Journeying to the Cross *Annual Cross Chronology*

Intro

Sunday (1st day of the week):

Jesus left Bethany where Mary, Martha & Lazarus lived...

He and His disciples would have walked by the Garden of Gethsemane as they headed toward Jerusalem...

I wonder if Jesus glanced over at the entrance of that Garden knowing what would befall Him there soon...

Jesus and the disciples, along with the great multitudes of people that followed behind and before, made their entry into Jerusalem...

Some would call it “Palm Sunday” as the people would lay palm branches down in the path Jesus would walk as they praised Him with their voices...

The Pharisees tried to correct Jesus for it and demand the people stop...

Jesus replied in Luke 19:40, “… I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”

Jesus will get His praise one way or another...

The Bible says that when Jesus was “...come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it.”

Time marker: The Bible tells us in Mark 11:11, that after viewing the city and going through the temple, Jesus and the 12 disciples left Jerusalem and went back to Bethany...

Mark 11:12… “On the morrow”

Monday (2nd day of the week):

Jesus and the 12 make their way back to Jerusalem...

The Bible says He was, “Hungry”...

Mark 11:13 KJV 1900

13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

Jesus found “nothing but leaves”...

Jesus said, “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever.”

Jesus would proceed to go into the temple which was created as a place of worship… (Mark 11:15-17)

Instead he found those who were making the place of worship to God a place of worship to self...

Jesus turned those tables over and cast out the sinful arrogance taking place inside of the place of worship...

The Bible says in Mark 11:18, that the scribes and chief priests heard what Jesus said and did in the temple, that they “sought how they might destroy him...”

Not because He was a thief, because He wasn’t...

Not because He was a murderer, because He wasn’t...

Not because He was an insurrectionist, because He wasn’t...

But because “all the people were astonished at his doctrine...”

Time marker: Mark 11:19-20 “And when even was come, he went out of the city.” “And in the morning, as they passed by...”

Tuesday (3rd day of the week):

They saw the fig tree dried up from the roots...

Peter pointed this out to Jesus and His response was, “Have faith in God.”

Jesus, once again, walks into the temple in Jerusalem

**Even in the worst week known to mankind, Jesus still was found in church daily...***

There Jesus would speak tot he chief priests, the scribes and the elders...

They would ask questions like, “By what authority doest these things?”

Keep in mind, Jesus is one day away from His crucifixion as He stares into the eyes of the ones who would plot and carry out His death...

Jesus and the 12 would then make their way to the Mount of Olives where Jesus would deliver the Olivette Discourse...

We find this is Matthew 24 and 25 as Jesus teaches the Disciples about when He returns as king...

It is now Tuesday evening...

The evening before the crucifixion...

Jesus met the 12 disciples in the upper room where they met for Passover and ate the lamb and dipped the bread in the dish...

All of the disciples and Jesus would dip in the same dish...

Here Jesus would speak of His betrayal that one of the men sitting in the room would betray Him...

They were “exceedingly sorrowful” and asked the question, “Lord, is it I?”

It was a supposed “friend” who dipped his bread in the dish...

They followed Jesus in taking of the Lord’s Supper...

Jesus washed the disciples feet...

They again would ask Jesus who would be the betrayer and Jesus responded, “He it is to whom I have given the sop when I dipped it.”

The Bible says Satan entered Judas “a second time”...

There Jesus uttered the fateful words, “That thou doest, do quickly.”

The Bible doesn’t record any event where the disciples attempted to stop or restrain Judas from leaving...

It doesn’t say there was any protest to his leaving that room of any kind...

But Judas left and Jesus and the remaining 11 disciples “sang a hymn”...

Jesus and the 11 left that upper room and began walking in the dark streets of Jerusalem in between the upper room and the Garden of Gethsemane...

· (John 14-17) – we see the teachings of Jesus. Things such as:

· “I will send you the comforter”

· “Peace I leave with you”

· “Let not your heart be troubled”

· “Love one another”

· “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

· “If they persecute me, they’ll persecute you”

· “A little while and you won’t see me”

· “A little while and you will see me”

· “I have finished the work that thou gavest me to do.”

They left Jerusalem and walked across the brook Cedron and to the mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane

Note: The Bible says in John 18:2

John 18:2 KJV 1900

2 And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples.

That Garden… was a place of familiarity for Jesus and and the disciples...

Is the garden of submission… the garden of suffering… the garden of supping with the Savior… Is that a place of familiarity for you?

· Jesus said, Sit here while I go pray yonder (He took with Him Peter, James and John a little further into the Garden to pray)

· He was Sorrowful, very heavy, sore amazed, and said “my soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death.”

· Jesus went “a stones cast” from them

· He fell down on His face and prayed “Father if it be possible, remove this cup from me.”

· But then spoke such words of submission to His Father, “Not my will, but thine be done.”

· They prayed for one hour

· Jesus returned to the three and they were sleeping.

· He asked, “Could you not watch with me one hour?”

· “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

· Jesus returned to prayer in agony once again…

· Again He says, “Thy will be done”

· He sweat great drops of blood to the ground

The medical terminology for this is called “Hematidrosis”...

It may occur in individuals suffering from extreme levels of physical and emotional stress...

The blood vessels around the sweat glands constrict under pressure...

The blood vessels dilate tot he point of rupture and it goes into the sweat glands...

· No doubt that blood ran to the ground and through His beard as He prayed in agony to His Father…

· Notice the Garden was a familiar place for spiritual battle to take place…

· It was in The Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve lost the battle with the adversary…

· But this time, once again in a Garden, Christ would not leave defeated, but a submitted Conqueror to His Father…

Romans 5:12“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

This… what would seem to us as an ordinary piece of real estate...

Suddenly takes on an air of solemn holiness as the Great Shepherd offers Himself as a sacrifice for His sheep!

Jesus returned to His disciples who were “sleeping for sorrow”...

He returned to prayer again and told them to “sleep on”...

Some time would pass and Jesus said, “Rise, let us be going. He is at hand that doth betray me.”

- No doubt the footsteps, clashing of the chains and sound of torches approached that garden entrance as

· Judas comes with the mob

· Jesus didn’t run, but went out to meet them

· Judas said “Hail, master, master.” He then Kissed him on the cheek with a kiss that would convey to the mob who it is they are to take…

Judas kissed the dried blood of Jesus that could’ve saved his soul...

Physical proximity to Jesus and the things of Jesus does not save you from hell...

Familiarity and knowledge of the blood of Jesus does not save you from hell...

But the application of that blood in faith...

· Jesus said “Friend, wherefore art thou come? Betrayest thou the son of man with a kiss?”

· Jesus asked who they sought, though knowing all the time…

· “Jesus of Nazareth” the mob replied

· Jesus said “I am” – and the soldiers fell down

· That’s because there is power in the name of Jesus…

· Jesus said “Let these go their way, I am who you want.”

· This is where Peter drew his sword and cut Malchus’ ear off

· Jesus rebuked Peter and said “Could not I call 12 legions of angels”

· Jesus looked in the eye of Malchus, the very one who was tying his hands and who would lead Him to certain excruciating death and healed him.

· Jesus asked, “Why do you come with sword and stave as a thief.” I was with you in the temple teaching you not long ago…

· Then the disciples, the very one’s who have given everything in this life to follow Jesus forsook him and fled

· Secretly in the middle of the night they asked Him what he spoke

· Jesus said He “spoke openly in the temple why are you asking me in the middle of the night”

· Annas left Jesus bound and took him to Caiphas

· No judges were present… the trial happened in night… there was no defense council… the charges were brought but none stuck… witnesses sought, but none would appear… false witnesses put forward… and false witnesses didn’t receive penalty of accused

· Everything about this botched trial was illegal. It was an illegal legal proceeding.

· Jesus refused to answer them

It is now Wednesday morning:

· Caiaphas regathered at first light – He forced Jesus to convict Himself with this question, “Are you the Christ the Son of God” – to which our Savior replied “I am.”

· Blasphemy!, death!, they rent their clothes, “We’re all witnesses. What more proof do we need?”

· They mocked him, they smote him, they spit in His face, blind-folded Him, and said “prophecy who hit you.”

· The entire thing was a mockery… from the betrayal by a close friend, to the mobs arrest, to the illegal trial during the night and now to the mockery of the beatings.

· Back in the Garden at Jesus’ arrest,

· Peter and John scattered.

· Peter and John got back together and followed Jesus afar off.

· Peter sat with the servants to see the end.

· Warming his hands at the fire

· The Door woman “Earnestly looked upon him.” And asked,  “Art thou not also one of his disciples? Thou was with Jesus of Galilee.”

· Peter denies

· Peter left the area and went into the porch

· The cock crew for the first time…

· Another said Peter was with Jesus

· Peter denied again, but this time with an oath and said, “Man, I am not!”

· Hour later, a relative of Malchus said Peter was there and his accent gives him away. Peter denied yet again with cursing and swearing.

· Cock crew for the second time, but not before Peter denied Christ 3 times as Jesus said…

· Jesus looked out the window and locked eyes with Peter in what must’ve been a heart-wrenching moment for Peter (Luke 22:60-62)

· He denied

· Then he denied with an oath

· Then he denied and added swearing and cursing to be convincing

· Peter went out and “wept bitterly.”

· Still Wednesday, council met to find a way to put Jesus to death which was “a multitude.”

· They Carried Jesus to Pilate’s judgement hall

· Pilate met them and asked “What accusation?”

· “Take him and judge him according to your law, why bother me.”

· “Its not legal to sentence and execute him.”

· They said He’s guilty of: perverting the nation, forbidding to pay taxes, claiming to be King

· Pilate faced Jesus (John 18) – asked Him if He claims to be King of the Jews, to which He replied, “I am”

· Pilate found no fault in Jesus and asked Him why He says nothing

· Jesus was silent

· Pilate marvels at Jesus’ silence

· Pilate Asked the angry crowd to release Jesus or Barabbas

· They asked to release that notable prisoner Barabbas and the fate for the perfect Savior of the world was…

· “Crucify him, crucify him!”

· Judas brought the 30 pieces of silver back to the chief priests and said “I have sinned” he threw down his silver, left and hung himself.

· The money bought the graveyard for strangers

· Herod arrayed Jesus with a “gorgeous robe” and mocked him

· Pilate’s wife came to Pilate and said “Have nothing to do with this just man. For I have suffered many things in a dream because of him.”

· Pilate said he would chastise Jesus and release the innocent prisoner

· In order to please the crowd, he Beat him and placed a crown of thorns on His head

· Pilate Brought Jesus back before the crowd… Bloodied, bruised and beaten

· Pilate said “Behold the man” “Haven’t I done enough.”

· Chief priest: “He claims to be the Son of God.”

· Pilate asks Jesus “Why are you silent, don’t you know what I can do to you?” Jesus said he can’t do anything but what His Father lets him do.

· “You’re not Caeser’s friend if you let him live.” Said the crowd to Pilate

· Pilate washed his hands and claimed to be innocent of the just person.

· Jews said, “Let his blood be upon us and our children.”

· Pilate says, “Behold your king.”

· “Away with him! We have no king but Caeser.”

· They placed a scarlet robe on Jesus, plated a crown of thorns on His head, put a reed in His right hand and bowed on their knees mocking Him saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

· They would spit on Him, took the reed and hit Him in the head no doubt driving the thorns deeper into His skull while that precious, perfect, saving blood ran down His brow…

· They Put his own clothes back on him

· Then they put that old rugged cross on his back and led him away

· Is. 52:14 “As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:”

· Simon of Cyrene was leaving town and they compelled him to bear His cross

· They walked the Road to Golgotha

· Two malefactors followed him to the cross

· 9 AM – third Jewish hour – arrived to Golgotha

· Soldiers offered him vinegar mingled with gall

· Jesus Refused to take

· 4 soldiers crucified Jesus by driving iron nails into Jesus’ wrists and feet

· Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

· Two thieves on either side, Jesus in the middle

· Soldiers casted lots for his garments

· It was written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin above Jesus’ head on the cross “This is Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”

· This Angered the chief priests and he wanted it revised saying, “He claims to be King of the Jews.” Pilate wouldn’t change it.

· Jesus hung in agony

· Some passed by railing, reviling him and wagging their heads

· “If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” They said

· “He saved others, but He can’t save Himself.”

· One of the thieves said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”

· Jesus replied, “Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise.”

· Mary, the mother of Jesus, was commended to John

· It is now Noon – middle of the day

· Noon – three darkness

· Father pours out His wrath on the soul of Jesus Christ (Is. 53)

· Jesus cries, “Eli, eli, lama sabachtani.” “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

· I don’t think the worst part of the sacrifice was the nails in His hand and feet, though that was excrutiating pain, I don’t think it was the inability to breath, though that was horrific. I don’t think it was the mockery, though that was humiliating, I don’t think it was the beating, though that was painful, I believe it was when God turned from Jesus. He had to because of our sins… He endured the separation from God that you and I deserved.

· Jesus said, “I thirst.”

· A man ran, took a sponge and vinegar from a vessel, on a reed. Put up to his mouth and gave him drink. He received this time.

· Jesus then Cried with what voice He had left saying, “It is finished!”

· “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” – He gave up the ghost

· Oh, but dear people, though he hung dead on a cross, this was not the end but the beginning…

· The vale of the temple rent, earth quaked, rocks rent, graves opened

· This Ended the age of law and ushered in the age of grace

· When they saw how he cried out to his father they feared and said “Surely, this man was the son of God.”

· They Went to break his legs to hasten death.

· Jesus was already dead.

· Roman soldier rammed his spear between his heart – out ran blood and water

· About 6 pm on Wednesday, Jesus was brought down from the cross

· Nicodemus and Joseph prepared the body, wrapped it in linen and placed it in Joseph’s tomb

· They rolled a great stone to close it and departed

· Chief priest and Pharisees obtained from Pilate: a watch of armed guard, a seal of authority to mark the stone not to be opened and a stone to prevent someone from stealing Jesus’ body and saying He rose again

· Great anguish was brought on the disciples as they watched their best friend and Savior be crucified…

· ****No doubt they were going back in their minds thinking through all the greatness they witnessed of Jesus and what He did for them****

· Peter remembering as Jesus reached out His hand to pick him up from sinking into the water

· The disciples remembering when they woke Jesus from His sleep so He could calm the storm for them

· Remembering as they watched Jesus use a young boys lunch and turn it into enough food to feed 5,000

· Remembering being at the side of Jesus as he healed, preached, taught, rose from the dead and much more

· Jesus laid entombed while he descended into the earth to carry our sins to hell, but not for long…