The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Our Lord Tried, Crucified and He is Risen.
Matthew 27 & 28

We first published this study in 2003. Please read it carefully.
We will follow it with a new 2014 study of the same title.

Caution to students of God;s Word - Please remember two things when using our American Wisdom Series studies:
#1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Drake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it?  Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "studies". These studies contain knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God. 
May the Holy Spirit be your only guiding light. Sincerely, John Rhine

Revelation 2:17  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

John 15:26  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

John 16:13-14   Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come [13]   He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. [14]

Now, first our 2003 study:

Our Lord Tried, Crucified and He is Risen.

The Word of God is truly a marvelous and wondrous thing and one can come to "know" how truly marvelous and wondrous it is instead of just "saying" so. For example, if a person will just take the time to read and study the law (our school master) and the prophets, i.e. the Old Testament, and come to know and understand all the things that are written pertaining to Jesus Christ's first advent and crucifixion that must have been fulfilled in Messiah, then as he or she "sees" how precisely all those things came to pass exactly as they were written, it will greatly increase his or her faith... even to the point that it becomes Rock solid and unshakeable for it now is built upon a sure foundation (Heb. 11:1). However, if a person says he or she has faith and believes that the Bible is the Word of God but then goes around either doing his or her own thing or following that which "seems right" (Prov. 14:14, 16:25) according to the traditions of men and their churches, then that person's faith is real shaky and it will not be strong enough to stand upon when "the rains descend and the floods come and the winds blow". That is a word to the wise virgin and a warning to the foolish (Mat. 7:24-26)!

In chapter 26 we learned from Peter's experience the importance of remembering the words of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, in other words "that which is written".That does not mean we must memorize each verse in the Word but rather remember that it is "that which is written" which must and shall come to pass and therefore "that which is written" supercedes all things, even our emotional love and enthusiasm for Jesus Christ. We must therefore be on guard lest we allow Satan to influence the thoughts and emotions of our flesh whereby we fall into temptation, as in "fall to the tempter". Christ told us in Matthew 26:41, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." In other words, if we don't pay attention to "that which is written" and instead do our own thing and lean to our own human understanding, we shall end up denying Christ like as did Peter. So the question is, "Have you heard the "cock crow" in your life regarding "that which is written" to know and understand His power and authority?" Peter sure did and from that point on he became Mr. Itiswritten, a title applicable to all true servants of God.

Let us now continue with our study in Matthew where Jesus has now been betrayed by His friend (as it is written) and has been illegally tried by an illegal nighttime gathering of the Sanhedrin. Of course that assembly did not have the authority to put Jesus Christ to death so they turned to the authority that did, the government of Rome. Keep in mind that we are dealing with a bunch of Kenites, descendents of Cain (Kayin in Hebrew) who was the first murderer (Jn. 8:44).They operate the same way today as they did yesterday in that they turn to the government in order to crucify the Word of God and attempt to destroy any and all vestiges of Christianity from having prayer removed in our schools, to replacing the word "Christmas" with "Holiday", and by seeking to have the Ten Commandments taken down from the walls of the halls of justice, etc., etc. Wake up and smell the stench, dear Christian!

Matthew 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:

[2] And when they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Thayer Definition:  Pontius [Pilate] = “of the sea”
    1) the sixth Roman procurator of Judah who crucified Christ

Thayer Definition:
     Pilate = “armed with a spear”
  1) the sixth Roman procurator of Judah and Samaria who ordered Christ to be crucified.

[3] Then Judas, which had betrayeth Him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

In fact, is it not written in Mark 13:12 and Luke 21:16 that some of God's elect shall be betrayed by their closest friends and loved ones in these last days?"And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death." Though they do it in ignorance instead of for gain, would you not forgive your loved ones if they repented?

Just so there is no doubt about Judas' repentance, here is his confession... even before the chief priests and elders.

[4] Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.  And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

[5] And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

To that end, let us begin our own study of what actually happened to Judas by first using a little wisdom and common sense in discerning what has just transpired. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned (to death) he repented himself for what he had done in betraying an innocent man! He then went back to return the thirty pieces of silver and to confront the "chief priests and elders" in the temple, which we just read about in verse 3, because he now knows that their evil plot all along was to murder Jesus Christ... which they certainly did not deny in verse 4. So after hearing that they could care less that he was sorry for what he had done, Judas cast down those thirty pieces of silver and departed, perhaps storming out of there with "attitude"! Of course the "storming out of there" is just speculation, but regardless of how Judas departed, the chief priests and the elders of the people now have a real problem on their hands because Judas knows what they as "good religious leaders" have conspired to do and they cannot risk having this disciple of Christ going out amongst the people and expose their murderous conspiracy.

Let's go to Acts 1:15-20 where a description is given of what took place when Judas left the temple.

Acts 1:15-20
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

Notice now how Peter thinks and speaks throughout this section of scripture. Here he is on that first Pentecost Day:

[16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

[17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

[18] Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

Nevertheless, verse 18 causes a problem with Judas hanging himself, all by himself, in that one cannot both hang himself and then slit his guts open to where they fall out. It seems more probable that this was a strangling and then someone cut him wide open as he fell headlong. In any event, those of the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna who know and understand the ruthlessness of the kenites can more easily understand this than those who are blinded to the traditions of men.

[19] And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

[20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Let's return to Matthew where the chief priests now decide what to do with the thirty pieces of silver thrown back in their wicked faces by a repentant sinner, Judas.

Matthew 27:6
And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

[7] And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

[8] Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

[9] Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

[10] And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me.

[11] And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked Him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

[12] And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.

[13] Then said Pilate unto Him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?

[14] And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.

[15] Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.

So Pilate is going to offer the people a choice of Barabbas or Yahshua!

[16] And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

notable, episemos, ep-is'-ay-mos, Greek 1978; from Greek 1909 (epi) and some form of the base of Greek 4591 (semaino); remarkable, i.e. (figurative) eminent :- notable, of note.

semaino, say-mah'-ee-no, Greek 4591; from sema (a mark; of uncertain derivative); to indicate :- signify.

Barabbas, bar-ab-bas', Greek 912; of Chaldee origin [Hebrew 1347 (ga'own) and Greek 5 (Abba)]; son of Abba; Bar-abbas, an Israelite :- Barabbas.

Deut. 30:19

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, (two trees) blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

Matthew 27:17
Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?

[18] For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him.

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

[20] But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

You "see", this is important because in these last days just before the second advent the religious leaders of the community shall also lead the multitude, the majority of Christians, to choose the wicked one, the spiritually murderous false messiah, and persecute the true servants of Jesus Christ.

Ok, time for the people to choose!

[21] The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.

[22] Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.

[23] And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.

[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.

[25] Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

[26] Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.

"The Romans uses a scourge of cords or thongs, made more painful by various expedients which cruelty suggested. Pieces of lead of brass, or small, sharp-pointed bones, were attached to the lashes.

... The victim was stripped to the waist, and bound in a stooping position, with the hands behind the back, to a post or pillar. The suffering under the lash was intense. The body was frightfully lacerated. The Christian martyrs at Smyrna about A.D. 155 were so torn with the scourges that their veins were laid bare, and the inner muscles and sinews, and even the bowels, were exposed (Eusebius Hist. iv. 15)." (Davis Dictionary of the Bible, Baker, pg. 689.)

[27] Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers.

[28] And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe.

[29] And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

So don't overlook the fact that these are the "soldiers of the nation"! This time they bow the knee in mockery! When He returns at the second advent every person of every nation shall "bow the knee" in complete submission to His authority. What a day that will be!

[30] And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head.

[31] And after that they had mocked Him, they took the robe off from Him, and put His own raiment on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him.

[32] And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: Him they compelled to bear His cross.

1 Peter 2:21-25
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps:

[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth:

[23] Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:

[24] Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isaiah 53:5
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with his stripes we are healed.

[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Thank you Father. We love you so much!

Earlier we left off in Matthew 27:32 where Jesus Christ had already been beaten and scourged and mocked and was now being led away to be crucified. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, who Mark tells was the father of Alexander and Rufus, and compelled him to bear His cross. So Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is now making His way up the hill to the place called Golgotha, a place of a skull, to be crucified as the Lamb of God... according the will of God!

Question: What do you suppose was on the mind of Yahshua Messiah as He walked up that hill? Well there is no need to wonder for Luke tells us exactly who and what He had on His mind.

Let's go check it out.

Luke 23:26-28
And as they led Him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.

[27] And there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him.

Remember... Jesus Christ was WILLINGLY doing what He was doing in walking up that hill to be crucified. Why? Read John 3:16! Remember too, that He could have called down twelve legions of angels at any time along the way and made His enemies His footstool right there on the spot! Matthew 26:53 "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and He shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" You "see", He did what He did for you and me, because He loves us.

Here is the documentation of what Christ was thinking about as He walked up that hill:

[28] But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.

[29] For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.

Matthew 24:19
And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

Haven't you read?

2 Cor. 11:2-4
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

[3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

[4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Let us now return to the path where Jesus is about to be crucified.

Matthew 27:33
And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

[34] They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.

[35] And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Psalm 22:18
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

[36] And sitting down they watched Him there;

[37] And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Nevertheless, there was an argument between the chief priests of the Jews and Pilate concerning this inscription on the cross. The kenites did not want the inscription to read "The King of the Jews" but rather "I am King of the Jews", i.e. to show that He made the claim He was King of the Jews and not that He was. John records this for us.

John 19:21-22
Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

[22] Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

Matthew 27:38
Then were there two thieves crucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

[39] And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads,

[40] And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

[41] Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said,

[42] He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.

[43] He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God.

Psalm 22:8
He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in Him.

[44] The thieves also, which were crucified with Him, cast the same in His teeth.

[45] Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

[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?

[47] Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

Psalm 22:1-31
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?

It is written: Hebrews 10:9-10 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

He took away the old covenant of rituals and blood sacrifices and established the new covenant.

[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Psalm 22:2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.

[3] But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

[4] Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.

[5]They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

[6] But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

[7] All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying,

[8] He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

[9] But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.

[10] I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

[11] Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.

[12] Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

[13] They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.

[14] I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

John 19:32-37
Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. [33] But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: [34] But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. [35] And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. [36] For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. [37] And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Psalm 22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

[16] For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Genesis 3:15
And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

[17] I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

[18] They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

Here it is:

John 19:23-24
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. [24] They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

Psalm 22:19
But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.

[20] Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

[21] Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

unicorn, re'em, reh-ame', Hebrew 7214; or re'eym, reh-ame'; or reym, rame; or rem, rame; from Hebrew 7213 (ra'am); a wild bull (from its conspicuousness) :- unicorn.

[22] I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

Hebrews 2:12
Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

[13] And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Psalm 22:23
Ye that fear the LORD, praise Him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel.

[24] For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from Him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard.

[25] My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him.

[26] The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.

[27] All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

[28] For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and He is the governor among the nations.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

[7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Psalm 22:29
All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him: and none can keep alive his own soul.

Now notice carefully how the Psalm of the crucifixion ends. This once again documents that these last days were on the mind of Jesus Christ for He now speaks of the final generation.

[30] A seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

[31] They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this.

Also, those of you who have Companion Bibles will note in the margin that the phrase "He hath done this" in Hebrew is equivalent to "It is finished". We therefore have documented in Matthew 27:46 that Jesus Christ spoke the first words of Psalm 22, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?", and we have documented in John 19:30 that Jesus Christ spoke the last words of Psalm 22, "It is finished".

Do you have any doubt that He taught the rest of that Psalm while hanging on the cross? It is no wonder that one of the malefactors was converted right there on the cross beside Him. Next we shall learn even more of what Jesus said on the cross and see more fulfillment of that which is written. How truly remarkable is the Word of God!

The incredible events that transpired just before, during, and after the crucifixion not only happened exactly according to that which was written long ago in the law and the prophets, documenting without a shadow of doubt that Jesus Christ was truly the Messiah, but they also happened to visually teach us on a spiritual level concerning the wonderful works of God and His plan of salvation and redemption. You "see", our flesh eyes cannot see things that are spiritual because those things are invisible to our physical sight. For example, we cannot place an "attitude" under a microscope and examine it, nor can we see words cut like a sword through a man's heart. We can however, see a physical sword slice through a man's heart or body and we can physically see people taken prisoner and made captives, and so it is for our admonition and understanding (1 Cor. 10:11) we were given types and ensamples to see with our flesh eyes, like the king of Babylon and his army which came against Israel and slaughtered many and took captive our people, so that we can "see" and understand the magnitude of the spiritual captivity and spiritual desolation that takes place during the spiritual warfare of these last days by the king of Babylon of Revelation, that abominable one who comes and stands in the holy place wielding his sword of lies and claiming to be God while making desolate the souls of men.

The point to all this is that the things we are reading about surrounding the crucifixion have great significance and meaning and are given by our Father to teach us if we will simply take the time to prayerfully study and get to know Him through His Word instead of listening to the voice of the multitude and following after the traditions of men.

Let's take this next event we read of in our study of Matthew as an example.

Matthew 27:48
And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave Him to drink.

John 19:28
After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

You "see", Jesus did NOT say "I thirst" because He was thirsty, as is so commonly taught by the blind and the Biblically illiterate. In fact, Jn. 19:28 tells us exactly WHY He said "I thirst"... "that the scripture might be fulfilled"! That scripture is Ps. 69 so let's go there and read a few verses beginning in verse 20.

Psalm 69:20-22
Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.

[21] They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

[22] Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

1 Peter 2:7-9
Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,

[8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Let us return to Matthew 27 where it is now just about time for the greatest event and act of love in the history of the world to take place... and praise God for it! Darkness, which began at the sixth hour (12 PM) and lasted until the ninth hour (3 PM), now covered the land. There were people standing around who had heard Jesus cry out "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani" but they did not understand what He said. In other words, they did not know that He was quoting from Ps. 22:1 just as many today do not know, showing that there was and still is great ignorance and lack of understanding surrounding His words and the things that He did!

Matthew 27:49
The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save Him.

[50] Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Now here's what happened when He departed the flesh.

[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;

(1) The veil was rent in two from the top to the bottom thus opening up from heaven above, the Holy of Holies. This means we can now approach the throne of our heavenly Father without going through any flesh priest, for there is only one mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), and that one is Jesus Christ who now sits at His right hand. That means if you have a need or a prayer request you can take it directly to Him. And you know what else? You do not need to call an 800 number nor pledge $30 a month nor show yourself approved to some would-be holier-than-thou confessor.

Also, this renting of the veil to the Holy of Holies occurred at 3:00 PM, which was the time when the priest was preparing the sacrifice in the temple. That means that Caiaphas, the wicked high priest and chief kenite, would have been present at this time and the look on his face when that huge veil was rent would most definitely have been a Kodak moment!

(2) The earth did quake, and we will read in verse 54 that the centurion and those who were with Him who were watching Jesus, feared greatly because of the earthquake and the events that were taking place and thus they knew that Jesus was truly the Son of God. And so shall it be when He returns at the second advent! There shall also be a great earthquake, a shakeup of all the earth, and all shall behold Him and know that He is the Son of God and the King of kings and Lord of Lords.

(3) The rocks rent. Consider this also a type and a reminder to those who have taken heed to what Christ told us in Mat. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 concerning the stones... that there would not be one stone left standing atop another when He returns.

[52] And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

1 Cor. 15:54
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Cor. 15:55
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

[56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

[57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 3:18-20
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

[19] By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

[20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

Matthew 27:53
And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

John 5:28-29
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice,

[29] And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

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

[55] And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him:

[56] Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

Here is Mark's account:

Mark 16:9-11
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene,out of whom he had cast seven devils.

[10] And she went and told them that had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.

[11] And they, when they had heard that He was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

Mark 16:14
Afterward He appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen Him after He was risen.

Matthew 27:57
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

Now here's a question many have asked and wondered about: "Where was Jesus between the age of 12 when He was last seen in the temple and age 30 when He reappeared to begin His ministry, because there no Biblical record of His whereabouts?" If you still wonder about this, then obtain a copy of "The Traditions of Glastonbury", by E. Raymond Capt, which talks about the many trips the young lad and His mother took to England with their uncle.

Nevertheless, the close kinsman relationship of Joseph to Jesus Christ is one of great importance for it was the fact that Joseph was a close relative to Jesus that gave him the right by law, the law of "kinsman redeemer", to claim the body of Jesus from the Roman government, else Pilate would never have released it to him.

[58] He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

[59] And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

[60] And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

Isaiah 53:9
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

[61] And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

[62] Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

[63] Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

[64] Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

The ironic part about all this is that their very own guards that they employ to make sure no one comes and steals Christ's body, gives a second witness along with the other guards to the fact that nobody did! In other words, Christ's own enemies give witness and credibility to His resurrection.

[65] Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

[66] So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Rejoice greatly and shout for joy, for all the many promises of God written in the law and the prophets declaring that He would send the greatest gift ever there was to mankind came to pass exactly as it was written.

Zech. 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout (for joy), O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Romans 6:23 "... the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Now we'll conclude this great Book of Matthew which ends with a set of instructions for those who have come to know Him and love Him through His Word by following those things that are written. Turn to the Book of John and listen carefully to what Christ told His disciples.

John 14:15-23
If ye love me, keep my commandments.

[16] And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;

[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

[18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

[19] Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

---

John 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

[21] He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

[22] Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

[23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, andwe will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Let us now begin our study of Matthew 28 which completes the great Book of Matthew. The crucifixion, burial, and resurrection have now taken place and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (see Mark 16:1) have come to see or gaze upon the sepulcher.

Matthew 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.

[2] And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

[3] His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Matthew 17:2
And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light.

Matthew 17:6-9
And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

[7] And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

[8] And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only.

[9] And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

Now, let's return to Matthew 28 where the Angel of Lord has appeared and rolled back stone. Remember there were guards (keepers), even those sent by the chief priests (kenites), who were watching over the tomb to make sure that no one came and took the body. In so much as Jesus did not "touch" those "keepers", when they saw the supernatural, i.e. the Angel of the Lord whose "countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow", they were so frightened (shaken) that they fainted, as in passed out!

Matthew 28:4
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.

[5] And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

[6] He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Luke 24:2
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

[3] And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

[4] And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

And so these two men in shining garments are now going to teach and remind them concerning the words which were already spoken in their ears by Jesus Christ Himself.

[5] And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

[6] He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee,

Matthew 28:7
And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.

[8] And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word.

[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.

[10] Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.

Meanwhile as the disciples are seeking the living Christ, the kenites are busy trying to keep Him dead and buried!

[11] Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.

If in fact the guards told them the truth instead of making up some story to save their necks (militarily speaking, if a guard fell asleep on his watch it meant the death penalty), they could ill afford to have a story about an angel appearing, etc., etc., begin to circulate around for it would certainly lend credibility to the disciple's claim that He was resurrected according to His Word. Then too, the problem becomes even more complicated if the knowledge that the guards fell asleep on their watch ever got back to the governor, because he would surely have them court-martial and executed.

So, the good religious leaders of the people will simply resort to bribery and pay off the soldiers with large sums of money to make it worth their while to take the risk of being court-martialed and go LIE for them! Praise be to god who comes to their rescue... the gods of gold and silver that is!

[12] And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,

Here is the lie the soldiers were to spread in return for the big bucks they received from the coffers of the temple.

[13] Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept.

[14] And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.

Ah! But the love of money can surely cloud one's thinking...

[15] So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

Rev. 3:9 (Philadelphia)
Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie;behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Rev. 2:9 (Smyrna)
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

Matthew 28:16
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

[17] And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted.

John 20:19-23
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

[20] And when He had so said, He shewed unto them His hands and His side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

[21] Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

[22] And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Amos 8:11-13
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

[12] And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.

[13] In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

Ezekiel 37:1-5
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones,

[2] And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry.

[3] And He said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest.

Here is what Ezekiel was commissioned to do:

[4] Again He said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

[5] Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:

To that end, if there is one thing you should have learned from your study of the Book of Matthew, it is that which is written in the following verse.

Matthew 28:18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

[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:

Here are Christ's own words:

John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth (makes alive);the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Matthew 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.

Amen... which means "You can count on it! So be it! It's a sure thing!"

Thank you Father for your wonderful gift to us!

We repeat - You "see", Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is that door that leads to life!

John 14:15-23 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
[16] And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;
[17] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
[18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
[20] At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
[21]He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
[22] Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
[23] Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.

 Now here is our revised study of: Christopherson's Matthew 27 and 28. 

Our Lord Tried, Crucified and He is Risen.

Matthew Chapter 27

"Judas Remorse, Jesus Before Pilate, the Treatment,"

"CRUCIFIXION, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION, [THE GOSPEL]"

Matthew 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:"

It was not lawful for these religious leaders to hold a counsel at that hour of the day, it was not legal by their own law. Also note that under Roman law, the religious leaders did not have the authority to put anyone to death, only the political government had that authority, and then only under certain requirements.

Matthew 27:2 "And when they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor."

Jesus was the same person that they had sat under for teaching a few days prior, and now they are telling themselves the He must be bound. These hypocrites, these play actors are playing the part, as they carry our their role of religious leader, to protect the traditions that these Kenites have established by their traditions.

These men under the leadership of the chief priests [Kenites] and elders of the people, that allow themselves to be led by the priests, are now delivering Jesus to the governmental body that has the right to put one to death. Pontius Pilate was the Roman Governor at Jerusalem. We see here that Jesus is being delivered over to the one world system of that day. This is also a type of the one world system (The New World Order) that is coming into play in our 21st. century. 

See Live Link to- Mystery Babylon The New World Order

Matthew 27:3 "Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,"

Judas is the one that betrayed Jesus for the thirty pieces of silver. Judas saw what these religious leaders had done in condemning Jesus by trial, and bringing Him to Pilate to be crucified.

Judas was sorry for what he had done. Now don't read over this. JUDAS REPENTED HIMSELF. 

There is one unforgivable sin and this is not it! We'll cover that a little later in this study. The sin that Judas committed is forgivable, and upon repentance he was forgiven.

Matthew 27:4 "Saying, "I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? see thou to that."

Notice the pious reaction of these chief priests and elders. There response is what is that to us, we don't care about you. You have to realize that Satan and his own, though they give a flowering speech, when you do their duties and have produced for them, they are finished with you. It is no difference today as then. They used Judas for the betrayal, and then they discarded him. Satan and his children, the Kenites have no respect for anything that is in their way.

This is an prime example of how it will be when Satan comes to earth as the Antichrist. All those dear souls that believe Satan, the spurious messiah, is the True Christ will be used by him and discarded in the same manner as Judas was by the Kenites. That is Satan's manner and character (and that is also the character of the his offspring, the Kenites) only at Satan's coming, during the sixth trump, when he claims he is God; If you believe him and worship him as God, lt will not be to the death of your physical body, but may well lead  to your spiritual death (the death of your soul).

Matthew 27:5 "And he cast down the pieces of silver in the Temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself."

hanged - 519 apagchomai (ap-ang'-khom-ahee) from 575 and agcho (to choke; kin to the base of 43); to strangle oneself off (i.e. to death):  KJV-- hang himself.

The reason we are to pay attention to the word "repented", for repentance brings forgiveness. Lets go to Acts 1 to see what the best account of this event has to say. Christ has arose at this point and the ascension has taken place. Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the forty days, and they would receive the filling of the Holy Spirit of God. It was during this wait that Peter discusses what happened surrounding the events of Judas' death.

Acts 1:18; "Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out."

The purchase of the field was made by the Kenite religious leaders, with the thirty pieces of silver that Judas threw on the floor of the temple. Now pay attention: "falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out." Why was this? Because He was murdered, he was cut wide open, not hanged as some translators would have you believe. Judas was murdered after he repented, He did not commit suicide as the Kenite traditional doctrine would have you believe. Judas was murdered by having his stomach ripped wide open, and all of his insides gushing and pouring out of him.

My fellow Christian, what happens when you repent, is that God says you are forgiven of all sin, except the one unforgivable sin of refusing to allow the Holy Spirit of God to speak through you, during the time when Satan, as the Antichrist is walking on this earth. That time has not come yet, and when Judas repented, that evil act, that sin of betraying our Lord was blotted out, just as every evil act committed today is forgiven when repented before the Lord.

It was the Sanhedrin, the high counsel of the Temple, they were the ones that paid the fee to have even Judas delivered up to death, and you have to understand the Kenite mind, to understand why Judas' bowels gushed out. Most of the Christian world has allowed themselves to accept this Kenite tradition, over just plain common sense.

Their record of this is like the newspaper report in Texas that said the man committed suicide by shooting himself in the back of the head seven times. The report doesn't add up.

This matter made a great deal of difference to Judas, and I hope it causes you to wake up to a lot of other tradition that is just pure nonsense. My fellow Christian, the second witness concerning the hanging, states that Judas was murdered after his repentance.

Matthew 27:6 "And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, "It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood."

Can't you just see that Kenite chief priest on his hands and knees picking up the silver and counting each piece as it goes into his hand. Is their anything new in the religious community of today?

Matthew 27:7 "And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

Think of that, here we have thirty pieces of silver, and a pack of Kenites, that is serious stuff. The word "strangers" means "foreigners". The real beauty of this is that Christ was sent to only Israel in the beginning, but that blood money paid the price for the entire field, which is the world and includes gentiles. The sole purpose of the  spiritual message to be learned from the purchasing of that field, is our Lord's taking out of that field all those broken vessels who would come to Him.

The shed blood of Christ paid the price in full so that you in what ever state you are in, or act you have committed, can do the same as Judas, Repent to the heavenly Father, and ask His forgiveness. You do it all in the precious name of Jesus, for that is the only way you can have forgiveness by the Father. All sin, that you have done, is then forgiven by the Father, and then it is time to get into His Word, and turn things around in your life.

Remember back in Matthew 10:6, where Jesus instruction, at first, to His disciples were to "go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel". After Jesus death and resurrection, the entire field, or world, and all foreigners now have the right to repent, and have salvation for their souls. Jesus blood opened the door for salvation to all races.

So who told this chief Priest that he should use this thirty pieces of silver to buy this potters field? Acts 1:19; "And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood."

Matthew 27:8 "Wherefore that field was called, "the field of blood,", unto this day."

Matthew 27:9 "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,"And they took the thirty pieces of silver, (the price of Him That was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value); "

Many of the higher critics call this a error in the Bible because it is not written in the book of Jeremiah, however they missed the whole verse. It doesn't say, "written", it says "spoken by Jeremy the prophet". Even in the original text in doesn't indicate that it was in writing. In the Greek, the word is "rhethen", and not "ho gegraptai". It was spoken by Jeremiah, and written down by Zechariah.

Zechariah 11:12, 13; "And I said unto them, "If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear." So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver." [12] "And the Lord said unto me, "Cast it unto the potter: a goodly price that I was pricsed at of them." And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord." [13]

Even the sheep traffickers, the Kenite religious leaders know what was to be done with it immediately, for it was prophesied in Zechariah what would be done with it. They knew now the Jesus was the Messiah, and they did as Zechariah instructed. No man could have forced Caiaphas to do this, when he was in the murderous act of crucifying Christ, it was the Spirit of God that led him to fulfill what was written.

Matthew 27:10 "And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."

We just read this in Zechariah 11, written above.

Matthew 27:11 "And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, saying, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said unto him, "Thou sayest." "

Jesus did not claim that He was, for at this time He was not the King of the Jews. He was King of Israel, all twelve tribes, not just the two, Judah and Benjamin, with very few of the Levites remaining, which made up of the House of Judah. The Jews were the House of Judah, along with the Kenite Nethinims that had been absorbed into Judah. No Jesus did not claim to be "King of the Jews." Jesus said, you said that I claimed to be [thou sayest].

Matthew 27:12 "And when He was accused of the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing."

Even this silence fulfilled Scripture, as we read in Isaiah 53:7.

Matthew 27:13 "Then said Pilate unto Him, "Hearest Thou not how many things they witness against Thee?"

Pilate is asking Jesus, Don't you know what they are charging you with?

Matthew 27:14 "And He answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly."

Christ knew that the time of the crucifixion has arrived, and He had to keep His mouth closed, as the dumb lamb being led to the slaughter. Why? Because He was the Lamb that would be slain, on this day, and this hour, to bring in the dispensation of grace that would be offered to all men, of every race.

Hebrews 2:14, 15 gives the reason that Jesus came in the tabernacle or body of the flesh."Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death [crucifixion] He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;" [14] "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." [15] That is the reason for Christ's death on the cross, "that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"

God had to destroy one of His sons who fell in the world that was, and when Satan fell, he brought one third of all God's children with him. To cast judgment on Satan, who had the power of death, Jesus had to go to the cross to defeat that power, and thus cast judgment on Satan the devil. That is what Ezekiel 28 is all about, the judgment placed on the king of tyre, who is Satan.

Live Link to- Ezekiel 28

Matthew 27:15 "Now at that feast the governor was won't to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would."

This was the feast day, and on that day the Roman governor released a prisoner, one that the people wanted released. So Pilate went to the people, and asked them who they wanted released?

Matthew 27:16 "And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas."

The name "Barabbas" means "son of the father" in the Hebrew, and of course that is what Jesus is named also, "The Son of the Living God". However this Barabbas was a murderer, and the son of one.

Very shortly the people will also be offered a choice, and like in Jesus day, they will be lead by their religious leaders, to accept the Barabbas of the end times, the Antichrist, Satan.  And just like when Jesus was crucified,  most pro-claiming Christians, though in ignorance, will choose and worship  Satan, the false messiah, as their God. They will do so by believing in what their church tradition teaches, that being, that Christ is coming soon to rapture them away from tribulation.

Matthew 27:17 "Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, "Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus Which is called Christ?"

Pilate just knew that the people would accept Christ, of Barabbas was a murderer of the worst degree, and yet the people cried out for Barabbas.

Matthew 27:18 "For he knew that for envy they had delivered Him."

Pilate knew that the only reason that the religious leaders delivered Jesus to be killed, was their jealousy over their religious factions. It was the guarding of territorial rights, and they had built up their traditions, and nothing would stop them, not even the Christ. The difference between the two was that the religious leaders represented a tradition, and Christ represented a reality, a way of life that produced change in people. Jesus defied their religious superstitions and traditions, as He healed the sick, and caused the lame to walk on the Sabbath.

Is it starting to sound a lot like today?

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

The Holy Spirit had touched her, and had her put this message in her words to Pilate. This is probably the reason that Pilate was making a last minute effort to gain the release of Jesus.

Matthew 27:20 "But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus."

Did you catch that, it was the Religious leaders that worked up the crowd to the point of demanding the murderer be released, rather then Jesus.

As you watch the events that are bringing the end of this earth age to a close, and as the hour of temptation is getting nearer; watch the church politics get stronger; The "Word of God" is already being set aside in most churches. There will be a time when every person will have to choose, between the Antichrist, which will be led by the church politics, and traditions, or to wait for the true Christ who will not come until five months after Satan appears, claiming he is God.

Matthew 27:21 "The governor answered and said unto them, "Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?" And they said Barabbas."

Matthew 27:22 "Pilate saith unto them, "What shall I do then with Jesus Which is called Christ?" They all say unto him, "Let Him be crucified." "

In other words, "Kill Him." Notice how easy it was for these ignorant unlearned people to be swayed into letting a murderer free, and allowing the Christ to be killed. Do you know what the Word of God teaches, and what His plan is?

Matthew 27:23 "And the governor said, "Why, what evil hath He done?" But they cried out the more, saying, "Let Him be crucified." 

Pilate was the Roman Governor, who had seen this man Jesus, that made people happy, and healed them. This just did not make sense to him, to let a murderer go free, and kill such a good man. No logical man, even a heathen wants to destroy the life of an innocent man.

Notice that in the denial of Christ, Peter denied Christ three times, and here the Religious leaders, and the madness of the crowd have also denied Christ three times, for emphasis.

Matthew 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."

Pilate looked out over that mad mob, with the Religious Kenite leaders working them over, and they were getting to the point of rioting. Pilate seeing the madness that was taking place, wanted nothing to do with what was happening, and in public, washed his hands before the mob. To end the conflict, Pilate turned Jesus over to the mob and said, you go ahead and pass the sentence [see ye to it].

Matthew 27:25 "Then answered all the People, and said, "His blood be on us, and on our children."

Don't ever forget this verse. Most people try to pin this deed off solely on Judah. the Israelite tribe of Judah. That is not true, for it was the Kenites. They were the bad figs that slipped in among Judah, that we studied in Ezra, and Nehemiah. They were the Nethinims or foreigners. Jesus Christ warned us of them, as He told John to write, in Revelation 2:9, and 3:9. They were the ones that claimed to be Jews, and are not, and do lie, and are the synagogue of Satan. Meaning that they are the sons of Cain. They are the sons of the first murderer.

Think carefully of how Satan works, and how the crucifixion took place. That crucifixion was the plan of God, from the foundation of this earth age. It was to bring salvation to His children, and to bring death to Satan, and his realm. God knows how Satan will react in various situations even before they happen. 

Matthew 27:26 "Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified."

Pilate was hoping that if they had roughed Him up a little, the mob would find compassion and release Him.

Matthew 27:27 "Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto Him the whole band of soldiers."

Matthew 27:28 "And they stripped Him, and put on Him a scarlet robe."

The soldiers are going to play with Jesus for a while, and pretend that He is a king like the Jews accuse him of claiming to be.

Matthew 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!"

The soldiers shoved the thorns hard [platted] it upon Jesus head, and gave him a reed, or piece of straw for His staff. The rest of this is incorrect, for Jesus Christ was king of all Israel, all twelve tribes, including the Levites that were scattered amongst them all. Not just the two tribes that make up the house of Judah.

Matthew 27:30 "And they spit upon Him, and took the reed, and smote Him on the head."

Matthew 27:31 "And after that they had mocked Him, they took the robe off from Him, and put His own raiment on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him."

It is important to note that it was the Romans that committed these acts against Christ. They were the only power that had the legality and authority to perform such an act of the crucifixion.

Matthew 27:32 "And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear His cross."

Matthew 27:33 "And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,"

Golgotha means the "place of a skull", and that is what it was shaped like.

Matthew 27:34 "They gave Him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when He had tasted thereof, He would not drink.

This is recorded in Psalm 69:21; They gave me also gall for my meat; And in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. This was a poor mans wine, and it was given to take away pain.

There are five occasions when Jesus was offered something to drink, and observe the accuracy of what is said, instead of creating "discrepancies":

1. On the way to Golgotha, as recorded in Mark 15:23 where the offering was made in the Imperfect Tense. Jesus did not drink. The word for "vinigar" as recorded here is "oinon" which is wine, which is drugged with myrrh, making it smell like perfume.

2. When they arrived there as recorded in this verse 33, Jesus tasted but would not drink. This sine was mixed with gall, a wormwood, and poppy greenish bile substance which is somewhat poisonous.

3. Later, by the soldiers after He was on the cross, recorded in Luke 23:36, which was probably at the soldiers own meal. The drink offered to Christ here was a sour wine, in the Greek, "oxos".

4. Later still, a proposal made by some and checked by others, but afterward carried out as we will see later in verse [48]. This also was just a sour wine, the "oxos" in the Greek, as given in Luke 23:36.

5. The last about the ninth hour, in response to the Lord's call, as written in John 19:29. Once again they tried to give Jesus a very sour wine. So we see that these are the five occasions that they tried to give Jesus drink, and He refused the drink.

This is one of the hills that Abraham made the journey up to offer his son as a sacrifice, some 2000 years before Our Lord Jesus Christ made His trip. God stopped Abraham from doing the act, however the crucifixion of Christ will not be stopped. Jesus Christ was the seed of Abraham that was promised to be the Messiah by the Almighty God.

Matthew 27:35 "And they crucified Him, and parted His garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, "They parted My garments among them, and upon My vesture did they cast lots."

This is quoting Psalm 22:18; "They part my garments among them, And cast lots upon my vesture." This action of the soldiers was even as given in prophecy, even though they did not know that it was. This shows us how much God does have His hands on the control of all events of our age.

Matthew 27:36 "And sitting down they watched Him there;"

These soldiers watched to see just what would happen.

Matthew 27:37 "And set up over His head His accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

With this sign over Jesus head, though it be in mockery, the Kenite chief priest came by latter in anger and reminded Pilate that he told them not to write it.

John 19:19-21; "And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS." [19] "This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin." [20] "Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, "Write not, 'The King of the Jews;' but that He said that I am the King of the Jews" [21]

Matthew 27:38 "Then were there two thieves crucified with Him, one on the right hand, and another on the left."

Jesus Christ hung on the cross between two robbers, in the Greek it is "lestai", and not malefactors, or unknowns as many teach. Both were brought with Christ up Calvary hill to be put to death also. The death came on a Roman Cross, and not just a pole as many claim. That cross is shaped in the small letter "T".

Matthew 27:39 "And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads,"

Matthew 27:40 "And saying, "Thou That destroyest the Temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross."

The religious leaders caused doubt in the peoples minds, and the people said, "If you're really the Messiah, then come down from the cross."

Matthew 27:41 "Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said,"

Then here comes these Kenite religious leaders, and they had to mock Jesus also. Jesus could see all this mocking taking place, yet He said not a word.

Matthew 27:42 "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him."

Notice that this chief priest finally gave it correct, "King of Israel". These wordsdid not come from this Kenite's mind, but by the Holy Spirit forcing the words, so that all scripture might be fulfilled.

Matthew 27:43 "He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, 'I am the Son of God'."

These words of the chief priest were written long ago by David, in Psalm 22:8; "He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver him: Let Him deliver him, seeing He delighted in him."

Matthew 27:44 "The thieves also, which were crucified with Him, cast the same in His teeth."

One of these thieves mocked Jesus while the other did not. It is written in Luke 23:39-40; "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on Him, saying, "If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us." [39] "But the other answering rebuked him, saying "Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation" [40] "And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this Man hath done nothing amiss." [41]

Luke 23:42-43; "And he said unto Jesus, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom." [42] "And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise." [43] 

Paradise is where ever Jesus is.

Matthew 27:45 "Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour."

Darkness This was from 12 noon to 3: P.M., and you can see why all the people would be getting a little on edge with the darkness coming in the middle of the day.

Matthew 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?"

This phrase, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani" is perfect Hebrew, except of the word "Eli", which is Aramic. Jesus spoke loud here, because He was teaching. 

Many, even Christians who should know better, teach in ignorance that this shows that Christ had taken on the sins of the world and He was a little dirty, how ignorant they are of "The Word of God".

Jesus was teaching and quoting David from the Psalm of the events that would transpire during the going to the cross, to His resurrection. Let's go to Psalm 22: for the words of Christ on the Cross that are given to us. In fact, it is quite obvious to me, that he taught the whole 22nd. Psalm from the cross.

Psalm 22:1 "My God My God, why hast thou forsaken Me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?"

Jesus was quoting from the words of David, to teach those that were not spitting, and carrying on like a pack of mad men. God did not forsake Jesus. When Jesus, Himself, referred to the Father, He always called Him Father, not God.

Psalm 22:2 "O my God, I cry in the daytime, but Thou hearest not; And in the night season, and am not silent." David also when he was in his tribulations made this statement.

Psalm 22:3 "But thou art holy, O Thou That inhabitest the praise of Israel."

Psalm 22:4 "Our fathers trusted in Thee: They trusted, and Thou didst deliver them." If you trust in these words, you also shall find delivery and salvation.

Psalm 22:5 "They cried unto Thee, and were delivered: They trusted in Thee, and were not confounded." When they trusted in God, they were not confused, or disgraced.

Psalm 22:6 "But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of me, and despised of the People."

The Kenite scribes really messed this verse up. In the Massoretic Text, the word is ""tola", and means scarlet, crimson and scarlet. From the blood that He shed for the sins of the world, and the People despised Him for it, in ignorance.

Psalm 22:7 "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,"

We Just covered this in verse [39].

Psalm 22:8 "He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver him: Let Him deliver Him, seeing He delighted in him." 

This is the mockery that was spoken in verse [43] by the chief priests and the elders of the People. The reason I told you to remember those words of the chief priests, is the Psalm 22:8, shows us that those words were placed in their mouths as a seal by the Spirit of the Living God. This seal allows us to know exactly that Jesus was the Messiah. For when those words are spoken, it identifies the Christ, as a fact.

Psalm 22:9 "But Thou art he That took me out of the womb: Thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts."

Psalm 22:10 "I was cast upon Thee from the womb: Thou art my God from my mothers belly."The statement of the prophecy that Christ truly came from the seed of David, and the root of the stem of Jessie, David's father.

Psalm 22:11 "Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help."

There is none to help, while Christ hung on that cross; for every disciple had scattered and denied Jesus. My fellow Christian, Psalms 22 is God speaking to David a thousand years before Jesus hung on that cross.

Psalm 22:12 "Many bulls have compassed me: Strong Bulls of Bashan have beset me round.

The bulls of Bashan were know for their size and strength, This is a figure of speech, or idiom showing the power of the evil that came against Jesus. Even though Jesus could have called down thousands upon ten thousands of angels to protect Him, He did not. He suffered the cross alone. For your salvation to come to be, the price to be paid, and this prophecy had to be fulfilled.

Psalm 22:13 "They gaped upon me with their mouths, As a raving and roaring lion.

You can see that massive crowd that cried with blood in their eyes, "Crucify Him, Crucify Him." It was like our Lord was thrown to these raving and roaring lions.

Psalm 22:14 "I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like was; It is melted in the midst of my bowels."

Christ's blood is being drained from him, as it poured from His hands and feed, and then the Roman soldier ran that spear into His side. The nails are pulling the bones of His hands out of their sockets.

Psalm 22:15 "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And Thou hast brought me into the dust of death."

A potsherd is an old piece of broken pottery laying dry in their heat of the sun. The "dust of the death" is the death of this flesh body.

Psalm 22:16 "For dogs have compassed me: The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: They pierced my hands and my feet.

The "dogs" are the enemy that has done this to me. 

Do you understand Christ is crying this from the cross, and it was written one thousand years before by David, and it came to pass exactly as God planned it to come upon Himself. Jesus knew what had to be done so that you could even have the chance to utter in shame, "forgive me Lord," in repentance.

This is why Jesus cryed out aloud, "Eli, Eli, lama, sabachthani?". Jesus is teaching as He cries out, "can you not see that I am teaching, as I hang here with these nail through my hands and my feet.

Psalm 22:17 "I may tell all my bones: They look and stare upon me."

They mock and spit at me, as they stare at my broken bones.

Psalm 22:18 "They parted my garments among them, And cast lots upon my vesture."

Here these same Romans that placed the Robe on Jesus and slapped Him, and spit upon Him, and drove that crown of thorns into His head, gambled for the very garments of Christ. How much proof does it take, to show you that all these events took place, even to those that were against Christ, such as the religious leaders words, and the actions of the Roman soldiers. In the divine intervention where the sun would go dark at the noon hour, and reappear at three P.M

This was all written in psalms by David 1000 years before it happened.

Psalm 22:19 "But be not Thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me."

That is the only strength that we need, the strength of the living God.

Psalm 22:20 "Deliver my soul from the sword; My darling from the power of the dog."

"Darling" here should be translated soul, and "the dog" is Mine enemies. There is a time where we had better be concerned about our souls, rather then being so taken up by this flesh world.

Psalm 22:21 "Save me from the Lion's mouth: For Thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns."

The "unicorn" is incorrect, in the Hebrew text it reads "wild ox". The horns are the powers of the wild ox. It should be, I will declare the powers of the wild ox..

Psalm 22:22 "I Will declare Thy Name unto my brethren: In the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee."

This praised is declared in Hebrews 2:12-14, "Saying, "I will declare Thy Name unto My brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praises untoThee." [12] "And again,"I will put my trust in Him," And again, "Behold, I and the children which God hath given Me." [13]"Forasmuch Then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; That through death [crucifixion] He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;" [14]

These verses were given before in reference to Matthew, and here we see that it also has reference to the prophecy of the future event.

Psalm 22:23 "Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him; All ye the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; And fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel."

This is the whole house of Israel.

Psalm 22:24 "For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Neither hath He hid His face from him; But when he cried unto Him, He heard."

Don't let anyone tell you that God, even for one instant deserted His own Son, while He hung on the cross. When Jesus cried unto Him, the Father heard every word.

Psalm 22:25 "My praise shall be of Thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him."

This great congregation is coming, when we all shall be gathered to him, at the sounding of the seventh trump. The whole congregation, of all races, and tongues.

Psalm 22:26 "The meek shall eat and be satisfied: They shall praise the Lord that seek Him: Your heart shall live for ever."

When you eat of His word, and are satisfied, your mind can not help but praise Him, and your heart, or mind [soul] shall live for ever.

Psalm 22:27 "All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: And all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee."

We are nearing the end of this world age of the flesh, and many hearts are turning to the Lord from every nation. At the start of the Millennium age, every knee shall bow to Jesus Christ. This is also part of what Christ is teaching from the cross.

Psalm 22:28 "For the kingdom is the Lord's: And He is the Governor among the nations."

Psalm 22:29 "All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: All they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him: And none can keep alive his own soul."

You had better be in Christ, or your soul is going to die. These last two verses are written to us, the people that live in the time of the parable of the fig tree, it is written to you and me.

Psalm 22:30 "A seed shall serve Him; It shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation."

The generation spoken of here, is our generation living now during this time of the parable of the fig tree, when Israel was reestablished by both the bad and good figs. Both the Kenites, and the Judah.

Psalm 22:31 "Thy shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a People that shall be born, That He hath done this."

They shall come and declare that Christ has done this, and it is finished. The price has been paid.

        
A Physician Analyzes the Crucifixion
A medical explanation of what Jesus endured on the day He died
by Dr. C. Truman Davis

Despite the gospel accounts' silence on the details of Christ's crucifixion, many have looked into this subject in the past.  In my personal study of the event from a medical viewpoint, I am indebted especially to Dr. Pierre Barbet, a French surgeon who did exhaustive historical and experimental research and wrote extensively on the topic.

An attempt to examine the infinite psychic and spiritual suffering of the Incarnate1 God in atonement 2 for the sins of fallen man is beyond the scope of this article.  However, the physiological and anatomical aspects of our Lord's passion we can examine in some detail.  What did the body of Jesus of Nazareth actually endure during those hours of torture?

Gethsemane

The physical passion of Christ began in Gethsemane.  Of the many aspects of His initial suffering, the one which is of particular physiological interest is the bloody sweat.  Interestingly enough, the physician, St. Luke, is the only evangelist to mention this occurrence.  He says, "And being in an agony, he prayed the longer.  And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44 KJV).

Every attempt imaginable has been used by modern scholars to explain away the phenomenon of bloody sweat, apparently under the mistaken impression that it simply does not occur.  A great deal of effort could be saved by consulting the medical literature.  Though very rare, the phenomenon of hematidrosis, or bloody sweat, is well documented.  Under great emotional stress, tiny capillaries in the sweat glands can break, thus mixing blood with sweat.  This process alone could have produced marked weakness and possible shock.

Although Jesus' betrayal and arrest are important portions of the passion story, the next event in the account which is significant from a medical perspective is His trial before the Sanhedrin and Caiaphas, the High Priest.  Here the first physical trauma was inflicted.  A soldier struck Jesus across the face for remaining silent when questioned by Caiaphas.  The palace guards then blindfolded Him, mockingly taunted Him to identify them as each passed by, spat on Him, and struck Him in the face.

Before Pilate

In the early morning, battered and bruised, dehydrated, and worn out from a sleepless night, Jesus was taken across Jerusalem to the Praetorium of the Fortress Antonia, the seat of government of the Procurator of Judea, Pontius Pilate.  We are familiar with Pilate's action in attempting to shift responsibility to Herod Antipas, the Tetrarch of Judea.  Jesus apparently suffered no physical mistreatment at the hands of Herod and was returned to Pilate.  It was then, in response to the outcry of the mob, that Pilate ordered Barabbas released and condemned Jesus to scourging and crucifixion.

Preparations for Jesus' scourging were carried out at Caesar's orders.  The prisoner was stripped of His clothing and His hands tied to a post above His head.  The Roman legionnaire stepped forward with the flagrum, or flagellum, in his hand.  This was a short whip consisting of several heavy, leather thongs with two small balls of lead attached near the ends of each.  The heavy whip was brought down with full force again and again across Jesus' shoulders, back and legs.  At first the weighted thongs cut through the skin only.  Then, as the blows continued, they cut deeper into the subcutaneous tissues, producing first an oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles.

"The Romans uses a scourge of cords or thongs, made more painful by various expedients which cruelty suggested. Pieces of lead of brass, or small, sharp-pointed bones, were attached to the lashes.

... The victim was stripped to the waist, and bound in a stooping position, with the hands behind the back, to a post or pillar. The suffering under the lash was intense. The body was frightfully lacerated. The Christian martyrs at Smyrna about A.D. 155 were so torn with the scourges that their veins were laid bare, and the inner muscles and sinews, and even the bowels, were exposed (Eusebius Hist. iv. 15)." (Davis Dictionary of the Bible, Baker, pg. 689.)

The small balls of lead first produced large deep bruises that were broken open by subsequent blows.  Finally, the skin of the back was hanging in long ribbons, and the entire area was an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue.  When it was determined by the centurion in charge that the prisoner was near death, the beating was finally stopped.

Mockery

The half-fainting Jesus was then untied and allowed to slump to the stone pavement, wet with his own blood.  The Roman soldiers saw a great joke in this provincial Jew claiming to be a king.  They threw a robe across His shoulders and placed a stick in His hand for a scepter.  They still needed a crown to make their travesty complete.  Small flexible branches covered with long thorns, commonly used for kindling fires in the charcoal braziers in the courtyard, were plaited in the shape of a crude crown.  The crown was pressed into his scalp and again there was copious bleeding as the thorns pierced the very vascular tissue.  After mocking Him and striking Him across the face, the soldiers took the stick from His hand and struck Him across the head, driving the thorns deeper in His scalp.  Finally, they tired of their sadistic sport and tore the robe from His back.  The robe had already become adherent to the clots of blood and serum in the wounds, and its removal, just as in the careless removal of a surgical bandage, caused excruciating pain.  The wounds again began to bleed.

Golgotha

In deference to Jewish custom, the Romans apparently returned His garments.  The heavy patibulum3 of the cross was tied across His shoulders.  The procession of the condemned Christ, two thieves, and the execution detail of Roman soldiers headed by a centurion began its slow journey along the route which we know today as the Via Dolorosa.

In spite of Jesus' efforts to walk erect, the weight of the heavy wooden beam, together with the shock produced by copious loss of blood, was too much.  He stumbled and fell.  The rough wood of the beam gouged into the lacerated skin and muscles of the shoulders.  He tried to rise, but human muscles had been pushed beyond their endurance.  The centurion, anxious to proceed with the crucifixion, selected a stalwart North African onlooker, Simon of Cyrene, to carry the cross.  Jesus followed, still bleeding and sweating the cold, clammy sweat of shock.  The 650-yard journey from the Fortress Antonia to Golgotha was finally completed.  The prisoner was again stripped of His clothing except for a loin cloth which was allowed the Jews.

The crucifixion began.  Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh, a mild analgesic, pain-reliving mixture.  He refused the drink.  Simon was ordered to place the patibulum on the ground, and Jesus was quickly thrown backward, with His shoulders against the wood.  The legionnaire felt for the depression at the front of the wrist.  He drove a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood.  Quickly, he moved to the other side and repeated the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flexion and movement.  The patibulum was then lifted into place at the top of the stipes4, and the titulus5 reading "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" was nailed into place.

The left foot was pressed backward against the right foot.  With both feet extended, toes down, a nail was driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees moderately flexed.  The victim was now crucified.

On the Cross

As Jesus slowly sagged down with more weight on the nails in the wrist, excruciating, fiery pain shot along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain.  The nails in the wrists were putting pressure on the median nerve, large nerve trunks which traverse the mid-wrist and hand.  As He pushed himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, He placed His full weight on the nail through His feet.  Again there was searing agony as the nail tore through the nerves between the metatarsal bones of his feet.

At this point, another phenomenon occurred.  As the arms fatigued, great waves of cramps swept over the muscles, knotting them in deep relentless, throbbing pain.  With these cramps came the inability to push Himself upward.  Hanging by the arm, the pectoral muscles, the large muscles of the chest, were paralyzed and the intercostal muscles, the small muscles between the ribs, were unable to act.  Air could be drawn into the lungs, but could not be exhaled.  Jesus fought to raise Himself in order to get even one short breath.  Finally, the carbon dioxide level increased in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided.

The Last Words

Spasmodically, He was able to push Himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen.  It was undoubtedly during these periods that He uttered the seven short sentences that are recorded.

The first - looking down at the Roman soldiers throwing dice6 for His seamless garment: "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do."

The second - to the penitent thief7: "Today, thou shalt be with me in Paradise."

The third - looking down at Mary His mother, He said: "Woman, behold your son."  Then turning to the terrified, grief-stricken adolescent John, the beloved apostle, He said: "Behold your mother."8

The fourth cry is from the beginning of Psalm 22: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"

He suffered hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-rending cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, and searing pain as tissue was torn from His lacerated back from His movement up and down against the rough timbers of the cross.  Then another agony began: a deep crushing pain in the chest as the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, slowly filled with serum and began to compress the heart.

The prophecy in Psalm 22:14 was being fulfilled:  "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint, my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels."

The end was rapidly approaching.  The loss of tissue fluids had reached a critical level; the compressed heart was struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood to the tissues, and the tortured lungs were making a frantic effort to inhale small gulps of air.  The markedly dehydrated tissues sent their flood of stimuli to the brain.  Jesus gasped His fifth cry: "I thirst."  Again we read in the prophetic psalm: "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou has brought me into the dust of death" (Psalm 22:15 KJV).

A sponge soaked in posca, the cheap, sour wine that was the staple drink of the Roman legionnaires, was lifted to Jesus' lips.  His body was now in extremis, and He could feel the chill of death creeping through His tissues.  This realization brought forth His sixth word, possibly little more than a tortured whisper: "It is finished."  His mission of atonement9 had completed.  Finally, He could allow His body to die.  With one last surge of strength, He once again pressed His torn feet against the nail, straightened His legs, took a deeper breath, and uttered His seventh and last cry: "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit."

Death

The common method of ending a crucifixion was by crurifracture, the breaking of the bones of the leg.  This prevented the victim from pushing himself upward; the tension could not be relieved from the muscles of the chest, and rapid suffocation occurred.  The legs of the two thieves were broken, but when the soldiers approached Jesus, they saw that this was unnecessary.

Apparently, the make doubly sure of death, the legionnaire drove his lance between the ribs, upward through the pericardium and into the heart.  John 19:34 states, "And immediately there came out blood and water."  Thus there was an escape of watery fluid from the sac surrounding the heart and the blood of the interior of the heart.  This is rather conclusive post-mortem evidence that Jesus died, not the usual crucifixion death by suffocation, but of heart failure due to shock and constriction of the heart by fluid in the pericardium.

Resurrection

In these events, we have seen a glimpse of the epitome of evil that man can exhibit toward is fellowman and toward God.  This is an ugly sight and is likely to leave us despondent and depressed.

But the crucifixion was not the end of the story.  How grateful we can be that we have a sequel: a glimpse of the infinite mercy of God toward man - - the gift of atonement, the miracle of the resurrection, and the expectation of life after this "Flesh Life Death".

1  Incarnate.
2  Atonement.
3  Horizontal portion of the cross.
4  Vertical portion of the cross.
5  Small sign stating the victim's crime.
6  Gambling.
7  The one who felt remorse for his sins and asked Jesus to help him.
8  As Jesus was dying, He gave his trusted friend responsibility for the care of His mother.
9  Taking our place by suffering the death penalty for our sin.

We, here at the American Wisdom Series have no doubt in our mind that Jesus quoted the words of the complete 22nd Psalm from the cross, and it all came to pass exactly as it was written one thousand years earlier, just how much proof do you need before you can see that Jesus is the Christ and the redeemer of your soul.

It is no wonder that one of the malefactors, crucified next to Jesus, became a believer, right there on his cross, and ask our Lord, "Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom."

What mystifies me is how can 
so many of us just brush off what Christ did for us, as if 
our eternal life
or
our eternal death means nothing to us!

Now; Back to our study of: Our Lord Tried, Crucified and He is Risen.

Matthew 27:47 "Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, "This man calleth for Elias."

"Elias" is the Greek for of the Hebrew word "Elijah". The hearers mistook the cry which was given in Aramaic 'eliy-yah' is to us God the Father.

Matthew 27:48 "And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave Him to drink."

Go back to verse thirty four, and read the notes. Jesus would not touch the sour mixture of wine offered to Him. Jesus refused this drink also. The drink was laced with poppy, which was a drug, it was poison, and deadened the mind. The Romans offered this drug to those that hung on the cross, and Christ refused the drink when the drug was present. Why did Christ say, "I thurst," when He did not take the drink?

The answer is in Psalm 69:21; "They gave me also gall for my meat; And in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Every detail of the crucifixion is covered in prophecy.

Psalm 69:22-23; "Let there table become a snare before them: And that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap." [22] "Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; And make their loins continualy to shake." [23]

 What this is saying is their cornerstone Jesus Christ shall become a stumbling block. Because in this final generation, the fake Christ will come, and all those that are taught through the religious system to love Jesus, but never study the Word, will become snared, or deceived by Satan, the Antichrist.

What God is saying is that those that have their eyes darkened simply can not see the truth of the deception that is taking place, because of a decree from the Heavenly Father. A sin committed in ignorance is no sin, and as long as they are blinded from the truth in this spirit of slumber, but, they will be taught in the Millennium age.

Psalm 69:24 Pour out Thine indignation upon them, And let Thy wrathful anger take hold of them." This anger is poured out on all those that have disobeyed His word, and this will happen at Jesus coming at the second advent.

Matthew 27:49 "The rest said, "Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him."

All the people stood there in the dark, and as they stood there they were saying, "lets see if Elijah will come and save Him. As the weird things were going on around them, they still have not applied it to Prophecy. The whole time, Christ never said what they thought He had said. He was crying out, "Eli" or "My God", and not "Elijah".

Matthew 27:50 "Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost."

Matthew 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;"

Pay attention of what happened here. In the Temple there are two veils, one of them leads to the holy of holies, and one that is in the holy of holies. This veil is the one that separated the Gentiles from the priests, and by custom the priests would stand before this veil at 3 P.M. each day. That one standing there, at 3 P.M. on this day, was the chief priest Caiaphus, the same priest that demanded Jesus death.

Caiaphus was the priests that repeated those evil wicked words from Psalm 22. As He stood there on this day at 3 P.M., the darkness was removed, the earth quaked, and the rocks trembled, as the veil that separated the holy of holies, for Gentiles was tore apart from top to bottom. This veil was a huge curtain, and with the veil split, it meant that the way to Christ, and the holy of holies was open to all who chose to follow the one that paid the price for their sins.

To believe on Christ, is to be released from perishing, and to come into everlasting life. It is to have your name placed in the Lamb's book of life, and not be faced with having your very soul be blotted out, and be as if you never existed.

This is the turning point of all history of all ages.

Matthew 27:52 "And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,"

Matthew 27:53 "And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many."

To the people who did not have eyes to see the spiritual things that were going on around them, and must see things physically to understand. These were the very souls of those that had passed on, and they were in heaven, in paradise. God allowed this appearance of the dead, to go back to the people in Jerusalem, and it would be people that had died and every one in town would recognize. An example of this would be the old baker on the corner, that everyone bought their bread from, or the doctor, or what ever. And here he was walking the street alive. What does this document?

It documents that He who was crucified was Jesus the Messiah, the Christ. On that day there were many that came alive spiritually, as their eyes were opened. They saw the Christ on the cross, and they had the prophecy from the prophets of old. Today we have God's written word, and that knowledge must be hid in our minds, and accepted as the truth beyond doubt. This is what we call faith.

When Christ came out of the tomb, He had defeated death. But while He was in the tomb, as it is written in I Peter 3:18-20; "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: [18] "By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison," [19] "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." [20]

After death, while Christ was in the prison of the tomb, He preached to all those that did not have the availability of salvation all the way back to the time of Noah, which is a figure of speech, which means to even Adam, even the beginning. That when that veil was rent, that salvation was offered to Israel and the Gentile, all the way back to the beginning of the flesh age. God is good and God is fair.

At the end of this flesh age, when Christ  returns, at the close of the tribulation by, Satan, the Antichrist, we shall all be changed instantly into our new spiritual bodies, and then starts one thousand years of the Millennium age, which is the kingdom of Jesus Christ, as recorded in Ezekiel chapters 39-48.

 Live Link to- Ezekiel chapters 39

Please beware: IF YOU MISS these verses (Ezekiel 40:4-5), the rest of the Book of Ezekiel will be little more than a description of a physical temple building made of bricks and mortar and a city also built of bricks and mortar.

Live Link to- Ezekiel chapters 40-44

Live Link to- Ezekiel chapters 45-48

It is a time of learning and discipline. At the end of that age, will be the great white throne judgment, when Satan and all his followers will be turned to ashes, to be no more!

Matthew 27:54 "Now when centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, "Truly This was the Son of God."

'To those that were there and took part in the crucifixion it was obvious that Jesus was truly the Son of God.

Matthew 27:55 "And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto Him:"

The men all fled, and praise God for the women. They were there to give support to Jesus and minister to His needs where they could. Many men in the Religious system tell the women to remain silent in the church, and that is wrong. They take a verse where Paul tells women not to gossip or chatter in church, and using that verse they like to place a dominating authority over them.

Friend the women earned the right to represent Christ, for they stood by Him, when the men were on the run scared. Next time you let your male dominance get out of hand, you might think of this verse.

Matthew 27:56 "Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children."

Mary Magdalene was a sinner, but she believed, and Jesus freed her from her evil spirits. She was cleaned up and God made her a strong witness for Him, as she spread the gospel throughout France, and Europe. These all were fine women that believed in Christ and would not let their faith be moved.

Matthew 27:57 "When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus disciple:"

Joseph of Arimathaea was more that Jesus disciple, historically it can be documented that he was Mary, the mother of Jesus' uncle. Therefore he would be Jesus uncle. The book, "The Traditions of Glastonbury", documentation is given to show that Joseph was a very rich man, with many ships carrying tin from the lead mines or the Mendip Hills, to all points of the Roman Empire.

Joseph of Arimathaea held a very important position in the Roman Government, and carried the title "Nobilus Decurio." Joseph knew of Jesus death on the cross, from the very early time of Jesus conception, for he was part of the family. As a member of the family, he had the right to claim Jesus' broken body, when it was taken from the cross.

Matthew 27:58 "He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered."

It was Joseph of Arimathaea that went to Pilate for Jesus body, and Pilate gave the body over to him. For those that desire to know more about Joseph and Jesus early life, after Joseph His father was gone, the book "Traditions of Glastonbury", by the historian and archaeologist, E. Raymond Capt would be fine reading. Joseph of Arimathaea had kinsman's rights, and that is part of the law, from the beginning of time. Joseph was Jesus kinsman redeemer, just as Christ is our kinsman redeemer of our souls.

Matthew 27:59 "And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,"

Matthew 27:60 "And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed."

This verse is fulfilling a scripture that is so simple that many just read over. In Isaiah 53:9;"And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth". In other words, on the cross there were robbers on both sides, and in death Jesus would be buried in a rich man's tomb. That rich man was His uncle, Joseph of Arimathaea. Joseph, the tin man.

Matthew 27:61 "And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre."

They were sitting and watching the tomb where Christ had been laid.

Matthew 27:62 "Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,"

In the Companion Bible, Appendix 156; there is a six day report that covers the events of the six days before the Passover feast day. When you make a personal study of that Appendix, it will explain all details surrounding all events concerning Jesus Christ's death burial, and His resurrection. You will see that Jesus body was laid in the tomb before 6 P.M on Wednesday, as was required by law. For that Thursday was the High Sabbath, and nothing could be done on Thursday.

#7014 "Six Days Before The Passover" (John 12:1)

It was Wednesday that all preparation and and purchases were made, and on Saturday was the regular seventh day of the week Sabbath. Jesus came out of the tomb Saturday afternoon, exactly three days after He was placed in the tomb, as prophesied by Jesus in Matthew 12:40. This was the 14th day of Nisan, and the resurrection had to have occurred prior to sunrise Sunday, for at sunrise on Sunday, the tomb was visited, and the stone was already rolled away, and the body of Christ gone.

Matthew 27:63 "Saying, "Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, 'After three days I will rise again.'

American Wisdom Series Editor's Note: Please remember you read AFTER THREE DAYS in the above verse the next time someone in or out of your chruch tells you this crucifixion on good Friday, risen on easter Sunday business.  3 days and 3 nights; you count them! You can count, can't you? Live Link to- Three days and Three nights

[39] But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

These Kenite religious leaders knew the Old Testament prophecies, and they are calling Jesus the deceiver, and remembering what He had told them, for the only sign that Jesus gave them was that of Jonah, that He would be in the earth just three days, just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish.

Matthew 27:64 "Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steel the Him away, and say unto the People, 'He is risen from the dead:' so the last error shall be worse than the first."

For these Kenite priests their last error was worse that the first. When Christ defeated death, then Christianity became a reality, and not a religious form, such as the Temple worship was.

It is interesting that at the end of this earth age, there will be two witness murdered by Satan, the Antichrist, and at that time there will also be a guard placed on them, for the religious people will also know the prophecy concerning them. Their minds are blind to the truth just as the chief priests were concerning Jesus. The conclusion of the three and a half days, life will enter the witness, they will stand to their feet, and the end of this earth flesh age will end with the return of Jesus Christ. Revelation 11:7-13 records this event.

In the phrase; "so the last error shall be worse than the first", it is not given what the first error was, but many feel that error of the Kenite religious leaders was in the crucifixion itself.

Matthew 27:65 "Pilate said unto them, "Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can."

By this time Pilate saw and understood how he was used by these Kenite religious leaders, and told them to use their own soldiers to make the watch.

Matthew 27:66 "So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."

The chief priests took their own guards, and went to the tomb [sepulchre], and they not only set a watchmen over it, they sealed the tomb. I'm sure they would have placed their finest, and most alert guards over the tomb. In the next chapter we will study the burial process, and the resurrection, and the events that occurred following the resurrection.

Let's take a close look at all the facts that surround the resurrection, and in the conclusion I'm sure you can all agree that Jesus Christ did come out of that tomb. There are many theories that exist, surrounding the resurrection, However, before we take a look at these theories, there are certain things we must accept as being true. Without these basic truths, we would be just spinning our wheels, and going in circles. So let's look at the basics, to accept as historical fact.

1. JESUS LIVED. This is easy to prove, as even heathen historians of Jesus day, such as Josephus states Jesus lived, and gave details of parts of His life. This he writes about in his "Antiquities of the Jews, Chapter III, verse 3.

2. JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED, AT THE INSTIGATION OF JEWISH LEADERS. This is not stated to cause hatred towards Jews, but merely a statement of fact. This fact is what Matthew 27:1, 2 states. "When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the People took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death:" [1] "And when they had bound Him, they led Him away, and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor." [2]

3. CONSIDERED DEAD. Jesus was pierced with a spear until water flowed from His insides, then inspected by the Roman soldier and he declared Him dead. Jesus was wrapped for burial, and buried in a known tomb. We can assume they didn't bury a live person. Proof of Jesus death also comes from John 19:34; "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His Side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." The water comes forth when the vital organs are sliced open. Jesus was truly dead.

4. JESUS WAS BURIED IN A KNOWN ACCESSIBLE TOMB. Today it is assumed to be the location of "Gordon's tomb", in Jerusalem. For the first four centuries the location of the tomb was not important, as it contained no body. Jesus arose and came out of that tomb, and the owner of the tomb, Joseph of Arimathaea was not buried in Palestine, but in Britain. The scriptures tell us that the Jewish leaders knew, the Romans knew, and that guards were posted and the tomb sealed by the Jewish leaders. Jesus' followers certainly knew the location of that tomb.

5. DISCIPLES PREACHED A RISEN CHRIST, ASCENDED, AND AN EMPTY TOMB. The gospel preached by the disciples, following the filling of the Holy Spirit, of the day of Pentecost, was that of a "resurrected Christ". Peter, in Acts 4:8 is filled with the Holy Spirit, and speaking to the rulers of the people, and elders of Israel. Then in verse 10 we see the message that was preached by the disciples. "Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised form the dead..." going on to verse 12, Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is none other name under heaven given amongst men, whereby we must be saved."

There are many other references, such as I Corinthians 1:17-18; "Christ sent men not to baptize, but to preach the gospel,...For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." This is what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth.

6. CHRIST'S DEATH WAS AT THE HANDS OF THE JEWISH LEADERS. After the Jewish leaders heard the claims of Jesus, they pronounced Jesus a blasphemer, which was one of the most serious crimes of the day [Matthew 26:65, Mark 14:61-64]. Following these actuations, they went to the Roman authorities to get a civil conviction against Jesus, to have Him crucified. Following the death of Jesus, came the news of His resurrection. On the basis of their religious stand, who stood to loose the most over the news of the crucifixion of Christ, the truth of the resurrection only made the gospel that Jesus followers taught stronger. The Jewish leaders stood to loose much, as their livelihood depended on a cover up. This was not just a casual interest to them [Luke 9:22].

7. THE DISCIPLES WERE PERSECUTED FOR THEIR MESSAGE. Peter was ordered to keep still about the resurrection, and persecution and death followed. Every Apostle of Jesus was killed for their gospel message, except for John, who died on the Isle of Patmos.

The Deaths of the Apostles

Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethopia, killed by a sword wound.

Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, dragged by horses through the streets until he was dead.

Luke was hanged in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

John was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos where he wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation. The Apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as a bishop in modern Turkey. He died an old man, the only Apostle to die peacefully.

Peter,was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross, according to Church tradition, because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

James the Just, the leader of the Church in Jerusalem and brother of Jesus, was thrown down more than a hundred feet from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club. This was the same pinnacle where Satan had taken Jesus during the Temptation.

James the Greater, a son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the Church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem. The Roman soldier who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed about our Lord in present day Turkey. He was whipped to death for his preaching in Armenia.

Thomas was speared and died on one of his missionary trips to establish the Church in India.

Jude, another brother of Jesus, was killed with arrows after refusing to deny his faith in Christ.

Matthias, the Apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and beheaded.

Barnabas, one of the group of seventy disciples, was stoned to death at Salonica.

8. THE TOMB WAS EMPTY. There were many accusations and statements of denial of the resurrection, and all the Jewish leaders had to do to put down the story of a resurrected Christ, was to produce the body. Go to the tomb and get Jesus' body, but they could not. This would have stopped the message of the gospel, silenced the disciples and followers of Christ, and killed the basic foundation of Jesus as being the promised Christ, and Redeemer of mankind. There was no body in the empty tomb.

So with these eight concrete facts in mind, we can take a look into the theories existing today, giving the reason for the tomb being empty, by the so-called higher critics.

1. THE DISCIPLES TOOK THE BODY. This theory has to assume that all the disciples, and followers were liars. After the resurrection, over 500 people saw, touched and even ate with Jesus. After Pentecost, most of the followers and disciples were scattered around the world, and in these separate places, not one of them ever denounced such a plan.

A theory such as this, confirmed the fact that Jesus truly did die at the hands of the Romans and was buried. The mere fact of the many witness who saw, talked, ate, and heard Jesus message, following the crucifixion, destroys this theory. There would be no need to steal the body, as Jesus made himself known to them both in the resurrected and glorified body.

2. THE JEWS TOOK THE BODY. The Jewish leaders had much to defend, most of all their image and integrity, as well as their livelihood. The message going forth by the disciples, was that they have just taken the Messiah's life, and Jesus came out of that tomb alive. It seems that the quickest way to kill the resurrection story, would be for the Jewish leaders to simply produce the corps of Jesus. This would require Rome to give permission, to remove the stone, so that the Jewish leaders could see the crucified marks on the body of Christ. It was the Jewish leaders that demanded that the tomb be guarded and sealed by the Romans prior to Christ's resurrection.

3. THE ROMANS TOOK THE BODY. This theory has the Roman image at stake, as Rome was the one who hung Jesus on the cross, then verified and certified His death. It was Rome who saw to it that the body was in the tomb, when they released Jesus' body to Joseph, and placed it in the tomb. Palestine was an area of the Roman empire which had seen many revolts, and Jewish uprising over religious matters, and this hit the very heart of the Jewish faith.

The center of the Jewish thought was that the coming Messiah, the Redeemer of Israel would come as as their King. The Religious leaders of the time were teaching a form of the law that had been changed and added to, to make up a totally different form of teaching then Jesus taught. Jesus rejected the religious forms of their religious system, and He did not subject Himself under it. This is what the chief priests charged Him with, the serious crime of blasphemy.

If the Roman government did take the body, all they had to do to quiet the Jewish leaders was to produce the body. This would protect their image, and quiet the Jewish leaders. The gospel of Jesus Christ, a resurrected Redeemer was also in total conflict with all religious forms of the entire empire. This message of the gospel caused a decree that cost many lives to Christians for three centuries, until the conversion of Emperor Constantine in the fourth century.

If Rome could have produced the body, they would have, and the message of the gospel would have been stopped.

4. THE WOMEN REPORTING THE EMPTY TOMB [RESURRECTION] SIMPLY WENT TO THE WRONG TOMB. This theory starts out telling about the sorrow and grief the women were under, and tearful eyed, went to the wrong tomb. All the Jewish leaders had to do under this theory, was to take them to the right one.

That still doesn't explain the story of the angel reporting Jesus resurrection. Then Jesus visual sighting by over 500 people; His talking and eating with the disciples, or the many who witnessed Jesus ascension into heaven,

5. THE HALLUCINATING ON THE PART OF HIS FOLLOWERS. Here again, the resurrection message could be stopped by simply producing the body. This theory requires all followers to be of a certain mind-set, all at the same time. In reading the Bible we see that the disciples were actually in the opposite mind-set, which is required if they were hallucinating. So under this theory, instead of hallucination, you have a conspiracy.

This conspiracy would require a grave robbery, where those hallucinating could not be part in the robbery. If all the followers of Jesus are hallucinating at the same time, who then is robbing the grave. This question caused an extensive investigation of Christ's resurrection, which is covered in the book, "Who Moved the Stone", by Frank Morison (Zondervan books). The study showed Christ did rise form the dead, and the elements requiring this theory to take place could not have happened.

6. CHRIST RECESSITATED. This theory was promoted in the book, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail", by Michael Baigent, and promotes the idea that in the coolness of the tomb, Jesus was revived. The problem here is you don't revive a dead body.

The authors of this theory say Jesus practiced for His resuscitation on Lazarus, as told in the Gospel of John, and took advantage of the political and religious unrest in the area to pull off his plan.

When you see the certification of the Romans to verify Jesus death, and the preparation of the body, it is hard to give any value at all to this theory. The author of this theory tries to explain how Jesus escaped to Europe, married Mary Magdalene, and their offspring created a bloodline of Kings which have controlled Europe for many centuries.

A person sentenced to death by a Roman crucifixion simply can not plan such a death as this theory requires. The Roman soldiers make sure that the person is dead, and they use their spears to insure that it happened.

8. THE DISCIPLES TOLD THE TRUTH. The only two theories that could possible be correct are the last two. The disciples either lied, or they told the truth. The faith of all Christians in this world hinge on this point, the honesty of the resurrection report. If Jesus came out of that tomb, and ascended into heaven, He is God, and what He said was the truth. to evaluate the truth of the message, lets take a close look at the messengers, His disciples, and see if their lives lived up to their message.

There are several points to bring out here to show the honesty of the disciples. The men were changed for the better. Following the resurrection, and contact with their risen Lord, to the last disciple every one's life took a change, and they became firm in their beliefs and actions. The weak, sleepy-eyed Peter, who could not stay awake the night of Jesus betrayal, and denied Jesus three times, became strong as a rock, and the stable leader of the church.

James the brother of John became humble, and fully dedicated to the preaching of the gospel message, which according to Acts 12:1-3, cost him his life by the sword of King Herod.

Doubting Thomas, always in disbelief, and seeking proof; when told by the other disciples of seeing Jesus, was in total distrust. In John 20:20-28 is the story of Jesus asking Thomas to "reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side..." Jesus also said to Thomas, "reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands" [27] "And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God".

Thomas went on with the gospel to the most difficult missionary field in the world, to India, where he met his death at the hands of a Brahman's sword." As each disciple met his death, not one ever changed their story, or the message of the resurrected Savior. Even when just one word of denial could have saved the lives. Not one ever did. Even in the many corners of the world that they traveled, when what they said would never reach the ears of the other disciples; they held fast. That was the hope of their salvation, of reuniting with the Lord that they all observed ascending up into heaven.

The price that they paid in suffering and death had to be worth more than any riches on earth, and there is no lie or cover-up that could ever hold twelve men firm and bound to, without one man breaking, when it cost them all their lives.

Lies do not change people for the better. The problem with lies is that it is hard to remember, and stick to the same cover-up story. However the truth remains the same, and fresh in your mind. In viewing the gospels, we see a honest reporting of the message, with no hiding of the frailties of the disciples. Each writer tells the story as he sees it and together we have an accurate revelation as the Holy Spirit of God led them.

Of the eight possible theories, there is only one that could be fact, and that is the final one. The disciples told the truth, and Jesus did come out of that tomb just as the prophets of old prophesied. 

Jesus is the Christ and in Him is our only hope of salvation.

"Matthew Chapter 28"

"Resurrection; Events at Sepulcher, in the City.

So as we read at the close of Matthew 27, the body of Christ was taken from the cross and redeemed by Joseph of Arimathaea, the rich man who was a relative of Jesus, and prepared and placed in the sepulcher, or tomb. Joseph had the door of the tomb blocked with a very large stone, and the Temple leaders, the chief priests set guards over the rock, and placed a seal on the tomb.

Matthew 28:1 "In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalese and the other Mary to see the sepulchre."

This was not the high Sabbath, that occurred three days prior or on the Thursday; but the weekly Sabbath. This was the first day of the week, which begins at sundown, on Saturday evening at 6:00 P.M. This was the first day of the feast, following the "preparation day". In the Companion Bible, Appendix # 166 gives us the details of what happened moment by moment, so their can be no confusion to the facts, as much of what is accepted is merely tradition, and not totally correct.

Live Link to- The Sequence of Events Following the Lord's Resurrection.html

Matthew 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."

Keep in mind that the door did not need to be open for Christ to leave the tomb. When the angel of the Lord rolled the rock from the door, Christ had already risen.

Matthew 28:3 "His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:"

This is describing the countenance of the angel.

Matthew 28:4 "And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and become as dead men."

At the presence of the supernatural, and the brilliance of this angel, these guards, or keepers shook and passed out from fright. In our generation, there are very few people that have experienced anything like this.

Matthew 28:5 "And the angel answered and said unto the women, "Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, Which was crucified."

The angel did not scare the women, but the angel instructed the women that Jesus was not here.

Matthew 28:6 "He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay."

The seal that the chief priests had placed on the stone was broken, and the stone was rolled back, and this angel is sitting on the stone giving instruction to the woman. The women are told, "He is not here, He is already risen."

Jesus did not have to have the stone removed to depart from the tomb. This is why Jesus brought Peter, James and John up on the high mountain, as recorded in Matthew 17:1-7, to be three witnesses to the transformation of Jesus Christ's body, from the physical flesh body, into His transfigured body. "And was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light." [2]

While the disciples were watching Jesus and the other two men, Moses and Elias talking with Him, God Himself came and spoke to Peter, James and John, as it is recorded in Matthew 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."

This visual witness that these three disciples saw and heard, is addressed in Matthew 17:9;"And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, "Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead." They were to share what they saw with no one until after the resurrection. Then after the resurrection, it was to be spread through out the world, even to our generation so that we could understand how this coming forth out of the sealed tomb could come to pass.

As recorded in John 20, when Mary heard what had happened to Jesus, she ran and told Peter, and together they ran back in excitement to see the empty tomb. Then in verse [4] "So they ran both together and the other disciple did out run Peter, and came first to the Sepulchre." [5] "And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in."

Matthew 28:7 "And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you."

Christ Himself told them, being He is the Angel of the Lord.

Matthew 28:8 "And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word."

As these women ran in haste to tell the disciples, they had great reverence [fear] and joy.

Matthew 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."

As these women were running to give the good news to the disciples, Jesus met them again, and greeted them with "All hail", which in our English is like a friendly, "Good morning." The women saw Jesus and now they recognized Jesus, and they knew for a fact that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.

Some other accounts of this verse show where Mary Magdalene and the other women had a difficult time recognizing Jesus. How could this be? It is very difficult, when you are in the flesh body to recognize that the Messiah had a divine nature. That divine nature stated that Jesus would come forth from the tomb. Even though you can say that you believe, all the planning for the future of the person in the flesh is on the level of the flesh, rather then the divine nature of the supernatural.

It is also for this same reason that when the disciples first saw Jesus, they did not recognize Him, and asked for proof. Physically, though they walked and talked with Him over three years, and saw His miracles, and heard His teaching, yet the mind of the flesh would not allow them at first to accept the supernatural as fact, until they had proof. The disciples had the ability to see and touch for them selves the body of the crucified Christ, and those later, in the generations up to this end generation, must accept that which is written as fact, and that is what is called faith.

Our Savior is divine, and as the women fall down at Jesus feet, and worship Him, 

Jesus says to them:

Matthew 28:10 "Then said Jesus unto them, "Be not afaid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see Me."

Jesus is now in His transfigured body, the body that had conquered death, and notice now that Jesus is still calling His disciples "brethren". Jesus is showing His kinship to them, as their kinsman redeemer. Our Father's love for His children is the most precious thing that we have on this earth. That love of God is our hope, and salvation as we live in the flesh, and we have the assurance that we are never alone, He loves us, and His Spirit abides in us.

As each of us strive in the flesh body to follow Christ, we constantly find ourselves falling short; and when we do, there He is. Reaching down to us, and picking us up with His Spirit building our spirit up in support. When we sin we go to the Father in repentance, in Jesus name, for He paid the price for our forgiveness, and became the blood sacrifice for every person that will repent.

When you sin, that is not time for depression, but repentance for that sin. For when you are at your weakest, then you are at your strongest in Christ. Jesus paid the price so that you could be strong. He is not begging you to follow Him, for you have the choice of taking the blood of Jesus sacrifice, and through repentance have His blood be the covering to blot out all your sin; or you can refuse what Jesus is offering to you. Each of us must make the choice, and with this choice commit our soul either to eternal life, or to eternal death, as in to be no more.

God's love is committed to all those that come to Him in this flesh body, and He is the one that makes the change in you. John 3:16 says, "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." This is the root of Christianity, and what we must believe to have the hope of eternal life of our souls.

Every time we pray, we must pray in His name, and ask in "Jesus name". Jesus paid the price, and to approach the Heavenly Father you must believe in His Son, and when you ask in Jesus name it certifies from your heart that you believe in Jesus Christ, and that He died for you. My fellow Christian, when you do, then you are worth the price that was paid for your eternal soul. It is God's desire that you repent, but He will not beg you to do it; you must come on your own free will.

Lets continue:

Matthew 28:11 "Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done."

The "watch" are those guards that were placed at the tomb by the chief priest, Caiaphus, so that the disciples would not steal the body. These guards saw every thing that happened, and reported it all back to the chief priests. They told of the supernatural angel that came and rolled back the stone, and inside the body was gone. It was not there. When this was all happening we just passed out, as the angel sat there.

I can just see the anger and red come to Caiaphus' face, as these guards were muttering though their story of the events of the last day, and the resurrection.

Matthew 28:12 "And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,"

These soldiers were frightened, and ready to tell their story to whom ever would listen. Then when all the religious leaders, their Sanhedrin, and the elders of the people were come together, they are in counsel again. The last time they were in counsel was to drum up false charges, and bring on their false witnesses to crucify Jesus, who was attacking their traditions, and hitting hard their money bags.

The Kenite mind knows that money will buy the man that lives by the flesh heart, and the religious leaders were the Kenite offspring of the Nethinims [Kenites] that are spoken of in the books of Ezra, and Nehemiah. Though Judas' price was thirty pieces of silver, these men cost them a very great amount.

Matthew 28:13 "Saying, "Say ye, 'His disciples came by night, and stole Him away while we slept.' "

Keep in mind that this is the high priest, Caiaphus, and those religious sorts, telling these security guards what they have to say, as they probably signed their forms, and stuffed their pockets and bags with all of God's money from the offering plate, and temple treasury.

If you were to believe such a thing as this, where would your Christianity be today?

Matthew 28:14 "And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you."

Can't you see these grand-sons of Satan, as they plot their every detail, in the lies that are to be told.They are telling the guards that if it ever comes to the attention of the government and Pilate that you are telling these lies, then we will bale you out, and secure your freedom.

Are you starting to see how Satan, and His offspring work through Satan's work here? There was not much difference then as now.

Matthew 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."

Your mind should immediately go to Revelation 2:9: and you better understand this verse or you will come down on Judah, and the house of Judah with much hate. We are talking about the Kenites here, that claim to be Judah, and the Kenites to this day, like to make this claim, "His blood is on our hands." As they try to drag Judah in on their lies. The Kenite will say that "Jesus was a illegitimate child, however the men of true Judah will not say that. This is one of the ways of telling the difference. God's elect will know them by their words.

Revelation 2:9; "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty (but thou art rich), and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan," These that lie and are of the "synagogue of Satan" are Cain's children, the Kenites, in the Hebrew tongue. These people try to represent themselves as authority of God's Word, today and are called the higher critics.

You tell these types of higher critics today, those that have the mind of Cain by their list titles behind their names. When they speak, the authority is their mouth, and not the Word and Spirit of the Living God. They flaunt their degrees, and institutions that their learning came from. So they become the spokesmen and women for that institution. So if you don't know where the title came from, you really don't know what they stand for.

When this big mouth doctor walks up and spouts off, the lay person is to bow in humility before them and their wisdom, and then they spout out their blasphemy and traditions. These old boys simply do not like to be questioned of the garbage they spout, for their lies are suppose to become the truth by the mere fact that they uttered the words.

When you know God's Word, then these types of Satan's own stand out, and the elect of the last generation will not be deceived by them. It is time to study to know the entire plan of God, and be prepared for these blasphemers as they step to the pulpits, and speak out in the airwaves today. We are in the generation of the fig tree, and both the good and bad figs [Judah and the Kenites] have returned to establish the roots of that nation we call Israel today. The signs of the end times are here, and taking place rapidly.

It is time that we study to know those that are of Judah, and can tell the difference between them and the Kenites. 

The churches addressed in Revelation chapters two and three, are the types of churches that exist in the final generation. We know this because John was brought "in the spirit to the Lord's day," [Revelation 1:10] and he was writing what Jesus revealed to him how the churches would be on that day of His return.

Matthew 28:16 "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them."

Remember, Jesus had told them to go to Galilee before He went to the Cross.

Matthew 28:17 "And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted."

We know the story of Thomas, where He had to touch the scars of the spear wound, and see the nail prints of Jesus hands and feet.

Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth."

Can you comprehend this? Not some power, but all power. Can you grasp what this means, or should mean to the Christian? When you enter into Christ, and He enters into you, that power is within you. With this statement in your heart, there should be no fear in your heart. When you study God's Word, and come to understand His Word, you know the authority that God has placed within you. There should be no doubt whatsoever in you mind, or heart when you use that power in the fulfillment of God's plan.

Many today misuse this power, and think that the power of God is a tool that they can use for their own personal gratification. They think that merely because they have said something God must in turn be the one who simply grants wishes. God is not a tool to be used for your every earthly flesh desires, but the power of God will protect, and fulfill all necessary needs that are in the will of God.

God knows your needs, and He also as given the necessary power for you to live and carry out His plan for your life. That allotment varies with each person, it is based on the size of spiritual stick that your heart will allow you to pick up. That will be determined by your growth and faith in the Lord God. The promises that the Father has made, and Jesus when He walked on the earth and spoke through His disciples; when the power was given to Jesus, are ours to claim without any doubts, when we are in Christ.

Matthew 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:"

Remember the veil has been rent to the Holy of Holies, and the Gentile nations can now also come before the throne of God in repentance. We are to teach them the plan of God, from the Word of God, where by Jesus shed blood on the cross can cover their sins also, and they can become the sons of God. We are to tell them of the good news, that the Messiah came to earth as a baby, lived, and was crucified for the sins of many, and by repenting to the Father, in Jesus name, they also can have their souls become white as snow, and have eternal life.