An Annotated Life of Jesus with out references
Author: George
Date: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

An Annotated Life of Jesus

(What the Gospels Say about the Person, Mission and Message of Jesus)

Preview

I.  Introduction

Jesus had a hand in the creation of the physical universe, of space and time:

II.  Birth and Early Life of Jesus and John the Baptist

There  are just hints that John will preach the need for repentance and that Jesus will die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

III.  Ministry of John the Baptist - c. A.D. 25-27

John, like Jesus, did not learn his mission until he was thirty years old.

John clearly tells everyone his call to repentance of sin is not enough.  They must look to his cousin Jesus to pay the penalty for their sin:

IV.  Ministry of Jesus - Beginning - c. A. D. 27

Jesus himself admits He needs the baptism of John.

He repents of His sin, and wishes to be baptized in the Jordan by John as a public declaration of His repentance.

After He and all the rest of those in the crowd who repented were baptized by John, Jesus prayed and this triggered His second baptism, His born again experience, His baptism of the Holy Ghost.

God's voice from heaven let's all know Jesus is now the perfect sacrifice for all sin.

Jesus learns of his mission to die for our sins during forty days of fasting.

He does not reveal this mission publicly, only in private.

V.  Northern Ministry of Jesus - A. D. 27-29

Jesus performs all thirty seven recorded miracles to establish himself to all who witnessed them that he was their predicted Messiah.

It was time for a change.  The Messiah was needed.

The currant temple leaders were a generation of vipers; they were not doing their God given job of teaching and preaching God' word.

Jesus' reason for holding back the revelation of His person and message to the Jewish religious leaders was that the more He reveals, the more they seek to kill Him. But the time for his sacrifice on the cross had not yet come.

It will take two years of training before his twelve apostles are ready to be sent out with the complete message of God's plan of salvation for the entire world.

For two years they will be taught with parables which will takes special spiritual discernment to understand, will witness miracles which confirm the divinity of Jesus, and they will witness His death, burial and resurrection.  And at the end of their training period, as a graduation ceremony at Pentecost, they will receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

VI.  Southern Ministry of Jesus - Oct. A.D. 29 - A.D. 30

Now Jesus is shouting His message of salvation not just in private to individuals, to His chosen ones, His disciples and apostles.   Now He is shouting it to all Jews in hearing distance.

VII.  Final Week at Jerusalem - Spring A. D. 30

Jesus devotes His last words to His disciples to strengthen their courage through His death, burial, and resurrection.  He tells them:

1.  He will care for them and prepare a place for them in heaven.

2. God will meet their needs through prayer.

3. They will have the indwelling of The Holy Spirit for their constant guidance.

4. They have been specially selected by God to perform their duties as disciples.

5. The Jewish religious leaders will have completely revealed their hatred for God and His Messiah.

6. Shortly after His death, He will resurrect and teach them not with parables but with words of meaning clear to all.

Now the guilt of the high priest is complete.  He has received it right from the Son's mouth that He is what He claims to be and the high priest has rejected Him.

Just as with the high priest Caiaphas, the rest of the council proves their unfitness for their jobs.  They reject the very God they were appointed to serve.

The fact that God the Father would forsake God the Son as He died on the cross was predicted by David a thousand years before the event.  This is just one of dozens of examples of how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophesies for the coming Messiah:  Psa 22:1

VIII.  The Resurrection though the Ascension - A.D. 30

The resurrection is the most important event in the Gospels.

Without it, as Paul says: "...your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins."

After reestablishing fellowship with His Father, Jesus is quick to return to earth to begin the process of spreading the Good News.  Jesus teaches two ordinary disciples how He has fulfilled Old Testament prophesy concerning the Messiah.  These two immediately relate their experience to the apostles.  This is a living example to His apostles and to all His missionaries of what and how to teach the world.

And just after we might have thought that Thomas deserved the title of world champion doubter, we have it from Matthew that some apostles continued to doubt their very own eyes that Jesus had conquered death.  But the hope of the world rests on those who do believe, accept the power as promised, and go out and teach as instructed.

I.  Introduction

1.  Luke's Introduction

2.  Pre-fleshly state of Christ

The apostle John leaves no doubt that Jesus had a hand in the creation of the physical universe , of space and time:

Joh 1:2 The same was in the beginning with God.

Joh 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

3.  Genealogy of Jesus Christ

II.  Birth and Early Life of Jesus and John the Baptist

1.  7 B.C. - Jerusalem (Temple) - Announcement of Birth of John

John had the indwelling of the Holy Ghost even from his mother's womb.

Luk 1:13  But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Luk 1:11  And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Luk 1:12  And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Luk 1:14  And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Luk 1:15  For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Luk 1:16  And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

2.  7 or 6 B.C. Nazareth - Announcement of Birth of Jesus to the Virgin

Before he was conceived, an angel said to Mary :

Luk 1:33  And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luk 1:35  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.

3.  c. 5 B.C. - Hill Country of Judah - Song of Elizabeth to Mary

His cousin John knew Jesus pretty well (thanks to his indwelling of the Holy Ghost?):

Luk 1:41  And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

4.  c. 5 B.C. - Hill Country of Judah - Mary’s Song of Praise

5.  5 B.C. - Judea - Birth, Infancy  and Purpose for Future of John the Baptist

A hint here that John will preach on the need for repentance:

Luk 1:67  And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

Luk 1:76  And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

Luk 1:79  To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luk 1:80  And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

6.  5 B.C. Nazareth - Announcement of Jesus' Birth to Joseph

Just a hint from an angel that Jesus will die for our sins:

Mat 1:20  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.

Mat 1:21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

7.  5-4 B.C. - Bethlehem - Birth of Jesus Christ

8.  5-4 B.C. - Near Bethlehem - Proclamation by the Angels

And as he was born an angel said to shepherds:

Luk 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

9.  5-4 B.C. - Bethlehem - The Visit of Homage by Shepherds

10.  5-4 B.C. - Bethlehem - Jesus' Circumcision

An angel named him Jesus.  Jesus=Joshua=Yahweh is salvation.

Luk 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

11.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem - First Temple Visit with Acknowledgments by Simeon and Anna

Simion said of him as a baby:

Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Luk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Anna said:

Luk 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

12.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem and Bethlehem - Visit of the Wise Men

Wise men said of him:

Mat 2:2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

13.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Egypt - Flight into Egypt and Massacre of Innocents

14.  4 B.C. - Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Egypt - From Egypt to Nazareth with Jesus

15.  Afterward - Nazareth - Childhood of Jesus

He grew up pretty much like a regular person but showed hints of greatness to come:

Luk 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Luk 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

16.  A.D. 7-8 - Jerusalem - Jesus, 12 Years Old, Visits the Temple

Jesus realized from an early age that he had a mission from God:

Luk 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

17.  Afterward - Nazareth - 18-Year Account of Jesus’ Adolescence and Adulthood

It was another eighteen years before he fully learned what was his mission:

Luk 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

III.  Ministry of John the Baptist - c. A.D. 25-27

1.  c. A.D. 25-27 - Judean Wilderness - Johns Ministry Begins

John, like Jesus, did not learn his mission until he was thirty years old.

Luk 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Luk 3:2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Mar 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

2. and 3. c. A.D. 25-27 - Judean Wilderness - Man and Message, his picture of Jesus

John clearly tells everyone his call to repentance of sin is not enough.  They must look to his cousin Jesus to pay the penalty for their sin:

Joh 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

Joh 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

4.  c. A.D. 25-27 - Judean Wilderness - His Courage

IV.  Ministry of Jesus - Beginning - c. A. D. 27

1.  c. A.D. 27 - Jordan River - Jesus Baptized

This is a very important event, and yet its entire and true meaning is a mystery - each of us who come to it need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to take it in, to understand its meaning.  That said, here are a few comments on this event:

Jesus himself admits He needs the baptism of John.  I take that to mean He admits to being a sinner just like all the rest of us humans, He repents of His sin, and wishes to be baptized in the Jordan by John as a public declaration of His repentance.

After He and all the rest of those in the crowd who repented were baptized by John, Jesus prayed and this triggered His second baptism, His born again experience, His baptism of the Holy Ghost.

I take this passage to show that Jesus as a human like the rest of us had free will to accept or reject the indwelling of the Holy Ghost and His prayer was one of acceptance.

Like all Old Testament saints he needed to look forward in faith to the perfect sacrifice of the Messiah on the cross for the atonement of His sin.

Whether or not He knew at that time He was to become that sacrifice is a mystery.  I suspect not, I suspect it was revealed to Him in the next event when He fasted forty days and forty nights in the wilderness.

That Jesus needed to be baptized by water shows to me he was still mortal and required repentance.

That John needed yet to be baptized by Jesus shows he needed to look to Jesus for his salvation.

What does the dove mean?  The dove was the sacrifice available to even the poorest.  That could be it.  God's word would imply that Jesus, now in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit, is now the perfect sacrifice for all sin.

Mat 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

Mat 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

2. c. A.D. 27 - Wilderness - Jesus Tempted

After forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus still did not answer Satan with the information that He was equal to God .  And His answers give little clue as to His mission - a mission that was revealed to Him during the past forty days of fasting.

Luk 4:1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

Luk 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Luk 4:12 And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Luk 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.

3.  c. A.D. 27 - Beyond Jordan - Calls First Disciples

How did John the Baptist know at this time that Jesus was "the Lamb of God"?

One may guess that Jesus told him so.  Jesus came back to His cousin after forty days of fasting and temptation in the wilderness and told him that God had revealed to Him what was to be His mission here on earth - that He was to undergo death, burial and resurrection as God the Father's perfect sacrifice for the atonement of the sins of humanity.

Why were these men so quick to follow Jesus?

Anyone who was present forty-one days ago at the baptism of Jesus heard : "Mat 3:17...a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Joh 1:35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

Joh 1:36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

Joh 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

4.  c. A.D. 27 - Cana in Galilee - The First Miracle

He changed water into wine.  The main point can be no other than as stated. That is to show his Godly ability and thereby give his disciples cause to believe him worth following.

Joh 2:11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

5.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum is "His" city - First Stay in Capernaum

6.  A.D. 27 - Jerusalem - First Cleansing of the Temple

This is like a mini parable; the first with many more to come.  Here He reveals to all His mission but none understand, not even His chosen disciples.

Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Joh 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

Joh 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.

Joh 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

7.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Received at Jerusalem

Probably the same day, He did commit Himself to one man.  That man, Nicodemus, came to Him in private at night with an open heart wanting to know the full meaning Jesus' person and mission.

Joh 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

Joh 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

8.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Teaches Nicodemus about Second Birth

He told Nicodemus he came from God  to die for our sins:

Joh 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

Joh 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Joh 3:16 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.

9.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Co-Ministry with John

Here are some very strong words from John the Baptist showing that his cousin Jesus has revealed to him His divinity and His mission to die on the cross and the meaning of that mission - everlasting life for those that believe.

My understanding is that the Old Testament saints are those who put their faith in an unnamed Messiah to be provided by God at some unspecified date in the future.

John the Baptist and Nicodemus would seem to be the first two to learn the Messiah had come and His name is Jesus.

John said :

Joh 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

10.  A.D. 27 - Judea - Leaves for Galilee

There is a great significance in the fact that Jesus did not baptize disciples.  All the baptisms taking place at this time were in the water of the Jordan as a public declaration of repentance.  Those baptisms can be well handled by John the Baptist and his disciples. (Some of whom were now following Jesus)

The focus of Jesus' message is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and that can only take place after Jesus' death on the cross, burial and resurrection.

Up to now Jesus has limited His public ministry to the performance of miracles in order to establish Himself as a teacher come from God.

Joh 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

Joh 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Joh 4:3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

Joh 4:4 And he must needs go through Samaria.

11.  A.D. 27 - Samaria - Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s Well

The Gospel of John gives quite a good outline of what Jesus was preaching around the time of this event.  It's the same message He gave also in private to Nicodemus a few days before.

In Joh 4:10 Jesus gives the Samaritan woman a hint that He is divine and can offer her a baptism certifying eternal life.

In Joh 4:13 He hints that a water baptism alone will not give that certification.

In Joh 4:14 He confirms that His baptism is what leads to eternal life.

In Joh 4:21 He tells her that the way to salvation will soon change for all who worship the Father, for both God's chosen people the Jews and for her and the rest of the world, the gentiles.

In Joh 4:24 He hints that His baptism revolves around spirit.

In John 4:25 the Samaritan woman shows a remarkable knowledge of Old Testament prophecy; Jesus' message to her rings a bell in her mind of predictions of a coming Messiah.

And in Joh 4:26 Jesus tells her she has hit the nail on the head and further more he is that very person.

John specifically states the returning disciples did not ask Jesus what He was talking about with the Samaritan woman so up to this time she now knew more about His message and mission than they.

Then in Joh 4:34 - 37 Jesus makes a pun when asked to eat and gives them two more mini parables - the first about His mission and the second about what is to be their jobs.

Not much hope that at this time they could catch the meaning.  Even a year later they needed His help to understand a similar parable about sowing and harvesting. (Mat 13:3 - 23)

Joh 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Joh 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.

Joh 4:36 And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

12.  A.D. 27 - Returns to Galilee

The only recorded mention of preaching Jesus did on this trip to Galilee was during a two day stop at Samaria.

The record of the detail of what He preached is that given by John in his account of Jesus witnessing to the Samaritan woman the first afternoon of this visit.

Very likely what He preached in the city was the same message that He preached to the woman.

Also very likely His disciples (at this time we are told of only four) were in the audience and were exposed for the first time to His "preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel."

Mar 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

V.  Northern Ministry of Jesus - A. D. 27-29

1.  A.D. 27 - Cana - Healing of the Nobleman's Son

Jesus has the power to cure the whole world of sickness and death. He chose to do so in this particular case to establish Himself to all who witnessed the miracle that He was their predicted messiah.

Joh 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Joh 4:54 This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

2.  A.D. 27 - Nazareth - Rejected at Nazareth

This is the third event presented in the Gospels which give some insight into Jesus' message to the world - Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman and now to His home folks in Nazareth.

Not a word in all three about repentance. Maybe He was going to bring it up here, but they gave Him no chance; they tried to throw Him off a cliff at the very beginning of His message for claiming to be the Messiah predicted by Isaiah. (Isaiah 61:1-2)

Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luk 4:28 And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath,

3.  A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Moved to Capernaum

Up to this time Jesus seems to have left it up to His cousin John to preach the first step to salvation - repentance.  Now that John is in Herod's jail He appears to have taken on that duty also.

Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

4.  A.D. 27 - Sea of Galilee - Four Become Fishers of Men

Of the four Gospels, Luke gives the most detail of this account.  (John who was an actual participant gives none)  Luke had ample opportunity to quiz Peter some years later after the event and that's likely to have been the source of his detail.  Luke's account indicates that Peter for one had taken Jesus' message of repentance to heart and that it was the miracle of the large catch of fish which made all four decide to follow Jesus' call to service.  There is no indication here that Jesus had yet publicly revealed his divinity and the need for all to rely on Him for a spiritual rebirth.

Luk 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

Luk 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luk 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

5.  A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Demoniac Healed on the Sabbath Day

Wow, what can we make of this?  Devils inhabiting sick people!  Is that covered in your health insurance plan?  But one thing we can get from this event - fallen angels know God when they see Him and His name is Jesus.

Luk 4:33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,

Luk 4:34 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.

6.  A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Peter’s Mother-in-Law Cured, Plus Others

Another instance of Jesus rebuking fallen angels for revealing His divinity to the general public.  The time for that had not yet come.

Luk 4:40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

Luk 4:41 And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

7.  c. A.D. 27 - Galilee - First Preaching Tour of Galilee

There can be no doubt the person who sent Jesus to preach and gave Him the message is God the Father.

Mar 1:35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Luk 4:42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.

Luk 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

8.  c. A.D. 27 - Galilee - Leper Healed and Response Recorded

Here is a clue as to why Jesus has not yet fully revealed His divinity and not yet fully revealed God the Father's plan for salvation for the whole world.  He wants to give the priests ample time to repent of their failure as spiritual leaders of His chosen people and to recognize the predicted Messiah now that He has come.

Mat 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

9.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Paralytic Healed

This man received so much more than he and his friends came for.  They wanted health for the bed ridden man in this life; he received life eternal.  Each person on earth has his or her unique ability to express repentance and faith.  I understand this event as showing that God judges each of us as to whether or not we have demonstrated repentance and faith taking our unique abilities in consideration.  A person with a doctor's degree in religion should have a better testimony of repentance and faith than the village idiot or the back woods native who never heard a word about Jesus.

Mat 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

10.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Matthew’s Call and Reception Held

The point of this event is not that the religious leaders have no need for repentance.  The point is that Jesus was sent because they were a generation of vipers; they were not doing their God given job of teaching and preaching God' word.

Mar 2:16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

Mar 2:17 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

11.  c. A.D. 27 - Capernaum - Disciples Defended via a Parable

Here Jesus had a perfect opportunity to reveal His divinity and God's plan for salvation for the whole world - a plan which involved overturning the old temple/priesthood system.

But the time was not ripe.  So He chose to tell the Jewish religious leaders the first of His famous parables; stories for which most of His hearers lacked the spiritual ability to understand.

The Parable "New Cloth on Old Garment" : The old system of Jewish priests teaching God’s rules of conduct and sacrifices at the temple as payment for violations thereof is so corrupt he won’t mend it with his new system, his kingdom, his church, his body of believers and his sacrifice on the cross.

Mat 9:16 No man (Jesus (Isa 53:3))putteth a piece of new cloth (the new covenant, his new kingdom, his church, his body of believers (Jer 31:31) (Heb 8:13))unto an old garment(the old covenant, Jewish priests and the temple (Mat 27:51)), for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.

The Parable "New Wine in Old Bottles" : We can trust in God’s word and Jesus’ sacrifice to preserve us forever.

Mat 9:17 Neither do men put new wine(Jesus’ blood of the new testament shed for the remission of sins (Mat 26:28-29)) into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles(New covenant  (Mat 26:28)), and both are preserved.

12.  A.D. 28 - Jerusalem - Goes to Jerusalem for Second Passover; Heals Lame Man

And here we see Jesus' reason for holding back the revelation of His person and message to the Jewish religious leaders.  The more He reveals,  the more they seek to kill Him.  His death on the cross is, of course, God's plan for the world's salvation but it can't be rushed.  Jesus will need two more years to find and train the disciples who will carry His message to the world.

Joh 5:15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

Joh 5:16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

Joh 5:17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Joh 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

13.  A.D. 28 - En Route to Galilee - Plucked Grain Precipitates Sabbath Controversy

When asked, Jesus told the truth about His divinity.  But the truth is more than the religious leaders can comprehend.

Mat 12:6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.

Mat 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.

Mat 12:8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

14.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Withered Hand Healed Causes Another Sabbath Controversy

Rather than responding in joy that the messiah has come, the religious leaders plot to kill Him.  This just builds up more evidence that they must be thrown out and the temple and their positions of authority be abolished.

Mat 12:13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

Mat 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

15.  A.D. 28 - Sea of Galilee - Multitudes Healed

And again Jesus cautions the multitudes of common people and fallen angels not to reveal His true identity.  To do so would only hasten His sacrifice at the hands of the religious leaders before its proper time, before He has trained His disciples.

Mat 12:15 But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;

Mat 12:16 And charged them that they should not make him known:

Mar 3:11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God.

Mar 3:12 And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known.

16.  A.D. 28 - Near Capernaum - Twelve Apostles Selected After a Night of Prayer

Next starts the training period for these twelve apostles.  As said before, it will take two years before they are ready to be sent out with the complete message of God's plan of salvation for the entire world.

For two years they will be taught with parables which will takes special spiritual discernment to understand, will witness miracles which confirm the divinity of Jesus, and they will witness His death, burial and resurrection.  And at the end of their training period, as a graduation ceremony at Pentecost, they will receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Mar 3:13 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him.

Mar 3:14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Mar 3:15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:

17.  A.D. 28 - Near Capernaum - Sermon on the Mt.

Now Jesus begins His training program for the twelve chosen ones.

1. First He tells them the blessings they will receive if they come to their mission of service with proper attitudes.  (Mat 5:1-12 The Beatitudes)

2. Next He tells them to be like Him in sacrifice and light.  (Mat 5:13-16 The Similitudes)

3. Then He cautions them that they will be required to live lives of exemplary testimony.  They will have to go above and beyond  the requirements given to them by Moses in the Ten  Commandments, specially in the areas of murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love.  (Mat 5:17- 48)

4. Next He outlines what will be required in their spiritual acts of obedience to God in almsgiving, prayer, fasting, wealth, and judging.  (Mat 6:1-7:6)

5. Then, after laying down all these very strict rules of conduct for his close servants, He gives them some very encouraging news.  Their Heavenly Father will be with them at all times to supply their needs and give success in their mission.  (Mat 7:7-11)

6. Finely, He sums up this first training session by telling His chosen apostles that there will be opposition but the path He has set them on is the only one to true success.  (Mat 7:12-29)

Mat 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

Mat 5:2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

1. Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

2. Mat 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

3. Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

4. Mat 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Mat 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Mat 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Mat 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Mat 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Mat 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

5. Mat 7:11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

6. Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

"Candle Under a Bushel": If you disciples are wondering why you received such strict instructions in righteousness in “The Sermon on the Mount”, it’s because you will be Jesus’ surrogates here on earth.  People will judge Jesus and his creditability by your actions.

Mat 5:14 Ye (Jesus’ disciples  (Mat 5:1-2))are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Mat 5:16 Let your light (The message, repentance and God’s kingdom (Mat 10:27) (Mar 6:12) (Luke 9:2))so shine before men, that they may see your good works(Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils  (Mat 10:7-8)), and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The Parable "A Wise Man Builds on a Rock": Jesus told this parable to his disciples as part of his “Sermon on the Mount”.  It is basically instructions in conduct for those who enlist in his elite band of apostles and disciples.  The penalty for sloth in following these instructions is quite severe - eternity separated from God.

Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house(earthly life (Ps 119:54)) upon a rock(Christ (Matt 16:18)):

Mat 7:25 And the rain (The time of final judgment  (James 5:7)) descended, and the floods came (time of testing of where you have placed your faith (Gen 7:11)), and the winds blew, (God’s judgment (Jer 22:22) and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand (any other foundation than Christ (1 Cor 3 :10-15)):

Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall (all die (1 Cor 15:22)) of it.

18.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Centurion’s Servant Healed

Jesus has been doing these miracles of healing with the purpose of establishing a belief in His chosen disciples and in the multitudes of other Jewish witnesses that He is the predicted messiah.  Ironically, we have here a Gentile who catches on quicker than the Jews.

Mat 8:7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him.

Mat 8:8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

Mat 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

19.  A.D. 28 - Nain - Raises Widow’s Son from Dead

This is another demonstration to the Jews that He is the messiah, a quite successful one.

Luk 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Luk 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

20.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Jesus Allays John’s Doubts

John is in prison facing a martyr's death for his faithful preaching of the need for repentance of sin.  He knows the water baptism which he offers is only step one.  He knows the world also needs the opportunity for a Spiritual baptism.  He knows only his cousin Jesus can offer that baptism and must be wishing as his time here on earth draws near to the end that his cousin would start preaching the need for the second baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  But Jesus is not yet ready to do that.  He wants more time to train His disciples and God is willing to give the religious leaders more time to repent of their sins and save their jobs.

Mat 11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

Mat 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Luk 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Luk 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

21.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Woes Upon the Privileged

The message in this event shows the extreme importance of repentance.  There is no hope for a person, a city or a church which does not recognize the realty of sin and the need for repentance.

Mat 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

Mat 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

22.  A.D. 28 - Simon's House, Capernaum - A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus

Jesus leaves unanswered the question "who is this that forgiveth sins also?"  His miracles have revealed His divinity to the sinful woman but the wise Pharisee is still blind.

Luk 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

The Parable "The Creditor and the Two Debtors" : Simon as a religious leader bears responsibility not only for his own sins but also shares responsibility for the sins of those who he misleads.  If and when he recognizes his sin, repents and puts his trust in Jesus, he will “love him the most”.

Luk 7:41 There was a certain creditor (God the Father  (Gal 5:3)) which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence(Simon the Pharisee, possibly the father of Judas (both seem to be from Capernaum)  (Jer 22:22) (Eze 3:17-18) (Matthew 11:23-25)), and the other fifty (Mary sister of Lazarus; she anointed Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair twice.  The identification comes before she did it the second time. (John 11:2) (John 12:3)).

Luk 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Luk 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

23.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Another Tour of Galilee

The plus side of this mission tour of Jesus' home territory is that He is building up the faith in His close core group of followers.

Luk 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,

24.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Jesus Accuses the Pharisees of Blasphemy

By hindering Jesus' appeal for repentance, by accusing Him of working for Satan, the religious leaders show themselves beyond redemption and that their system of service for God must be abolished.

Mat 12:22 Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw.

Mat 12:24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

25.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Jesus’ Answer to a Demand for a Sign

By comparing Himself to Jonah Jesus here predicts His coming death, burial and resurrection - but in a way that not even His closest follower can, at this time, grasp His meaning.

Mat 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

The Parable "Candle Under a Bushel No.2": Jesus is here giving a recruiting speech to the multitudes.  He promises the support of his body here on earth, the church, but he warns that he is looking for candidates of high righteousness and virtue.

Luk 11:33 No man (Jesus), when he hath lighted a candle (teaches his twelve disciples), putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick (the church, the body of Christ here on earth (Rev 1:13, 20)), that they which come (they that open the door and let Jesus’ message into their heart  (Rev  3:20)) in may see the light (the gospel of the kingdom and the men should repent (Mat 10:27)  (Mark 6:12) (Luke 9:2)).

Luk 11:34 The light of the body (the illuminator of the body (Eph 1:18) ) is the eye (understanding  (Eph 1:18)): therefore when thine eye is single (clear (Strong’s Greek Dictionary)), thy whole body also is full of light (full of the gospel of the kingdom and goodworks  (Acts 9:36)); but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness (moral depravity (Rom 13:12)).

Luk 11:35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.

Luk 11:36 If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give thee light.

26.  A.D. 28 - Capernaum - Mother, Brothers Seek Audience

What a compliment, what a source of inspiration to His close followers!  Jesus informs them that they mean more to Him than His actual brothers and even His mother.

Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

27.  A.D. 28 - By Sea of Galilee - Famous Parables of Sower, Seed, Tares, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Treasure, Pearl, Dragnet, Lamp Told

Why does Jesus speak so much to the multitudes in parables?

The answer is in Mat 13:10 - 11.

Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

This is the greatest parable of all.  What's the difference between disciples and the multitude?

Disciples are those who have accepted what has been Jesus' message up to this point.  They accept the fact that they are sinners, they accept Jesus' claim to be the promised Messiah, and they want to know more about the Kingdom of Heaven.

The rest of the multitude have not accepted the fact that they are sinners, have not repented of their sins, and do not believe Jesus is the promised Messiah.  They are not ready to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Luke 8:18 is also a parable and can be explained as follows:

Whosoever has the rebirth of water which comes from repentance can receive the second rebirth, the baptism of the spirit; whosoever has not repented of his sins loses the opportunity for spiritual rebirth and those in high positions of spiritual authority will lose those positions.

Mat 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Luk 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

Mat 13:1 The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

Mat 13:2 And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

Mat 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;

Mar 4:34 But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.

The Parable of  "The Sower ": Jesus’ mission is to find men with honest and good hearts capable of teaching others the gospel of the kingdom and thereby aid in its growth.  Hopefully they will also be capable of spiritual growth themselves and thereby be more useful for greater heavenly duties after their earthly service is over.

Mat 13:3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower (Jesus (Mat 13:37)) went forth to sow;

Mat 13:4 And when he sowed, some seeds (the word of the kingdom (Mat 13:19) (Zec 7:12)) fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

Mat 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:

Mat 13:6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.

Mat 13:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

Mat 13:8 But other fell into good ground (an honest and good heart (Luke 8:15)), and brought forth fruit (fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23)), some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

Mat 13:9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Mat 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

Mat 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

Mat 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

Mat 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

Mat 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Mat 13:16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

Mat 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Mat 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

Mat 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one (Satan (Mar 4:15)), and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

Mat 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

Mat 13:21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Mat 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

The Parable of  "The Tares": Judging who has a heart for God is best left to God.

Mat 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man (Jesus (Mat 13:37)) which sowed good seed in his field (the world (Mat 13:38)):

Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

Mat 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit (the children of the kingdom (Mat 13:38)), then appeared the tares (the children of the wicked one (Mat 13:38)) also.

Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?

Mat 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy (the devil (Mat 13:39)) hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?

Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.

Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest (the end of the world (Mat 13:39)): and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers (the angels (Mat 13:39)), Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Mat 13:36  Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

Mat 13:37  He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

Mat 13:38  The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

Mat 13:39  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.

Mat 13:40  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

Mat 13:41  The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend (false prophets and false teachers (2 Pet 2:1 - 2)), and them which do iniquity;

Mat 13:42  And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Mat 13:43  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The Parable of "Candle Under a Bushel No. 3": You who have chosen to follow me are to be like me, a light to the world.  To help your light to shine you will have the aid of my body here on earth, the church.

Mar 4:21 And he said unto them, Is a candle (a disciple  (Mar 4:10-11)) brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick (the church, the body of Christ here on earth  (Rev 1:13, 20))?

Mar 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

The Parable of "The Growing Seed": You who preach God’s word are not going to know for sure the fruit of your sowing until God’s harvest.

Mar 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man (an apostle or disciple (Mar 4:10-11)) should cast seed (the word (Mar 5:14)) into the ground;

Mar 4:27 And should sleep (Die  (John 11:11-13)), and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how (Only God can read hearts  (Luke 16:15) (Acts 1:24) (Acts 15:8) (Rev 2:23)).

Mar 4:28 For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

Mar 4:29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come (End of the world  (Mat 13:39)).

The Parable of "The Mustard Seed": Beware of false teachers who shall bring damnable heresies into the church.

Mat 13:31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed (the children of the kingdom (Mat 13:38)), which a man (Jesus (Mat 13:37)) took, and sowed in his field (the world (Mat 13:38)):

Mat 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree (the church that will grow to have branches of idolatry  (Isa 44:14-17) (1 Tim 4:1-3) (2 Peter 2:1-2)), so that the birds of the air (spreaders of idolatry (Mat 13:4, 19) (Rom 1:23) ) come and lodge in the branches thereof.

The Parable of "The Leaven": Beware of sin and false doctrine in the church.  Its nature is to grow.

Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven (doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees  (Mat 16:12) (Mat 23:13)), which a woman (One easily led into idolatry (Jer 7:18)) took, and hid in three measures of meal (Allowed in a little sin (1 Cor 5:6-8)), till the whole was leavened.

The Parable of "The Hidden Treasure": Jesus paid it all.

Mat 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure (children of the kingdom, the people of God (Exo 19:5) (Titus 2:14) (1 Peter 2:9)) hid in a field (the world (Mat 13:38)); the which when a man (God (John 3:16)) hath found, he hideth (The gospel hidden to those who are lost (2 Cor 4:3-4)), and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath (his only begotten son, Jesus (John 3:16) (1 Cor 6:20)), and buyeth that field.

The Parable of "The Pearl of Great Price": God paid an infinite price to dwell in the temple of the believer’s body.

Mat 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Mat 13:46 Who, when he had found one pearl (gate to God’s dwelling  (Rev 21:21) (Eph 2:22)) of great price (His only begotten son  (John 3:16)), went and sold all that he had, and bought it (the body of the believers  (1 Cor 6:19-20)).

The Parable of "The Net": You disciples will have a very important job.  You will be spreading a message of repentance and the kingdom, which will affect where people chose to spend eternity.

Mat 13:47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered (The harvest judgment   (Isa 56:8) (Rev 14:19)) of every kind:

Mat 13:48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good (Children of the kingdom, the saved  (Mat 13:38) (Rev 21:24-27)) into vessels, but cast the bad (those not found written in the Book of Life  (Rev 20:12-15)) away.

Mat 13:49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,

Mat 13:50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

28.  A.D. 28 - Sea of Galilee - Sea Made Serene

This event is another lesson for His disciples that  Jesus is God.

Mat 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

29.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Gadarene Demoniac Healed

Jesus is still not keen to have his healing power published to the world.  The man was instructed to reveal his cure to his own home but he told the whole city.

Luk 8:38 Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying,

Luk 8:39 Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

30.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Jairus’ Daughter Raised and Woman with Hemorrhage Healed

So now He instructs them to tell no one of His healing power.

Mat 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.

Mat 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:

Mat 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.

Mat 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.

Mat 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.

Mar 5:43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

31.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Two Blind Men’s Sight Restored

Mat 9:30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

Mat 9:31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

32.  A.D. 28 - East Shore of Galilee - Mute Demoniac Healed

Mat 9:32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

Mat 9:33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

Mat 9:34 But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

33.  A.D. 28 - Nazareth - Nazareth’s Second Rejection of Christ

Mat 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?

Mat 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

34.  A.D. 28 - Nazareth - Twelve Sent Out

The mission of the apostles was not for the Samaritans, not for the gentiles, was not a message of salvation.  Its purpose was to give the Jews another call to repentance.  But above that, its purpose was to show the apostles the resentment from loved ones they will experience as servants of Jesus; to harden them for the task ahead of telling the world the good news of salvation through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior.

Mat 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

Mat 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Mat 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Mat 10:36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

Mar 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

35.  A.D. 28 - Galilee - Fearful Herod Beheads John

Luk 9:6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

Luk 9:9 And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.

36.  Spring A.D. 29 - Near Bethsaida - Return of 12, Jesus Withdraws, 5000 Fed

Joh 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

Joh 6:2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

Joh 6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

Joh 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

Joh 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

37.  Spring A.D. 29 - Sea of Galilee - Walks on the Water

Mat 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Mat 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.

Mat 14:25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

Mat 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

38.  Spring A.D. 29 - Gennesaret - Sick of Gennesaret Healed

Mar 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

Mar 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

39.  Spring A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Peak of Popularity Passes in Galilee

Jesus explains in the synagogue in the manner of a parable that all must trust in his sacrifice for their salvation.  This startling message lost Him many disciples and the Jewish religious leaders in Galilee sought to kill Him.

Joh 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Joh 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Joh 6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

Joh 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Joh 7:1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.

40.  A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Traditions Attacked

Mat 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

Mat 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Mat 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

Mat 15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

Mat 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

41.  A.D. 29 - Phoenicia - Aborted Retirement in Phoenicia: SyroPhoenician Healed

Jesus always addressed His good news message to the Jews. It is not until some years after Pentecost that His disciples are allowed, in fact commanded, to preach the Gospel to the gentiles.

Mat 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

42.  A.D. 29 - Decapolis - Afflicted Healed

Mat 15:30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them:

43.  A.D. 29 - Decapolis - 4000 Fed

This act of compassion had a secondary purpose: His disciples saw Him produce food out of thin air. The multitude probably never realized their meal came by way of an act of God.

Mat 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

44. A.D. 29 - Magdala - Pharisees Ask for a Sign

This looks like bad news for the Pharisees. Up to this time Jesus has only asked them to repent and now He comes close to saying there is no hope they will do so.

Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

45a.  A.D. 29 - Magdala - Disciples Reprimanded

Here's a turning point - the disciples come to realize their religious leaders were teaching them false doctrine.

Mat 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

Mat 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Mat 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

45b.  A.D. 29 - Magdala - Blind Man Healed

Mar 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.

46.  A.D. 29 - Near Caesarea Philippi - Peter Takes Step Forward - Sees Jesus as The Christ

And here's an even greater turning point in the training of Jesus' disciples - it has finely gotten through to at least one of them that Jesus is God in the flesh.  The disciples are told to keep this information to themselves.

Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?

Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

47.  A.D. 29 - Caesarea Philippi - Jesus Foretells His Death

So now it's time for Jesus to start teaching His disciples the good news, His gospel message that they are to take to the whole world, the message that Christ died for our sins.

Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

48.  A.D. 29 - Caesarea Philippi - Kingdom Promised

Jesus here foretells His Second Coming:

Rev 19:11 Then I saw heaven standing open, and there was a white horse! Its rider is named Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and wages war. Rev 19:12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many royal crowns. He has a name written on him that nobody knows except himself. Rev 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God. Rev 19:14 The armies of heaven, wearing fine linen, white and pure, follow him on white horses. Rev 19:15 A sharp sword comes out of his mouth to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod and tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. Rev 19:16 On his robe and his thigh he has a name written: "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." Rev 19:17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead, "Come! Gather for the great supper of God. Rev 19:18 Eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of commanders, the flesh of warriors, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, both free and slaves, both unimportant and important." Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. Rev 19:20 The beast was captured, along with the false prophet who had performed signs on its behalf. By these signs the false prophet had deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. Rev 19:21 The rest were killed by the sword that belonged to the rider on the horse and that came from his mouth. And all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

49.  A.D. 29 - Mountain Unnamed - The Transfiguration

The purpose of this event seems mainly to bolster the teaching abilities, the confidence of the three apostles who witnessed it.  Who can better teach the message that Jesus is God and that he died for our sins than one who heard it direct from God the Father?

Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

50.  A.D. 29 - Mt. of Transfiguration - Epileptic Healed

Mat 17:14 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

Mat 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

Mat 17:18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

51.  A.D. 29 - Galilee - Again Tells of Death and Resurrection

This is the second time for most of the disciples to hear this news (Peter, James, and John are hearing it for the third time).  The account in Mark and Luke implies that none understood.

Mar 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.

Mar 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Mar 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

52.  A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Taxes Paid

Mat 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

53.  A.D. 29 - Capernaum - Disciples Contend about Greatness

Maybe James and John understood to some extent that they had been selected for high place in the Kingdom and are here wrangling over who will be the highest.  They are still overly concerned about the matter a year later. (Mat 20:20 - 28)

Mat 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

Mat 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,

Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

The Parable of "The Lost Sheep": We are all lost sheep and the joy in heaven will be just as great for each of us who repents of our sins and trusts Jesus as our shepherd.

Mat 18:12 How think ye? if a man (Jesus (Psa 23:1) (Isa 53:3)) have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine (The truth is they are all lost  (Isa 53:6)), and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray (which it will be is not by an act of the sheep but by an act of God’s mercy  (Titus 3:3-7)) ?

Mat 18:13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray (in their own eyes, not God’s eyes (Luke 18:9-11) (Luke 13:3).

Mat 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

The Parable of "The Unforgiving Servant": Be careful what you ask for and promise.  God will keep his end and will see to it that you keep your end of the deal.

Mat 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king (Jesus (Job 41:34) (Mat 2:2)), which would take account of his servants (his disciples (Mat 20:27) (Mat 23:11) (John 12:26)).

Mat 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

Mat 18:25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Mat 18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Mat 18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

Mat 18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

Mat 18:29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Mat 18:30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

Mat 18:31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Mat 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me (it’s right in the “Lord’s Prayer” (Mat 6:12-15)):

Mat 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Mat 18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not (It’s part of the agreement in becoming a disciple (Mat 5:20) (Mat 6:14-15) (Jam 2:13)) every one his brother their trespasses.

54.  A.D. 29 - Galilee - Jesus Rejects Brothers' Advice

His brethren wanted Jesus to go to Jerusalem and prove to all His divinity.  Jesus did go, but to prove the hatred of the religious leaders for Him and His message of their need for repentance.

Joh 7:3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.

Joh 7:8 Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come.

55.  c. Sept. A.D. 29 - Galilee - Samaritan Rejection

Two years earlier Jesus brought many Samaritans to repentance and trust in Him.  Now Samaritans reject Him because He is going to worship in Jerusalem.  Jesus does not find this at all reason to give up hope for their later salvation.   A short time later He shows in the parable of the good Samaritan that this hope is well founded.  The Samaritan loves Him but the religious leaders of the Jews reject Him and try to kill Him.

Luk 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Luk 9:52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

Luk 9:53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

56.  c. Sept. A.D. 29 - Galilee - Demands of Discipleship

Jesus again lets His people know that those chosen as apostles and missionaries are held to very strict rules of obedience.  They are to live a life without a permanent home.  Their service in preaching salvation to the world comes ahead of service to their own earthly family.

Luk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

Luk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

VI.  Southern Ministry of Jesus - Oct. A.D. 29 - A.D. 30

1.  Oct. A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Feast of Tabernacles

Now Jesus is shouting His message of salvation not just in private to individuals, to His chosen ones, His disciples and apostles.   Now He is shouting it to all Jews in hearing distance.

Joh 7:25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?

Joh 7:26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?

Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

Joh 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

2.  Oct. A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Forgiveness of Adulteress

And the first event after His salvation message to the Jews is a message for the need for repentance and forgiveness to those who call Him Lord.

Joh 8:7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

Joh 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

3.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - I Am the Light

Jesus continues His public declaration to the Jews that He is a prophet sent by God His Father.

Joh 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

4.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Temple - Pharisees Can’t Meet the Prophecy Thus Try to Destroy the Prophet

Some of the Jews believe Jesus' claims to be the promised Messiah, but the Pharisees reject.  When Jesus tells them flat out that He is Devine they take steps to kill Him.

Joh 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

Joh 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

5.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Man Born Blind Healed

God planned this opportunity for the Pharisees to recognize the divinity of Jesus when the man was born blind.  When the opportunity arose the Pharisees failed to see.  Once again they proved themselves unfit for their jobs as religious leaders.

Joh 9:24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

Joh 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

6.  A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Parable of the Good Shepherd

Here Jesus explains who are God's sheep.  They are those who recognize His voice.  It is clear that the current religious leaders are not His sheep.

Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Joh 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

Joh 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

The Parable of "The Good Shepherd": You scribes and Pharisees don’t have a clew.  You are blind spiritually.  You are heading to destruction, but you won’t get my apostles to follow.

Joh 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door (Jesus (John 14:6)) into the sheepfold (God the father (Psa 61:3)), but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber (the priests (Hos 6:9) (Hos :1)).

Joh 10:2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

Joh 10:3 To him the porter (Peter (Mat 16:18-19)) openeth; and the sheep (the apostles (Mat 10:16) ) hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

Joh 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

Joh 10:5 And a stranger (the religious leaders,  teachers of apostasy (Jer 3:13)) will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

Joh 10:6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Joh 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Joh 10:8 All that ever came before me (the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 15:1, 9)) are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.

Joh 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (heaven (John 14:2)).

Joh 10:10 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.

Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

Joh 10:12 But he that is an hireling (Peter (and James and John?)  (Matthew 26:37) ), and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf (Judas (Matthew 26:47)) coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

Joh 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Joh 10:16 And other sheep (other disciples (John 17:20)) I have, which are not of this fold (Gentiles (John 17:21)): them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (the church, the body of Christ here on earth (John 17:23)), and one shepherd.

Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

Joh 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Joh 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

Joh 10:20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?

Joh 10:21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

7.  A.D. 29 - Probably Judea - The Service of the Seventy

Almost a year before this event the twelve apostles were sent out with the same message - a call for repentance to the Jews because God will shortly establish a new Kingdom here on earth.  God's disciples will not be sent out to preach a rebirth of the spirit message until after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Luk 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

Luk 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

8. A.D. 29 - Judea - The Good Samaritan

The Parable of "The Good Samaritan": Get out of here and shape up you hypocrite lawyer; you know very well that your neighbors are your fellows who love God. But right now your head judges are planning to nail your God to a cross and your fellow lawyers, Pharisees and Priests will stand by and cheer.  One of the last ones to give God love and thanks before you have him nailed to that cross will be a Samaritan, whom you despise:  Luk 17:15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, Luk 17:16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

Luk 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man (Jesus (Luke 14:16) (Luke 15:11) (Luke 20:9)) went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves(Head Judges (Isa 1:23)), which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

Luk 10:31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

Luk 10:32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

Luk 10:33 But a certain Samaritan (The Samaritan leper (Luke 17:12-19)), as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

Luk 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil (love (Ps 133:2)) and wine (offerings (Lev 23:13)) , and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

Luk 10:35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

Luk 10:36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

Luk 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

9.  A.D. 29 - Bethany - Hospitality of Martha and Mary

Martha makes her statement of faith in Jesus later at the time of the resurrection from the dead of her brother:  Joh 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

Luk 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

Luk 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

10.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Lord's Prayer (again) and Parable of "a Friend in Need"

The Parable of "A Friend in Need": When a Gentile comes in need to a disciple, the disciple will never find a “do not disturb” sign when he (the disciple) asks God for help.  He will always get a good answer.

Luk 11:5 And he said unto them, Which of you (a disciple  (Luke 11:1)) shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend (Jesus (John 15:14)) , lend me three loaves (payment for our sins  (Gen 4:1) (1 Cor 15:3-4);

Luk 11:6 For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?

Luk 11:7 And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children (God’s people, the children of Israel (Exo 7:4)) are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.

Luk 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend (the Gentiles (Eph 3:6) (Jer 16:19)), yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.

Luk 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Luk 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Luk 11:11 If a son shall ask bread (Jesus that gives life (John 6:33) (Luke 22:19) (Mat 26:26)) of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone (an idol  (Lev 26:1) (Mat 4:3)) ? or if he ask a fish (Created by God and good  (Gen 1:21)), will he for a fish give him a serpent (the devil  (Rev 20:2))?

Luk 11:12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

Luk 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

11.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Accused of a Connection with Beelzebub

Luk 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.

12.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Judgment Against Lawyers and Pharisees

Luk 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

Luk 11:44 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

Luk 11:53 And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

Luk 11:54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

13. A.D. 29 - Judea - Jesus Deals with Hypocrisy, Covetousness, Worry, and Alertness

The verses Luke 12:8-9 could almost be understood as a Readers' Digest version of Jesus' salvation message - whosoever calls Jesus Lord is saved from eternity in Hell.  The rest of this passage (Luke 12:13-57 is much a repeat of the message given by Jesus about a year and a half earlier  in the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus tells His chosen disciples they will be subjected to very strict standards and trials

Luk 12:22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

Luk 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luk 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

The Parable of "The Rich Fool": Jesus uses this “certain rich man” in three parables: this one “The Rich Fool”, “The Unjust Steward”, and “The Rich Man and Lazarus”.  He was a chief priest and no doubt well versed in scripture and so received ample warning from Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Jesus himself in his sermon condemning the whole crowd which was running the temple (Matthew chapter 23).  Three days later this man together with the rest of his crew of scribes and Pharisees had Jesus crucified.

Luk 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man (one of the chief priests (Luke 16:1) (Luke 16:19) (Exo 28:5-6)) brought forth plentifully:

Luk 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

Luk 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

Luk 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry (acting like a dumb dog  (Isa 56:9-12) (Psa 52:6-7) (Jer 17:11) (Mat 23:13)).

Luk 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

Luk 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

The Parable of "The Faithful and the Evil Servants": The disciples have responsibility and accountability; responsibility to preach the gospel of repentance from sin, an accountability for the sins of those who fail to get the message due to the disciple’s negligence.  Jesus gives them fair warning that he will check in on them at a time when they may least expect.

Luk 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;

Luk 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Luk 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching (the disciples have the God given responsibilities of watchmen (Eze 33:1-9)): verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

Luk 12:38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Luk 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief  (Jesus  (Rev 3:3) (Rev 16:15)) would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Luk 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

The Parable of "Faithful and Wise Steward": Yes Peter, Jesus was talking about you and anyone else who is given the special call and gifts to be His (Jesus’) apostle, disciple, preacher, or church leader.

Luk 12:41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?

Luk 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward (Apostles, elders of the church  (Eph 3:3-10) (1 Peter 5:1-4)), whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Luk 12:43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.

Luk 12:44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

Luk 12:45 But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;

Luk 12:46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

Luk 12:47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Luk 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

14. A.D. 29 - Judea - Repent or Parish

Still no mention of the penalty for sin and how it will be paid.

Luk 13:1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

Luk 13:2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

15.  A.D. 29 - Judea - The Barren Fig Tree

The Parable of "The Barren Fig Tree": The Jews are to get just a short time more to repent and turn to Jesus.  If the temple priest system does not start to bear fruit of God loving people it will be destroyed; which it was in 70 A.D.

Luk 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man (Jesus (Luke 10:30) (Luke 14:16) (Luke 15:11) (Luke 20:9)) had a fig tree planted in his vineyard (house of Israel  (Isa 5:7); and he came and sought fruit thereon (Them that have a heart to know the Lord (Jer 24:7)), and found none.

Luk 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard (Probably Peter – chief disciple  (Mat 16:19)), Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

Luk 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

Luk 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

16.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Crippled Woman Healed

Luk 13:11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

Luk 13:13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

17.  A.D. 29 - Judea - Parables of the Mustard Seed and Leaven

The Parable of "The Mustard Seed ": Beware of false teachers who shall bring damnable heresies into the church.

Luk 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

Luk 13:19 It is like a grain of mustard seed (the word of the kingdom  (Mat 13:19)), which a man (Jesus (Mat 13:37)) took, and cast into his garden (good ground, honest and good hearts ((Isa 61:11) (Luke 8:15)); and it grew, and waxed a great tree (grew to have branches of idolatry  (Isa 44:14-17) (1 Tim 4:1-3) (2 Peter 2:1-2)); and the fowls (the devil (Luke 8:12)) of the air lodged in the branches of it.

The Parable of "The Leaven": Beware of sin and false doctrine in the church.  Its nature is to grow.

Luk 13:20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

Luk 13:21 It is like leaven (doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees  (Mat 16:12) (Mat 23:13)), which a woman (One easily led into idolatry (Jer 7:18)) took and hid in three measures of meal (Allowed in a little sin (1 Cor 5:6-8)), till the whole was leavened.

18.  Winter A.D. 29 - Jerusalem - Feast of Dedication

This passage contains some confusing statements but they make complete sense if it is kept in mind that Jesus is explaining that God does the choosing when it comes to selecting those qualified to be His full time agents, His missionaries, His sheep.  It is not a matter of free will.  It is not open to all.    This passage should not be used to prove the Calvinistic doctrine that God has determined who is qualified for salvation.  That is open to all, a matter of free will choice for each of us.

Joh 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.

Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

Joh 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Joh 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

19.  Winter A.D. 29 - Withdrawal Beyond Jordan

Joh 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.

Joh 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.

Joh 10:42 And many believed on him there.

20.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Return to Jerusalem

Two points here:  When a disciple asks Jesus if few will be saved, He doesn't say yes. He says many will come to salvation from all over the world, but they will come God's way.  And He tells the Pharisees that He will be sacrificed by them in Jerusalem according to God's plan.

Luk 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,

Luk 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Luk 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

Luk 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

21.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Meal with a Pharisee Ruler

The Parable of "Best Places": This is a reminder to the proud Pharisees in the crowd of the many passages in scripture that God prefers the humble.  (If they are to get an invitation to “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb”, they must first humble themselves, turn from their sin and look to Jesus as their savior.)

Luk 14:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,

Luk 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man (Jesus (Isa 53:3) (Luke 10:30)) to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

Luk 14:9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.

Luk 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat (Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-10)) with thee.

Luk 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth (an outward sign of love for God (Deu 8:2) (2 Ch 7:14)(2 Ch 34:27) (Psa 9:12) (Luke 18:14) (Mat 18:4) (Mat 23:12) (Jam 4:6) (Jam 4:10) (1 Peter 5:6)) himself shall be exalted.

The Parable of "The Great Supper": Yes, it is a blessing to eat bread at the  “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb”, but the choice is yours to make if you are invited.

Luk 14:16 Then said he unto him, A certain man (Jesus  (Isa 53:3)  (Luke 10:30)) made a great supper (The Lord’s Supper  (1 Cor 11:20-26)), and bade many (All are invited (Rev 3:20)):

Luk 14:17 And sent his servant (the twelve and the seventy sent to preach (Luke 9:1-2) (Luke 10:1-2)) at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.

Luk 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse (Those that have no root (Luke 8:13) (Luke 9:57-62) (Luke 18:22-23)). The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.

Luk 14:19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.

Luk 14:20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.

Luk 14:21 So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind (Those with good reason to know they need a savior (Luke 21:2-3) (Luke 5:24-25) (Luke 6:10) (Luke 7:21)).

Luk 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

Luk 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out (Witness to the whole world (Acts 1:8)) into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

Luk 14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

22.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Demands of Discipleship

The Parable of "Building a Tower, a King Making War": When you enlist in Jesus’ army be prepared to give it everything you have.  If you don’t, there is a steep penalty.

Luk 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

Luk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Luk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Luk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost (much is required of a disciple (Luke 12:47-48)), whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Luk 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

Luk 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Luk 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able (unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required  (Luke 12:47-48)) with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Luk 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace (If you volunteer to enter into Jesus’ war against Satan and are slothful, you may lose salvation (Mat 25:30)).

Luk 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Luk 14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

Luk 14:35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

23.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Parables of Lost Sheep, Coins, Son

Luk 15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

Luk 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

The Parable of "The Lost Sheep": We are all lost sheep and the joy in heaven will be just as great for each of us who repents of our sins and trusts Jesus as our shepherd.

Luk 15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

Luk 15:4 What man ( Jesus (Psa 23:1) (Isa 53:3)) of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine (The truth is they are all lost  (Isa 53:6)) in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost (which it will be is not by an act of the sheep but by an act of God’s mercy  (Titus 3:3-7)), until he find it?

Luk 15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Luk 15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Luk 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance (in their own eyes, not God’s eyes (Luke 18:9-11) (Luke 13:3)).

The Parable of "The Lost Coin": The scribes and Pharisees are just as lost if not more so than the publicans and sinners.

Luk 15:8 Either what woman (house of Israel  (Jer 3:20-22)) having ten pieces of silver (ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:31-35) (John 11:52)  (1 John 1:8-10) ), if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

Luk 15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Luk 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth (the thankful Samaritan  (Luke 17:12-19)).

The Parable of "The Prodigal Son": The elder son is still dead to sin but doesn’t know it.

Luk 15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

Luk 15:12 And the younger of them (publicans and sinners who repent (Luke 15:21)) said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

Luk 15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

Luk 15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

Luk 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

Luk 15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

Luk 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Luk 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Luk 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

Luk 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

Luk 15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

Luk 15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

Luk 15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

Luk 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

Luk 15:25 Now his elder son (the Pharisees and scribes who deny their sin (Luke 15:29) (1 John 1:8-10)) was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

Luk 15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

Luk 15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

Luk 15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

Luk 15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

Luk 15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

Luk 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

Luk 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

24.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Parables of the Unjust Steward, Rich Man and Lazarus

The Parable of "The Unjust Steward": You apostles and disciples, if you decide to be slothful in your duties of ministry, do it at my expense, not my sheep’s.

Luk 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man (One of the chief priests (Luke 12:16) (Luke 16:19) (Exo 28:5-6)), which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods (ill gotten rewards (Isa 1:23) (Eze 22:12)).

Luk 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.

Luk 16:3 Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.

Luk 16:4 I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.

Luk 16:5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

Luk 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty (Reduce the bill for unrighteous gifts and bribes thereby applying mercy over sacrifice (Hos 6:6) (Mat 9:13) (Mat 12:7)).

Luk 16:7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore ( Reduce the bill for unrighteous gifts and bribes thereby applying mercy over sacrifice (Hos 6:6) (Mat 9:13) (Mat 12:7)).

Luk 16:8 And the lord (God (not the steward’s lord) Luke uses “the Lord” in fifty-nine verses in his gospel, always referring to Jesus) commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

Luk 16:9 And I say unto you (You, my (Jesus’) disciples (Luke 16:1)), Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Luk 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luk 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

Luk 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Luk 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

The Parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus": This is not a parable; Lazarus was literally raised from the dead to demonstrate to the priests their need for repentance.  Their answer was to plot the death of both Lazarus and Jesus.

Luk 16:19 There was a certain rich man (the chief priests (John 12:10) (Exo 28:5-6)), which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Luk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus (Lazarus, of Bethany laying in his grave at the very time of the telling of this parable (John 11:1-44), which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

Luk 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table (the priests are spiritually blind (Mat 23:13)): moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

Luk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died (dead in that the chief priests were carnally minded (Rom 8:6)), and was buried;

Luk 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Luk 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water (salvation  (Isa 55:1) (John 4:10)), and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Luk 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

Luk 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

Luk 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

Luk 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

Luk 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead (which Lazarus did and the Priests plotted to put him back to death  (John 12:10)), they will repent.

Luk 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

25.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea - Lessons on Service

The Parable of "Unprofitable Servants": What ever we get from God is purely a gift, he does not need our services.

Luk 17:7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

Luk 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

Luk 17:9 Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

Luk 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants (There is nothing we can do to earn the Lord’s blessings (Job 22:2) (Job 22:3) (Job 35:7) (Psa 16:2) (Isa 64:6) (1 Cor 9:16) (Eph 2:8-9)): we have done that which was our duty to do.

26.  Winter A.D. 29 - Perea to Bethany - Resurrection of Lazarus

The main purpose of this event, the death and resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus states twice (John 11:4 and 11:15). He staged it to strengthen the belief of His disciples that He is the source of eternal life.

Joh 11:4 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.

Joh 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

27.  Winter A.D. 29 - Reaction of the Pharisees

However, the resurrection of Lazarus had a second purpose: to show the corruption of the chief priests and the Pharisees.  It strengthened their determination to put Jesus to death.

Joh 11:53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

28. and 29.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Last Journey, Heals Ten Lepers

Here again, Jesus want's the people and the priests to realize he has God given powers.

Luk 17:14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

30.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Lesson on the Coming Kingdom

Jesus tells the Pharisees the Kingdom of God has arrived in His person.  But they refuse to observe it.  He goes on to tell His disciples that they won't be around when the unbelivers will be destroyed with fire as predicted by John the Baptist: Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Luk 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

31.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Parables - Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector

The Parable of  "The Importunate Widow": If you want answered prayer, your first prayer must be to repent of your sins and place your trust in Jesus.

Luk 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Luk 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

Luk 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

Luk 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Luk 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

Luk 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect (those trusting in the blood of Jesus  (1 Peter 1:2)  (John 14:12-14)), which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The Parable of' "The Pharisee and the Publican": Pride is a red warning light of sin, specially for those in position of religious authority.

Luk 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

Luk 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee (A greater sinner than the publican (Mat 23:13-15)), and the other a publican.

Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess (acts having no bearing on justification (Rom 3:28)).

Luk 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner (a prayer of repentance and calling on Jesus for salvation (Mat 9:13) (Luke 24:44-47) (1 Cor 15:1-4)).

Luk 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

32.  A.D. 30 - Samaria, Galilee - Doctrine of Divorce

Again, the disciples are told that they will work under higher standards

Mat 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

33.  A.D. 30 - Perea - Jesus Blesses Children

Little children, young children, infants, this event is proof that they are pure in God's eyes.

Only until we reach a certain point of maturity are we held accountable for sin.

Luk 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

34.  A.D. 30 - Perea - Rich Young Ruler

Let's hope the young man has not rejected salvation when he rejected the invitation to follow Jesus as a disciple.  But he has lost "an hundredfold" by hanging on to his possessions.

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Mat 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Mat 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

35.  A.D. 30 - Perea - Laborers of the Eleventh Hour

The Parable of "The Labourers in the Vineyard": What God says is fair payment is fair payment just based on the fact that He says so.

Mat 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard (House of Israel  (Isa 5:7)).

Mat 20:2 And when he had agreed with the labourers (Jesus’ disciples  (Mat 9:37) (1 Cor 3:9)) for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

Mat 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

Mat 20:4 And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you (It’s right because God says it’s right (Psa 33:4) (John 1:14) (John 17:17)). And they went their way.

Mat 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

Mat 20:6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?

Mat 20:7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.

Mat 20:8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

Mat 20:9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny.

Mat 20:10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

Mat 20:11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house,

Mat 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.

Mat 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?

Mat 20:14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

Mat 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

Mat 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

36.  A.D. 30 - Near Jordan - Foretells Death

The most wonderful event in the history of the world is about to take place a quarter of a year from now - the death, burial, and resurrection of God's Son Jesus, the atonement for the sins of all.  Jesus now informs His chosen ones of exactly how and when His sacrifice will take place.  He is preparing them for their job of spreading the good news of this atonement around the world.

Mat 20:18 Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,

Mat 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.

37.  A.D. 30 - Near Jordan - Ambition of James and John

Jesus has just revealed His upcoming sacrifice and the first  reaction of His disciples was to squabble over positions of authority in His Kingdom.  Now Jesus reveals the reason for His sacrifice is to serve others, to pay the sin penalty for "many" and that His disciples are to emulate Him in such service not in authority.

Mat 20:26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

Mat 20:27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

Mat 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

38.  A.D. 30 - Jericho - Blind Bartimaeus Healed

Once again Jesus proves to His disciples and to the people that He has God given power to save.

Luk 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.

39.  A.D. 30 - Jericho - Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus is a Jew.  He has broken God's commandments to the Jews.  He has repented of his sins and now looks to Jesus as Lord, the promised Messiah.  Jesus pronounces him saved.  There is no hint that Zacchaeus realizes his salvation will be accomplished in another week or so by Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

Luk 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

40.  A.D. 30 - Jericho - The Minas

Here is more instruction and warning to His chosen disciples.  They are all to be given an equal amount of spiritual gifts to enable them to perform their assigned jobs of spreading the salvation message.   Depending on their performance, they will be rewarded more spiritual gifts and authority in the future.  None will lose their salvation.  But things look very bad for the currant Jewish religious leaders who refuse to follow Jesus a Messiah.  They face spiritual death.

The Parable of "The Minas": First comes this parable about the gift of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that Jesus will shortly after his resurrection confer on ten of his apostles.  The Holly Spirit is infinite and does not come more to some and less to others.  A few days later Jesus relates the parable of the “talents”.  That has to do with the conferring of spiritual gifts.  These do come in packages of varying amounts.  The point of both parables is that the apostles will be judged for their actions in the use of these gifts.  Sloth in the use of Spiritual gifts is penalized more severely than sloth practiced by one indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Which leads one to think that a person who receives water baptism a la John the Baptist for repentance of sin can receive spiritual gifts prior to (or if ever) receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the time of taking Jesus as a personal savior.

Luk 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Luk 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman ( Jesus (Acts 1:9)) went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return (His second coming (Acts 1:11)).

Luk 19:13 And he called his ten servants (ten of the apostles (John 20:24)), and delivered them ten pounds (The Holy Ghost (John 20:22-24) (1 Cor 12:7) (Psa 139:7 – 9)), and said unto them, Occupy (minister (1 Peter 4:10)) till I come.

Luk 19:14 But his citizens (the house of Israel  (John 1:11) (Acts 7:51 - 54) ) hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

Luk 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading (How abundant was their ministry  (1 Cor 15:10)).

Luk 19:16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

Luk 19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities (heavenly reward  (1 Peter 5:4)).

Luk 19:18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

Luk 19:19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

Luk 19:20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

Luk 19:21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

Luk 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

Luk 19:23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

Luk 19:24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

Luk 19:25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

Luk 19:26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him (he loses all (Eze 18:26).

Luk 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me (the second death (1 Th 2:15 – 16)).

41. and 42.  A.D. 30 - Bethany - Return to Home of Lazarus and Plot to Kill Lazarus

As Jesus predicted in the parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus", the chief priests did not repent even though He brought Lazarus back from the dead.

Joh 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

Joh 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

VII.  Final Week at Jerusalem - Spring A. D. 30

1.  Sunday - Bethany, Jerusalem, Bethany - Triumphal Entry

Here we have Jesus' disciples doing just what He has been training them to do: proclaim to all that will hear that Jesus is our Messiah.  And Jesus tells His enemies that if the disciples don't do that job the stones - works of God's creation will tell all willing to hear to look to their creator for salvation.

Luk 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

Luk 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

2.  Monday - Bethany to Jerusalem - Fig Tree Cursed

The barren fig tree, of course, represents the temple leaders who are keeping people from God.

Mar 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

3.  Monday - Jerusalem - Attraction of Sacrifice

Jesus explains His mission to the chief religious rulers and is backed up by the voice of God from heaven.  Still they refuse to follow Him.

Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Joh 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

Joh 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

4.  Tuesday - Bethany to Jerusalem - Withered Fig Tree

Jesus had two purposes here in this miracle.  One, he wanted to build up the faith of his disciples in God and his Son.  Two, he wanted to demonstrate what will happen to the corrupt temple leaders.

Mat 21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Mat 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Mat 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

5.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Sanhedrin Challenge Jesus

The Parable of "The Two Sons": The chief priests and elders convict them selves out of their own mouths of refusing to do the work of God, that is repent and believe on Jesus.

Mat 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first (those that repent – Publicans and harlots (Mat 21:31)), and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard (House of Israel (Isa 5:7)).

Mat 21:29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

Mat 21:30 And he came to the second (Chief priests and elders (Mat 21:23) (Mat 21:32)), and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Mat 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father (Believe on him whom he has sent, righteousness, and judgment  (John 6:28-29) (Jer 51:10) (Isa 49:4))? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

Mat 21:32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

The Parable of "The Wicked Husbandmen": This was Jesus’ last warning to the chief priests and elders.  Three days later they had him crucified.

Mat 21:33 Hear another parable: There was a certain householder (God (Isa 5:4)), which planted a vineyard (house of Israel (Isa 5:4)), and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen (Priests (Jer 12:10), and went into a far country:

Mat 21:34 And when the time of the fruit (Those after God’s own heart  (Amos 8:2) (Mat 3:8-10)) drew near, he sent his servants (Prophets (Jer 35:15) (Amos 3:7) (Mat 23:35) (Luke 11:51)) to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

Mat 21:35 And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

Mat 21:36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

Mat 21:37 But last of all he sent unto them his son (Jesus (John 3:17)), saying, They will reverence my son.

Mat 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

Mat 21:39 And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him (Crucified him (Mat 26:3-5) (Mat 27:20)).

Mat 21:40 When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

Mat 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men (Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. (Mark 3:2) (Luke 21:6) (21:20-24)), and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen (Apostles and disciples (Mat13:17)), which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

Mat 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Mat 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation (The church (Acts 2:4, 5, 47)) bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Mat 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

Mat 21:45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

The Parable of "The Wedding Feast": God here warns that his old covenant with Israel will be cancelled and be superceded by a new one that covers all humanity.

Mat 22:2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king (God (Job 41:34)), which made a marriage for his son (Jesus (Mar 1:1)),

Mat 22:3 And sent forth his servants (Old Testament prophets (Zec 1:6)) to call them that were bidden (Those under God’s covenant with Israel (Exo 19:5-6)) to the wedding: and they would not come.

Mat 22:4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

Mat 22:5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

Mat 22:6 And the remnant (Jews left after the exile (Isa 1:9)) took his servants, and entreated them spitefully (Killed the prophets (Mat 23:31 (Luke 11:48-51)), and slew them.

Mat 22:7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies (Those that destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A.D. (Luke 21:20)), and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Mat 22:8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

Mat 22:9 Go ye therefore (The commission (Mat 28:19)) into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

Mat 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

Mat 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

Mat 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment (Righteousness (Rev 19:8) (Acts 10:35))? And he was speechless.

Mat 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mat 22:14 For many are called (Salvation is open to all (Rev 3:20)), but few are chosen.

6.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Tribute to Caesar

In this attempt to build up evidence against Jesus, the chief  priests and scribes actually are building up more evidence against themselves.  They are a generation of vipers.

Luk 20:20 And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

7.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Sadducees Question the Resurrection

The Sadducees may have come to Jesus with honest respect.  Jesus' answer may have gained some converts from even the scribes.

Luk 20:27 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him,

Luk 20:39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

8.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Pharisees Question Commandments

Here Jesus seems to have gained some more converts from the scribes.  Unfortunately they quit their questioning.

Mar 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?

Mar 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.

9.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Jesus and David

Jesus tried to draw them on but the scribes made the worst decision of their lives, they stopped the discussion

Mat 22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

Mat 22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

Mat 22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

10.  Tuesday - Jerusalem - Jesus' Last Sermon

Jesus continues the theme of this day: The Jewish religious leaders have condemned themselves to hell by their corruption.  They are the ones to blame for the destruction of the temple and of all Jerusalem which is to come in another forty years.

Mat 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

Mat 23:33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Mat 23:39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Mat 24:2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

11. Tuesday - Jerusalem - Widow's Mite

In the midst of being questioned by his enemies, Jesus continues to instruct his disciples on how to serve God.

Mar 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:

Mar 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

12.  Tuesday - Mt. of Olives - Jesus Tells of the Future

The temple system of worship came to a halt because it ceased to produce fruit for God.  The current church system has endured for nearly two thousand years but God may very well bring it also to an end if it too ceases to produce good fruit.

The Parable of "The Fig Tree": The temple and system of priests will end in the lifetime of those alive today.  However, those who follow Jesus will have their names written in his book, “The Lamb’s Book of Life”, and live forever.

Mat 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender (Christ’s body the church is young  (Isa 53:1-2)), and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh (end of the House of Israel is close (Amos 8:2)):

Mat 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things (wars, etc. (Mat 24:5-26)), know that it is near (Destruction of the temple (Mat 24:1-2)), even at the doors.

Mat 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation (Those alive today – a generation of vipers (Mat 12:34)) shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words (Lamb’s Book of Life (Phil 4:3) (Rev 3:5) (Rev 5:8) (Rev 21:27)) shall not pass away.

Mat 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Mat 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

Mat 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Mat 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

Mat 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Mat 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

The Parable of "The Absent Householder": This is another red alert from the Lord to his servants to not let down on their jobs.  There is a two fold reason to be faithful.  The salvation message will be thereby better spread to a lost and dieing world and to identify the faithful servants for even greater positions of service in the spiritual realm.

Mar 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray (keep up your prayer life (Eph 6:18)): for ye know not when the time is.

Mar 13:34 For the Son of man (Jesus) is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants (those who obey Jesus  (Rom 6:16)), and to every man his work (Having different gifts (Rom 12:4 - 8), and commanded the porter (Peter, whose job is watchman (Mat 16:19) (Eze 3:17 - 21)) to watch.

Mar 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mar 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

Mar 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch (There is a blessing for those found watching  (Luk 12:43 - 44)).

13.  Tuesday - Mt. of Olives - Parables of the Ten Virgins, Talents, and Sheep and Goats

The Parable of "The Wise and Foolish Virgins": The good disciple will keep his powers of ministry in peak condition at all times through an active prayer life.  To neglect to do so is to risk missing out on the rewards to be passed out on awards night (Marriage Supper of the Lamb).

Mat 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins (Disciples mentioned in Rev. 14:1-5), which took their lamps (their works of ministry for Jesus  (Rev 3:15–16)), and went forth to meet the bridegroom (Jesus (John 3:29)).

Mat 25:2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

Mat 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil (love (Rev 2:4) (Exo 27:20) (Psa 133) (Zec 4:2 - 3) (1 Cor 13:1 - 13)) with them:

Mat 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels (love in their hearts  (2 Cor 1:22)) with their lamps.

Mat 25:5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.

Mat 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Mat 25:7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

Mat 25:8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.

Mat 25:9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves (repent and pray  (Acts 8:18 – 22)).

Mat 25:10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage (Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-10)): and the door was shut.

Mat 25:11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

Mat 25:12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

Mat 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

The Parable of "The Talents": Those chosen as apostles and disciples are to be blessed with spiritual powers of different types and amounts.  They are expected to use these powers in spreading the gospel and to increase them through exercising faith, fasting and prayer.  Those that use these powers well and increase them will be blessed with further responsibilities in heaven.  Those who are slothful with their spiritual gifts will have them taken away and (harsh as it may seem) will them selves be rejected from heaven.

Mat 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods (Spiritual gifts  (Rom 12:6)).

Mat 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents (measure of the gift, much or little (Luke 12:48)), to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability (stage of spiritual growth (2 Tim 3:15)); and straightway took his journey.

Mat 25:16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with (preached the gospel (Rom 15:19)) the same, and made them other five talents (doubled the strength of the gift through faith (Mat 17:20) (Heb 6:10) (Jude 20)).

Mat 25:17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

Mat 25:18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

Mat 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth (made them give an accounting for their gifts (Rom 12:6)) with them.

Mat 25:20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

Mat 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things (Heavenly reward  (Rev 21:7)): enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mat 25:22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

Mat 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Mat 25:24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew (I convict myself of sloth and fear out of my own mouth (Luke 19:22)) thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

Mat 25:25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

Mat 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

Mat 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers (Moneychangers (Matthew 21:12), and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury (increase from strangers (Deu 23:19-20)).

Mat 25:28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

Mat 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Mat 25:30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness (the second death (Rev 21:8)): there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The Parable of "The Sheep and the Goats": Jesus continues the teaching of his disciples that they must be faithful in the use of his gifts of spiritual powers to spread the word.  Those who meet the needs of ministry as they arise will be blessed, those who neglect will be rejected.

Mat 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Mat 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred (spiritually hungry  (1 Cor 10:3-4)), and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty (spiritually thiristy  (1 Cor 10:3-4), and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger (a non Jew that loves the Lord  (Isa 56:6-7)), and ye took me in:

Mat 25:36 Naked (Spiritually uncovered  (2 Cor 1-5)), and ye clothed me: I was sick (spiritually ill  (Mic 6:13)), and ye visited me: I was in prison (in spiritual darkness (Isa 49:8-9)), and ye came unto me.

Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren (those which hear the word of God and do it  (Luke 8:21)), ye have done it unto me.

Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Mat 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger , or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

14.  Tuesday - Mt. of Olives - Jesus Tells Date of Crucifixion

Only a few weeks ago Jesus informed His disciples of His upcoming sacrifice.  Now He continues the countdown to its occurrence.  There are two more days to go.

Mat 26:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples,

Mat 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

15.  Tuesday - Bethany - Anointing by Mary - Again

And now this evening, Jesus prepares his friends for some trying days coming up at the end of the week.

Mat 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.

Mat 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

16.  Tuesday -  Judas Contracts the Betrayal

Who gets the blame, Satan or Judas?  Either way, it's all part of God's plan for our salvation.

Luk 22:3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.

Luk 22:4 And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.

17.  Thursday - Jerusalem - Preparation for the Passover

Jesus continues to perform miracles right up to the end, building faith in his disciples.

Mar 14:13 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

Mar 14:16 And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

18.  Thursday P.M. - Jerusalem - Passover Eaten, Jealousy Rebuked

Jesus enjoys the fellowship of eating with His apostles and He tells them it won't happen again until after His resurrection.  Peter informs us in Acts 10:41 that He did make good on this promise: Act 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

Luk 22:15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:

Luk 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

19.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Feet Washed

For one last time Jesus tells His disciples they must have a servant attitude.

Joh 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Joh 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

20.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Judas Revealed

The future looks dark for Judas.  But he did repent.  Depending on his heart attitude toward Jesus, we may yet hope to see him in heaven.  The main lesson in this event for the disciples is to increase their knowledge that Jesus has fulfilled all the Old Testament predictions concerning the Messiah.

Mat 26:25 Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

21.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Jesus Warns of Further Desertions

The lesson here is for Jesus' disciples.  God knows their weaknesses long before they show them.  This should remind them to trust in God for the strength to carry them forward in their duties.

Mat 26:31 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.

22.  Thursday P.M. - Upper Room - Institution of the Lord's Supper

This may be the passage in the Gospels which most clearly shows the reason for Jesus' sacrifice - for the remission of our sins.

Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Luk 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

23.  Thursday P.M. - Jerusalem - Last Speech to the Apostles

Jesus devotes His last words to His disciples to strengthen their courage through His death, burial, and resurrection.  He tells them:

1.  He will care for them and prepare a place for them in heaven.

2. God will meet their needs through prayer.

3. They will have the indwelling of The Holy Spirit for their constant guidance.

4. They have been specially selected by God to perform their duties as disciples.

5. The Jewish religious leaders will have completely revealed their hatred for God and His Messiah.

6. Shortly after His death, He will resurrect and teach them not with parables but with words of meaning clear to all.

Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Joh 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Joh 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

Joh 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.

24.  Thursday-Friday -Mt. Olives - The Grief of Gethsemane

Jesus reveals His complete humanity by expressing His wish not to undergo His sacrifice.  He shows His divinity by His complete willingness to obey the will of God The Father.

Mat 26:39 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.

Mat 26:42 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.

25.  Friday - Gethsemane - Betrayal

Judas has rejected Jesus as the predicted Messiah.  But that rejection and betrayal only goes to further prove that Jesus is what He claims to be:  Psa 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Mat 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Mat 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Mat 26:56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

26.  Friday - Jerusalem - Examined by Annas

This poor "Rich Man" had two opportunities to make a good decision for Christ and he flubbed it both times. Right here and later as Luke records in the book of Acts: Act 4:6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. Act 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, Act 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Act 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Act 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Act 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Joh 18:13 And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.

27.  Friday - Jerusalem - Trial by Caiaphas

Now the guilt of the high priest is complete.  He has received it right from the Son's mouth that He is what He claims to be and the high priest has rejected Him.

Mat 26:57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

Mat 26:64 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.

Mat 26:65 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.

28.  Friday - Jerusalem - Peter's Triple Denial

Even during His trial the Lord is training His servant for the hard times ahead

Luk 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Luk 22:62 And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

29.  Friday - Jerusalem - Condemnation by the Council

Just as with the high priest Caiaphas, the rest of the council proves their unfitness for their jobs.  They reject the very God they were appointed to serve.

Mat 27:1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

30.  Friday - Jerusalem - Suicide of Judas

Looks bad for the salvation of Judas.  Both he and Peter have denied their Savior.  Both repented.  But Peter went on to serve, Judas commits suicide.

Mat 27:5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

31.  Friday - Jerusalem - First Appearance Before Pilate

Little does Pilate realize the person on trial here is himself.  He recognizes Jesus as spiritual king of the Jews but fails to respond when Jesus tells him He is also spiritual King of all who hear His voice.

Joh 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

32.  Friday - Jerusalem - Jesus Before Herod

And like Pilate, Herod, not Jesus, is the person on trial.  And like Pilate, Herod rejects Him as his Savior.

Luk 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.

Luk 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

Luk 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.

33.  Friday - Jerusalem - Second Appearance Before Pilate

Sorry Pilate, it's not that easy.  You can't just wash your own hands.  You must submit to the water baptism of repentance and trust in Jesus to pay the penalty for your sins.

Mat 27:24 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.

Mat 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

34.  Friday - Jerusalem - Mockery by Roman Soldiers

What can be said for these soldiers mocking their Savior?  Are they vile sinners or just faithful soldiers following orders?   They seem to have crossed the line.

Mat 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.

Mat 27:29 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!

35.  Friday - Jerusalem - Led to Golgotha

Great symbolism here.  We all have opportunities to bear the cross.  I can only hope it will be recorded I bore mine with as little compulsion as Simon.

Mat 27:32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

36.  Friday - Calvary - Events of First Three Hours on Cross

Now that's not so hard, is it?:  "I am justly condemned, Lord, remember me."  We have a loving God.

Luk 23:33 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.

Luk 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.

Luk 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

Luk 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

Luk 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Luk 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

37.  Friday - Calvary - Last 3 Hours on Cross

The fact that God the Father would forsake God the Son as He died on the cross was predicted by David a thousand years before the event.  This is just one of dozens of examples of how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophesies for the coming Messiah:  Psa 22:1 <To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David.> My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Mat 27:50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

38.  Friday - Calvary - Events Attending Jesus' Death

I can't pretend to know what's going on here.

Mat 27:51 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;

Mat 27:52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

39.  Friday - Jerusalem - Burial of Jesus

Mar 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Mar 15:44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Mar 15:45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

Mar 15:46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

40.  Friday - Jerusalem - Tomb Sealed

Mat 27:66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

41.  Friday - Saturday - Jerusalem - Women Watch

Mar 15:47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

VIII.  The Resurrection though the Ascension - A.D. 30

1.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Women Visit the Tomb

This is the most important event in the Gospels.

Without it, as Paul says: "...your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins."

1Co 15:17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Mat 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

Mat 28:2 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.

Mat 28:6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

2.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Peter and John See the Empty Tomb

Joh 20:2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

Joh 20:4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Joh 20:8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

Joh 20:10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.

3.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Jesus’ Appearance to Mary Magdalene

God the Son has been forsaken by God the Father, has shed His blood for the remission of our sins, has suffered death on the cross and a three day separation from His Father.  His first act after His rebirth is to renew His fellowship with His Father in heaven.  Then He can come back to earth and further instruct His apostles on spreading the good news - the penalty for our sins has been paid.

Joh 20:11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

Joh 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Joh 20:16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

4.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Jesus’ Appearance to the Other Women

Mat 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

5.  Dawn of First Day, Sunday - Near Jerusalem - Guards' Report of the Resurrection

Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

6.  Sunday Afternoon - Jesus' Appearance on the way to Emmaus

After reestablishing fellowship with His Father, Jesus is quick to return to earth to begin the process of spreading the Good News.  Jesus teaches two ordinary disciples how He has fulfilled Old Testament prophesy concerning the Messiah.  These two immediately relate their experience to the apostles.  This is a living example to His apostles and to all His missionaries of what and how to teach the world.

Luk 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.

Luk 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,

Luk 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

7.  Late Sunday - Jerusalem - Jesus Appears to Ten without Thomas

Now and for a few more times to come, Jesus tells His apostles to go out and tell.  As promised shortly before His sacrifice, Jesus instills them with a guide and comforter, The Holy Ghost.  And He reminds them of their main message to the world: look to Jesus for the remission of your sins.

Joh 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Joh 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

8.  One Week Later - Jerusalem - Appearance with Thomas

Thomas can certainly lay claim to have been the greatest doubter in creation.  He had it from ten eye witnesses, all apostles chosen by God, all close friends, he had their testimony that Jesus arose from the dead and he chose to disbelieve.  All of us who read the Gospels have that same freedom of choice

Joh 20:30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

Joh 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

9.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Galilee - Jesus Appears to Seven by Galilee

Joh 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.

10.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Mt. in Galilee - Appearance to 500

1Co 15:6 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.

11.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Mt. in Galilee - Great Commission

And just after we might have thought that Thomas deserved the title of world champion doubter, we have it from Matthew that some apostles continued to doubt their very own eyes that Jesus had conquered death.  But the hope of the world rests on those who do believe, accept the power as promised, and go out and teach as instructed.

Mat 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

Mat 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

12.  During 40 Days until Ascension - Mt. Olivet - The Ascension

Luk 24:51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.