The Sacrifice

The Only Way To God

Rev. Allen Smith, M.R.Ed., D.D., Th.D.

Copyright

Copyright © ALLEN SMITH 2013

The right of ALLEN SMITH to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of the Publisher. This book may not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, without the prior written consent of the Publisher. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person or corporate body acting or refraining to act as a result of reading material in this book can be accepted by the Publisher, by the Author, or by the employer(s) of the Author. Certain images copyright.

ALLEN SMITH – The Sacrifice

Published by: Lighthouse International Ministries, Potosi, Missouri

Acknowledgement

I am thankful for the guidance of the

Jimmy Swaggart Expositor's Study Bible

during the compiling of this book.

If you are interested in obtaining your own copy of the Expositor's Study Bible,

please go to:

www.jsm.org

or

Click Here to view the Kindle Edition

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my two sons-in-love, Rev. Jeff Reed and Rev. Clifton Copeland.

About The Author

Rev. Allen Smith was born in the little town of Neoga, IL in 1951. He was saved at the early age of 12 years, and started preaching when he was just 15. He has been preaching and teaching now for 46 years. He has been a pastor for over 30 years of that time. Rev. Smith has been a featured speaker at camp-meetings and conventions down through the years. In addition, he spent 3 years as president of International Bible College and Seminary in DeSoto, Missouri, where he authored 9 different syllabi for the Seminary.

Rev. Smith presently holds a Master’s Degree in Religious Education, a Doctor of Divinity Degree, and a Doctor of Theology Degree and has published several articles, in nationwide religious publications.

From October of 1993 until July of 2010, Rev. Smith published a nation-wide Southern Gospel news magazine called SGN Scoops Digital. He is currently the founder and President of Lighthouse International Ministries which is a missionary outreach ministry.

Rev. Smith has a Daily Devotional called “One Day At A Time - A Daily Devotional Guide For Each Day Of The Year”, which is available on Amazon.com.  He also has four Kindle Ebooks available on Amazon.com. They Are: “Why? - Answering Questions About The Crucifixion”, “One Day At A Time”, “The Sacrifice”, and “Porquê?”, a Portuguese translation of Why?

Introduction

A few years back, Mel Gibson produced a movie called “The Passion of The Christ”. Although it was Biblically inaccurate this movie was very popular in the church world. My guess would be that people were caught up in the gruesome whipping scenes as well as the crucifixion scenes. In this book, I desire to take you back, past the crucifixion, and share with you the reason why there had to be a crucifixion, and go into detail of the things that actually took place the few days before the crucifixion and why those things took place.

I have spent over thirty years studying these things. I have spent time in countless churches preaching and teaching on the subject. It is my desire now to share all this information with you the reader, in the hopes it will cause you to have a closer relationship with our Lord and Saviour. I pray that you will not only enjoy this book, but that you will be blessed by it.

1 Corinthians 2:2(KJV) “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

Contents

Copyright

Acknowledgement

Dedication

About The Author

Introduction

Contents

Chapter 1 – In The Garden

Chapter 2 – The Fall Of Man

Chapter 3 – The Law Of God

Chapter 4 – The Life Of The Flesh

Chapter 5 – Birth Of The Saviour

Chapter 6 – The Ministry Of Jesus

Chapter 7 – The Plot Thickens

Chapter 8 – A Kangaroo Trial

Chapter 9 – The Appeal To Pilate

Chapter 10 – The Death Sentence Carried Out

Chapter 11 – Sunday Is Coming

Chapter 12  - 40 Days

If You Would Like To Be Saved

One Last Thing….

Chapter 1

In The Garden

As we begin our journey, we need to step back in time, to where it all began. In doing so, we need to consult the most authoritative source possible. That source is the Holy Bible. It was written by Holy men of old, who were moved by the Holy Ghost, to bring the Word of God to man.

2 Peter 1:21(KJV) “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

As you can see, God provided His Word to man. As such, it is the most authoritative source available. God from the very beginning has wanted man to know how much He loved him, and how much He wanted man to know His will. From the very beginning, God has wanted a close relationship with man. This is shown to us in the sixth day of Creation.

Genesis 1:26-28(KJV) “(26) And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.  (27) So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.  (28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”

In this passage, we see the three members of the Godhead gather together for a discussion. In this discussion, they use the pronouns “Us” and “Ours”. We see they were One in the creative work. Their plan was to create man in their “image” and in their “likeness”. This was the creative process that allowed us to have fellowship with God. “In Our Image and Likeness” does not mean we are gods, or can become like gods. In fact, it means we can be like Him in true Righteousness and Holiness. God then gave dominion of Creation to man. However, this still made man subject to God.

Genesis 2:16-17(KJV) “(16) And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:  (17) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

This is where God gave the man (Adam) the first law, and the punishment for breaking it: Do not eat any fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which is growing in the middle of the Garden of Eden. The punishment for disobedience was death.

So, God first created the man Adam, then put him to sleep, and then removed a rib from Adam. From that rib, God created the first woman. Her name was Eve. She was the mother of all living.

Genesis 2:21-24(KJV) “(21) And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; (22) And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.  (23) And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. (24) Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

So, God created Eve from the rib He removed from Adam. God then performed the first marriage, which was between one man and one woman. This was God’s plan for all of history.

The man and the woman were placed in the Garden of Eden. They were instructed to take care of this beautiful place. God then came down from Heaven in the cool of the evening. He spent time with them there, instructing them in His ways, and having fellowship with them. This was a perfect relationship that Adam and Eve had with God.

Chapter 2

The Fall Of Man

Things were perfect in the Garden of Eden. Mankind (Adam and Eve) had a perfect relationship with God. They had plenty to eat, and plenty to do. It was a perfect life for them, and they lived in a world where there was no sin. There was no curse on the earth. There was no pain, and no sorrow. There was no disease, and no pestilence. Everything was perfect. Then one day, God spoke to them, and gave them one law. He instructed them to not violate that one law. He told them what would happen if they violated that law, and what the punishment would be.

Genesis 3:1-8(KJV) “(1) Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  (2) And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:  (3) But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.  (4) And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: (5) For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. (6) And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.  (7) And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.  (8) And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.”

We see here a discussion between Eve and the serpent. During this discussion we find out what God’s instructions are. This is the one and only law anywhere in the world. It is the only law that Adam and Eve must not violate. Here is the essence of that law as it is being discussed here. They can eat of every tree in the Garden, except one. But there is one tree in the middle of the Garden which they cannot eat the fruit of. They were not even to touch it.  The punishment for disobedience was death.

Let me state at this point, there were many trees in the Garden of which they could freely take the fruit and eat. One of those trees was the Tree of Life. They were free to eat from this particular tree. Eating from the Tree of Life would bring Eternal Life. That was the plan of God; He wanted Adam and Eve to have Eternal Life there in the Garden of Eden. They could have spent eternity walking in the cool of the evening in the Garden with God.

But now, Satan is speaking through the serpent, trying to deceive Eve. Here is what the serpent replied to Eve.  You won’t really die. God knows when you eat of the tree you will become just like God yourself. You will know the difference between good and evil. Satan is still working this way today. He will quote part of the Word of God, and then add to it. Just like many people do today, Eve fell for the deceiving words of the serpent. She picked some fruit from the forbidden tree and tasted it. She found out it was delicious, and took some to her husband, Adam, and encouraged him to eat.

The Bible says their eyes were opened immediately. For the first time, they knew they were naked, and they used fig leaves to fashion some form of covering for their bodies. Please understand that they were not always naked. They had been clothed with the righteousness of God, until they disobeyed Him. They had broken God’s law. The Bible tells us what sin is.

1 John 3:4(KJV) “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”

When the law of God is transgressed or broken, it brings death. First it brings spiritual death, which is separation from God. If there is no reconciliation with God, then it brings the second death, which is eternal torment, which includes eternal separation from God.

Adam and Eve had died when they disobeyed God. It was a spiritual death. They were now separated from God. They could no longer walk with God in the Garden during the cool of the evening. In fact, they could no longer live in the Garden of Eden. God would meet with them one last time. He would provide proper clothing for them, and then pass judgment on them and on the serpent.

Genesis 3:9-19(KJV) “(9) And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?  (10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (11) And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?  (12) And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.  (13) And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. (14) And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:  (15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (16) Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. (17) And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;  (18) Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;  (19) In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

Here we see God calling for Adam. He already knew what Adam had done. He already knew that Adam and Eve were hiding from Him. God wanted them to admit what they had done. We find Adam admitting he was naked. So, God asks Adam if he has eaten from the forbidden tree. Now, we find the interesting thing, for Adam does not admit doing anything wrong. First, Adam blames God, and then he blames everything on his wife Eve. Next, God asks the woman what she had done. Once again, there was no admission of guilt. Eve passed the blame down to the serpent.

God now begins to pass judgment. First the serpent receives judgment. God tells the serpent he is cursed above all animals of the earth. He is to always crawl on his belly, and he is always to eat the dust of the earth. God does not stop there. God says He will put enmity between the serpent and the woman. God goes on to say the enmity will continue between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. God is saying He will put animosity between them, but it does not stop there. God said the serpent used the woman to bring down the human race. Now, God says He will use the woman as the way to bring the Redeemer into the world. This is the first prophecy in the Bible of a coming Redeemer. It is a direct reference to the crucifixion of Christ.

Now, God begins to speak to the woman, and to pass judgment on her. First, God says He will multiply the woman’s sorrow in childbirth. God’s original plan was for the man and woman to bring sons and daughters of God into the world. Now, the best they can do is bring sons and daughters into the world in the likeness of Adam. In addition, instead of woman serving God directly, she will now serve her husband.

Next, God reminds Adam that he had listened to the voice of his wife, instead of the voice of God. Also, let us remember there was nothing evil in the tree itself. Sin had come into the world by man being disobedient to God.  The next thing God did was to curse the earth. Originally, the earth was to be a paradise.  This also passed the death sentence. Everything including man would now have a limited time to live. This all came about because of the spiritual death of Adam, which separated him from God. Thorns, thistles and other unwanted plants came into the world at this time. They were not originally in the plans of God. In addition, the plants that once grew abundantly without any help from Adam would no longer do that. Man must now till the ground, and work for his food. The life force, which originally came from God, would now come from food, which is very inadequate. Now that the power of God is removed from man, man’s body turns back to dust. The power of God is no longer there to keep it together.

Genesis 3:22-24(KJV) “(22) And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: (23) Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. (24) So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”

We now see another conference among the Godhead. Man now knows the difference between good and evil. Sin is now in his life. He can no longer be allowed to eat from the Tree of Life. Man is removed from the Garden, and Cherubims with flaming swords are place at the entrance, so man will not be able to re-enter into the Garden of Eden.

Romans 5:12(KJV) “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the early church in Rome. He made it very simple and basic, so that anyone could understand it. In our modern language, Paul told the Roman church that sin had entered into the world because of one man. Because of this one man, death entered into the lives of every person ever born. But he also went on to say that sin also came into the life of everyone born because of that one man. Now, we must ask who that one man was that brought sin into our lives? His name was Adam. That is right, the very first man, and the one who was created from the dust of the earth. The very man into whom God Himself breathed the breath of life. That man who was just removed from the Garden of Eden, along with his wife, Eve.

Chapter 3

The Law Of God

Romans 5:13 “For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.”

The Apostle Paul tells us here that without law, there is no sin. The only time punishment is given, is when one of God’s laws have been broken. That is because breaking God’s law is sin! Let us take a look at the foundation of God’s law. It is what we call the Ten Commandments. Listed below are the Ten Commandments, or we could actually call them the Ten Laws of God. Now the Bible does contain more than just ten Commandments. There are actually many of them, but these 10 are the foundation for all of the rest.

Deut. 5:7-21 “(7) Thou shalt have none other gods before me. (8) Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: (9) Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, (10) And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. (11) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (12) Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. (13) Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: (14) But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. (15) And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day. (16) Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (17) Thou shalt not kill. (18) Neither shalt thou commit adultery. (19) Neither shalt thou steal. (20) Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour. (21) Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”

Now, let us take a close look at these 10 Laws of God. The first four Commandments are related to one’s relationship with God. The next six Commandments have to do with human relationships. Let’s see what they tell us.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1) - YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER GODS BUT ME.  So, with this first law, God is telling you not to have any other Gods before Him, or in His place. So, if there is anything in your life that is more important to you than God is, this law says that you are an idolater. Why is this? Because if you hold anything in your life as being more important to you than God is, then you have broken this law. And, as we have already discussed, breaking a law of God is sin. Therefore, if you are doing this, then you are an idolater. God says that you are guilty of sin!

2) – YOU SHALL NOT MAKE AN IDOL, NOR WORSHIP IT. Law number 2 is similar to law number 1. Here God says that you are not to make an idol, or worship it. Simply put, God is saying if you are praying to anyone or anything other than Him, then you are also an idolater. This includes statues of Jesus Christ, or even the disciples. If you do this, then this law states that you are an idolater. God says that you are guilty of sin!

3) – YOU SHALL NOT MISUSE THE NAME OF GOD. Law number 3 concerns how you use God’s name. Do you use it lightly? Do you use it as slang? Do you use His name as a curse word? If you do, then this law says that you are guilty of the sin of misusing His name. God says that you are guilty of sin!

4) – YOU SHALL REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY AND KEEP IT HOLY. Law number 4 tells us that the Sabbath Day is to be kept, and that it is Holy. We now call this day the Lord’s Day, or Sunday. Have you set this day aside to worship God? Do you use it entirely for His purpose? If you do not, then you are guilty of breaking this law. God says that you are guilty of sin!

5) – RESPECT YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.  Law number 5 tells you that you are to respect your father and your mother. Do you show your father and mother the respect that you should? If you do not, then this law says you have sinned. God says that you are guilty of sin!

6) – YOU SHALL NOT KILL (MURDER). Law number 6 deals with killing another human. According to the original language of the Bible, it deals specifically with murder. Have you ever murdered another human? If so, then according to this law, you are a murderer. God says that you are guilty of sin!

7) – YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY. Law number 7 deals with adultery. As we look at the original language here, we find out that it is referring to any sexual act outside of marriage. Basically, God is saying that He does not allow any form of sex outside of the marriage vows. So, if you are having any form of sex with anyone outside of someone you are married to, then this law states that you are an adulterer. God says that you are guilty of sin!

8) – YOU SHALL NOT STEAL. Law number 8 deals with stealing. Have you ever stolen anything? If so, this law states that you are a thief. God says that you are guilty of sin!

9) – YOU SHALL NOT GIVE FALSE EVIDENCE. Law number 9 deals with giving false evidence, or in modern terms, perjury. Have you ever told a lie? It does not matter what you call it. Whether you want to say it is just a story, or maybe just a little white lie, it simply does not matter. If you have done so, then this law calls you a liar, you have given false witness. God says that you are guilty of sin!

10) – YOU SHALL NOT DESIRE WHAT BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE.  This law deals with the desires of your heart. Have you ever seen something that belonged to someone else? Did you ever think that you would really like to have it, instead of the other person having it? If so, you are coveting, or desire something that belongs to someone else. God says that you are guilty of sin!

Psalm 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

What is it that the Bible says is perfect and actually converts the soul? It is the law of God. The Scriptures make it very clear. It says the Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The law lets us know what God calls sin. Simply put, it does not matter how I define sin. It does not matter how you define sin. All that matters is how God defines sin, and how God reacts to that sin.

Romans 3:19 “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”

Because of the law, the world stands guilty before God. Because of the law of God, I stand guilty before God. Because of the law of God, you stand guilty before God.

Galatians 3:24 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

In this verse to the church at Galatia, Paul explains to us exactly how God uses His laws. Paul says that God uses it as a schoolmaster, or today, we would say as a supervising teacher. The law of God teaches us how God defines sin. There are many today who would and who do try to do away with the law of God. But, God’s law still stands. It is still being used the same way God has always used it. He uses it to teach us about sin. He uses it to let us see how He actually sees us. Through the law, we are able to see that we stand guilty before God, and that we deserve any punishment that He desires to give to us.

Romans 3:20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”

Paul speaking to the Roman church tells us that we cannot be justified by the law. He is saying that we can try all we can to live by the law, but we still will not be justified before God. He tells us that the law only gives us knowledge of what sin is. Again, through the law we can see ourselves as God Himself sees us. The law doesn’t help us; it just leaves us guilty before the judgment bar of a holy God.

Romans 3:19 “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”

Because of the law, the world stands guilty before God. Because of the law of God, I stand guilty before God. Because of the law of God, you stand guilty before God.

Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

This verse tells us that every man has an appointed time to die. But, it actually goes further than that. It also states that when we die we will also face judgment. One day, we shall all stand before the holy God!

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

We have now seen how God defines sin. This verse tells us how God will deal with that sin when you stand before Him. His word declares that the wages of sin is death! So, the day that you die and stand before Him, God will declare that the wages you have earned for your sin is death. What you must understand is that you are an eternal being. When your earthly body dies, life has just begun. You must then find out what your eternal wages are. Because of sin, your wages are death! By death, the Word of God teaches that the death referred to here is the second death. The Bible teaches that the second death is twofold. First it is total and complete separation from God! Secondly, it is eternal torment. We must ever remember that eternity is a very long time. It never ends.

John 3:16-17 “(16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

As we look at this, we must also understand that God does not want anyone to be separated from Him for eternity. God does not want anyone to be punished for eternity. God made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins! That is why Jesus Christ was born over two thousand years ago!

Chapter 4

The Life Of The Flesh

Leviticus 17:11(KJV) “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”

All flesh has blood. The life in any body is provided by the blood. When blood leaves a body, so does life itself. It is because of this that God required a sacrifice of blood in order for sin to be forgiven. The first blood to be shed for sin was when God Himself killed animals in order to provide clothing for Adam and Eve. We next see Able, the son of Adam and Eve, offering a blood sacrifice.

Genesis 15:9-10(KJV) “(9) And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. (10) And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not.”

During this period of time, the blood sacrifice to God was known, but it was not totally understood. A partial understanding came about during the time of Moses.

Leviticus 17:11-12(KJV) “(11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (12) Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood.”

Here, God explains the reason for blood sacrifices. It is to provide atonement for human souls. A blood covering, in other words, to make man presentable to God. Ultimately, this blood sacrifice was meant to represent a time when a perfect sacrifice would be offered.  The people making the offering had to have faith that the offering would provide exactly what God said it would. But, this was only a temporary covering, which was meant to be replaced later by the perfect sacrifice. The Apostle Paul explained it further.

Hebrews 10:3-6(KJV) “(3) But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. (4) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. (5) Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: (6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.”

Paul explained that the blood of bulls and goats could not provide forgiveness of sin. It was just a temporary solution. God has not had any pleasure in those sacrifices at all. He begins to explain here exactly what it is that God does require to forgive our sins.

Hebrews 10:10(KJV) “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

It took the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, and nothing less. A perfect man, one who had never sinned. From the beginning, God knew this would be the only sacrifice He would accept. Now, let us proceed, and see how all this came about.

Chapter 5

Birth Of The Saviour

At the perfect time, when things were properly set in order, God fulfilled the many prophecies of the Old Testament. It had been almost 2000 years since the first promise in the Garden of Eden up to Abraham. It had been another 2000 years from Abraham to the time an Angel named Gabriel spoke to a little Jewish virgin named Mary.

Luke 1:26-33(KJV) “(26) And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, (27) To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. (28) And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.(29) And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. (30) And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. (31) And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. (32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: (33) And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

We can see an Angel from God, whose name is Gabriel, come to a small town in Galilee, which was named Nazareth. He was sent for the purpose of making a special announcement to a virgin named Mary. At this time, we want to look at the word “virgin”. The original Greek word, “parthenos,” refers to a pure virgin who has never known a man, and never experienced a marriage relationship. In the Hebrew, the word is “Ha-alma,” which means “the Virgin”—the only one who ever was, or ever will be a mother in this way. This young lady who, once again, was a virgin, was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph. They were both of the lineage of King David.

Now, we come to what very well could be the most important moment of human history up to this point. The Angel provides some very important information to Mary. She is highly favored, or we might say “highly blessed,” by God. Mary is somewhat confused, and does not seem to understand what the Angel is saying to her. The Angel goes on to say she has received grace from God.  He went on to tell her that she would immediately conceive, and will give birth to a Son. She is then instructed to name the Child Jesus. The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name, “Joshua”. It means “Saviour”, or “The Salvation of Jehovah”. The Angel speaks further to tell Mary the Child shall be called the Son of the Most High God, and that God will cause Him to sit on the throne of his ancestor, David. Finally, the Angel tells Mary her son will reign over the House of Jacob, and that His kingdom will never end.

The Angel was quoting from Isaiah 7:14(KJV), “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” He was also quoting from Isaiah 9:6(KJV), “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” These prophecies were spoken some 600 years before this.

Let us understand that God is very detailed and precise in all of His promises. Mary needs further information, and the Angel begins to give her the answers to her questions, along with further information she has not requested. Let us remember, at this time, Mary is probably in her late teens.

Luke 1:34-38(KJV) “(34) Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (35) And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (36) And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. (37) For with God nothing shall be impossible. (38) And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Mary questions how all this can come to pass since she is a virgin. The Angel tells her the Spirit of God will come upon her, and the power of God will overshadow her. God will literally speak the conception into existence. Because of this, the child shall be the Son of God. In this, we see the “Incarnation”, in other words, “God becoming man”. He would be very God, and very man. Mary was further told of one more miracle. This miracle had to do with her cousin Elizabeth, who was much older than her, and was barren. She too was to have a miracle child. Mary then accepted everything she had been told.

Next, we come to a similar event happening to Mary’s fiancée, Joseph. Joseph was a just man; some would even call him a holy man. He was probably about 12 to 15 years older than Mary, but he loved her, and wanted to marry her. Then things got complicated. It became apparent that Mary, his fiancée, was pregnant. Joseph knew he had not had any sexual relations with her. He was no doubt disappointed. A decision had to be made. Let us look once again at what the Scriptures have to say about these circumstances facing Joseph.

Matthew 1:18-20(KJV) “(18) Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (19) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. (20) But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

As mentioned earlier, Joseph loved Mary very much. After all, they were engaged to be married. At that time, engagement was a bond very similar to marriage. It was a legal contract. Now, Mary is pregnant, and things have changed drastically. Although Joseph had a right to divorce her in a public manor, he did not desire to do things that way. That is correct, a divorce was required to break an engagement. Joseph wanted to do it in a private way, so as to spare Mary any unnecessary hardship. But, before he could do anything, while he was still pondering things in his heart, everything changed. An Angel of God appeared to Joseph in a dream, and began to speak to him. The Angel told Joseph to not be concerned about Mary’s circumstances. He was to proceed with the marriage. Mary had not been unfaithful. She was a chosen vessel of God. The child Mary is carrying was placed there by God.

Matthew 1:21-25(KJV) “(21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (22) Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (23) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (24) Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (25) And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”

The Angel continues to speak to Joseph, and he continues to listen. Mary is to give birth to a son. This son is to be named Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. This event is now being connected all the way back to God’s promise to Adam and Eve concerning a redeemer. The promise made by God is now about to be fulfilled. Once again, the name Jesus means “Saviour”. Next, the Angel quotes from Isaiah 7:14, which was spoken some 600 years earlier. A virgin shall get pregnant. That virgin shall bear a son. That child’s name shall be “Immanuel”. The name “Immanuel” means “God with us”.

Immediately, Joseph did all the Angel had spoken to him. He married his fiancée right away, and did not have any physical relations with his wife until after the child was born. When the child was born, He was named Jesus. God’s great Plan of Salvation had begun. It has taken 4,000 years, and several prophecies, but God is finally making a way for man to once again have a relationship with Him. Jesus the Saviour of the world had been born in Bethlehem of Judaea, and God’s only Plan of Redemption is about to take place.

Chapter 6

The Ministry Of Jesus

The Bible does not say much about the childhood of Jesus. It explains all about His birth, and it gives us a glimpse of when He is 12 years old. This is because none of that is important in God’s grand scheme of things. According to the Law of Moses, Jesus could not begin His ministry for God until He was 30 years old. For that reason, the majority of what we know about Jesus, we find out after His 30th birthday. For our purpose, we will be discussing the highlights of His ministry, not everything in detail. As we enter into this portion of the life of Jesus, we find Him walking down to the edge of the river Jordon. There we find a wild looking man called John the Baptist. He is preaching a message of repentance, and he is baptizing those who do repent. We also should mention the fact that John is the cousin of Jesus.

Mark 1:2-8(KJV) “(2) As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. (3) The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (4) John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (5) And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. (6) And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; (7) And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. (8) I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. “

As John is speaking here, he is quoting Malachi 3:1. John is stating that he is the fulfillment of the prophecy, that he was the messenger of God. He then begins to quote Isaiah 40:3. He is stating that he indeed is that voice crying in the wilderness. He preached the message of repentance, and preparing for the coming of the Lord. People from all over Jerusalem, and throughout Judaea, came to hear him preach. Many repented and were baptized by John in the Jordon River. He was not clothed as the people in his day were clothed. In fact, John’s appearance and habits probably made him appear to be like a wild man. His clothing was made out of camel hair, and he had a leather belt tied around his waist. The food he ate was even strange, for he ate locusts and wild honey. He no doubt had much the same appearance of the long gone prophet called Elijah. John’s message went on to prophecy that there was a man coming who was such a great man of God that he himself was not even worthy of untying His sandals. This great man of God would not baptize people in water as John did, but He would baptize people in the Spirit of God.

John 1:29-36(KJV) “(29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (30) This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. (31) And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. (32) And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. (33) And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. (34) And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (35) Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; (36) And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!”

The next day, John sees Jesus walking down to the water where he is baptizing. Suddenly, John makes a proclamation. John is saying, and probably pointing to Jesus as well, “Look at this man, He is the Lamb of God!” Here we find the first reference in the New Testament concerning the sacrifice of Jesus upon the Cross of Calvary. He went on to proclaim that this sacrifice would take away the sin of the world. This is that same sin that was committed by Adam, and passed down to all mankind through the genes of Adam. John goes on to proclaim that this is the same man that he has been preaching about. John further testified that when he baptized Jesus, he saw the Spirit of God coming down from Heaven in the form of a dove. Let’s take a close look at what happened.

Mark 1:9-12(KJV) “(9) And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. (10) And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: (11) And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (12) And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.”

Now, we are seeing it for ourselves.  As Jesus is coming up out of the water, the Heavens open up, and coming down from God is the Spirit of God in the form of a dove. John tells us in the above Scriptures that the dove actually landed on Jesus. At the same time, a voice was heard coming down from Heaven. That voice, which was heard by everyone, said to Jesus, “Thou art my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” In the earlier verse, John tells us he is testifying under oath that Jesus is the Son of God. He further states to his disciples to look at Jesus, for He is the Lamb of God. In verse 12, we see where the Spirit of God drives, not leads but drives, Jesus into the wilderness. This is done for a specific purpose, for Jesus who is 100% man, and 100% God, must be tested. However, it will not be God that is tested, it will be man who is tested. Not one time while He was on the earth did Jesus use the powers of God to accomplish anything. He used the same thing He has provided for us, the power of the Holy Ghost that was in His life.

Matthew 4:1-11(KJV) “(1) Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (2) And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. (3) And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (5) Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, (6) And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (7) Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (8) Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (11) Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

Jesus is now in the Judaean wilderness. He was taken there by the Spirit of God. While there, He goes on a fast. For 40 days and nights, He goes without food, and He spends much time in prayer to His Heavenly Father. Just like you or I, He became very hungry, and was probably also weak in body. Then, at His weakest moment, the tempter, Satan, came to Him. We need to understand the purpose of this temptation. You see, Satan knows the Word of God. He actually knows the Word of God better than we do. He came to tempt Jesus for the purpose of getting Him to commit a sin, any sin. He knew who Jesus was: the Lamb of God, who came to take away the sin of the world. He knew that the sacrifice had to be perfect, that there could be no sin. Even one sin would disqualify Jesus from being the world’s Redeemer. That is all Satan wanted at this point in time. He wanted Jesus to sin just one time. Satan did not want to lose his hold on mankind.

Now, we see the first temptation. If you, Jesus, really are the Son of God, then take this rock and turn it into bread.  He was tempting Jesus to use the power of God for His own benefit. This is something He was never to do. Jesus quotes the Word of God to the Devil. He quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, which states that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God. Round one goes to Jesus, but Satan is not down for the count yet. Immediately, Satan takes Jesus in to Jerusalem. There he takes Jesus to the very highest part of the Temple. It was stated by Josephus, that this part of the Temple was 700 feet above the ravine below. The next thing Satan does is to challenge Jesus to throw Himself off of the Temple, since He is the Son of God. Satan then quotes from Psalm 91:11-12. This verse is a prophecy that states God would send Angels to rescue Jesus so He would not even hurt His foot on a stone. With this second temptation, Jesus once again quotes the Word of God. He quoted Deuteronomy 6:16, which says: “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.” To tempt God is to question His Word. This casts doubt on God’s ability to do what He has promised. Strike two against Satan, he has failed a second time. But, just like when he is dealing with us, the Devil did not give up. He came at Jesus with a third test.

Satan took Jesus to the top of a high mountain. It is thought that it might have been Mount Nebo. From there, Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, and offered to give it all to Jesus if He would worship him instead of God. This time, Jesus directly addresses Satan. He tells Satan to go away and leave Him alone. He then quotes 1 Samuel 7:3, “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” Satan wants us to worship him also, but just like Jesus said, God wants us to worship only Him. It is strike three against the Devil, and he leaves, but it is just for a short season (Luke 4:13). It is important Satan will always come back to tempt us. Immediately, angels came to Jesus and ministered to Him.

We have found that even Satan recognized who Jesus actually was. He knew the purpose for Jesus being on the earth. He tried three times here to get Jesus to fail, thereby sinning, so He would not be able to become the supreme sacrifice, to restore man back to God. Satan’s attempts here failed, but he was not about to stop. He would try again, at a later time.

From here, our journey will take us to see the first miracle performed by Jesus. He had overcome all the temptations of the Devil.  These were the same types of temptations we face each and every day of our lives. As such, we find out we can overcome our temptations also, as long as we keep our faith on Jesus and what He did for us on Calvary.

John 2:1-4(KJV) “(1) And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: (2) And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. (3) And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. (4) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.”

Jesus and His disciples are called to a wedding feast. The time frame is three days after Jesus comes out of the wilderness of Judaea. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is at the feast also. It appears that she has some type of authority there, as far as refreshments are concerned. Mary finds out that the wine everyone was drinking has been consumed. There is none left. The Greek word for wine, as used here, is “oinos”. It means either “fermented” or “unfermented” wine. Without going into a lot of detail, as used here, it is applying to “unfermented” wine. Today, we would call it grape juice. Mary was evidently moved upon by the Holy Ghost to urge her Son, Jesus, to do something about the situation.

Jesus replies to her using the term “woman”. In our modern customs, it sounds like Jesus is being rather rude to His Mother. But, this is not the case. As used here, it is actually the same as “madam”. In using this terminology, Jesus was indicating that He was no longer under the authority of His Mother. (It is thought that Joseph is dead at this time.) Jesus is indicating here, if this is the time that He is to begin His ministry, that He must be instructed by God to do so. Jesus was not there to do the will of His Mother, He was there to do the will of His Heavenly Father. But, we find out that Mary is not discouraged about the situation.

John 2:5-6(KJV) “(5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (6) And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.”

Mary speaks to the servants about Jesus. This is something we need to pay close attention to. She said, “Whatever He says to do, do it.” What a statement. It doesn’t matter how strange or foolish it may seem to be, do it. Whether you understand it or not, just do it. This is something we need to do in our Christian walk each day.  We know the Jews at that time had many purifying ceremonies. The six waterpots we see here are for some type of purification ceremony. Depending on the size of the pots, they each held between 18 and 27 gallons of water.

John 2:7-8(KJV) “(7) Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.”

Jesus speaks to the servants. He is very specific about what He wants. He tells them to fill all of the pots with water, but there is more. They are to fill each pot to the very top, to the brim. Please take notice, He does not pray, nor does he touch the pots. He simply tells the servants to start drawing the water out, and take some to the man who is in charge of the entire wedding feast. The miracle takes place somewhere between the filling of the water pots, and the time they started serving the head of the celebration.

John 2:9-11(KJV) “(9) When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, (10) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. (11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

When the man in charge of the feast tasted the new wine, he was totally surprised. This was the best tasting drink during the entire celebration. We need to understand at this point, we are not looking at the standard two hour or so wedding reception we are used to. These celebrations went on for an entire week. This took place near the end of the celebration. Quite a bit of refreshments were already consumed. Plus, at a celebration such as this, the very best drinks were served first. As things went along, the worse tasting the refreshments became. But, to the surprise of the man in charge of the celebration, this was the best drink so far. It was like starting out with Kool-Aid, and ending up with your favorite soft drink. This was the very first miracle Jesus performed. This was done to show Jesus could change things, and that He could do so miraculously. There would be many more miracles during the next three and one-half years. We are not going to talk about each and every miracle, nor are we going to talk about every sermon. Our main desire is to show you that Jesus was exactly who the Bible claims Him to be.

Mark 1:21-28(KJV) “(21) And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. (22) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. (23) And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, (24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. (25) And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. (26) And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. (27) And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. (28) And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.”

We are now looking at Jesus and His disciples going to the town of Capernaum. The first thing they do as they enter the town is to locate the synagogue. While there, Jesus begins to teach. We see a testimonial here, that those who heard Him teach were totally surprised. He did not teach the same way their scribes (teachers) taught. They taught their traditions, while Jesus taught the Word of God. He also taught with an authority the people had never seen before. There was no doubt Jesus was totally different from their man trained teachers. There was a man in the synagogue that day who was possessed by an evil spirit. He began to make a scene, and the lead demon in the man began to cry out. The demons knew who Jesus was. They began to talk directly to Him. They wanted to be left alone. They did not want Jesus to bother them. There is no doubt, these demons knew Jesus was more than just a man. This was their domain, they did not want Jesus there at all. They knew Jesus had power over them, and they knew Jesus was the Holy One of God. Next we see Jesus speaking directly to the demons. He tells them to shut up, and to come out of the man. Immediately, they came out of the man, and screamed as they did so. This was a scream of fear, for they knew they had to obey Jesus.

The people around were amazed. They began to discuss what had just happened among themselves. They were questioning who Jesus was, even whether or not He was the Messiah. They were even discussing how different He was from their Scribes.  They even discussed how Jesus had power and authority over Satan and his demons.  Yes, there was something about this man named Jesus.

John 3:1-21(KJV) “(1) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: (2) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (8) The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (9) Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? (10) Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? (11) Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. (12) If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (13) And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. (14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (20) For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. (21) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.”

Nicodemus is a Pharisee, which means he was part of the religious ruling class of the Jews. In fact, he was a member of the prestigious Sanhedrin Court, and said to be one of the three richest men in Jerusalem. This was the religious ruling body of the Jews. He wanted to talk to Jesus in person, and by himself, so he came to Jesus during the night. The way he starts speaking indicates he is speaking for several people. He speaks of Jesus being a man who has the presence of God with Him. Nicodemus plainly stated it would be impossible for Jesus to do the things He did if God was not with Him. This was absolutely true. When Jesus answered Nicodemus, it was in a way that was not expected. Jesus told him a man must be born again, or he will not be able to see the Kingdom of God. By using the statement “born again”, Jesus was saying a man has already had a natural birth, and that he would also need a spiritual birth. We understand this to mean having faith in Jesus Christ, and what He did at Calvary. Without the new birth, no one can understand or even comprehend, or be a part of the Kingdom of God.

Nicodemus could not understand what was being said. All he could think of was a natural birth. Even though he was a spiritual leader, he could not understand at all what Jesus was saying to him. The prophets of old had spoken of a circumcised heart, and a hard heart and a right spirit, but Nicodemus, though he was schooled in the prophets, could not grasp this (Deut. 30:6; Jer. 4:4; Ps. 51:10; Ezek. 36:26–27). Jesus went on to explain that a man had to be born of water, which is referring to a natural birth. In speaking of being born of the Spirit, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual birth, which can only be brought about by God. Contrary to what some people think, Jesus was not speaking of water baptism. Jesus went on to explain, that which is born by the natural birth are in the flesh, but those who are born through the Spirit of God, belong to God. Jesus went on to tell Nicodemus not to be surprised to be told he must be born again.

Jesus begins to explain the Born Again Experience. Jesus compares the experience to the wind which comes and goes, but no one understands how or why. The Born Again Experience is a spiritual birth, and cannot be fully explained naturally, or intellectually. Nicodemus wants to know how these things can be. The truth of the matter is despite his great knowledge of the Word of God, Nicodemus had no understanding at all concerning what Jesus was speaking to him about.  Next, Jesus points out the fact that Nicodemus is considered to be one of the spiritual leaders of Israel, and still he could not understand what Jesus was talking about.  As a spiritual leader, Nicodemus should have known the way of salvation, but he did not. There are many spiritual leaders today who are in the same condition.

Next, we find Jesus directing Nicodemus to the Word of God instead of the traditions of men. He lets Nicodemus know that it is easy to see the benefits and fruits that come from the Word of God. He also points out Nicodemus, as well as the entire Sanhedrin Court, was determined not to look at anything other than his traditions. Jesus reminded Nicodemus that they had received the feasts and sacrifices as an earthly example of the spiritual things God wanted them to understand, but still they did not. Before we can understand Heavenly things, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus, we must first know Jesus. Nicodemus had addressed Jesus as merely a human teacher. Before he could understand spiritual things, he must first understand God becoming flesh, and living among men. Jesus came down from Heaven. He lived with men for three and one-half years. He then died and ascended up into Heaven. His mission was then completed.

Jesus next referred to Numbers 21:5–9. Moses is lifting up a brass serpent on a pole in the wilderness. That serpent represents Satan, the one who originated sin. He then let’s Nicodemus know that He (Jesus) was to be lifted up above the earth, just like that serpent was lifted up. Once this was done, Satan and sin would be defeated forever. Now, we see the word “whosoever”. This word is used in conjunction with believing in Jesus for salvation. It clearly lets us know that everyone is not automatically saved, nor is anyone chosen by God to be saved. It is whosoever will accept Jesus. You see, if we will accept Him, then He will accept us. On the other side, if we choose not to accept Jesus, neither will He accept us. He who believes will not perish, means they will not face eternal torment. But if we accept Jesus Christ, we will receive Eternal Life.

John 3:16 is presenting perhaps the best known verse in the Bible. This verse presents to us the God kind of Love. This is the Love that never fails, regardless of what we do or fail to do. It lets us know that God sacrificed His own Son. God allowed His own Son to be nailed on the Cross of Calvary, to redeem lost humanity. The mission of Jesus was to save, to forgive the sins of man. But, man must accept this forgiveness, in order for it to be applied. Those who reject what Jesus did, can only receive condemnation. Jesus is the only salvation for the world, there is no one else who can do that. That is God’s plan. Mohammed cannot bring you to God. Neither can Buddha, Confucius, Allah or any other false god. Salvation only comes because of the Cross of Jesus, and nothing else.

Jesus is very clear to Nicodemus in this discussion. Anyone who believes in and serves Jesus Christ cannot be condemned to the Lake of Fire for eternity. But He goes on to say that anyone who does not believe in Jesus, and what He did on Calvary, are already condemned to the eternal Lake of Fire. Salvation is never by works, or through anyone else. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and His work on Calvary. Jesus is the Light that came into the world, but it is the same today as it was at the time of Jesus. Man prefers darkness to light. Coming to Jesus means the revelation and condemnation of every evil way. Religion does not condemn or remove evil, but the “Light” which is Jesus, does.

Jesus told Nicodemus that whoever wants to follow Truth, seeks the Light. The Holy Ghost will lead people to the Light, through the Revealed Word of God. If a person really wants to live in Truth, they must first come to Jesus. Jesus is the one and only “Light”. When a person comes to Jesus, they are changed. The evil things they did are gone, and they are replaced by that which is good. Nicodemus received quite a lesson this night, as he talked with Jesus. Many things he did not know were brought to light. Maybe not this night, but somewhere down the road, Nicodemus became a changed man. He did come to know the “Light”.

There is one more thing we want to look at in the ministry of Jesus. We have looked at the first miracle He performed, and there were many more. He healed the sick. He healed the lame. He caused blinded eyes to see. We have looked at some of His teaching, we have seen where even demons and the Devil himself recognized, and knew, who Jesus was. Now, we are going to look at the fact that He even brought the dead back to life. Jesus brought a young lady back to life, shortly after she died, in Luke 8:41-56. Then in Luke 7:11-16 we see Jesus interrupt a funeral procession in the city of Nain, and bring a dead man back to life. Now, we are going to look at a man named Lazarus who had not only died, the funeral was already over and he had been buried.

John 11:1-44(KJV) “(1) Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (2) (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) (3) Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. (4) When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. (5) Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. (6) When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. (7) Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. (8) His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? (9) Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. (10) But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. (11) These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. (12) Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. (13) Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. (14) Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. (15) And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. (16) Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. (17) Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. (18) Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: (19) And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. (20) Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. (21) Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (22) But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. (23) Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. (24) Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. (25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (26) And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (27) She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. (28) And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. (29) As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. (30) Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. (31) The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. (32) Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. (33) When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, (34) And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. (35) Jesus wept. (36) Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! (37) And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? (38) Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. (39) Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. (40) Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? (41) Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. (42) And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. (43) And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. (44) And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”

A man named Lazarus was sick. He was a close friend of Jesus. Knowing how sick he was, his sister sent word to Jesus, hoping that Jesus would come before it was too late. It was the desire of both Mary and Martha that Jesus must come to their house in Bethany immediately. Bethany, where they lived, was a small village about two miles from Jerusalem. When Jesus received the message, He had an odd reaction. He made the statement that “This disease is not unto death, but for the full glory of God.” The original Greek actually states it a little differently, saying, “He shall not fall prey to death.” By saying, “But for the glory of God,” Jesus was giving us some very profound information. He was stating, the Lord does not receive any glory from sin or sickness. But, He definitely does receive glory when He delivers men from sin, and when He heals the sick.

It seems that Lazarus must have died before the messenger made it to Jesus. Even though the messenger did not know Lazarus had died, the Holy Ghost did know. He gave this information to Jesus. Upon the instructions of the Holy Ghost, Jesus decides to wait two more days before leaving for Bethany. After waiting the two days, Jesus tells His disciples it is time to return to Judaea. The disciples are concerned about returning. They remind Jesus that the Jews tried to stone Him the last time they were there. Jesus replies to them with an analogy. It reminds them that a man does not stumble during the day as he walks, for he can see where he is going. Also, stating that same man can stumble if walking at night, because he cannot see where he is going. Finally, Jesus tells the Disciples something they cannot understand. He tells them Lazarus is sleeping, and that He must go and wake Lazarus up. It is important to note here that Jesus was not teaching “soul sleep”. He explains Himself shortly. As for us, Lazarus was in “Paradise” at this time, for Jesus had not yet died and resurrected.

Not understanding Jesus, the disciples begin to question Him about Lazarus sleeping. Like so many Christians today, the disciples placed a carnal interpretation on what Jesus said. Jesus then told them directly that Lazarus was dead. Jesus went on to explain to them, if He would have been there with Lazarus, Lazarus would not have died, Jesus would have healed him. It had to be done this way, so that the disciples as well as others would know that Jesus was the Resurrection and the Life. Next, Jesus told them it was now time to go to Bethany.

Upon arriving in Bethany, they all found out that Lazarus had been dead four days. This is important information, because decomposition starts taking place on the fourth day after death occurs. In addition, the Jews at that time believed that when a person died, their spirit roamed around hoping to return to its body. But after four days, the spirit could no longer re-enter the body, and had to make the trip to Paradise.

Since Bethany was only about two miles from Jerusalem, many people were still in Bethany, to help Mary and Martha grieve. Jesus evidently stopped short of making the entire trip to Bethany. We understand this, because Martha, somehow hearing that Jesus was almost there, left her home and her sister Mary, and met Jesus somewhere on the road. Upon finding Jesus, her grief gets the best of her. “If you had only been there Jesus,” she cries out, “Lazarus would not have died!” She does not even think of the possibility of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. All she could think about was her brother being dead. According to her statements, she does believe Jesus can do something, she just is not sure what that something could be.

Jesus now says something to Martha that she just is not sure of. He tells her that Lazarus will Rise again. He tells her very plainly what is about to happen, but she just cannot understand what Jesus is saying to her. She knows about the Resurrection, and she understands it. She is thinking that Jesus is speaking to her about the future Resurrection, but He is not. To help her understand, Jesus tells her that He is the Resurrection and the Life. He lets her know that the Resurrection is not just a doctrine, or a philosophy. We must also realize this same thing. The Resurrection in reality is a person, the Lord Jesus Christ. He further tells her that anyone who believes in Him will never die. Jesus then puts Martha on the spot, and asks her if she believes everything He has told her. Martha makes the proclamation that she now believes that Jesus is the Son of God that the prophets had promised.

Martha now leaves Jesus. She goes right to her sister, Mary, and tells her that Jesus would like to speak with her. Mary does not waste any time. She leaves immediately, and goes to Jesus. Upon arriving where Jesus is, Mary falls down at His feet. Then, she begins to say, “If you would have only been here, my brother would not have died.” These were basically the same words Martha had used. Even though Martha had told Mary everything Jesus had said, Mary was having problems believing. After all, Lazarus was dead, and had been dead four days. It was simply too late to do anything. That was Mary’s frame of mind.  Jesus sees Mary weeping, and those that were with her weeping also. Jesus is then troubled by the consequences of death, and groans in His Spirit.

Next, Jesus asks where they have buried the body of Lazarus, and Mary begins to lead Him there. We now see Jesus as He begins to weep. Could it be He saw how sin had brought the terrible presence of death to man? As the Jews watched Jesus, they thought His tears were because of Lazarus, when in reality they came because of the state of man. Some of the Jews went as far to say that Jesus was the great miracle worker and should have been able to come and heal Lazarus, so that he would not have had to die. The grave, or tomb, surely symbolizes everything the fall of man has caused. The grave of Lazarus was a cave with a large stone rolled in front of the entrance. To the people that day, this was as final as final could get.

Jesus now does something that no one expects. He tells them to remove the stone from the front of the cave. Evidently the faith of Martha has left her, for now she begins to protest. She says, “Wait, he’s been dead for days now. He is stinking by now because his body has begun to decay.” Jesus reminds her, if she would believe, she would see the Glory of God. Jesus knew he had power over Death, Hell, and the Grave. He knew what was about to happen. When the stone is rolled away from the entrance, Jesus says a short prayer.  This prayer was for the benefit of those who were watching. Jesus then cries out loud, “Lazarus come forth!” This was a command from the creator of the universe. He had already stated that He was the Resurrection and the Life. As such, if he had not called out the name of Lazarus, every grave would have opened.

Immediately, the greatest miracle in human history, up to this point, took place. Lazarus got up and came out of his grave.  Lazarus had been called up out of Paradise. He had been there four days.  Jesus then told those around to help Lazarus out of his grave clothes. Many of the people who were there that day, believed in Jesus, and accepted Him as their Messiah. Word of what Jesus had done spread quickly to Jerusalem. It went all the way to the High Priest, where it was decided that Jesus must die.

John 11:45-53(KJV) “(45) Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. (46) But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. (47) Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. (48) If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. (49) And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, (50) Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (51) And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; (52) And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. (53) Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.”

The die is caste. The decision has now been made by the leaders of the prevailing religion that Jesus must die. It was a plot for murder—at least, that is what they thought. What they didn’t realize, was this was to be “The Sacrifice”. This is the one that was promised 4,000 years before in the Garden of Eden, and referred to by many prophets many times later.

Chapter 7

The Plot Thickens

Now, we need to travel back in time. Let’s close our eyes and begin to think about what it would have been like in Jerusalem in 33 A.D. It is just a few days before the Passover Celebration. The normally lazy town of Jerusalem is now packed with people. They have come from all over Israel, for this special season. After all, this is one of the festivals with required attendance according to the Law of Moses.  It is really hard to get around, with so many people here. A little band of thirteen men had gathered there also. This would be the last trip Jesus would make here with His little band of twelve disciples.

Matthew 26:1-2 “(1) And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, (2) Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.”

The public ministry of Jesus is now over. No longer would thousands of people gather around Him. No longer would there be people gathered around seeking the touch of His healing hand. Jesus knows this, but His disciples do not. Jesus knew what He would be facing in just a few hours, but His disciples did not. He has His disciples gathered around Him now. Jesus reminds them that the Feast of Passover is in just two days. Then Jesus tells them something they do not understand, or perhaps, they choose not to understand. Jesus is to be betrayed by someone He trusts, and then He will be crucified. Crucifixion is known and understood by the people of Israel. This is one of the many reason the Jews did not like Rome. Not only was the Roman government in control of their land, but they used a particularly cruel form of capital punishment. They would nail a person to a cross, and let them hang there in the weather until they died. They had even been known to line the road into Jerusalem with people hanging on crosses. Perhaps this might have been a cruel way used to control the Jews.

Matthew 26:3-5(KJV) “(3) Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, (4) And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him. (5) But they said, Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.”

Here at the beginning of the most important celebration the Jews have, the High Priest, the Scribes, and the Elders of the people get together for a very important meeting. Let us understand the term “Elders of the People” as a term for the Great Sanhedrin Court. This is the highest government leadership the Jews have. They meet in the palace of the High Priest, who is the highest religious official the Jews have. His name is Caiaphas, and he has been appointed by Rome. This meeting has not been called to discuss the plans for Passover. They had something else in mind. To them, Jesus was a problem they needed to deal with. These religious people were there that day, discussing how and where to take Jesus prisoner. Once that was done, they had to figure out a way to KILL Him. They needed to do it in such a way that the “ordinary” people would not be upset.

Matthew 26:14-16(KJV) “(14) Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, (15) And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. (16) And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.”

Next, we see Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, slip off from the rest of the group. He makes his way to the chief priests, and makes a deal with them. He at some time is to betray Jesus, and turn Him over to the chief priests. He is also being paid for this betrayal. It was a grand sum of thirty pieces of silver. According to Exodus 21:32, this is the price of a slave. Please note, in Zechariah 11:13, which was spoken several hundred years earlier, it was prophesied that this would happen. From that point on, Judas looked for the right opportunity to turn Jesus over to the chief priests.

Matthew 26:17-19(KJV) “(17) Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover? (18) And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. (19) And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.”

The Feast of Unleavened Bread takes place just before Passover. On the first day of that festival, the disciples came to Jesus with a question. They wanted to know where to prepare the Passover meal. Jesus told them to leave Bethany, where they were presently staying, and to go into Jerusalem. They were to find a certain man and speak to him. They were to tell this man that the Master’s time was at hand, and that Jesus wanted to keep the Passover at his house, along with His disciples. This they did, and they prepared the Passover. According to Luke 22:8, Peter and John were the ones who prepared the Passover. Preparing the Passover meant that Peter and John procured a lamb for their Passover sacrifice. This lamb would represent the entire group of disciples, as well as Jesus. They then took the lamb to the temple, where it would be sacrificed by the priests. After the lamb was inspected, to verify there were no flaws with the lamb, it would be held in place by a priest. Then one of the disciples would have placed both hands on the head of the lamb. This symbolically transferred the sins of all the disciples onto the lamb. The throat of the lamb was then cut, and all of the blood drained out of its body. A priest caught the blood in a vessel, and then passed the vessel of blood to another priest. That priest then sprinkled the blood at the base of the altar. The carcass of the lamb would have then been taken to the appointed place for the supper, where it was roasted. Next, a feast would be prepared according to Exodus 12:8. This feast would include the roasted lamb, unleavened bread, wine, and bitter herbs. The feast would then be eaten. In this case, the meal was prepared and eaten one day early. This is because Jesus would be the final Passover sacrifice which would be accepted by God.

Matthew 26:20-25(KJV) “(20) Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. (21) And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. (22) And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say unto him, Lord, is it I? (23) And he answered and said, He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. (24) The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. (25) Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.”

When evening came, Jesus sat down with His disciples for the Passover meal. It was probably about 6 P.M. on Tuesday evening. But, by the way the Jews reckoned time, it would be the first hour of the next day, or Wednesday morning. Their days always started at sunset, not midnight like our days do. Jesus speaks up to let them all know what He knows. One of the Twelve is about to betray Him. But, He also does it for a more important reason. He is giving Judas the opportunity to repent of what he has already done, and for what he plans to do. Everyone is shocked and saddened by what Jesus says, but apparently none of them suspect Judas at this time. Judas is probably wondering what is going on. Jesus tells them that the one who will do it is dipping his hand with Him into the bowl. This is not too revealing though, for everyone is dipping into the bowl with Jesus. Next, Jesus reminds them everything that is about to happen has been foretold by the prophets of old. Jesus goes on to say that the one who betrays Him will be facing eternal consequences. These are the same consequences facing anyone who rejects Jesus Christ. Judas comes out boldly and asks Jesus if He is speaking about him. Although Jesus answers in the affirmative, it is thought it was spoken so softly that none of the other disciples heard or understood what was said. Shortly after this, Judas left to meet with the High Priest.

Matthew 26:26-30(KJV) “(26) And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. (27) And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; (28) For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (29) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. (30) And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.”

Jesus now takes the bread, which is the symbol of what He is about to do, and what He would become. He blesses it, and distributes it to His disciples. Jesus was the Bread of Life, and He was blessed by God.  His body was broken at Calvary, as He gave Himself for all who would believe on Him. He then took the cup of wine and distributed it to His disciples to drink. This represented His blood which He shed on Calvary. Jesus was speaking of the New Covenant God was making with man. His shed blood, i.e. His death, would be final payment for the sin debt started by Adam. Once again, this affects only those who believe in what Jesus did for them.  When speaking of drinking of the fruit of the vine with them again, Jesus is referring to the coming Kingdom Age. When finished, they all sang a hymn. This hymn would have come out of the Book of Psalms, probably Chapters 115 and 118. They then left and went toward the Mount of Olives.

Matthew 26:31-35(KJV) “(31) Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. (32) But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. (33) Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. (34) Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (35) Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.”

Jesus now lets the disciples know they will all be offended because of Him. In fact, they will all forsake him, but He will never forsake them. In Zechariah 13:7, it was prophesied that God would smite the Shepherd, and the flock would be scattered abroad. Jesus lets the disciples know that even though He will die, He will come back from the dead. It seems the disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying, or they simply did not believe Him. Peter stands up boldly to proclaim that he will never be offended by Jesus, even if everyone else is. Was this boastful pride on the part of Peter? It certainly turns out to be just that. Jesus lets Peter know that in just a few hours he will deny Jesus three times. Once again boasting, Peter claims that will never happen.

Matthew 26:36-39(KJV) “(36) Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. (37) And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. (38) Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. (39) And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

Arriving at Gethsemane, Jesus once again speaks to the disciples. Gethsemane is located just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. It is about 200 yards from the city wall. The Jerusalem garden, between the Eastern Gate and the Mount of Olives, was a favorite place for Jesus to reflect and pray. Jesus tells His disciples to remain at the entrance to the Garden, while He goes farther in. He then took Peter, James, and John into the Garden with Him. We then see Jesus as He comes under tremendous stress and pressure. Jesus tells Peter, James, and John that He is very sorrowful, even unto death. It is a fact that, as a man, He could not have endured what He was going through. Luke 22:43–44 tells us that Jesus did not have to go through this alone, for God sent angels to help Him go through the ordeal. We now see Jesus crying out to the Father to let the cup pass from Him if possible, but He wanted God’s will, not His own. Just what was Jesus tempted to avoid? The wrath of God was about to judge Him, as if He were the only sinner in the world. It did not matter that He was not a sinner at all. This weight of facing the wrath of God in our place is what caused the agony Jesus was going through.

John 18:2(KJV) “And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.”

The Garden of Gethsemane seems to be where Jesus spent most of His nights while He was at Jerusalem. On this night, this place of prayer would turn into an all-night intercession service. Jesus entered the garden and invited three of His disciples, Peter, James, and John, to participate in an important late-night prayer vigil. These three trusted disciples were tired from a busy week, and this prayer support team fell asleep as Jesus poured out His soul in prayer for an hour. Jesus understood what was to take place in the next few hours. His prayer turned into an agonizing THREE HOURS of intercession, until His sweat became as great drops of blood.

Luke 22:44(KJV) “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

This could only happen under extreme physical and mental stress as the blood vessels expanded and allowed red blood to mingle with the salty sweat. The word “agony” comes from the Greek root word ”agon”. It refers to a contest or a fight. It was probably during these three hours that the sins of mankind were being transferred upon Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:21(KJV) “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

As the sins of the world weighed upon Jesus, He must have experienced an unbearable burden, which caused Him to pray. if it were possible, that God would allow this cup of suffering to pass from Him. Jesus was not guilty of sin. He was completely holy and pure. We can be made righteous and holy by accepting what Jesus did for us.

Matthew 26:40-46(KJV) “(40) And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? (41) Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (42) He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (43) And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. (44) And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. (45) Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. (46) Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.”

Peter, James, and John did not understand the grave situation that Jesus was facing, so they fell fast asleep. After going through all of this agony, Jesus goes to the three disciples He brought into the Garden with Him. He finds them asleep, and then wakes them up. In doing so, Jesus speaks to Peter and asks why they could not have prayed with Him. He then warns them about the temptation they are about to face, the temptation to forsake Him. Jesus then speaks those words often quoted by many preachers, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus then leaves them and begins to pray again. Once again He asks that the cup be taken away from Him, but stresses that the Father’s will be done. Jesus then returns to His three disciples. Once again, they are sleeping. Jesus then returns to prayer, and repeats what He had said previously. These hours of agony were so intense that Paul wrote in Hebrews (Hebrews 5:7-9) that this event almost killed Jesus, and He had to seek God to spare Him from premature death. God saved Jesus from dying in the garden, as the agonizing pressure was pressing the blood out from His body. This event was even foreseen by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 53:4, Isaiah 53:10-11). In the Garden, Jesus was made sin for our sins, and sick with our sicknesses. Is it any wonder He was asking for this cup to pass? It was not just the cup of the cross, but it was also the sufferings He was experiencing in the Garden of Gethsemane. But praise God, Jesus knew that His sufferings would accomplish a divine plan. It would bring salvation and healing to those who would receive the new covenant. This atonement would impact the body, soul, and spirit of anyone who accepted the full atoning work of Jesus. Through all of this suffering, He was faithful to God and faithful to us. When Jesus finishes praying, He tells the disciples to continue sleeping.  He states that Judas is about to betray Him. In fact, Judas, the Temple Guard, and Roman soldiers were probably entering the Garden at that moment.

Matthew 26:47-50(KJV) “(47) And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. (48) Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. (49) And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. (50) And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.”

Never before in history had such a treacherous act taken place. Never before had someone sold a person who was so good, gracious, and holy. Judas, one of the Lord’s disciples, shows up leading armed Temple guards and Roman soldiers, who were sent by the religious leaders of Israel. Judas had made a deal with those same leaders. He would take them to where Jesus would be, and He would identify Him by giving Jesus a kiss on the cheek. This Judas did. When Judas did this, Jesus was immediately taken prisoner. This set into action all that the murderous hearts of the religious leaders desired to do.

Matthew 26:56-57(KJV) “(56) But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. (57) And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.”

All this had been predicted centuries in advance (Genesis 3:15; Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah Chapter 53; Zechariah 11:12). Then all the disciples forsake Jesus and leave. There is no one left to help Jesus. This was also predicted hundreds of years earlier in Zechariah 13:7. The soldiers then take Jesus to the palace of the High Priest, Caiaphas, where all the Scribes and elders had assembled.

Chapter 8

A Kangaroo Trial

It is now somewhere past midnight. Jesus is standing before Israel’s Great Sanhedrin Court. There is just one problem. Legally, according to their own law, this court can only meet during daylight hours. They are meeting illegally. Jesus is standing before this august council of 71 men. They are assembled for one purpose. That purpose was to decide what was to be done about Jesus of Nazareth, an itinerant preacher. Jesus is standing alone in the midst of these learned men, not a friend to be seen in this crowd.

Matthew 26:59-60(KJV) “(59) Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; (60) But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,”

The religious leaders were determined Jesus must be tried, and He must be found guilty. They were so determined, that they decided to break the Law of Moses, and bring in witnesses who would lie and perjure themselves. They were determined to do whatever was necessary for Jesus to be put to death. It is interesting to note, that none of the accounts of these false witnesses agreed. They all told a different story. According to the Law of Moses, Jesus could not be found guilty because of this, but once again, this did not matter to the religious leaders. They were going to keep trying, until they could get their conviction. Finally, two false witnesses came forward, and weaved a tale, that totally misquoted Jesus.

Matthew 26:63-64(KJV) “(63) But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. (64) Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

Through all of this, Jesus did not open His mouth in His own defense.  In Isaiah 63:7, we were told this would happen. Finally, the High Priest issued a religious order that had to be obeyed. It was an oath used in the name of God, requiring Jesus to answer whether or not Jesus considered Himself the Son of God. It must be understood, at this time, there was no concept of any human being a Son of God. We see Jesus answering him in the affirmative. His answer is even clearer in Mark 15:62. In His answer, Jesus spoke of sitting on God’s throne at the Great White Throne Judgment. In effect, He was telling them that they were sitting in judgment of Him at this time, but there was coming a day when they would be standing in front of Him for judgment. Jesus also spoke to them about His Second Coming.

Matthew 26:65-68(KJV) “(65) Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. (66) What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death. (67) Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands, (68) Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?”

The High Priest now springs into action. He took the shawl draped over his shoulder and ripped it in half. This was done to show how horrified he was at Jesus referring to Himself as the Son of God. Caiaphas cries out, “He has spoken blasphemy.” He was stating that Jesus had made Himself equal with God. Now that they had heard what they deemed was blasphemy, they could get rid of their false witnesses. The entire Sanhedrin had heard every word Jesus said. But let us remember, those words were the truth. When Caiaphas asked the Sanhedrin what they thought, they all hit Him with their fists, and the original Greek indicates they also hit Him with rods, and slapped Him in the face. Isaiah 52:14 tells us His appearance was so damaged that He was nearly unrecognizable.

Matthew 27:1(KJV) “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:”

Morning finally arrives. When it does, the Great Sanhedrin meets, and they decide that Jesus must be put to death. It is now Wednesday morning. In a few short hours, Jesus will be crucified. Contrary to what most people think, Jesus did not die on Friday. The Sanhedrin had one problem with their judgment. They could not act upon their decision. Only the Roman authority could pass the death sentence.  They must now take Jesus and their charges to Pontius Pilate. He had to be convinced that Jesus was worthy of death.

Chapter 9

The Appeal To Pilate

Matthew 27:2(KJV) “And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.”

As stated earlier, the Jews did not have the authority to execute anyone. That authority rested with the Romans alone. Jesus must now have His hands tied behind His back with a rope. He was then led, as any other criminal, to stand before Pontius Pilate’s judgment seat. Pilate held the office of Governor for about 10 years. After that, he was removed for cruelty and extortion. He was banished to Gaul, where he ended up committing suicide.

Matthew 27:11-14(KJV) “(11) And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. (12) And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. (13) Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? (14) And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.”

Jesus is now standing before Pontius Pilate, and Pilate begins to exam Jesus if He is the King of the Jews. This is a very important question. Rome is the ruling authority over Israel. As such, that makes Emperor Caesar Augustus the ruler over Israel. This is the answer Pilate is looking for. Any other answer spells trouble for the accused. Jesus simply said, “Thou sayest.” Jesus did not really answer the question.

Matthew 27:15-18(KJV) “(15) Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. (16) And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. (17) Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? (18) For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”

At the Passover Celebration, Pilate had a custom where he would release one of his prisoners. Simply put, the people could choose whoever they wanted to be released. Pilate thought he had a way out of condemning Jesus. He would use this custom. There was a notorious man currently in prison for committing murder. He had led a rebellion against the Romans. His name was Barabbas.  Stepping out to the porch with Jesus, Pilate then asks the crowd who he should release: Barabbas, or Jesus. It is interesting that in accounts of this in some manuscripts, Barabbas is referred to as Jesus Barabbas. So, people that day were given a choice between Jesus Barabbas the murderer, and Jesus Christ the redeemer of the world. Pilate knew the religious leaders envied Jesus because the common people followed Him. Pilate was not a dummy, he knew what was going on.

Matthew 27:19(KJV) “When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.”

Before anything else could happen, Pilate’s wife wanted to talk with him. She warned him not to have anything to do with Jesus Christ. History tells us the name of Pilate’s wife was Claudia. Tradition tells us that sometime later on, Claudia became a Christian. She had a dream the night before, and it had to do with Jesus. We have no idea what the dream actually consisted of. We do know that she did not want anything to happen to Jesus.  She warned her husband, but that would not be enough.

Matthew 27:20-23(KJV) “(20) But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. (21) The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. (22) Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. (23) And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.”

The priests and elders were angry, they did not want to let Jesus slip through their hands. He must not escape the death penalty. They began to mingle among the people, trying to persuade them to ask for Barabbas.  Pilate asks once again who should be freed. At the urging of their religious leaders, the crowd began to ask for Barabbas. Pilate then asked a question that is still being asked by man today, “What shall I do with Jesus which is called Christ?” The answer to this question still determines the destiny of the eternal human soul. The religious leaders begin to cry out for crucifixion. They knew this type of death should turn the people against Jesus. Deuteronomy 21:23 says that anyone who is hung on a tree is cursed by God. Pilate asks them why Jesus should be crucified, because he could not find any evil in Him. That was the truth. He had done no evil, for Jesus was without sin. As the morning sun begins to rise, Pilate could hear the people continually call out for crucifixion. This will be the first day of infamy in the history of the world.

Matthew 27:24(KJV) “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”

Pilate saw immediately that he could not control the crowd. He no doubt knew a riot would take place if he did not agree to the crucifixion. He also probably considered the Jews would send accusations to Rome that he failed to punish someone who pretended to be the Jewish King. Pilate then took a basin of water, and washed his hands in the sight of the Jewish leaders. This was done to send them a message. He was showing them that he was not the one who was guilty of putting Jesus to death. He was telling them that they were the ones who were administering this “justice” and not him. Pilate then declared that he was innocent of this innocent blood. He actually acted out Deuteronomy 21:3-7. Pilate did not have the courage to do what was right. We must remember that no one can take a neutral position when it comes to Jesus Christ. He will be either accepted or rejected!

Matthew 27:25-26(KJV) “(25) Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. (26) Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

The Jewish leaders, who understood what Pilate said and did, said for the Blood of Jesus to be put on them and their children. All history revolves around the day God, man, and the devil agreed that Jesus must die. Jesus was a political threat to Rome and a religious threat to the Pharisees and Sadducees. Because of this, man said He must die. Pigs were dying by the thousands in a well-known Galilean lake. Dead, religious church members were being given eternal life in once dead Jewish synagogues. Screaming maniacs were putting on new clothes, and they were worshiping God. With His message of life, Jesus was bad for the devil’s business. Satan wanted Jesus DEAD. God also said Jesus must die. But not for the same reasons. God wanted man back. God said, “Man is My beloved creation. I want the power of sin destroyed.” Submitting to the will of the people, Barabbas was then released to them. He then ordered Jesus to be scourged and crucified.

Chapter 10

The Death Sentence Carried Out

1 Peter 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

The stripes spoken of here are referring to the scourging mentioned in the previous Scriptural reference Matthew 27:26. Jesus was scourged with a Roman flagrum, which is sometimes called a Cat of nine tails. This was a short-handled whip with nine long leather straps imbedded with small iron balls and sharp bits of sheep bone tied at various intervals. The soldiers would strip the victim, tying his hands to a short post protruding from the ground, and stretch the criminal out with his back exposed. One to six Roman soldiers often participated in a scourging. As the iron and sheep bone struck the tender skin on the back, it would cut deep contusions into the skin. Roman soldiers would repeatedly strike the victim's back, buttocks and legs with their full force causing deep contusions. Often the metal and bone would also reach the front of the person being beaten. Lacerations from repeated blows would cut into the underlying muscles and rip the overlaying skin of the back to a point where it would hang in ribbons of bleeding flesh. The capillaries and veins were often torn causing intense bleeding and at times leaving the entrails exposed. The entire area of Jesus’ back would have become an unrecognizable mass of torn flesh, with deep grooves caused by the iron balls, exposing a bloody mass of muscle, bone and tissue. Blood flows freely down his body forming a deep red pool at his feet and surrounding area. His whole body trembles with shivers running down his spine as his strength begins to fail and His body goes into shock. His wrists being tied is the only reason he is still upright because his legs have now lost the strength to hold him. Finally, it is over, Jesus is untied and collapses to the ground. He is too weak to move and he stays there on the pavement which is wet with his own blood.

Matthew 27:27-30(KJV) “(27) Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. (28) And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. (29) And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! (30) And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.”

The "Band of Roman soldiers" referred to was about two hundred men, which was the third part a “cohort”. These soldiers held a mock coronation for Jesus, which included a scarlet robe, a reed as a scepter, and a crown of thorns. These thorns are called “Victor’s Thorns”, and grow up to six inches in length. To the soldiers, they were mocking Jesus as King of the Jews. To God, there was a supernatural purpose to this action. When Jesus took the crown of thorns on His head, it was a picture of Him carrying all of the mental anguish His future followers would experience. When they finished mocking Him, they began to spit on Him, and took the reed and began to hit Him on the head. Hitting Jesus on the head with the reeds would have driven the thorns farther into His head. The act of spitting on someone is one of the most degrading and disgusting acts imaginable. It is also an act of condemnation. The Roman soldiers were familiar with the Jewish law and spat on the face of Jesus to condemn Him. As the unclean soldiers spat on the sinless Lamb of God, it symbolized Jesus taking our condemnation for us. We would no longer be condemned by the unclean works of the flesh or by the condemning voice of the devil. We would be released from condemnation because Jesus carried our condemnation for us (Romans 8:1). Isaiah tells us that they even pulled the hairs of His beard from His Face (Isaiah 50:6). The soldiers did this to humiliate Jesus. This was a public sign that they were degrading the manhood of Jesus and humiliating Him before His peers.

Mark 15:20-22(KJV) “(20) And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him. (21) And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross. (22) And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull.”

When the soldiers finished mocking Jesus, they removed the purple robe, and dressed Him in His own clothing. They then had Jesus pick up the cross, and led Him toward Calvary. Due to the beatings He had received, Jesus could not carry the cross very far. In fact, tradition tells us He fell 3 times under the weight of the cross. When Jesus could no longer carry the cross, the soldiers compelled a man named Simon to carry the cross for Him. Simon had 2 sons with him. They were named Alexander and Rufus. History tells us that these young men later became followers of Jesus, and in fact became well known disciples. “The place of the skull” has two meanings. First it is claimed by some that Adam was buried here, and that his skull was later found there. It is also thought by some, that David buried Goliath’s head there. There is however, no proof of either one. There is one other explanation that can be brought up, and it is probably more likely than the other two. It is simply that the rock face of the hill resembles a skull.

Luke 23:32-33(KJV) “(32) And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. (33) And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.”

A “malefactor” is a criminal. There were two criminals taken to Calvary with Jesus. It is thought that those two criminals were companions of Barabbas. They would also be crucified, with Jesus hanging on a cross between them. Now, let us look at how Jesus was crucified. The cross itself was roughhewn and full of splinters. It is thought that it was about 18 feet tall and weighed somewhere between 180 and 250 pounds. The cross was laid on the ground, and the bloody mangled body of Jesus was placed on top of it. The soldiers stretched out one arm and placed a nail in his hand, and began to drive it through His hand. They then stretched out the other arm and began to nail the other hand to the cross. Then the soldiers bent the knees of Jesus, and placed one foot on the side of the cross, and drove a nail through the heel. The other foot was then placed on the other side of the cross, and nailed in the same manner as the first foot.

Then using ropes, the soldiers raised the top of the cross up and dropped the bottom of the cross in a hole about 5 or 6 feet deep. The cross stops suddenly when it hits the bottom of the hole, the weight of Jesus pulls down on the nails, and His mutilated back slides down that rough splintery wood. Jesus is now suspended between Heaven and Earth. But what happens to a person hanging on a cross? As they hang there, the muscles are tightened against the chest. It is impossible to breathe. The person on the cross must push themselves up the cross in order to catch a breath of air.

John 19:19-22(KJV) “(19) And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. (20) This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. (21) Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. (22) Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.”

Pontius Pilate had written a sign that was fastened to the top of the cross. In fact, it was written in three different languages: Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. The words on the sign read, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews”. The Jewish leaders were outraged when they saw the sign, and immediately asked Pilate to change the sign. He refused to change it. This seems so insignificant, so why were these priests so upset? It was because of a tradition the Jews have always had. The Jewish leaders are always looking for hidden meanings in words and phrases. In doing so, they took the first letter of each Hebrew word and put these letters together to see what kind of message they would receive.  When the chief priests read what these letters spelled, they became angry and demanded that Pilate change the wording on the sign.

When Pilate answered them and said, “What I have written I have written”, is it possible that Pilate’s true feelings about Jesus was hidden in the words he placed on the cross? The first letter of each Hebrew word, once placed together spells out a four letter word. It spells out the sacred name of God, Jehovah! The Jews were complaining that if the words were not changed, the sign was telling everyone that God was being crucified. In the Jewish sacrificial system, when a family was offering a lamb for sacrifice, a name tag was placed around the lamb’s neck. The family name was placed on the name plate. That was done to show who was offering the sacrifice. GOD HAD PUT HIS NAME ON HIS LAMB, JESUS, FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE!

Mark 15:34(KJV) “And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

At about 3 p.m. that day, Jesus cried out with a loud voice. According to 1 Peter 2:24, Jesus took upon Himself the sins of the world: past, present, and future. During this period of time, about 3 hours, the Heavenly Father could not bear to look at Jesus. Darkness covered the earth during this 3 hour period. For the first time in eternity, Jesus could not feel the presence of His Heavenly Father. Thus, the feelings Jesus had caused Him to cry out these words, “My God, My God, Why hast Thou forsaken Me?” By the way, when Jesus said that, He was quoting Psalm 22:1.

John 19:30(KJV) “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

Breathing His last breath, Jesus cried out three words that were reserved for the High Priest, “IT IS FINISHED!” The three words were used by the High Priest at Passover when the final lamb was offered for sacrifice. Jesus was stating that His offering was the final blood offering for eternity! The world’s sin debt was paid. Every bit of the Law of Moses was fulfilled. Jesus did not die from everything that had happened to Him. He was not murdered, and He was not killed by the hand of any man. He freely gave up His life, at the moment the Holy Ghost told Him to. This took place at the same time as the evening sacrifice for Passover.

Matthew 27:50-51(KJV) “(50) Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. (51) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

Jesus freely laid down His life, no one took it from Him. At the moment Jesus died, there was a great earthquake, and the veil in the Temple which was hiding the Holy of Holies from man’s view was ripped from top to bottom. This veil was about 60 feet high, 20 feet wide, and 18 inches thick. It was so strong that four yoke of oxen could not pull it apart. The hand of God cut this partition in half when Jesus died. God wanted OUT and sinners wanted in! The universe went into total revolt. Thick darkness hovered over Jerusalem’s rolling mountains, and people who moments before were crying out “Crucify Him” were now beating their chests in fear.

Matthew 27:54(KJV) “Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”

Sin-hardened Roman soldiers were making a confession of faith at the completion of the execution. Tradition tells us the Centurion’s name was Longinus. He became a devoted follower of Jesus, and even preached the Word of God. We are also told he died a martyr’s death. Disciples were hanging their heads in fear, broken and wounded. Their King was dead! The Man who could walk on water seemed to be unable to control His own destiny. For the followers of Christ, their world would never be the same!

John 19:31-34(KJV) “(31) The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. (32) Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. (33) But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: (34) But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”

The end of the day was near. It is almost sunset. The annual Sabbath was about to start. The bodies must not be left hanging, they must come down before the sun sets. The Jewish leaders asked for the legs of the victims to be broken, so that they die quicker. Pilate orders it to be done. Roman soldiers break the legs of the two men on either side of Jesus. When they come to Jesus, it appears that He is already dead. One of the Roman soldiers thrusts a spear into the side of Jesus, to make sure He is dead. When the soldier thrust his spear into the body of Christ, blood and water came out. This indicates the spear struck the heart. Romans were professional executioners, and knew exactly where to strike.

John 19:38-42(KJV) “(38) And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. (39) And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. (40) Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. (41) Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. (42) There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”

Two secret disciples, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus, ask Pilate for the body of Jesus, so that they can bury Him. Joseph and Nicodemus were both members of the Jewish Great Sanhedrin Court. They desired to prepare Jesus for a temporary burial. Because the sun was setting, there was not time for a full preparation. At sunset, the annual Sabbath of Passover begins. All hope is now gone – Jesus is now dead. Pilate gives them his permission. Joseph and Nicodemus take the body of Jesus and prepare it as much as possible with a mixture of Myrrh and Aloes. These spices were very expensive, and were the spices used by the rich to prepare bodies for burial. This is also a very strong indication that Joseph and Nicodemus did not expect Jesus to rise from the dead. They then wound the body up in fine linen cloth and the spices. In the Garden near the place of the crucifixion, there was a new grave, which we would call a small cave. The body of Jesus was taken there, and placed inside the cave. A large stone was then rolled across the entrance of the cave. It is now all over, they have done all they can do.

Chapter 11

Sunday Is Coming

Mark 15:47(KJV) “And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.”

The two Maries watched as Joseph and Nicodemus prepared the body of Jesus. They continued to watch as the stone is rolled across the entrance to the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus had watched as everything had happened. All hope is now gone – Jesus is now dead.

Matthew 27:62-66(KJV) “(62) Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, (63) Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. (64) Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. (65) Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. (66) So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

The Annual, or High Sabbath of Passover, was over. This was the main day of the Passover festivities. The religious leaders go to Pilate once again. This time, they want the tomb of Jesus sealed, and a guard put on it. These men evidently observed the crucifixion, for they stated that Jesus was dead. They knew this to be a fact. Since Jesus had said that He would rise again, they felt His disciples would steal the body. Pilate agreed to their demands, and told them to see that it was done. They were assigned a watch of four soldiers that would be changed every three hours. This would assure the watch was continuous. Going to the tomb, they took a rope and placed it around the stone that was at the entrance to the tomb. The rope was fastened on each side of the large stone. A seal of wax or clay was placed in the center of the rope. This way, the stone could not be removed without breaking the seal. Four soldiers were then placed in front of the stone.  It was the religious leaders who made sure there was perfect proof of the resurrection.

Mark 16:1-3(KJV) “(1) And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. (2) And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. (3) And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?”

It has now been three days and three nights since the crucifixion. It is now the morning after the weekly Sabbath, which was Saturday. It is now very early on Sunday morning. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James are on their way to the tomb. Mary the mother of James is also the mother of Jesus. James is the brother of Jesus. Salome is identified in other Gospels as the wife of Zebedee. Zebedee is the father of James and John, the disciples of Jesus. These three women were not aware of Christ’s Resurrection, and had arrived early to finish preparing the body of Jesus for burial. Their concern was how they would move the stone that blocked the entrance to the tomb. It is estimated that this stone weighed between 3 and 4 tons. Before they could apply their spices to the corpse, someone would need to roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb.

Mark 16:4-5(KJV) “(4) And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. (5) And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.”

When they arrive at the tomb, the stone they were so concerned about is gone! The body of Jesus is missing! There is an angel waiting for them in the tomb. The angel is sitting in the tomb, on the protrusion where the body of Jesus had been laying. The women were all afraid when they saw the angel. We are told in Matthew 28:3 that his appearance was like lightning. What had happened?

Matthew 28:2-4(KJV) “(2) And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. (3) His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: (4) And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.”

Somewhere between sunset Saturday evening and Sunrise on Sunday morning, something happened. First, an earthquake took place. Next an angel of God came down from Heaven and rolled the stone away from the door of the tomb, and sat down on the stone. When this all happened, the soldiers did shake with fear, and passed out.

A description of what happened at the resurrection is found in the Archko Volume. These large scrolls were found in St. Sophia Monastery in Constantinople, Turkey. They were translated into English in the late 1800s. One section contains a letter alleged to be from Pilate to Tiberius Caesar concerning the burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Here is what Pilate wrote: “I sent him to the captain of the royal guard, Malkus, to tell them to take as many Jewish soldiers as he needed to place them around the sepulcher. Then if anything should happen they could blame themselves and not the Romans. When the great excitement arose about the sepulcher being found empty, I felt a deeper concern than ever. I sent Malkus who told me he placed his lieutenant, Ben Isham, with 100 soldiers around the tomb. He told me that Isham and the soldiers were very much alarmed at what occurred there that morning. I sent for this man, Isham, and he related to me as near as I can remember the following circumstances.

He said that about the beginning of the fourth watch they saw a soft and beautiful light over the sepulcher. He at first thought that the women had come to embalm the body of Jesus, as was their custom, but he could not see how they could have gotten through the guards. While these thoughts were passing through his mind, behold, the whole place was lighted up, and there seemed to be crowds of the dead in their grave clothes. All seemed to be shouting and filled with ecstasy, while all around and above was the most beautiful music he had ever heard; and the whole air seemed to be voices praising God. At this time there seemed to be a reeling and a swinging of the earth so that he turned sick and fainted and could not remain standing. He said the earth seemed to leave from under him and his senses left him so he knew not what occurred. I asked him what opposition he was in when he came to himself and he said he was lying on the ground with his face earthward.”

Matthew 27:52-53(KJV) “(52) And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, (53) And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

When Jesus rose from the dead, He was not the only one. All of the dead saints that had been in Paradise since the time of Adam came out of the grave with Him. All of them were removed from paradise and taken to Heaven. Some of them walked through Jerusalem, and were seen by many people when this happened.

Matthew 28:5-8(KJV) “(5) And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (6) He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. (7) And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. (8) And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.”

Just before sunrise, the three women are standing before an angel of the Lord. This is the same angel that had appeared earlier during the resurrection. The angel speaks to the women and tells them that Jesus who was crucified is not there, because He has risen from the dead. He also tells them to look where the body of the Lord once was, and they are to go tell the disciples of Jesus that He is risen. They came looking for a corpse, but instead they find a risen Saviour. The angel tells them to let the disciples know that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. He even guarantees it will all happen according to his words.

John 20:11-13(KJV) “(11) But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, (12) And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. (13) And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.”

The women have informed the disciples that Jesus has resurrected from the grave. They have gone to the tomb to see for themselves. Mary Magdalene has followed them there. She stays after Peter and John leave. We see her standing outside the tomb weeping, when she decides to look in one more time. This time, Mary sees two angels. It is thought these angels represented the importance of the resurrection of Jesus. We see them asking her why she is weeping. Mary still does not understand what has happened. Her reply is that someone has taken away the body of her Lord, and she does not know where to find it. She is still in despair. Things are about to change.

John 20:14-18(KJV) “(14) And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. (15) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (16) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. (17) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (18) Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.”

Mary now turns around from the tomb. Perhaps she sees the angels looking past her at someone else. She sees someone standing outside the tomb, but does not recognize who it is. The man she sees speaks to her, asking why she is crying. He also asks Mary who she is looking for. Looking directly at the man, she still does not recognize Him as Jesus. Perhaps in the process of the resurrection, His appearance had changed. But I personally believe the problem was caused by her unbelief. Unbelief can rob us of so many things. In this case Mary Magdalene could not recognize Jesus. She thought she was speaking to the gardener who took care of the garden for Joseph of Arimathaea. Mary even asks the man where He has taken the body of Jesus. She seemed to be thinking His body still needed to be embalmed. Then, Jesus speaks her name. Immediately, all of her doubts and fears are gone. Mary now knows who she is talking to. She understands now that she had not dreamed about angels telling her He was alive. Her mind was bursting, as her heart almost exploded. “He’s alive,” she thought, “He’s really alive.” She quickly turns around, and cries out “Master”. Jesus quickly tells Mary not to touch Him. He says He has not yet ascended to His Father. Why did He say this?

Jesus was now the High Priest. He no doubt was brought clothing by the angels from Heaven. The High Priest had to wear special white linen clothing when he was about to enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood on the sacred furniture. Once the High Priest put the clothing on he could not be touched. If he were, he would be unclean and could not enter the Holy of Holies. Then the blood could not be sprinkled there. Jesus had to fulfill all the patterns in the Law. Jesus said He had not yet ascended to His Father, which means that He had not yet entered the Holy of Holies in the Heavenly Temple.

Hebrews 9:19-26(KJV) “(19) For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, (20) Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. (21) Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. (22) And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (23) It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. (24) For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: (25) Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; (26) For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

Jesus did not enter into the Holy of Holies made by human hands. He entered into the original Holy of Holies in Heaven. Just like the earthly High Priest had to enter the earthly Holy of Holies once a year to sprinkle the blood from the sacrifice on the sacred earthly furniture, Jesus the Heavenly High Priest had to enter the Holy of Holies in Heaven and sprinkle the blood from the final sacrifice on the sacred furniture in Heaven! It was done one time and lasts forever! HE WAS GOING TO “ASCEND TO THE FATHER” TO COMPLETE HIS MISSION OF PURGING THE HEAVENLY VESSELS OF THE HEAVENLY TEMPLE!

The blood of the perfect sacrifice, as presented by our High Priest, removed the barrier between a holy God and sinful man. Understanding this, we more fully comprehend why this is the age of grace. The blood of Christ is continuously, perpetually making atonement for our sins. Christ’s blood provided payment for access into the presence of God! His blood still contains resurrecting, life-giving power for those who believe and put their trust in it. When we get to Heaven and walk into the heavenly Temple, we will be able to see the blood that saved us and gave us the right to be there. Hallelujah! My Sins Are Covered! Hallelujah! Your Sins Can Be Covered Also!

Chapter 12

40 Days

Acts 1:9-11(KJV) “(9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

What we are looking at here took place 40 days after the resurrection. During those 40 days, Jesus had talked and preached to many people. Let us take a quick look at those 40 days before we go any further.

John 20:18(KJV) “Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.”

Mary Magdalene was the first person Jesus talked to. It happened just outside of His tomb. He told her to let His disciples know she had seen Him, and that He would see them soon. Mary located the disciples, and gave the message to them. Sadly though, the disciples did not believe her (Mark 16:9-11).

John 20:19(KJV) “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”

Next Jesus appears to and talks to eleven of His disciples. The disciples were afraid for their own lives, and hiding in a locked room, when Jesus appeared and began to talk to them. He said “Peace be still”, something the disciples were in great need of. This was the first gathering of believers, and it was on Sunday, the first day of the week.

John 20:24-25(KJV) “(24) But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. (25) The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Thomas was not there, and refused to believe that Jesus had appeared to the other disciples. Just like unbelief actually took Thomas farther away from the Lord, it will take us away from Him also.

John 20:26-27(KJV) “(26) And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. (27) Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.”

Eight days later, the disciples, including Thomas, are all gathered together. Once again, Jesus appears in the midst of them all, without using the door. Once again, Jesus is meeting with them on Sunday, the first day of the week.  His first words are to speak peace unto them.  Jesus then speaks to Thomas. In doing so, He uses the same words Thomas used, when he refused to listen to the other disciples. He invites Thomas to touch the nail prints in His hands, and to reach into the hole in His side. Jesus then tells Thomas to have faith, and to stop his unbelief.

John 20:28-30(KJV) “(28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (29) Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (30) And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:”

I can see Thomas falling down on his knees before Jesus, as he clasps his own hands together, as he cries out, “My Lord and my God”. There is no evidence at all that Thomas reached out to touch Jesus. Thomas was also the first one of the disciples to recognize Jesus as both his Lord and his God. Jesus lets Thomas know that, by his profession, he had exhibited the lowest form of faith. Then Jesus speaks of the church through the ages.  Just think about it, Jesus told his disciples that those who have not seen yet believe are truly blessed. At this point, John, the author of this book, lets us know that Jesus performed many more miracles in the presence of His disciples.

John 21:1-7(KJV) “(1) After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself. (2) There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. (3) Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. (4) But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. (5) Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. (6) And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. (7) Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.”

Even after seeing Jesus alive, the disciples were just ordinary men. They went back to their job of fishing. The disciples labored all night long, without catching any fish. Coming close to shore, they see Jesus, but they do not recognize Him. This is the fourth appearance of Jesus since His resurrection. When they come upon Jesus, He asks them if they have anything to eat. The disciples tell Him they have not caught anything. Jesus tells them to cast their net on the right side of their boat. When they do that, they catch so many fish that they can hardly get the load into their boat. John then recognizes Jesus, and tells Peter. Peter then jumps into the water to get to Jesus as quickly as possible.

John 21:12-14(KJV) “(12) Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. (13) Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. (14) This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.”

As the disciples come to shore, Jesus invites them to come and eat the meal He had prepared, and He also eats with them. This is the third time Jesus showed Himself to His disciples.

1 Corinthians 15:6(KJV) “After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

As mentioned earlier, Jesus met with several other people during the next few days. After those mentioned appearances, Jesus was actually seen by over 500 people after His resurrection. It is thought all of these other appearances were in Galilee.

Luke 24:44-49(KJV) “(44) And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (45) Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (47) And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (48) And ye are witnesses of these things. (49) And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

Near the end of His stay on earth, Jesus reminds His disciples that He had previously told them about His death, burial, and resurrection. He then opened their understanding, where they knew what the Scriptures were talking about. Jesus further told them about the need to preach repentance and remission of sins in His name throughout the world. This is God’s method of proclaiming His Word and carrying out His work. This is the only method God accepts.  God’s method of Salvation was meant to reach everyone in the entire world.

Christianity is not like any other religion. It was started by people who actually walked and talked with Jesus. They actually witnessed the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and testified about that fact. Jesus Christ and Him crucified is, simply put, the story of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Acts 1:4-5(KJV) “(4) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the promise of the Father, which was the Holy Ghost. He told them that John had baptized in water, but that they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost and Fire. All of this took place just before Jesus ascended into Heaven.

Acts 1:8(KJV) “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Jesus talks to the disciples about the miracle working power of the Holy Ghost. He tells them that they will become witnesses about Him, once they receive that power. They shall then have the power to proclaim the Gospel of Salvation throughout the entire world.

Acts 1:9-11(KJV) “(9) And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (10) And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; (11) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

After Jesus finishes His last instructions, He begins to ascend toward Heaven. Jesus is seen by several people, as He leaves the earth. The disciples continue to watch as Jesus ascends out of their sight. They can see the Shekinah Glory of God surround Jesus as He ascends. There are two men nearby, who are apparently angels. These men ask the disciples why they continue looking into the sky. They go on to state the very same Jesus is coming back to earth one day. He will be coming back in the same body He was leaving with, nail prints and all. He would also come back to the same spot He left from, the Mount of Olives.

God’s plan of Salvation was now complete. As we have discussed already, it was planned out from the beginning of the earth. From the time of Adam and Eve, God discussed it with man. He gave examples of it time after time with animal sacrifices. Then about 2000 years ago, God set it all into motion.

John 10:1-10(KJV) “(1) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. (2) But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. (3) To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (4) And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (5) And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. (6) This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. (7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (8) All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. (9) I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. (10) The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

In closing, Jesus lets us know there is one door, and only one door, to Heaven. He states further, that if anyone tries to get into Heaven using any other door, that person is both a thief and a robber. Jesus alone is that door, and the only true Good Shepherd.  The Porter represents the Law of Moses. The Porter allows Jesus to enter in, because He is the only one who ever fulfilled the Law. Jesus has a true relationship with His followers, not a religious experience. Suitable pasture means those followers will truly know the Word of God, will follow it, and will be led into all truth. Jesus is both owner and Shepherd of the sheep. This shows He has double love for them. The true sheep will follow Jesus, and the false ones will not follow Him. To repeat, Jesus is the one and only door to Heaven. This is because of the sacrifice He made at Calvary. Everyone else is both a thief and a liar. Only those who try to enter Heaven through Jesus will make it in. It does not matter what other religion it is, or what other man, or prophet, they are all liars and thieves. These thieves come to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came to provide abundant life. Jesus is the source for this life. All believers enjoy such life by constantly having faith in Jesus Christ, and what He did at Calvary.

If You Would Like To Be Saved

Pray This Prayer With Your Whole Heart

Dear Heavenly Father, I realize that I have broken your laws and I am a sinner. I understand that my sin has separated me from you. I am sorry and I ask you to forgive me. I accept the fact that your son Jesus Christ died for me, was resurrected, and is alive today and hears my prayers. I now open my heart and invite Jesus in to become my Lord and Saviour. I give Him control and ask that He would rule and reign in my heart so that His perfect will would be accomplished in my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Congratulations!

If you prayed this prayer in all sincerity, you are now a Child of God. But, there are a few things that you need to do to follow up on your commitment to the Lord.

(1) Get baptized (full immersion) in water as commanded by Jesus

(2) Tell someone else about your new faith in Jesus

(3) Spend time with God each day through prayer and Bible reading

(4) Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus

So that we might rejoice with you, we invite you to contact us and

Let us know about the decision you made!

You may contact Rev. Smith at: theonlysacrifice@gmail.com

One Last Thing….

Thank you so much for reading this book. You have no idea how much it means to me. I hope you have been able to enjoy “The Sacrifice”, and that you have grown closer to the Lord. If you have enjoyed reading this book, I would deeply appreciate it if you would write a short review on Amazon.com. As you know, reviews are what usually help a person to make a decision, when they are looking at a book. If you think other people would benefit from the information contained in this book then let them know! You can leave a short review here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sacrifice-ebook/dp/B00ET685YO

Also, when you turn the page Amazon will ask you to rate this book and give you the option of sharing your rating via Twitter and Facebook. I would love it if you would rate this book and let your social networking friends know about it! Thanks again for reading.

Rev. Allen Smith

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Table of Contents

Copyright

Acknowledgement

Dedication

About The Author

Introduction

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

If You Would Like To Be Saved

One Last Thing….