feast.

Read: Exodus 12:1-11, Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:12-16 & Luke 22:7-13.

Food for Thought:

• We know that the blood on the Israelites’ doorpost allowed them to escape the death angel, but why blood instead of some other sign?  See Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22, & I John 1:7.

• Why did the Jews continue to celebrate the Passover Feast? See Exodus 12:14. What is the comparable celebration for Christians? See I Corinthians 11:23-29.

For more information about the Passover Feast, read A Note from the Author and Chapters 14 & 15 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon

The Apostle John tells us, “Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe him” … “Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” John 12:37, & 42 – 43 NIV84, emphasis added.

We don’t know for certain who the leaders were, but there are two definite possibilities.  First, there was Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, who came to see Jesus under the cover of darkness.  He freely admitted that Jesus was a teacher who had come from God, but he failed to comprehend who Jesus was.  Jesus was amazed that Nicodemus was a teacher but still failed to understand the Scriptures.  Jesus taught Nicodemus several crucial points that night, including God’s love for the world in sending His Son to die for those who believe, but there is no further comment from Nicodemus recorded. (John 3:1 – 21). 

Nicodemus may have been one of the leaders who believed, but the next time we hear about him is after Jesus’ death.  He joined a fellow Jewish leader, Joseph of Arimathea, in arranging for Jesus’ burial.  Joseph “was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews” (John 19:38a NIV84). He had not agreed to the Jewish council’s condemnation of Jesus (Luke 23:50, 51), but there is nothing other than his actions to tell us what Nicodemus thought of Jesus. Two men, and possibly more, who had the training and the knowledge to understand prophecy and recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah.  Two men who loved the praise of men and the acceptance of society more than they loved the One who had come to save them. 

Verses 42 and 43 of John 12 are among the saddest in Scripture, but unfortunately, they are still often true today.  How often do we remain silent rather than risk ridicule or embarrassment?  As Christians, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us.  What do we have to fear? Where is the boldness of our convictions?  As we move closer to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, I pray that each of us will be free of our fears and put our faith and trust in Christ, that we may boldly proclaim His birth, death, and resurrection.  He lives!  Don’t keep it to yourself!

Read: John 12:37 – 43, John 19:38 – 40, & Luke 23:50 – 54.

Food for Thought:

• When was the last time you were bold for Christ?  What held you back?

• How does the power of the Holy Spirit give you the strength to proclaim the Gospel boldly?

Shortly before the Passover, some Greek men approached one of the disciples, requesting a personal audience with Jesus.  We don’t know what Jesus said to them, but immediately following that encounter, Jesus gave a final message for the world. 

As He had done so often, he referenced seeds and gardening to make His point.  He knew that the time had come for His final hour, but He also knew that when one seed is planted, it will produce many seeds.  He was about to lay down His life for the world, but from that sacrifice would come much fruit.  His human side was troubled by what lay ahead, but as God, He knew this was the very reason that He had come to the earth (John 12:27), so that the Son of Man could glorify His Father in heaven!  It was at that point that a voice from Heaven spoke, glorifying His name. 

The crowd heard something that day, but most were confused.  Some heard what they thought was thunder, while others thought the angels had spoken.  While they scratched their heads in disbelief, Jesus said, “Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.  But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself” (John 12:31, 32 NIV84).

Jesus knew exactly what lay ahead, but the crowd was still fixated on the “Son of Man”. They didn’t ask about the voice from heaven or about how He intended to glorify God or who the “prince of this world” was.  They only wanted to know who the “Son of Man” was.  Unfortunately, that remains a question many people still ask today.

Who is the Son of Man?  He is God who willingly became man, for the purpose of paying the debt of all mankind.  As the Son of God, He was obedient, fulfilling His mission, regardless of the cost, so that God would be glorified.   

While the crowd questioned and wondered, He gave one final message to them.  It’s a message that still rings true for us today. “Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you.  The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.  Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35b-36a NIV84).  Jesus’ final message was an invitation to all who would believe.  If we fail to walk in the “light,” the darkness will overcome us.

Read: John 12:23 – 50

Food for Thought:

• Why do you think John mentioned the Greek men, but didn’t tell us about the conversation?
• Why was the crowd fixated on who the “Son of Man” was?  How do you think you would have responded if you had heard a voice from heaven?
• What does it mean to “put your trust in the light”?

Wednesday of that last week is not identified in the Gospels, and so we don’t know what Jesus was doing that day.  He may have been spending quiet time with His Father, preparing for what was to come.  We do know that He spent much of that week at the home of His good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Approximately six months earlier, Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead; however, he was not the first person to be raised.  The Old Testament mentions at least two, and Jesus raised others as well.  However, all the others had only been dead a short while.  Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days when Jesus called him to “come out!” That was a miracle unlike any of the others that Jesus had performed.

That miracle not only caught the attention of the people but also the Religious Leaders.  Their discontent with Jesus was already evident, but this event took their concern to a new level, prompting the high priest to say, “You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (John 11:50 NIV84). So, the plot to kill Jesus grew more intense.

As the Passover approached, Jesus returned to the home of His friends, who gave a dinner in His honor.  Then, Mary, Lazarus’s sister, anointed Him with oil, an act that Jesus indicated was in preparation for His burial. 

Time was running out for Jesus, but Jesus was not the only one being threatened.  When the people realized Jesus was at Lazarus’s home, many of them showed up, not just to see Jesus, but also to see Lazarus. That’s when the Leaders’ plot expanded to include Lazarus.  They didn’t realize that the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection was a foreshadowing of what was to come, but they knew that allowing either of these men to live could bring trouble, as more people were drawn to Jesus. 

Read: John 11:1 – 12:11

Food for Thought:

• How do you think Jesus spent that Wednesday before His crucifixion?  When you are facing a difficult decision or unpleasant circumstances, how do you prepare?

• Why do you think the raising of Lazarus created more interest than Jesus’ other miracles?  Why was it significant that he was in the tomb for four days?

• Why were the Religious Leaders determined to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus? 

For one fictional perspective on the raising of Lazarus, read Chapters 11, 12 & 13 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

When Jesus returned to the Temple on Tuesday, the Religious Leaders began to question His authority.  He answered by asking them about John the Baptist.  It was a question they couldn’t answer without incriminating themselves, so they said they didn’t know.  Jesus then refused to answer their question as well (Matthew 21:23 – 27).

Then, Jesus began teaching His disciples and the people who had gathered (Matthew 21:28 – 22:14).  But the Leaders weren’t finished with Him yet.  The Pharisees began with a question about paying taxes.  Then, the Sadducees tried their own tactics by bringing up the question of marriage in the resurrection.  When nothing worked, the Pharisees sent a lawyer, but Jesus answered each question quickly and completely. 

Then, Jesus turned the tables on them by asking about the Messiah, a question they should have answered easily. The people were delighted by the discussion (Mark 12:37), but the Religious Leaders were finally silenced (Matthew 22:46). 

Then, the mood changed as Jesus began to condemn the Religious Leaders by calling them hypocrites, blind guides, white-washed tombs, snakes, and a brood of vipers. He also accused them of seeking their own honor and prestige, so that they would be held in high regard by the people, while neglecting the most important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:5 – 33).

The Scripture doesn’t tell us how the people responded to Jesus’ condemnation of their leaders, but the Religious Leaders had heard enough.  They plotted to arrest and kill Jesus (Matthew 26:3-4).

Read: Matthew 21:23 – 26:5 & Mark 11:27 – 12:44

Food for Thought:

• Do you think any of the Religious Leaders stopped to examine themselves to see if Jesus’ accusations held any truth?  When was the last time you examined yourself to see if there was any sin in your life?

• How do you think the people might have responded to Jesus’ condemnation of their Religious Leaders? How would you respond if someone came into your church and condemned your Minister?

• What can we as individuals learn from Jesus’ charges against the Religious Leaders?  What can we do to better “walk the walk” and “talk the talk”?

For a fictional discussion of how some of the people may have responded, read Chapter 9 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.

As Jesus approached the last few days of His life on earth, He had been teaching and performing miracles for approximately three years.  Still, there was much division about who He was. 

According to John’s Gospel, one of the first to recognize Jesus as the Son of God was Nathaniel (John 1:49), but it is doubtful that he completely understood the meaning behind that title.  The Disciples put their faith in Him (John 2:11b), but later asked, “What kind of man is this?  Even the wind and waves obey him!” (Matthew 27b NIV84).

Many witnessed His miracles first-hand and showed great faith that He could provide the healing that was needed, yet they still didn’t know who Jesus was.  The paralytic whom Jesus healed at the pool near the Sheep Gate was questioned about who had done this miracle but had no idea who Jesus was (John 5:13). After He fed more than 5000 people with five loaves and two fish, the people called Him “the Prophet who is come into the world” (John 6:14b). Some of them even dared to argue with Him, recognizing Him only as the son of Joseph (John 6:42). Some called him a Samaritan and demon-possessed (John 8:48).

The Religious Leaders never made a sincere effort to determine who Jesus was, but they did try to trick Him with numerous questions (Luke 11:53, 54). Ultimately, they plotted to kill Him (John 11:47–53).

So, many people were undecided about who Jesus was.  Many were sure He was someone sent from God, but just a small few recognized Him as the Messiah.  The discussions that week must have been fierce as individuals tried to determine who this man, who could heal, calm the waves, and cast out demons, really was. It would be Sunday before many of them realized the Truth.

Read: John 5:1 – 13, John 7:25 – 52, & John 11:45 – 53

Food for Thought:

• Before the resurrection, do you think the Disciples knew who Jesus was? 

• Do you know someone who questions who Jesus was?  How can you help them understand that He is Christ, the Son of the living God?

• Why do you think the people were not looking for the Messiah?  Are you looking for the Messiah to return?

For a fictional discussion regarding Jesus’ identity, read Chapters 6, 7 & 8 of The Shepherd’s Quest, by Elaine C. Duncan, available on Amazon.