Lesson 20
Embedded Files
Triduum: Looking Towards Salvation
The Triduum--Looking Towards Salvation
The RCIA Process
To renounce Satan is not to reject a mythological being in whose existence one does not even believe. It is to reject an entire worldview made-up of pride and self-affirmation, of that pride which has truly taken human life from God and made it into darkness, death and hell. And one can be sure that Satan will not forget this renunciation, this rejection, this challenge. A war is declared! A fight begins whose real issue is either eternal life or eternal damnation. For this is what Christianity is about! This is what our choice ultimately means! Alexander Schmemann
Reflect back to the time before Advent when you came to the parish assembly during the Rite of Acceptance. You asked to be welcomed as a new member of the parish family. During this rite several moments of conversion took place. Now looking back upon that moment in time you can see where you have been and now continue upon the journey; growing daily in your walk towards holiness with God.
First you were signed with the Cross of Christ in order for you to will always recognize Christ when you see Him, hear His voice when He speaks, be the voice of Jesus to others, do the work of Christ and walk the path He sets before you. As you heard these words, you experienced a blessing of your senses and were awakened to the realization that now you will be immersed in a new way of life. The priest then blessed your entire being with the sign of the cross. You accepted the Cross of Christ presented to you by your sponsor, wearing it as a sign of your new covenant with God. Presented with a Bible, God's written word ,you embraced the Word of God.
Your immersion into the faith continued with instruction and attendance at Mass with your Sunday dismissal and lessons. After a Few months You found yourself participating in two back-to-back rites; The Rite of Sending and the Rite of Election where you moved from being a candidate to becoming the Elect.
Now as one of the Elect, you are approaching the time of initiation into the Church at the Easter Triduum. You will become a part of the Body of Christ as a new member of the Catholic Church. Before you can experience this part of your journey to the sacraments of initiation, you must travel with all Christians the same path that Jesus walked down. This path is the Passion of Jesus during a time called “Holy Week.”
Holy Week
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday then proceeds with the conclusion of the week by what is called the Triduum. Starting with the evening of Holy Thursday. The focus of the week moves towards the Triduum which traces the Passion of Christ (His suffering), His death and is completed with His Resurrection (his Triumph). The Triduum begins Thursday evening through Easter evening.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday traditionally kicks off Holy Week. As Such, during the Holy mass that Sunday the Events leading up to The Crucifixion as well as the Crucifixion itself are conveyed in the readings. There are two Gospel readings. One at the beginning of the Mass and One during the liturgy of the word.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday (also known as Maundy Thursday) is where you get a glimpse of Jesus priesthood as He shows His Apostles by example how to be the best priests they can aspire to be. In the same way He shows you how to receive Him, body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharistic meal. Jesus provides examples of service you need to give to others. This is visible during Holy Thursday mass as you watch the priest and deacons wash the feet of those who are a part of the community and have come to worship.
The English word Maundy is derived through Middle English and Old French mandé, from the Latin mandatum (also the origin of the English word "mandate")
The mandate was to give alms and do service.
Good Friday
Good Friday is time for you along with every Christian to travel the Way of the Cross with Jesus. On Good Friday all Christians are asked to embrace the cross as a way of life. The power of the Cross of Christ is something many people strive to experience and struggle to understand throughout their lives, but you have learned through a journey of conversion how to truly embrace this cross of salvation. You embrace the cross knowing you will have your own struggles. Only to look forward to the realization that your triumph will be to rely on the hope, love, faith and grace of the salvation provided by Jesus Christ.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day on which, you seek to grasp the extent of this walk down Calvary with the Lord. As an Elect, this walk is your RCIA journey you have traveled; together with the others in your group. You have shared with others your joys and tragedies, miracles and suffering, your everyday life, with people you have grown to know and love this past year. Now on this Holy Night is your moment to shine in the brilliance God’s grace as you receive your new life in Jesus Christ. It is this night you profess to the world that you believe and will follow Jesus all the days of your life. It is the eve of a new beginning for all mankind. As it was for the early Christians, it is the same for you. It is the time where your old self dies and the time where your new life in Christ begins.
Easter Morning
Easter morning dawns with the hope of a new life in the resurrected Jesus. Easter will mark the morning after you have been fully initiated into the Catholic Faith. As a New Christian in faith, you pray that one day you will also be resurrected from the dead on your last day so that you might live with God for eternity in Heaven. It is through Jesus, with Him and in Him, in unity with the Holy Spirit, that all honor and glory is given to God the Almighty Father, now and forever! Amen! You are no longer an ‘elect’ but now initiated into faith and with all Christians, belong to Him. As a New Christian, without fear or trembling you can approach the throne of God to worship and praise Him.
To get to Easter Morning, your last leg of your initiation phase of your journey will be to walk with Jesus during His most Sacred moment in His mission. You Walk With the whole Christian community through the moments that lead to and include Jesus’ assent to Calvary.
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus had been publicly ministering to the Jews for three years. He spent this time in public ministry admonishing, teaching, performing miracles and healing the sick. All of this was done to lend credibility to the words he spoke concerning himself, that he was in deed the messiah which was prophesized in the Old Testament.
While for Jewish people of that time, this reality of Jesus being the Messiah may have occurred to them. They really were not aware of what it truly was the Messiah was going to do for them personally, as a nation and for the whole world.
It is at this point in the gospel story, where Jesus’ ministry is rapidly drawing to a close. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem is in accordance with God’s divine will which was that he must go there[1] to suffer, die, and be raised. Jesus prepares for his entry into the city in such a way, that it is recognized as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Zec 9:9[2] (Mt 21:2). This passage emphasizes the humility of the king who is to come.
This story is considered the central point of the Gospel of Matthew who is writing to the Jewish community. Matthew intimates Zachariah’s prophecy in this gospel verse:
4 This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
5“Say to daughter Zion, ‘Behold, your king comes to you,
meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
(Mt 21:4-5).
The prophecy mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew comes from the Old Testament prophet Zachariah. It is referred to in the Gospel of John as well, during his account of the entry (Jn 12:15).
During the procession from the outskirts of the city into Jerusalem, a crowd begins to form. As they see Jesus approaching, they begin cheering, singing, and lay down palm branches and their cloaks on the ground in front of Him. There is euphoria in their voices, Jesus is acclaimed as the Davidic messianic king by the crowds who accompany him (Mt 21:9).
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, many are surprised by this acclamation and are shaken. The entire city fills with fervor and as well as inquiries by the populace concerning Jesus’ identity. The crowd responds that he is the ‘prophet,’ from Nazareth in Galilee (Mt 21:10,11).
1 When they drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. 3 And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.”
4 This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
5 “Say to daughter Zion, ‘Behold, your king comes to you,
meek and riding on an ass,
and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”[3]
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. 7 They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them.
8 The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road.
9The crowds preceding him[4] and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David;
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest.”
10 And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?”11 And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.” (Matthew 21:1-11)
Hosanna: the Hebrew means “(O Lord) grant salvation”; see Ps 118:25, however this invocation had become an acclamation of jubilation and welcome.
It is very sad to realize that at Jesus’ “Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem,” many of the voices singing “Hosanna” and acclaiming Jesus as their king, would, in a short time turn against him. In their turning with unison, they would rage against him, with their actions being that of a careless mob. Their praises and acclamations would turn into shouts of revulsions, cursing, spitting, swearing and at the same time adding physical abuse.
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[1][Matthew 16:21] From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.
[2][Zachariah 9:9]Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, Humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
[3][Zachariah 9:9]Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, Humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
[4][ISAIAH 62:11]The LORD has proclaimed to the ends of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, “See, your savior comes! See, his reward is with him, his recompense before him.”
Reflection:
Am I paying lip service to Jesus? (I praise him but turn my back on him)
When Jesus does not fit the mold, I think he should, do I or will I turn against him?
In Jerusalem
After Jesus’ reception at his entry into Jerusalem, he remains there teaching while challenging and being challenged by the Pharisees and Sadducees. Through this he maintained that he was God’s son. He openly testified to the fact that he would be handed over and be put to death.
23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.
26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
27 “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”
29 The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. 31 Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die. (John 12:23-33)
As Jesus continued to teach, he also performed miracles. Although a great number of people saw the miracles and heard his words, there were still many unbelievers.
37 Although he had performed so many signs in their presence they did not believe in him,38in order that the word which Isaiah the prophet spoke might be fulfilled:
“Lord, who has believed our preaching, to whom has the might of the Lord been revealed?”
39 For this reason they could not believe, because again Isaiah said:
40 “He blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted, and I would heal them.” (John 12:37-40)
Reflection:
Even though there were many who heard the words of Jesus and saw the miracles. Why do you suppose many would not believe?
There are many today who will not believe in God and many who do not believe Jesus is His Son. Do you think some of the same reasons for unbelief 2000 years ago still exist today?
The Last Supper
In Jerusalem Jesus enters the final stage of his ministry. Now moving forward to the climax, Jesus would show the world the saving act God the Father had prepared since the time of Adam and Eve. This would be the one act only Jesus could perform in order to save all of mankind; past, present and future from a destiny of eternal darkness.
This act would not be marked by a short period of minutes or even an hour. But would begin the night before. For any one observing, it would seem a series of actions. However, they are all joined. Like an act in a play which consists of many gestures and words. So too would Jesus final crowning act of salvation begin with the last supper, move through the climax of His crucifixion, until He is finally placed in the tomb.
John Chapter 6
John Chapter 6
Early in his teaching Jesus provided his disciples a truth which pointed forward to what they were about to partake in during the Last Supper. While teaching in the open, He spoke to the crowd how he would provide His body for the redemption of mankind. This truth from Jesus culminates in the Last supper which is the beginning of His sacrificial climax on the cross. In the last supper along with the crucifixion, Jesus provides the redemption He would give forward in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. As the “bread of Life” Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.
32 So Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34 So they said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”
35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. 36 But I told you that although you have seen [me], you do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,38 because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.39 And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it [on] the last day.40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him [on] the last day.”
41The Jews murmured about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,”42 and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”
43Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring* among yourselves.
44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets:
‘They shall all be taught by God.’
Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me
46 Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father.47 Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.48 I am the bread of life.49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;50this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die.51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”
52The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?”
53 Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
59 These things he said while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
The Words of Eternal Life.
60 Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” 61 Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them,
“Does this shock you? 62 What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe and the one who would betray him. 65 And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.”
66 As a result of this, many [of] his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.67Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you twelve? Yet is not one of you a devil?” 71 He was referring to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot; it was he who would betray him, one of the Twelve. (John 6:32-71)
In John’s Gospel chapter 6, Jesus’ reveals in part his on-going plan for the salvation of man. It will not be until later when Jesus is with his apostles in Jerusalem, gathered in the upper room for the Passover feast where the remainder of the revelation is provided to the Apostles. The remaining revelation is the Last Supper itself.
The Institution of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist
The Institution of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist
As they gathered in the upper room for the Passover feast Jesus spoke of many things so that as the climax of his mission unfolded, they would later understand and know that he foretold it. It would also be part of the revealed truth they were to live.
One thing is for certain as they gathered for the feast Jesus spoke of a “NEW” covenant. He did this in the reflection of the Old Covenant which was marked by the Passover feast. Here He invokes the New Covenant by taking the bread and saying, “this is my Body!” Likewise, he takes the wine and says, “This is my blood.”
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.”27 Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you,28for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.29I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.”
(Matthew 26:26-29)
In the Gospel according to Saint Luke, there is a reminder by what is recorded here that Jesus told the Apostles to do this “The last supper” in memory of Him:
15 He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover* with you before I suffer,16 for, I tell you, I shall not eat it [again] until there is fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”17 Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves;18 for I tell you [that] from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”19Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.”20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.”
(Luke 22:15-20)
Notice in verse 19, Jesus just doesn’t say: “Remember this!” Jesus says, “DO THIS!!!” “Do this in memory of me.” In “Memory of Me” connotes a perpetual thing that is done constantly.
Jesus doesn’t say that the bread and wine are symbols. He says they ARE his Body and Blood!
It is very possible that some of the Apostles are remembering what Jesus had said earlier in his ministry referred to above in the scripture passage of John (6:32-71).Now part of it is echoing in their mind.:
51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”(John 6:51)
You can be certain, what is revealed in the scripture passages above (as well as in others) is consistent with what is taught by the Catholic Church. It is this, the Sacrament of the Eucharist is exactly what Jesus had intended. Add to this certainty the fact that the early church from the first centuries, taught this, and it is conveyed in St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians:
23For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, 24 and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.
27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
(1 Corinthians 11:23-28)
You can also know that this is not a symbolic gesture. Why would there be judgment brought upon anyone for being unworthy to receive only a symbol of the Body and Blood of Jesus? Judgment is brought forth because it is TRULY the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Jesus washes the Feet of the Apostles
Jesus washes the Feet of the Apostles
Jesus while gathered with his apostles in the “upper room,” as a true teacher even though his death is less than a day away, he continues to teach. He places a towel around his waist and proceeds to wash the feet of the apostles. By doing so he conveys how the Apostles are to serve in ministry. This action is remembered on Holy Thursday. It is from this action as well as others where Jesus is ordaining the Priesthood for His new church.
3 fully aware that the Father had put everything into his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God, 4 he rose from supper and took off his outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around his waist. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Master, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.”
8 Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.”10 Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” 11 For he knew who would betray him; for this reason, he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 So when he had washed their feet [and] put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? 13 You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am.
14 If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. 16 Amen, amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger*greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it.”
(John 13:3-17)
At the end of this passage, notice where Jesus asserts there is a blessedness for those who DO IT! This passage emphasizes Jesus’ assertion as to how the priesthood should behave as a ministry by serving the community / body of Christ.
Notice also how the washing of the feet and the institution of the “Holy Eucharist” occur together. This is not a coincidence. This is a purposeful teaching point, given by Jesus Christ. It is in the priesthood of the church where the Eucharist will be provided to the Body of Christ.
Peters Denial Foretold.
Peters Denial Foretold.
Jesus told them that he would be taken from them and die. He also mentioned that they would all run and hide because of the events which were about to unfold. Jesus had to tell them this. Peter responded as if to be saying; “No way man! Not me! They can do their worst, but I’ll never deny you Jesus.”
27Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written:
‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.’
28 But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.”29Peter said to him, “Even though all should have their faith shaken, mine will not be.” (Mark 14:27-28)
I guess you had to be there to truly see Jesus’ expression. I suppose Jesus’ composure was one of humbleness, perhaps an appreciative glance to Peter at first, because Peter was really conveying how much he loved Jesus. Then Jesus, with a more sober glance but still lovingly, tells Peter; “You are going to deny me three times.”
36 Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered [him], “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now, though you will follow later.” 37 Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.” (John 13:36-38)
Peter’s lesson would be for future Christian souls who yearn to have a relationship with Christ. Some incorrectly believe it is on their terms, or the relationship is maintained by what they bring to it. It is God’s love for you as well the grace given to you where your relationship is maintained. It is not the other way around where you suppose your ability to love, know and convey Christ, establishes the relationship. Serious Christians end up reaching the same point as Peter did, having their relationship with Jesus tested. Christian writers have much to say about this. Saint John of the Cross alludes to this in part in his composition; “Dark Night of the Soul.”
For the person new to the faith one aspect can be explained right away as it pertains to denying Jesus. When you choose to follow Christ, your transformation begins. However, every hindrance, albeit sins, is in some way a denial of Jesus. It is in those moments where you refuse to follow the will of God or perhaps are at a weak point because of sin and unable to follow the will of God, where you deny Jesus.
What are some of your thoughts about Peter and Jesus as revealed above?
Does this thought, or story about Peter bother you?
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”
(John 14:1)
At the Garden of Gethsemane
The Last Supper as it was the celebration of the Passover was extra-ordinary to say the least. The main part of the Passover was concluding, all that was left was for the final cup of blessing which Jesus would drink at the cross. Jesus with the apostles (minus Judas Iscariot) go to the Mount of Olives to a place called The Garden of Gethsemane.
39 Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. Luke (22:39)
A garden invokes images of beauty, peacefulness, harmony with perhaps fruit trees and grape vines. Jesus chooses this backdrop to unfold the next part of the drama which leads to his betrayal and ultimate death on the cross.
The Agony in the Garden
The Agony in the Garden
At the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus reminds the apostles again about the trial which was about to unfold.
When he arrived at the place he said to them, “Pray that you may not undergo the test.”(Luke 22:40)
By informing the apostles in this way, Jesus also reminds you that, in all tests you should pray. The apostles were to pray so that the test would not overcome them. Jesus’ words convey that all Christians are joined to Him during all trials and tribulations. It is through prayer where you can hope to get some insight and strength while enduring the test.
Jesus tells the Apostles to remain in the garden. He moves to another spot ‘a stone’s throw away’[1] taking with him ‘Peter and the two sons of Zebedee’[2]. There Jesus tells them to stay in a certain spot. He intimates to them the deep sorrow and anguish which is filling his heart. Jesus understands the moment was coming where all the sins of the world, past, present and future escorted by the minions of hell were about to be thrown upon him.
38 Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” 39 He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?41Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” 43 Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. 44 He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. 45 Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. 46 Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.” (Matthew 26:38-46)
Jesus prays passionately to His Father. In so doing it is made clear that Jesus submits to the Fathers will. Earlier in the Gospels Jesus told the Apostles that his church would suffer persecution. He said this would happen because no disciple is greater than his master. Jesus never once indicated he would eliminate suffering from this earth. What he shows for all Christians is, what to do when suffering is encountered.
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[1] Luke 22:41
[2] Matthew 26:37
The Betrayal of Jesus
The Betrayal of Jesus
Jesus knowing, he is about to be betrayed; indicates this to the Apostles in Matthew 26:46. It is Judas Iscariot one of the twelve Apostles who betrays Jesus. Judas is paid thirty pieces of silver from the Jewish leaders in order to hand Jesus over to them.
You may ask why? Why did the betrayal have to come from one of the Apostles? Especially after Jesus indicated he would establish his church “and the gates of hell (netherworld) would not prevail against it.[1]” He propounded that “the kingdom of God is at hand.[2]” He promised the “Meek shall inherit the world.[3]” With all His exemplary actions, of faith, hope, love and lifting up the down trodden, Jesus was also very matter of fact. This included knowing about man’s free will and its propensity for treachery.
Knowing He was going to be the sacrifice for man’s redemption and salvation, Jesus would not take away man’s free will. Man’s free will would remain, so man could choose; Life or Death – Salvation or Sin – Love or Betrayal – Charity or Hate – Self-will or God’s will, selfishness or surrender to God.
Remember, Adam and Eve made this mess of sin. Only God can resolve it. God knows mankind very well and His plan is perfectly suitable for man’s salvation. So, God will for now allow the temptation for sin to remain in the world. It is from the imperfect hearts of mankind that Jesus would find the building blocks to build His church here on earth.
The betrayal of Judas is important for you to see how Jesus teaches there will be those who wish to make a pretext out of religion and those who think religion is to suit or serve their own purpose. Betrayal comes in a variety of forms (mankind can be very ingenious when it comes to sin – How sad!). As a result, a scandal occurs from amongst Jesus’ inner circle by Judas Iscariot who betrays Jesus.
Jesus promised us a Church. He promised us the Holy Spirit would guide it[4]. He promised us His grace. He promised us we would never be orphaned[5]. He said, “I will be with you always; even to the end of time![6]” However Jesus being God knows man very well. He never promised us there would be no scandal in the church. Either through contempt or weakness some within the Church will cause problems. This is another reason why Jesus always said to Pray, Pray, Pray!
47 While he was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss him. 48 Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”49 His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” 50 And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said in reply, “Stop, no more of this!” Then he touched the servant’s ear and healed him. 52 And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 Day after day I was with you in the temple area, and you did not seize me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”
(Luke 22:47-53)
It is at the climax of Judas’ moment of betraying Jesus when all the other apostles become afraid and run away. This is another form of betrayal by the other apostles. Then finally Peter will even deny knowing Jesus.
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[1] Matthew 16:18
[2] Matthew 12:28
[3] Matthew 5:5
[4] John 6:7-11
[5] John 14:18
[6] Matthew 28:20
Betrayed with a Kiss:
Why did Judas betray Jesus with a Kiss? We can only be betrayed by someone who is close to us. In this case Jesus makes clear for us how far some will go in their betrayal so as to use an intimate gesture to signal their betrayal (spouses, family and friends). In short Jesus is showing us; this is not what a Kiss is for. Perhaps we have been betrayed by someone close to us. Jesus in this action shows us He deeply understands our heart-ache and that He is with us in our suffering, but, he is also there to heal us too! Jesus never betrayed and will never betray us!
The Passion of Jesus
Peter Denies Jesus
Out of fear the apostles have scattered. However, Peter follows the arresting mob who have Jesus taken to the courtyard of Caiaphas the high priest.
57 Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. (Matthew 26:57-58)
Some scholars indicate that perhaps John the Apostle was also there in the vicinity. Leave this point for the scholars. What should be noted at this point, is that besides the betrayal Judas, the other apostles have betrayed Jesus by running away. Not Peter! However, notice how Peter is tested and what happens!
69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!”
71 As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” 72 Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!”
73 A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.”
74 At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.
(Matthew 26:69-75)
There is an expression that goes like this; “The night is always darkest right before dawn.” The same is true for our poor but beloved first pope Saint Peter. Perhaps because he has been there through the whole night, Peter thinks he is being loyal. Dawn is approaching because at the end of his denial the rooster crows. Peter has entered the “dark night” but at its darkest moment he capitulates (gives in) because he does not have the grace yet to withstand the onslaught. Later he will understand this and attain forgiveness, mercy and grace from Jesus.
In the Gospel narrative about this portion of the passion of Christ, note that while Judas and Peter are guilty of a classic betrayal, redemption is still offered to both. Peter in his humility is full of compunction and sorrow. He later seeks Jesus out. Judas on the other hand is full of denial, guilt and pride. He will not have anything to do with redemption so in his pride he hangs himself.[1] Pride always leads to self-destruction.
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[1] Matthew 27:3-10
Lesson: Jesus always forgives even when we deny him. Always remember this. He loves us and there is limitless mercy which pours from his Cross of Salvation. We must repent (Turn back) when this occurs and not be afraid to approach Jesus.
When we betray Jesus, there is guilt and sadness. Left unhealed this turns to bitterness. Satan constantly wants to remind us of our denials and keep us in bitterness. Jesus on the other hand wants to forgive us and remove all the bitterness.
Jesus before the High Priest Caiaphas
Jesus before the High Priest Caiaphas
Jesus is taken before the High Priest Caiaphas in what today would be called a “Kangaroo Court.” It was a mockery of justice. It did not strive to attain any sense of excellence when it comes to morals and real justice. It was an episode for a pathetic display of physical abuse on Jesus, abusive lies and power wrangling. In short, most leaders of the Jewish people wanted Jesus dead. Although there were some who sympathized and others who believed in who Jesus said he was, they were too few and were afraid.
Why did the Jewish establishment want Jesus dead? He was a thorn in their side. Jesus’ direct admonishments about their manmade traditions which shackled the Jewish faithful along with their own hypocrisy were only too poignant. Politically and material minded as many of them were, the Sanhedrin was not about to transfer position, power and title. They would not do this for a sense of a true rending of the heart in humility to worship God, serve neighbor and a change to turn back towards God’s will. “They wanted to call the shots,” when it came to religion! They would do this even to the point of lying and spilling truly innocent blood.
59 The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death,60but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two came forward61who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” 62 The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” 63 But Jesus was silent Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”
64 Jesus said to him in reply,
“You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”
65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” 67 Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, 68 saying, “Prophesy for us, Messiah: who is it that struck you?” (Matthew 26: 59-68)
Jesus Before Pilate
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
The Nicene Creed acknowledges the death of Jesus at the hands of Pontus Pilate. Historically it is Pilate’s name who is mentioned, but he really represents You and I as the ones who truly commission Jesus’ death on the cross.
Jesus is sent before Pontius Pilate who was the regional Roman governor (procurator) of the Jewish territories. Pilate was the real law of the land. Since the Jews wanted Jesus dead, they have to present their case to Pontius Pilate.
Pontus Pilate being a career politician was not interested in truth. He was only interested in being politically correct. In the gospel passage’s presenting this portion of the drama, it becomes apparent that his character flaws are many.
Pontus Pilate would have these flaws cleverly guarded and disguised, but not as well as he thinks. The Jewish leadership were already sensitive to some of these flaws in Pilate’s personality armor. In their insensitive but clever agenda they are able to manipulate the crowd to cause fear in Pilate. Pilate betrays even himself and falls into his politically correct thinking to appease the mob.
Consequently, Pilate condemns Jesus to death by crucifixion. Pilate fails to see and take advantage of his own opportunity for grace. He spoke to Jesus and he was so close he probably touched Jesus. He more than likely felt Jesus’ piercing but loving gaze. Yet because he wanted to remain blinded to real “Truth.” He could not even remotely begin to recognize the God who created him.
This is what happens to you when you choose not to see things as they really are. You cannot see your sinfulness, your stubbornness, see past your opinion and admit your need for healing. You tend to want to cover over, explain away, ignore or rose color the truth. You become just like Pontus Pilate and likewise crucify the truth. Ignoring God’s will, you can end up like Pontus Pilate by yielding to the noisy thinking of the world instead of the solitude of God’s Truth.
Jesus is truth. He is also love, mercy and grace; He is God. You only need to humble yourself and ask for this and he will give it in boundless measures. You attain this by always seeking to follow the will of God.
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and he questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” 12 And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer.
13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” 14 But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.
The Sentence of Death.
15 Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished.16And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called [Jesus] Barabbas.
17 So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, [Jesus] Barabbas, or Jesus called Messiah?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. 19 While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.”
20 The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. 21 The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Messiah?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!”
(Matthew 27:11-23)
Pilate really believed about himself that he had “Good” or “redeemable” qualities. Sure, he wanted to give Jesus a fair shake; at least so he thought. Suddenly truth, whether he believes in it or not, smacks him in the face. He sees the reality of man’s unbridled relativistic passion, and how brutal, violent and ugly it looked. As much as Pilate wanted to disassociate himself with it, he could not help but be sucked into the vortex of his own contribution to this relativism. Shackled in His own relativism, he could not free himself from the impending brutality and from his own humanistic passions. He was unable to free himself, at least not without a savior, for only a savior can do that. Pilate was not about to acknowledge the Christ as his savior.
Pilate cowers at the onslaught of the jeering crowd and capitulates. He ceremoniously washes his hands to disassociate himself from this ugly scene. He places the blame on the crowd and being mad with violence they bite it off. The scene is reminiscent if not actually of one devil trying to appease other devils. Sadly, there will be no appeasement for any of the guilty parties. Years later they would turn on each other like a pack of hyenas; Roman against Jew and even Jew against Jew. Even the first guilty betrayer of truth, Judas Iscariot would hang himself.
At that moment the mob howls and laugh at Jesus. They jeer at authentic truth. Tragically, they, with their mis-guided passions will bite and tear at each other years later.
24When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” 25 And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.
(Matthew 27:24-26)
Jesus Takes up His Cross
Looking back a short time prior to His coming to Jerusalem, Jesus took Peter, James and John up to the ‘Hill of Transfiguration.’ There He appears as a glorious vision between Elijah and Moses. This glorious beatific vision he afforded, was only a glimpse given to only three of the apostles as a ray of hope. This was offered to them as a reference which would brace them against the suffering he was going to endure.
Unlike the beautiful pastured scene found on the hill of transfiguration, Jesus now climbs a bare ugly rocky configuration of a hill called Golgotha (Calvary). Golgotha, “The Place of the Skull,” is a place of death and stench which overlooked a rubbish heap. A direct contrast to the earlier scene of glory. However, it would be on this particular hill Golgotha, where Jesus would win the triumph for all generations. It is in this seemingly paradoxical scene where Jesus Christ’s glory shines for all generations.
As for His passion, Golgotha was the only reference to a high place which sinful men could offer to the King of Kings. However, it was as a king he would be recognized, but, not the recognition of adoration, servitude, loyalty or respect. There were no salutations afforded Jesus. Mockery was the only salutation he would get, the scourge on his back the only marks of recognition and the tears of his mother and followers would be the only consolation Jesus would receive. There were no adornments for him to wear to his appointed high place other than our sins which showed themselves in the ugliness of the marked brutality on his blood-stained body with a crown of thorns on His head. There would be no robed recognition of His claimed kingship, for he was stripped bare.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him.28They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him.29Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”30They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head.31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him. (Matthew 27:27-31)
Jesus had impressed upon the Apostles that they must take up their crosses and follow him. It is on His walk to Golgotha (Calvary) that Jesus reminds that you too must take up your cross, but you will not be left alone. You will need help with your cross and Jesus humbly shows you this. He shows you how to receive and give help to one another as you carry your own cross.
32As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross (Matthew 27:32)
Jesus is Crucified
Jesus is Crucified
He suffered, death and was buried,
He suffered, death and was buried,
In the Nicene Creed, the Christian confesses the death of Jesus as a way of acknowledging the pinnacle of Jesus supreme act of Love. The Christian recognizes that for their sake and the whole world, Jesus suffered, died and was buried.
Each of the four Gospels provide a perspective of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. There is no contradiction other than to say the set of details and perspectives are different. In all accounts there is no denial that Jesus was crucified and there are enough details to assert he suffered tremendously and truly died on the cross.
The Gospel of Luke records what occurs along the way as Jesus is carrying the cross. Luke speaks of Simon the Cyrenian who helps Jesus and also, the Women who are weeping[1]. John records additional details at the foot of the cross[2] and speaks of the abuse Jesus took from the Romans as does The Gospel of Matthew.[3]
33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull), 34 they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. 35 After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; 36 then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.
38 Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. 39 Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, [and] come down from the cross!” 41 Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So, he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.
(Matthew 27:33-44)
With his death on the cross, Jesus Christ took upon himself every single sin man had committed and would commit. Along with this, it included all malicious behaviors, mental ills, the brokenness of man, the effect of man’s psychosis, man’s narcissism and neurotic behaviors. Jesus Christ was a gift of love for the world from God. Perfect love knows no limits. The reason why Jesus took on human flesh and suffered was to show perfect love and perfect obedience.
The only way to prove perfect love is to surrender all that one has. Therefore, God took upon himself a human nature in the person of Jesus Christ. For our salvation he paid the debt for our sins.
45 From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 46 And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.”
48 Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. 49 But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” 50 But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.
51 And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, 52 tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. 53 And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 54 The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”
55 There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee. (Matthew 27:45-56)
At the final act, the apex of His sacrifice, Jesus dies on the cross. His act of perfect love has given all of mankind redemption and salvation. The purpose of his life, why he was born into the world; was fulfilled. The love of God now displayed for all the world to see! So, sublime is this act of love that all creation must veil itself and so earth is darkened for 3 hours and trembles in humility.
When observing the worldliness of people; shackled in their own relativism, as they abandon divine truths, what do they do when absolute truth stares them in the face? They mock it, they crucify it and they bury it. Then they put guards around it to keep it from coming back for fear their malediction will turn back onto them. Their paranoid fear haunts them even greater than the reality which once stood there and stared them in the face.
Now Jesus is laid in a tomb and guards are put in place. However absolute truth from God does not remain entombed. Death can’t even entomb the true word of God who came in the flesh as Jesus. A key essence of God is His glory manifested as love, mercy, justice and humility. Evil never overcomes God and can never overshadow His glory! Therefore, death has no hold over Jesus.
The earth trembled, and the sun blushed hiding its brilliance because mankind would try to hide the truth. However, creation knows its creator. When something is created new by God it literally explodes onto the scene of creation. This is the Glory of God. While Jesus is entombed, all creation waits for the explosion of the resurrection where all creation is made new. Until then there is a holy silence before the sacrifice of the Lamb. Jesus will be resurrected with an explosion of triumphant joy, offering hope and renewal for the benefit of all mankind.
The Burial of Jesus.
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. 59 Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it [in] clean linen60and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. 61 But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.
The Guard at the Tomb.
62 The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ 64 Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go secure it as best you can.” 66 So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard. (Matthew 27:57-62)
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[1] Luke 23:26-31
[2] John 19:25-37
[3] John 19 ; Matthew 27:27-31
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