Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“And he went away and proceeded, according to his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples also followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw and knelt down and began to pray, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take away this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.” [[And an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. And being in anguish, he began praying more fervently and his sweat became like drops of blood falling down to the ground.]] And when he got up from the prayer and came to the disciples, he found them sleeping from sorrow, and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not enter into temptation!”” (Luke 22:39-46)

Chapter twenty-two opens with the religious leaders (chief priests and scribes) sought to kill Jesus without causing a riot. So this wasn’t ALL the Jews seeking Jesus’ death, but the religious elite. A small group of influential men. The devil entered Judas and Judas went to them to give them their opportunity. They were glad and they agreed to pay him for it. Judas fully consented.

When Passover arrived, the disciples followed Jesus’ instructions to find a place where it could be prepared and they prepared it. When the hour for the meal came, Jesus had it with the Twelve and taught them about the New Covenant that He was about to enter in with His Father (Jeremiah 31:31-34). He spoke of His blood and how He was going to be betrayed. They started talking amongst themselves about who would do this. Which degenerated into a fight about who was greatest among them. Jesus told them that the kingdom of God wasn’t about position and ruling over others, but service in love. He warned Peter that a great trial was coming, but that Jesus had prayed for him. Peter declared he would never falter. Jesus told him he would deny Jesus three times that very night. Then they left and went to the Mount of Olives, as was His custom.

In the garden, Jesus prayed that the Father’s will was done. He suffered real anguish about it, but an angel was sent to minister to Him. As He was finishing His prayer, Judas arrived with soldiers and guards. One of the disciples struck out with a sword, cutting off the ear of the servant of the high priest. Jesus rebuked the disciple and healed the servant. They arrested Jesus and took Him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed and was talked to three times because people were wondering if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Peter denied it. Three times. Then he remembered what Jesus said and wept bitterly, leaving the house. Meanwhile, the men who were guarding Jesus whipped Him and mocked Him. They blindfolded Him and demanded that He prophesy who hit Him. They blasphemed against Him. This happened the rest of the night. When the day came, the elders of the people – both the chief priests and the scribes – came together in a council and demanded to know if Jesus proclaimed Himself Messiah. Jesus told them they wouldn’t believe His answer. And that they wouldn’t answer His questions or let Him go. But that from then on the Son of Man would be seated at the right hand of the power of God. They pressed Him, asking if He claimed to be the Son of God. He said they spoke truly. They were furious and declared Him blasphemous and therefore condemned.

Chapter twenty-three opens with them dragging Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor who needed to sign off of Jesus’ death. But Pilate heard Jesus was from Galilee, which was Herod’s domain, and sent Jesus to Herod. Herod had been eager to see Jesus, but was disappointed that Jesus wouldn’t speak or perform miracles. So Herod and his men mocked Jesus and dressed Jesus up in fancy clothes and sent Him back to Pilate. Pilate could see no reason to condemn Jesus. Jesus wasn’t guilty of ANYTHING. But the chief priests and scribes refused to let it go. They demanded Jesus’ death. Pilate tried to release Jesus, but instead they chose a murderer. Jesus was condemned and handed over for crucifixion.

Jesus was so beaten and injured already that He could not even carry His cross – Simon of Cyrene was conscripted to do it for Jesus. But Jesus had the breath and clarity of thinking to stop and prophesy to the women of Jerusalem, those who followed along mourning Him. Jesus came to the place of crucifixion and was nailed up with two thieves. Jesus prayed that the Father forgive all who were participants in this, since they didn’t really know what they were doing. Even on the cross Jesus was mocked. One of the criminals really got into it, but the other silenced him, recognizing Jesus’ innocence. Moreover, he recognized Jesus as Lord. Jesus told him that they would enter Paradise together.

About the sixth hour (noon) a great darkness came over the land and lasted for three hours. [Julius Africanus, Roman historian Thallus, and Georgius Syncellus all mention this darkness as actually occurring.] Jesus cried out to the Father, released His Spirit, and died. The centurion in charge of the crucifixion witnessed all this and glorified God, realizing that this man Jesus WAS the Son of God and a righteous man. The crowds did NOT feel the same way – except the woman who had come mourning with Jesus.

Joseph, a member of the Council but not one who voted to kill Jesus, came to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised Jesus was dead so quickly and asked his soldiers to confirm it. Jesus was taken down, Joseph wrapped Him in linen, and placed Jesus into a previously unused tomb. The woman who had followed this whole procession continued to follow and they saw which tomb it was that Jesus was placed in. Then they rushed home to prepare ointments for the burial, because the Sabbath was the next day. They wouldn’t be able to buy herbs and prepare ointment or administer it to the body until the third day.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Disciples, Pilate, Herod, Religious Leaders, Romans, Jews

Key Verse(s): Luke 22:14-23; 23:26-43