Biblical Moment: Celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday!

Biblical Accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John:

“The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest His Disciples come and steal Him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard.”—Matthew 27:62-66

“After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an Angel of the Lord descended from Heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the Angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for He has been raised just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His Disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to His Disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced His Feet, and did Him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell My Brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

—Matthew 28:1-10

“While they were going, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had happened. They assembled with the elders and took counsel; then they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him while we were asleep.’ And if this gets to the ears of the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” The soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has circulated among the Jews to the present day.”—Matthew 28:11-15

“The Eleven Disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw Him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go, therefore, and make Disciples of All Nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of The Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.””—Matthew 28:16-20

“When it was already evening, since it was the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the Kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the Body of Jesus. Pilate was amazed that He was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died. And when he learned of it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. Having bought a linen cloth, he took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a Tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the Tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses watched where He was laid.”—Mark 15:42-47

“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go and anoint Him. Very early when the sun had risen, on the first day of the week, they came to the Tomb. They were saying to one another, “Who will roll back the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back; it was very large. On entering the Tomb they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a white robe, and they were utterly amazed. He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified. He has been raised; He is not here. Behold, the place where they laid Him. But go and tell His Disciples and Peter, ‘He is going before you to Galilee; there you will see Him, as He told you.’” 8 Then they went out and fled from the Tomb, seized with trembling and bewilderment. They said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.”

—Mark 16:1-8

“When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons. She went and told His Companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. After this He appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.”—Mark 16: 9-13

“But later, as the Eleven were at table, Jesus appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw Him after He had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned. These signs will accompany those who believe: in My Name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.””—Mark 16: 14-18

“Now there was a virtuous and righteous man named Joseph who, though he was a member of the council, had not consented to their plan of action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea and was awaiting the Kingdom of God. He went to Pilate and asked for the Body of Jesus. After he had taken the body down, he wrapped it in a linen cloth and laid Him in a rock-hewn Tomb in which no one had yet been buried. It was the day of preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come from Galilee with Him followed behind, and when they had seen the tomb and the way in which His Body was laid in it, they returned and prepared spices and perfumed oils. Then they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.”—Luke 23:50-56

“But at daybreak on the first day of the week they took the spices they had prepared and went to the Tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the Tomb; but when they entered, they did not find the Body of the Lord Jesus. While they were puzzling over this, behold, two men in dazzling garments appeared to them. They were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground. They said to them, “Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but He has been raised. Remember what He said to you while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” And they remembered His Words. Then they returned from the Tomb and announced all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. The women were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James; the others who accompanied them also told this to the Apostles, but their story seemed like nonsense and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb, bent down, and saw the burial cloths alone; then he went home amazed at what had happened.”

—Luke 24:1-12

“Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to Him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And He replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to Him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a Prophet mighty in Deed and Word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed Him over to a sentence of death and crucified Him. But we were hoping that He would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the Tomb early in the morning and did not find His Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of Angels who announced that He was alive. Then some of those with us went to the Tomb and found things just as the women had described, but Him they did not see.”

And He said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into His Glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them what referred to Him in all the Scriptures.

As they approached the village to which they were going, He gave the impression that He was going on farther. But they urged Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while He was with them at table, He took bread, said the Blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how He was made known to them in the Breaking of the Bread.”—Luke 24:13-35

“After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a Disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the Body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took His Body. Nicodemus, the one who had first come to Him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds. They took the Body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a Garden, and in the Garden a new Tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the Tomb was close by.”—John 19:38-42

“On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the Tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the Tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the Tomb, and we don’t know where they put Him.” So Peter and the other Disciple went out and came to the Tomb. They both ran, but the other Disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the Tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered His Head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other Disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead. Then the Disciples returned home.”—John 20:1-10

“But Mary stayed outside the Tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent over into the Tomb and saw two Angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet where the Body of Jesus had been. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus there, but did not know it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to Him, “Sir, if you carried Him away, tell me where you laid Him, and I will take Him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni,” which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’” Mary of Magdala went and announced to the Disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and what He told her.”—John 20:11-18

“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the Disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His Hands and His Side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive The Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”—John 20:19-23

“Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other Disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in His Hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into His Side, I will not believe.” Now a week later His Disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see My Hands, and bring your hand and put it into My Side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His Disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in His Name.”—John 20:24-31

Other Biblical Accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ:

“Paul, a Slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God, which He promised previously through His Prophets in the Holy Scriptures, the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in Power according to The Spirit of Holiness through Resurrection from the Dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Him we have received the Grace of Apostleship, to bring about the Obedience of Faith, for the sake of His Name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”—Romans 1:1-7

“For ‘In Him we live and move and have our being,’ as even some of your poets have said, ‘For we too are His Offspring.’ Since therefore we are the Offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divinity is like an image fashioned from gold, silver, or stone by human art and imagination. God has overlooked the times of ignorance, but now He demands that all people everywhere repent because He has established a day on which He will ‘judge the world with justice’ through a Man He has Appointed, and He has provided confirmation for all by raising Jesus from the dead.”

—Acts 17:28-31

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came also through a human being. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the first fruits; then, at His Coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when He hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when He has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His Enemies under His Feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

—1 Corinthians 15:20–26

“This I declare, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery. We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For that which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality. And when this which is corruptible clothes itself with incorruptibility and this which is mortal clothes itself with immortality, then the Word that is written shall come about: “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 15:50-57

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in His Great Mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for Praise, Glory, and Honor at the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen Him you love Him; even though you do not see Him now yet believe in Him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the Salvation of your Souls.”

—1 Peter 1:3–9

“What then shall we say? Shall we persist in sin that grace may abound? Of course not! How can we who died to sin yet live in it? Or are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were indeed buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the Glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.

For if we have grown into union with Him through a death like His, we shall also be united with Him in the Resurrection. We know that our old self was crucified with Him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For a dead person has been absolved from sin. If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over Him.”—Romans 6:1-9

“Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our Paschal Lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of Sincerity and Truth.”—1 Corinthians 5:6-8

“The next day John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the One of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because He existed before me.’ I did not know Him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that He might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a Dove from the sky and remain upon Him. I did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, He is the one who will baptize with The Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that He is the Son of God.”

—John 1:29-34

Biblical Moment: Holy Saturday; Jesus does not just Lay in the Tomb; He Frees the Souls in Hell!

Holy Saturday—the last day of Holy Week to prepare for Easter Sunday. We grieve, we wait, we fear, we hope. We have Jesus’ Promise of The Holy Spirit the Last Supper with Him on Thursday. We know we should ‘Love One Another’ as Jesus told and demonstrated to us.

A week ago on Palm Sunday we thought Jesus was coming to Jerusalem to be the King of the Jews in the world which we knew and lived. Now He has been crucified and has died. The body of Our Lord and Savior lays in the Tomb.

But He did more than lay there! Jesus descended into the lower parts of the earth—Hell—Hades–and proclaimed good tidings to the dead!

The term ‘Harrowing of Hell’ refers not merely to the idea that Christ descended into Hell but that He triumphed over their death and released the captives of Hell, particularly Adam and Eve, and the righteous men and women of the Old Testament period.

God Bless and see you on the other side!

“For, for this cause was the Gospel preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”—1 Peter 4:6

“But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s Gift. Therefore, it says: “Jesus ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.” What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.”

—Ephesians 4:7-10

Hell is Hell but Called ‘Hades’ in the Bible:

“And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to Heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.”

—Matthew 11:23

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”—Matthew 16:18

“And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to Heaven, will be brought down to Hades.”—Luke 10:15

“And being in torments in Hades, the rich man lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’”

—Luke 16:23-24

“For David says of God: ‘I saw the Lord ever before me, with Him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, for You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your Presence.’”—Acts 2:25-27

“But since David was a Prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that He would set one of his descendants upon His Throne, he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the Resurrection of the Christ, that his soul was not left in Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.”—Acts 2:30-32

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”

—1 Corinthians 15:55

“When I John caught sight of Jesus, I fell down at His Feet as though dead. He touched me with His Right Hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I AM the First and the Last, I AM He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I AM alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.”—Revelation 1:17-18

“The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.”—Revelation 20:13

Biblical Moment: The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

“And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull), they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when He had tasted it, He refused to drink. After they had crucified Him, they divided His Garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over Him there. And they placed over His Head the written charge against Him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with Him, one on His right and the other on His left. Those passing by reviled Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked Him and said, “He saved others; He cannot save himself. So He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He wants Him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.”

—Matthew 27:33-44

“From Noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This One is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to Him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up His Spirit. And behold, the Veil of the Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many Saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after His Resurrection, they entered the Holy City and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with Him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.”

—Matthew 27:45-56

“They brought Jesus to the place of Golgotha (which is translated Place of the Skull). They gave Him wine drugged with myrrh, but He did not take it. Then they crucified Him and divided His garments by casting lots for them to see what each should take. It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified Him. The inscription of the charge against Him read, “The King of the Jews.” With Him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on His right and one on His left. Those passing by reviled Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests, with the scribes, mocked Him among themselves and said, “He saved others; He cannot save himself. Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with Him also kept abusing him.”—Mark 15:22-32

“At Noon darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “Look, He is calling Elijah.” One of them ran, soaked a sponge with wine, put it on a reed, and gave it to Him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take Him down.” Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed His Last. The Veil of the Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion who stood facing Him saw how He breathed His Last he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joses, and Salome. These women had followed Him when he was in Galilee and ministered to Him. There were also many other women who had come up with Him to Jerusalem.”—Mark 15:33-41

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Jesus and the criminals there, one on His right, the other on His left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” They divided His Garments by casting lots. The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at Him and said, “He saved others, let Him save Himself if He is the Chosen One, the Messiah of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at Him. As they approached to offer Him wine they called out, “If You are King of the Jews, save Yourself.” Above Him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save Yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but This Man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” Jesus replied to Him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.””—Luke 23:33-43

“It was now about Noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the Veil of the Temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your Hands I commend My Spirit”; and when He had said this He breathed His Last. The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “This man was innocent beyond doubt.” When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all His acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.”—Luke 23:44-49

“So they took Jesus, and carrying the cross Himself He went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle. Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.” Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that He said, ‘I am the King of the Jews.’” Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.””—John 19:16-22

“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took His Clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took His Tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down. So they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,” in order that the passage of Scripture might be fulfilled that says: “They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots.” This is what the soldiers did. Standing by the Cross of Jesus were His Mother and His Mother’s Sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw His Mother and the disciple there whom He loved, He said to His Mother, “Woman, behold, Your Son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to His Mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His Head, He handed over the Spirit.”—John 19:23-30

“Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for the Sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into His Side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may come to believe. For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled: “Not a bone of it will be broken.” And again another passage says: “They will look upon Him whom they have pierced.””—John 19:31-37

Biblical Moment: Peter, Future Rock of the Church, Denies Jesus Three Times!

“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.”

—Matthew 16:18

“Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in Me shaken, for it is written:

‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed’; but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise..”—Matthew 26:31-35

“Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny Me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.”—Matthew 26:69-75

“Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.’ But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him, “Even though all should have their faith shaken, mine will not be.” Then Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” But he vehemently replied, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all spoke similarly.”—Mark 14:27-31

“While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the high priest’s maids came along. Seeing Peter warming himself, she looked intently at him and said, “You too were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” So he went out into the outer court. Then the cock crowed. The maid saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is one of them.” Once again he denied it. A little later the bystanders said to Peter once more, “Surely you are one of them; for you too are a Galilean.” He began to curse and to swear, “I do not know this man about whom you are talking.” And immediately a cock crowed a second time. Then Peter remembered the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the cock crows twice you will deny me three times.” He broke down and wept.”—Mark 14:68-72

““Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers.” Simon Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, I am prepared to go to prison and to die with You.” But He replied, “I tell you, Peter, before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.””—Luke 22:31-34

“After arresting Jesus they led Him away and took Him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, “This man too was with him.” But he denied it saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A short while later someone else saw him and said, “You too are one of them”; but Peter answered, “My friend, I am not.” About an hour later, still another insisted, “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing and beating Him. They blindfolded Him and questioned Him, saying, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck You?” And they reviled Him in saying many other things against Him.”—Luke 22:54-65

“Simon Peter said to him, “Master, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now, though you will follow later.” Peter said to him, “Master, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for You.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for Me? Amen, Amen, I say to you, the cock will not crow before you deny me three times.””—John 13:36-38

“Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus. But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in. Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.”—John 18:15-18

“Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, “You are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.”—John 18:25-27

Biblical Moment: Judas, One of His Disciples, Betrays Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

“Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand Him over.”

—Matthew 26:14-16

“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.”—Mark 14:10-11

“When it was evening, He reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, He said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to Him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with Me is the one who will betray Me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, His Betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”—Matthew 26:20-25

““And yet behold, the hand of the one who is to betray Me is with Me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed.” And they began to debate among themselves who among them would do such a deed.”—Luke 22:21-23

“When He had said this, Jesus was deeply troubled and testified, “Amen, Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” The disciples looked at one another, at a loss as to whom he meant. One of His Disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. So Simon Peter nodded to Him to find out whom He meant. He leaned back against Jesus’ chest and said to Him, “Master, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” So He dipped the morsel and took it and handed it to Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot. After he took the morsel, Satan entered him. So Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now none of those reclining at table realized why He said this to him. Some thought that since Judas kept the money bag, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or to give something to the poor. So Judas took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.”—John 13:21-30

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane.”—Matthew 26:36

“Then they came to a place named Gethsemane.”—Mark 14:32

“Then going out Jesus went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him.”—Luke 22:39

“When He had said this, Jesus went out with His Disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which He and His Disciples entered.”—John 18:1

“While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His Betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the One; arrest Him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed Him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested Him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon My Father and He will not provide Me at this moment with more than twelve legions of Angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize Me? Day after day I sat teaching in the Temple area, yet you did not arrest Me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the Prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.”—Matthew 26:47-56

“It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”  And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. Now His Betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.” As soon as he had come, immediately he went up to Jesus and said to Him, “Rabbi, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. Then they laid their hands on Him and took Him. And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I was daily with you in the Temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then they all forsook Him and fled.”—Mark 14:41-50

“While He was still speaking, a crowd approached and in front was one of the Twelve, a man named Judas. He went up to Jesus to kiss Him. Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” His disciples realized what was about to happen, and they asked, “Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” And one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said in reply, “Stop, no more of this!” Then He touched the servant’s ear and healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests and temple guards and elders who had come for Him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? Day after day I was with you in the Temple area, and you did not seize Me; but this is your hour, the time for the power of darkness.”—Luke 22:47-53

“When He had said this, Jesus went out with His Disciples across the Kidron Valley to where there was a garden, into which He and His Disciples entered. Judas His Betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His Disciples. So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to Him, went out and said to them, “Whom are you looking for?” They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazorean.” He said to them, “I AM.” Judas His Betrayer was also with them. When He said to them, “I AM,” they turned away and fell to the ground. So He again asked them, “Whom are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus the Nazorean.” Jesus answered, “I told you that I AM. So if you are looking for Me, let these men go.” This was to fulfill what he had said, “I have not lost any of those you gave Me.” Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave Me?”

“So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound Him, and brought Him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.”—John 18:1-14

“Then Judas, His Betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the Temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself. The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, “It is not lawful to deposit this in the Temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the Prophet, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of a man with a price on his head, a price set by some of the Israelites, and they paid it out for the potter’s field just as the Lord had commanded me.”—Matthew 27:3-10

Pictures from when I visited the Garden of Gethsemane & the Bascilica there during the Spiritual Journey to Israel & Palestine… very subdued place yet spiritually powerful in its own way…

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Biblical Moment: Jerusalem; The Last Supper; Jesus reveals that The Holy Spirit will Come to Us!

“If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in Me and I in you. Whoever has My Commandments and observes them is the one who loves Me. And whoever loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to Him, “Master, what happened that You will reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves Me will keep My Word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love Me does not keep My Words; yet the Word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent Me.

I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, The Holy Spirit that the Father will send in My Name—He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; My Peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over Me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded Me. Get up, let us go.”—John 14:15-31

“I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to the One who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you. And when He comes He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in Me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when He comes, the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that He will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”—John 16:4-15

NOTE: Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ occurred in Jerusalem 50 days after Easter Sunday as documented in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-41:

“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with The Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”—Acts 2:1-4

“Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” They were all astounded and bewildered, and said to one another, “What does this mean?” But others said, scoffing, “They have had too much new wine.”—Acts 2:5-13

“Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. These people are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘It will come to pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour out a portion of My Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. Indeed, upon my servants and my handmaids I will pour out a portion of My Spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy. And I will work wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below: blood, fire, and a cloud of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and splendid day of the Lord, and it shall be that everyone shall be saved who calls on the name of the Lord.’”—Acts 2:14-21

“You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through Him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify Him. But God raised Him up, releasing Him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for Him to be held by it. For David says of Him: ‘I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’”—Acts 2:22-28

“My brothers, one can confidently say to you about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day. But since he was a Prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that He would set one of his descendants upon His Throne, he foresaw and spoke of the Resurrection of the Messiah, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption.”—Acts 2:29-31

“God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the Right Hand of God, He received the promise of The holy Spirit from the Father and poured it forth, as you both see and hear. For David did not go up into heaven, but he himself said: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.”’ Therefore let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”—Acts 2:32-36

“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other Apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of The Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.”—Acts 2:37-41

Biblical Moment: Holy Thursday; The Last Supper & New Covenant of the Body & Blood of Jesus!

Holy Thursday is the start of the Paschal Triduum or Easter Triduum which goes from the Last Supper to the evening of Easter Sunday. During this final period of Holy Week the Passion, Crucifixion, Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus all are told in the Gospels of the Scriptures—the Word of God.

Are we ready to experience the Death, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus?

Here we have the Last Supper and most importantly Jesus demonstrating His New Covenant of His Body and Blood. This brings the reality and promises of Jesus in the New Testament—His Love, Compassion, and Mercy—and our Redemption, Salvation, Spiritual Freedom, and Eternal Life—into the Old Covenant of the Jewish Law and the Ten Commandments with God in the Old Testament (now Eleven with the New Commandment of “Love One Another as Jesus has Loved Us”).

Plus The Holy Spirit is revealed to us as our Advocate!

God Bless and see you on the other side!

The Last Supper and the New Covenant of the Body and Blood of Jesus from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke:

“On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.”—Matthew 26:17-19

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to His Disciples said, “Take and eat; this is My Body.” Then He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is My Blood of the Covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the Kingdom of my Father.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”

—Matthew 26:26-30

“On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, His Disciples said to Jesus, “Where do you want us to go and make the preparations for You to eat the Passover?” So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is My guest room where I may eat the Passover with My Disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.”—Mark 14:12-16

“While they were eating, He took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it He broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is My Body.” Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks He gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, “This is My Blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the Kingdom of God.”—Mark 14:22-25

“Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” They asked Him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” “Listen,” He said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My Disciples?”’ He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” So they went and found everything as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.”—Luke 22:7-13

“When the hour came, He took His place at the table, and the apostles with Him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then He took a cup, and after giving thanks He said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.” Then He took a loaf of bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” And He did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the New Covenant in My Blood. But see, the one who betrays Me is with Me, and His hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom He is betrayed!” Then they began to ask one another which one of them it could be who would do this.”—Luke 22:14-23

Biblical Moment: Jesus Washes the Feet of His Disciples During the Last Supper!

“Then an argument broke out among them about which of them should be regarded as the greatest. He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them and those in authority over them are addressed as ‘Benefactors’; but among you it shall not be so. Rather, let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the One Who Serves.”—Luke 22:24-27

“Before the feast of Passover, Jesus knew that His Hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved His Own in the World and He loved them to the end. The devil had already induced Judas, son of Simon the Iscariot, to hand him over. So, during supper, fully aware that the Father had put everything into His Power and that He had come from God and was returning to God, He rose from supper and took off His outer garments. He took a towel and tied it around His waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel around His waist. He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, “Master, are You going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will understand later.” Peter said to Him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with Me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Master, then not only my feet, but my hands and head as well.” Jesus said to him, “Whoever has bathed has no need except to have his feet washed, for he is clean all over; so you are clean, but not all.” For he knew who would betray Him; for this reason, He said, “Not all of you are clean.”—John 13:1-11

“So when he had washed their feet and put His garments back on and reclined at table again, He said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the Master and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do. Amen, Amen, I say to you, no slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand this, blessed are you if you do it. I am not speaking of all of you. I know those whom I have chosen. But so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, ‘The one who ate My Food has raised his heel against Me.’ From now on I am telling you before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe that I AM. Amen, Amen, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me.”—John 13:1-11

Biblical Moment: Jesus Proclaims New 11^th Commandment at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday, also known as ‘Maundy’ Thursday!!!

‘“Maundy’ comes from the Latin word mandatum, or commandment, reflecting Jesus’ words “I give you a new commandment.”

“When Judas had left, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and He will glorify Him at once. My Children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I told the Jews, ‘Where I go you cannot come,’ so now I say it to you. I give you a New Commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are My Disciples, if you have love for one another.””—John 13:31-35

“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.”

—John 15:12

“This I command you: love one another.”—John 15:17

“For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another.”—1 John 3:11

“And His Commandment is this: we should believe in the Name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as He commanded us.”

—1 John 3:23

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.”—1 John 4:7

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another.”

—1 John 4:11

“No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and His Love is brought to perfection in us.”—1 John 4:12

“But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another.”—2 John 5

“Love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor.”—Romans 12:10

“Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”—Romans 13:8

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you.”—1 Thessalonians 3:12

“On the subject of mutual charity you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.”

—1 Thessalonians 4:9

“We ought to thank God always for you, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith flourishes ever more, and the love of every one of you for one another grows ever greater.”—2 Thessalonians 1:3

“Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a pure heart.”

—1 Peter 1:22

“Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.”—1 Peter 4:8

“For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love.”—Galatians 5:13

“For you were called for freedom, brothers. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, serve one another through love. For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you go on biting and devouring one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another.”—Galatians 5:13-15

“I Paul, then, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the Unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

—Ephesians 4:1-6

“Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for He who made the promise is trustworthy. We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some, but encourage one another, and this all the more as you see the day drawing near.”—Hebrews 10:23-25

Biblical Moment: The Events of Holy Wednesday during Holy Week Leading Up to Easter Sunday!

On Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday, we remember that Jesus was betrayed by Judas, a clandestine spy among His Disciples. Then, as the Gospel of Luke is written, Satan entered into Judas and he deceived and betrayed Our Lord and Savior.

How many times do we deny, justify or rationalize our thoughts, words, and behaviors?

While I think (and most agree) in a worldly sense I am a really good guy. I was a decent husband and good father too! But I also know in truth, to be honest, there were many times in my life I let folks down too! I am far, far from being perfect but have for the most part done my best. I rejoice in knowing God The Father, The Holy Spirit and Jesus, my Lord and Savior have forgiven me and love me dearly even more so than I love myself. I am blessed with a wonderful family and so many friends who help me celebrate this thing called life!

TROML Baby (an Exclamation of Joy and Gratitude)!!!

The Lenten Season is not yet over! We still have time to prepare; especially within our hearts, souls, and bodies for this solemn opportunity to grow closer to God, ourselves and each other.

The biblical references for the events of Holy Wednesday center around this preparedness. Are we ready to experience the Death, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus?

The Christian Holy Week continues tomorrow with Holy Thursday—wrapping up the last week of the Lenten Season—Palm Sunday (Jesus Enters Jerusalem apparently as a King)—Holy Monday (Cleansing of the Temple)—Holy Tuesday (Parables of the Talents and Ten Virgins)—Holy Wednesday (Betrayal by Judas)—Holy Thursday (Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper)—Good Friday (Passion, Crucifixion, and Death of Jesus on the Cross at Calvary)—Holy Saturday (Jesus Lays in the Tomb on the Sabbath)—and Easter Sunday (Resurrection of Jesus; The Empty Tomb and The Good News).

God Bless and see you on the other side!

“Then one of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Jesus over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand Him over.”

—Matthew 26:14-16

“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went off to the chief priests to hand Jesus over to them. When they heard him they were pleased and promised to pay him money. Then he looked for an opportunity to hand Him over.”—Mark 14:10-11

“Now the feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was drawing near, and the chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. Then Satan entered into Judas, the one surnamed Iscariot, who was counted among the Twelve, and he went to the chief priests and temple guards to discuss a plan for handing Him over to them. They were pleased and agreed to pay him money. He accepted their offer and sought a favorable opportunity to hand Him over to them in the absence of a crowd.”

—Luke 22:1-6

“Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. They gave a dinner for Him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with Him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. Then Judas the Iscariot, one of His Disciples, and the one who would betray Him, said, “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?” He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of My Burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”—John 12:1-8

“Assist us mercifully with Thy Help, O Lord God our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts through which Thou hast given unto us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”—Methodist Collect for Holy Tuesday