><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 26:30-56 -------------------------------- 1 How do these verses indicate the strength to do God's will that Christ found through His knowledge of Scripture? Consider how frequently during these last hours our Lord quoted the Old Testa- ment. What ought we to learn from this concerning the way to face the demands of Christ's service? 2 Wherein lay the particular agony to Jesus of the experience in the garden? Why did He shrink so much from the cross? Consider this section in the light of Heb. 5: 7-11; 10:4-10; I Pet. 2:24. 3 What does our Lord pinpoint as the reason for the disciples' failure in the garden? Consider in how many ways they did fail that night, and how relevant this is to our situation. Cf what Peter wrote in I Pet. 5:8,9. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2,3) Christ was obedient to God's will, though painful. This famous statement at Gethsemane, v42"My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." It touches me more now that I realize how terrible the thought of being separate from God was for Jesus. The Lord says that the men were willing in spirit, but weak in their bodies. How often I have found this to be true! It is really a strange phenomenon - the human body and how we become exhausted. The Lord's request seems odd to me. It just amplifies the fragility of human beings and our need for our Saviour the Lord Jesus to deliver us from our bodies of fleshly sin. Praise God that He did it on the cross! It is finished! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 26:30-56 Peter's Denial Foretold, 26:30-35 There is a major difference between Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal. Jesus told us that "---It would be better for him if he had not been born." 26:24. In fact, Peter's denial really helped him to be more alert later on in his life. In Verse 32, Jesus foretold them "--- after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee." This is a continuation of 26:31, meaning that even though the Shepherd would be struck and the sheep of the flock would be scattered. Don't be discouraged. I will gather you all together again in Galilee. Over there, I will authorize you to make disciples of all the nations, baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. 28:16-20. The Lord's Prayers in Gethsemane The first thing the Lord told them was "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." 26:41 "The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." I Peter 4:7. Lord, help me and give me strength and be watchful in prayers. The Lord's First Prayer 26:39 "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." The Second Prayer 26:42 "He went away a second time and prayed, 'My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." The Third Pray 26:44 "So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing." The first time the prayer was "may this cup be taken from me." The second time, He realized the fact that it is impossible for the cup be taken away. Then, He prayed for "your will be done." The third time is a conformation prayer for the second time. In Adam our portion was the cup of God's wrath. Revelation 14:10 "he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His (the Father's) wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb" This was the cup that Jesus was asking to be removed. It refers to submit to the father's will of His death on the cross. The Arrest 26:47-56 26:50 "But Jesus said to him, 'Friend, why have you come?' Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. John 1:11 "He came to His own, and His own (here is an example of His own disciple) did not receive Him." In this world, there are those who know the Lord and tasted the goodness of God. Yet, they draft away like Judas. "Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 21 -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 26:30-56 -------------------------------- 1) Christ, in His last moments on Earth relied heavily upon two things - prayer and the Word of God. These were the things He used to strengthen Him, and prepare Himself for the time of trial and persecution to come. We too need to arm ourselves and prepare for the persecution / trials in our lives. We need to approach God in prayer in line with His will. We need to be digging into the Whole Word, Old and New Testament to draw forth the strength we need to face the enemy. 2) Christ shrunk away from the cross because it was an undesirable thing. It's NOT something you'd wish upon your worst enemy. But being obedient to the Father's will, and also accepting His role, He not only complied, but willingly (open spirit) suffered. Had he not had the right mind of willingness, His sacrifice would have been cheapened. It was only by the innocent blood of the Lamb that the world would be saved. A sacrifice of Love. Had He obeyed out of only a religious devotion, it would have cheapened the act, but Christ willingly accepted His position. 3) The agony for Christ in the garden of Gethsemane was the disciples willingness of spirit, but weak flesh. The failure of the disciples when Christ needed them the most must have been truly disheartening, yet Christ knew this would happen before it did. We too many times lose heart in our Christian walk. It is easy to follow when the way is easy, but when the way becomes rough or hard, we all have the natural tendency to shirk away from the hard way and make a detour on the wide and easy road of sin. We need to remember that the construction on the hard way will end and we will be better off, riding on a smoother road to Glory afterwards. The Lord uses trials to build us, and mold us into the image He wants us to be. This is the chorus that describes our weakness of flesh, but desire of our spirit. May it encourage each one. Light the Fire -Verse 1- I stand to praise you, but I fall on my knees My spirit is willing, but my flesh is so weak -Chorus- So, light the fire In my soul Fan the flame Make me whole Lord you know Where I am So, light the fire in my heart again -Verse 2- I feel your arms around me, as the power of your healing begins Your spirit moves through me, like a mighty rushing wind -Repeat Chorus Twice- ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 26:57-75 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 The trials of Jesus and Peter were running concurrently, but with such different results. What was Peter's failure, and what was the reason for it? Do you see any difference between this and the failure ofJudas? 2 Verses 59-68. In what ways was the trial of Jesus unworthy of the name of justice? In contrast note the majesty of Jesus at this point. What would you consider the salient characteristics of His witness here? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 26:57-75 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Peter fell prey to fear. He disowned Jesus out of fear of being associated with Him and mistreated like Him. He was different from Judas, who betrayed Judas. (That would be worse, in my personal opinion) The trial of Jesus seemed to be decided before it began. They were determined to find Him guilty, to find some way. They even twisted His words. I think Jesus was a powerful witness in his faithfulness here. He did not need to say anything to disprove them. He was doing the will of His Father. He does admit to being the Christ and projects that He will be seated at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 26:57-75 Jesus Before the Sanhedrin, 57-68 This name comes from two Greek works: sun (together with), and hedra (a sitting place). It thus referred to council board sat in session. The Sanhedrin was the religious and legal Jewish Supreme Court. The council had seventy to seventy- two members and consisted of the high priest, who was president; the heads of the twenty-four priestly service divisions; the scribes and lawyers; the elders. These were the representatives of the laity. These were the Bible experts and scholars and they did not know God. What a ridiculous world we are living in! "---; In the future you will see the Son of Man siting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." 26:64. That is the day we are living for. Peter Disowns Jesus, 26:69-75 In verse 56 we are told that "Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled." In verse 33, Peter said "even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." Indeed, Peter denied the Lord three time. After all, he was still one of the best among them - While ALL THE DISCIPLES ---FLED, yet Peter and John were only fled within the sight distance to watch how Christ would give His life for all. Once again, Peter experienced that Jesus is the Son of living God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 26:57-75 -------------------------------- 1) This is Peter's lowest moment as a disciple. He turns his back completely on the Lord Jesus, the man He has given up everything in life to follow, and has been following for the past several years. Peter's failure was being ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Pride was probably at the root of the failure. He had overconfidence when the Lord told him that he would betray Him. Peter boldy proclaimed he would never forsake Christ, but did so just hours afterwards, not once, but 3 times. The difference between the failure of Peter and Judas was the heart for Christ. Judas' heart had been changed and was no longer serving the Lord. Peter, as we do, had been hit by circumstances which tested him severely, and as we many times do as well, Peter folded under the pressure. I think many times it makes him that much more easy to relate to as a human being rather than some Superchristian. 2) The trial of Jesus was a complete sham. If ever there were a conspiracy theory that could be published in the journals of time this was the greatest. It was a complete disregard for justice, and finally in the end the trumped up charges were forced through even at the objection of Pilate. The mob rule mentality finally prevailed and a completely innocent man was sentenced to death. This gross mistrial of justice was necessary, though blatantly obvious. In all of this misconduct of justice, Christ's witness remained true. He never did once denounce or give in to the people's demands that He rescind his position or deny Himself. May we too look to Christ's example when men question our faith and our position in Christ. May we stand strong and firm and trust Him to deliver us through the trials and tests to accomplish the glory of the Father. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 27:1-14 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What lessons concerning the inevitable judgment upon sin are to be found in the account of the death of Judas? Can you see any sense in which we may be tempted to act like Judas in our situation,or is he unique? 2 Consider the silence of Jesus in these last hours of His life. Cf Lk. 23 9. In the light of this, read I Pet. 2: 21-23 and note the lessons for our own life and witness. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 27:1-14 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) Judas was overwhelmed with guilt, "seized with remorse". Therefore, he tried to return the thirty silver coins to the chief priests - the bribe money to betray Jesus. I think that we are faced, some more than others, with temptations to love money or love Jesus all the time. I find Jesus's silence in these last times very powerful. (Isaiah 53:7), "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet HE DID NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth." He was obedient to the will of God, without murmurings or complaints. When we face much less difficult situations, do we complain? We should look at what our Lord did for us, and in what manner - subserviently. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 27:1-14 Jesus Is Taken Before Pilate, 27:1-2 Under the Roman Empire's control, the Jews had no power charge someone with the death penalty and they had to turn Jesus to Roman authority, Pilate the governor. The Jews convicted Jesus for being the Son of God and charged Him with blasphemy. The Roman governor's concern was "Are you the King of the Jews?" However, Jesus told him that His kingdom is not of this world, else His attendants would fight to save his life. The Death of Judas, 27:3-10 Judas was deeply regret of what he did and hanged himself. Judas did not think carefully about the potential consequences. His wickedness was punished with his body bursted open and all his intestines spilled out. Acts 1:18 May another take his place of leadership, Acts 1:20 -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 27:1-14 -------------------------------- 1) In Acts 1:18-20 we see the eventual end to sin. Sin leads to death. The sin of Judas was so great and convicting, that he felt it necessary to forfeit his life. I often wonder if when we get to heaven we will see Judas. His remorse seemed to be sincere at the end and yet he committed suicide and in Acts 1:20 his position as a disciple was taken away from him. We too are tempted to denounce Christ, in a less openly obvious way, but in our daily lives, when we face our coworkers, friends, and those we meet daily we are constantly given the challenge of being bold for Christ and being a witness to his death. Do we instead lead him to His death and not use the opportunity presented to us? Do we go so far as to turn Him over to the chief priests? May each one of us draw boldness to proclaim the name of Jesus from this example. 2) Jesus' silence is a testimony to His faithful obedience in carrying out the Father's will. Had He wanted to, He could easily have ended the trials by telling His accusers what they wanted to hear, or by confounding them. Instead He remained silent and was lead as a sheep to the slaughter. I Peter 2:21-23 says 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; May we too remember this when we are being persecuted for Christ's name sake and may we not revile or utter threats, but stand boldly for the name of our Saviour. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 27:15-31 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 In these verses the Jewish people made a fateful choice. Note especially verses 20 and 25. It was the choice of what kind of saviour they wanted (see Note below). What was the result of this choice in the life of the nation? 2 In how many ways did Pilate seek to avoid a decision about Christ? Cf Lk. 23: 7. Read again the question in verse 22. Is this not a question which I, too, must ask and answer? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 27:15-31 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) The people answered Pilate, "His blood be on us and on our children." This made them officially guilty of the blood of Jesus. Pilate tried his best to stay innocent. He gave the people a choice who to release. He even asked Jesus - don't you hear how many things they are saying against you? He consistently gave the people the choice of what to do with Jesus. Then he washed his hands publicly, and made an announcement to say that he was innocent of the blood of Jesus. I find it interesting how Pilate's wife was even feeling the pressure of the blood of Jesus. That is how powerful it was. She warned Pilate against being the one to have Jesus crucified, actually saying, "Have nothing to do with that just Man..." Even she knew He was innocent of the charges! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 27:15-31 Crucifixion Charged PRISONER RELEASING POWER, 27:15 The Roman Government reminded the Jews that they were in charge and in power over the death penalty. Each year they released a prisoner to celebrate the feast of Passover. Pontius Pilate was unjust in asking the question about "Whom do you want me to release to you?" 27:17, because Jesus was and is not a sinner at all. Finally, they released a notorious man, Barabbas. THE REAL REASON THAT JEWS WANTED TO KILL JESUS was because of envy, 27:18, it was not really because they had the zeal to love God. Even Pilate's wife consciously suffered in a dream for this just man's suffering, 27:19, and told her husband not to take the life of this innocent man. CRUCIFIXION, 27:26: The Jewish death penalty was by stoning, Lev. 20:2; Deut. 13:10. Crucifixion was a heathen practice, Ezra 6:11, adopted by the Romans for the execution of slaves and heinous criminals only. To crucify the Lord Jesus was not only a fulfillment of the Old Testament, Deut. 21:23, Gal. 3:13, but also of the Lord's own word concerning the mode of His death, Jn. 3:14; 8:28, which could not be fulfilled by stoning, John18:32. The Lord Jesus predicted he would be lifted up, 8:28. It was of God's sovereignty that not long before this time, the Roman Empire made the law that the criminals sentenced to death be crucified. It was by this kind of death that the Lord was executed. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 27:15-31 -------------------------------- 1) The people were really looking for their Messiah to be a king in the earthly sense. Jesus was not this type of king. His kingdom of heaven was not what they were looking for or expecting. In the end, their envy and jealousy of His popularity caused them to put Him on the cross. This choice left Christ's blood on the nation of Israel. 2) Pilate tried every out possible. First, he tried to dismiss the charges by asking what Jesus had done wrong. Next, he tried to release him at the feast of the governor, but the Jews would not allow him to do this. He finally after releasing Barabbas tries to get the people to ease up on Jesus too, but is unsuccessful. Lastly, he washes his hands due to his wife's dream. Each one of us must answer this question: What shall I do with Jesus? Each one of us is given this choice in life. When we are exposed to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must make a choice. That choice is to follow Jesus or to reject Him. If we follow, we must follow without turning back, and if we do not, we are siding with the Jewish mob yelling 'crucify Him'. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 27:32-50 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What were the real sufferings of Christ? In what way are physical, mental and spiritual sufferings here indicated? 2 What, if any, truth is there in the taunt of verses 41-43? Why did God not intervene? What is the meaning behind Christ's own sense of desertion in verse 46? Can you hold this truth with that contained in 2 Cor. 5: 19, 'God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself'? See also 2 Cor. 5: 21. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 27:32-50 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) The physical anguish Christ must have suffered in the crucifixion must have been very great. Some of the other gospel accounts describe the physical events more (e.g. John describes when the soldiers put the spear in His side and blood and water came out. Also to fulfill the prophecies, none of His bones were broken.) It is interesting how none of the disciples say that Jesus looked tired or bruised, etc., They just report facts; although, we can imagine what He must have looked like physically. Jesus had to die on the cross in order for us to receive salvation. There was no other way; that is why it was done. He was the sacrificial lamb without any blemish, bearing the world's sins. His cry, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" is one where we can really feel the terror for Him of being separated from God the Father. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 27:32-50 Crucifixion II Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. The Lord was crucified at the third hour, 9:00 AM (Mark 15:25). He was suffering on the cross for six hours. During the first three hours, Men persecuted Him for doing God's will. The conversations and actions occurred between 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon were recorded as the following, in Matthew: 27:40 - The passing by ones wagging their heads and said "---. If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!" 27:42-43 - The chief priests, scribes and elders also mocking Him: "He saved others; himself he cannot save! He is King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe on him. ---" 27:44 - The robbers reviled Him with the same thing. In Luke 23:39 and 40 tells us that even at His last hours He saved another soul, one of these two robbers. The Lord worked up to His death. In the last three hours, God judged Him to accomplishment our redemption. Darkness came over all the land because of our sin. The death of Jesus is the most important one in human history since sin was introduced into the world. This is the day the Lord had made that I am glad in it - It is the suffering of the Lord; yet it is my only hope for eternal life. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The real suffering that Christ went through was the spiritual separation from God the Father. For the 3 hours He could not be in communion with God the Father due to the fact that He had taken on humanity's sins. The physical and mental sufferings He faced from the crowds and the soldiers was nothing in comparison to this. 2) The sad truth about the tauntings of the Chrief priests and scribes was that Jesus actually could have saved Himself. The miracle is that He CHOSE NOT to. When presented with the option to die or not to die, most of us would do anything within our power to avoid death. In our frail human viewpoint we do not want to die. Even knowing that being with the Father awaits, we still want to hold onto this meager existence we call life. We normally will do anything / deny anything to hold on to this life. Jesus chose to forfeit His in order to save ours. That was the greatest miracle He performed. It is only through making Christ sin and having Him take on humanity's sins that the Father could reconcile us back into fellowship with Him. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 27:51-66 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1 What is the significance of the torn curtain of the Temple (verse 51)? Cf Heb. 9: 8; 10: 19-23. How are the manifestations recorded in verses 52, 53 linked with these truths? 2 What made Joseph of Arimathea (and Nicodemus, Jn. 19:39) Come out into the open at this late stage? Is it not at first sight strange that they should now publicly associate themselves with Christ? What, in the purposes of God, did such a burial demonstrate and make possible? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 27:51-66 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) The temple veil being torn represented a new, direct communication with God. Since Jesus finished the work on the cross, we are now able to approach God directly. There is no need to have a representative high priest, except Jesus Christ, who is our High Priest. Exodus 26:31 gives a wonderful, visual description: "And thou shalt make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made...and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy." We are now able to approach the most holy place. Jesus death on the cross tore down the veil!!! Hallelujah! These learned and wealthy men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, were also followers/admirers of Christ. Nicodemus seemed to be a "secret" admirer, Jn 19:39, "And there came also Nicodemus, what at the first came to Jesus by night..." Even they realized who Jesus was, and came to pay their honor to Him by taking care of His corpse. During Jesus lifetime, they were afraid to admit to being believers because of the opposition to Him and possibly because of the strong teachings He preached about riches. However, it says in II Tim 1:7, "FOR GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR; BUT OF POWER, AND OF LOVE, AND OF A SOUND MIND." We should not be like Nic. or Joseph because we have the Holy Spirit of God, which Jesus had not yet given to the disciples, but did later on as detailed in Acts 1. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 27:51-66 Effect of His Crucifixion, 27:51-54 The veil of the temple was torn in two and there was no more separation between man and God. Tombswere opened and many bodies of the saints were raised. They were resurrected to demonstrate that they were freed from the power of death. The ones who eye witnessed the events of earthquake, darkness and veil split confessed that "Truly this was God's Son." "To Care for His Needs" Matthew 27:55-56 These women followed Jesus from Galilee to minister Him at His death. It was a faithful act of these women. Verse 61 tells us who were they? Marythe Magdalen - from whom Jesus cast out seven demons; Marythe mother of James, Joses and Jesus; The mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Buried by A Rich Man - Joseph of Arimathea, A Disciple of Jesus, 27:57-66 The event recorded in Matt. 27:60 is a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9a. Then, the tomb was closed and sealed as secure as they could to prevent from opening up with heavy security guards for night watches. 28:12-13 This concluded the most important day of salvation. It is the day of reconciliation between man and God. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 27:51-66 -------------------------------- 1) The torn curtain in the temple represents the removal of the separation between the holy place and the holy of holies. The place where God's presence was. Now man and God would once again be reunited in fellowship. In 52,53 many of the 'sleeping' saints were ressurected into the body of Christ. The fact that it was torn from Top to bottom shows that it was done by God and not man.(Ryrie Study Bible see also Act 6:7b) 2) Joseph came out at this point since it was safe to do so. Nicodemus too would have avoided the notoriety that would have come with earlier admittance that he was a follower of Christ. The purpose of such a burial was to give a place for it to be noticed that Jesus would ressurect His earthly body. It was key that He be given a tomb and his body be given a known resting place so that 3 days later it could be ressurected and the soldiers / all would take notice. Without the witness of the Roman officials the body could easily have been mistakenly placed or ruled as having been taken off and hidden by the disciples, as the government would later claim happened. Given the situation though, the only possible explanation for the resurrected body would be the supernatural displacement of it. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Matthew) CHAPTER 28:1-20 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) Note the foremost place taken by women disciples in the story of the resurrection appearances. Why should this be(cf Jn 14:21)? Contrast the effect of the news of the resurrection on the disciples with the response of Christ's enemies recorded in verses 11-15. How does this prove the truth of LUke 16:30,31? 2) Verses 18-20. Note the fourfold repetition of the word 'all' in Christ's final commission. What is the threefold task given to the Christian church? Are we obeying, as we ought to do, in the light of a) Christ's authority, and b) the promise of His presence? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Matthew) Chapter 28:1-20 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- 1,2) The role of women has always been a controversial issue. Personally, I am glad that the Bible takes the view of Gal. 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is NEITHER MALE NOR FEMALE: FOR YE ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS." Also, in Jn 14:21, it talks about how those who keep the Lord's commands are the ones that love Him and they will be loved by God as well, and He will manifest Himself to them. This is clearly seen in the fact that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were the first ones to see Jesus. In 27:56, we can see Mary was one of the women who really loved Jesus dearly, and watched the crucifixion. It was a special privilege to see Jesus first. The commission given to the Christian church is to Go, to teach, and to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. It also says to"teach them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you." He is with us always, even unto the END OF THE WORLD. Amen. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Matthew 28 Long live the King Good Thursday or Good Friday ? Matt. 12:40 "for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" Was Jesus died on Thursday or Friday? You figure it out. Descended and Ascended Ephesians 4;9-10: "(Now this, 'He ascended' - what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)" Acts 2:25-33 "For David says concerning Him: 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, -----. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of joy in Your presence.' -------. --- according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 'He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, not did His flesh see corruption. ------." These coded Scriptures give us the understanding that Jesus went to Hades for us first before His resurrection. Scriptures recorded His suffering on the cross and gave us the understanding of the highest degree of pain He experienced with blood separated from water. However, there is no mention of the suffering in Hades, that is Hell, of the penalty Jesus paid for our sins. The Lord's Day Matthew 28:1 "--- the first day of the week --." That is The Lord's Day in Revelation 1:10. That is also clearly indicated as the Day of Resurrection. Baptism 28:19 "Go therefore ----baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Here, baptism has two aspects: water and Holy Spirit. Water signifies the death of Christ with His burial after crucifixion. Then, the Lord entered into the realm of resurrection, and become the life-giving Spirit. In Spirit, He enters into each believer in the name of Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit through baptism. He is with His people continually, in Spirit, until He comes back at the end of this age. Amen. The significance of baptism is unfolded in this chapter. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Because of their love for the Lord Jesus, God chose to disclose Himself to the women disciples and they were among the first to report of Jesus' resurrection. The enemies of Christ conspired a story and tried to form yet another cover up plot that the disciples had stolen the body. The cover up and the conspiracy against Christ would continue even after His death and resurrection. The chosen disciples of Jesus went to Galiliee and met Christ. They received His final commission to them. 2) The final commission and perhaps the greatest. v19 is such a familiar passage and often referred to as the Great Commission. It is Christ's last commands to the disciples. The church/disciples were to Go, disciple, and baptize. This indicates levels of commitment to the lost. First, to reach ALL the lost. Christ says to go into ALL the nations. His scope is worldwide, to both Jew and Gentile. Secondly, we are to disciple. This means that we don't just look for the easy conversion but look to make followers of Christ out of these converts. We need to remember that it is not enough for someone to make a profession of faith without the change in their lifestyle and way of life. We need to seek to increase the number of sold out 100% disciple/follower's of Christ. Lastly, Christ told us to baptize. This would indicate that He wanted all those that were following Him to be working through the influx of the Holy Spirit. To be receiving the full power of the Spirit to in turn go out and follow the same command that He just issued and was carried out here in v19. The Corporate Church seems to be doing alright at the GO part, but are we truly fulfilling Christ's second and third comissions fully? I believe we can do a better job of both. May the Lord give us strength to fulfill His Great Commission to the fullest.