General Last Days of Jesus - James Tabor

[Lori Jane]

What follows is a great series on the last days of Jesus unlike what many of us have probably been taught over our Christian lives. I find it very credible.

Here is a link to a related article on James Tabor's website

Last Days of Jesus: Digging Deeply into the Sources

Once again “Holy Week” has arrived. Today is Palm Sunday, with Easter one week away. It is also the first day of Passover–or more properly speaking, the “days of unleavened …

jamestabor.com

Clip source: Last Days of Jesus Pt 1-A Temple Takeover Recon - YouTube

Summary​

• The crowd was ecstatic, shouting messianic praises and laying down garments and branches, demonstrating their belief in Jesus as a king and savior, which transformed the atmosphere into one of hopeful anticipation.
• The journey was a crucial moment leading up to Passover, highlighting the growing support for Jesus, the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, and setting the stage for the events of Holy Week.

Last Days of Jesus Pt 1-A Temple Takeover Recon​

The Journey to Jerusalem 00:00​

"In mid-March of 30 AD, Jesus and his entourage headed south down the Jordan River Valley to Jerusalem."

• In March 30 AD, Jesus and his followers embarked on a three-day journey to Jerusalem, coinciding with the upcoming Passover festival in early April.
• The group camped along the way, reflecting the diverse composition of the pilgrims, which included Galileans, sympathizers from Judea, and women of means supporting the movement.

The Gathering in Jericho 01:22​

"As the group entered Jericho, a huge crowd gathered and a blind man began to cry out, 'Jesus of Nazareth, son of David, have mercy on me.'"

• Upon reaching Jericho, they encountered a significant crowd, where a blind man sought Jesus's help.
• This moment was pivotal as it marked a shift in Jesus's public ministry; he allowed the acknowledgment of his royal status, responding to the blind man's faith by healing him, which drew ecstatic reactions from the crowd.

The Entry into Jerusalem 02:26​

"Jesus halted the procession... telling them to find a donkey's colt and bring it to him."

• As Jesus and his followers ascended to Jerusalem, he arranged for a donkey’s colt to fulfill prophetic scripture regarding his entry, specifically referencing the prophecy of Zechariah about the king coming in humility.
• The crowd's excitement manifested as they laid garments and branches on the ground to honor him, openly declaring messianic hymns, which indicated a desire for liberation inspired by the Davidic lineage.

The Purpose of the Entry 04:10​

"His purpose was not to lead a mob in revolt but to fulfill certain specific biblical prophecies."

• Jesus's entry was deliberate; rather than inciting rebellion, it was aimed at fulfilling biblical prophecies concerning the Messiah.
• After addressing the crowd, Jesus returned to Bethany with his close circle of disciples, staying with Mary and Martha, emphasizing his connection to his followers and the prophetic mission he was undertaking.

 

[Lori Jane]

Last Days of Jesus Pt 2--What Got Him Killed?


Summary

• Jesus's actions were a prophetic protest against the temple's corrupt practices, signaling a desire for reform rather than confrontation. His quotations from the prophets emphasized that the temple should be a space of genuine worship rather than a marketplace.
• Money changers facilitated the conversion of various coins into accepted temple currency, making it easier for worshippers to make offerings and purchase sacrificial animals, which alleviated logistical issues during significant religious events like Passover.

Last Days of Jesus Pt 2--What Got Him Killed?​

Jesus Enters the Temple 00:00​

"Jesus entered the temple, and on the south side was an area where the money changers operated and where animals that were ritually acceptable for sacrifice were sold."

• On a Monday morning, Jesus and a select group of followers approached the temple after descending from the Mount of Olives.
• The temple area included a section specifically designated for money changers and vendors selling sacrificial animals, activities that were deemed normal from a Jewish perspective.

The Role of Money Changers 00:22​

"The popular idea that Jesus objected to money changing in the temple is incorrect."

• Contrary to common belief, Jesus was not against money changing, as it served a practical purpose.
• Worshippers from various regions brought different types of coins, and having a standardized system for conversion was essential for offering.
• Additionally, purchasing sacrificial animals on-site, especially during high-demand times such as Passover, alleviated the burden of transporting livestock from distant locations.

Economic Dynamics of the Temple 01:52​

"The profit from these activities was enormous."

• During Passover, the temple enhanced its money-changing operations, generating significant profits that supported the affluent Sadducee priests overseeing the temple.
• These priests lived comfortably in the Jewish quarter near the temple and maintained close ties with Roman authorities, highlighting the intertwining of religious and political power in Jerusalem's economy.

Jesus's Symbolic Protest 02:51​

"Jesus's actions that day were not intended to spark a revolution but to signal the imminent overthrow of the corrupt temple system."

• Jesus's actions during his visit were not merely a disruption but rather a prophetic statement against the corruption within the temple practices.
• He began overturning the money changers' tables and quoted passages from the prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah, which underlined his intention to cleanse the temple.

The Reaction of Temple Authorities 04:28​

"The priestly leadership heard about the ruckus... they feared the people."

• The commotion caused by Jesus's actions drew attention from the temple authorities, who were already seeking to arrest him.
• However, they were wary of the crowd's support for Jesus, knowing that any drastic measures could provoke unrest, given the historical context of Roman interactions with the Jewish populace.

Continuing Confrontations 05:29​

"Jesus spent the entire day verbally sparring with various segments of the temple establishment."

• The day following Jesus's radical actions in the temple, he returned with his disciples to publicly engage with the temple leadership, leading to debates on significant issues like taxation and the greatest commandments, showcasing the tension between him and the religious authorities.
• Jesus articulated profound insights about love and spirituality that resonated with the crowd, leading to escalating tensions as temple officials contemplated their next steps against him.

 

[Lori Jane]

Last Days of Jesus--Pt 3 The King is Dead!

Summary​

• The Gospel of John emphasizes an ordinary Jewish meal and the act of washing the disciples' feet, while Paul's interpretation introduces the symbolic significance of bread and wine representing Jesus's body and blood, a concept not mentioned in John's account but later reflected in Mark, Matthew, and Luke.
• Jesus instructed two of his disciples to prepare a guest room in Jerusalem, where he intended to gather for the Passover meal, which is traditionally believed to have taken place on Thursday but is actually delineated as occurring on Wednesday night.
• Recent archaeological findings, such as a mansion believed to belong to Annas and a family tomb for Caiaphas, provide tangible context to the events surrounding Jesus' trial, suggesting a level of historical accuracy and depth to the narrative presented in the Gospels.
• The trial of Jesus was deeply intertwined with the political landscape of the time. The high priesthood held significant influence under Roman rule, with figures like Annas and Caiaphas managing both religious and economic systems tied to the temple, making Jesus' challenge to their authority politically charged.
• Jewish law required that bodies hung on a tree be buried the same day they were crucified, contrasting with Roman practices that often left corpses to decompose on crosses. This led to prompt burial when circumstances allowed.
• The Romans commonly nailed victims through the forearms and heelbones, as these methods minimized blood loss and allowed the body to be supported effectively.

Last Days of Jesus--Pt 3 The King is Dead!​

The Last Supper and Misconceptions about Timeline 00:00​

"Jesus's last meal occurred on Wednesday night, not Thursday, and was closely tied to the Passover."

• Jesus began to make arrangements for Passover on Wednesday by sending two of his disciples to prepare a guest room in Jerusalem. Traditionally, this gathering is linked to the Last Supper, which many believe took place on Thursday evening. However, historical analysis indicates that this meal actually occurred on Wednesday night, with Jesus being crucified the following Thursday.
• The misunderstanding regarding the timeline arose from the gospels’ emphasis on a rapid burial before sunset due to the upcoming Sabbath. Many assumed the Sabbath referenced was Saturday, leading to the belief that his crucifixion happened on Friday.
• The importance of Passover as a Sabbath is clarified, highlighting that in 30 AD, the actual date of Jesus's crucifixion—Friday, the 15th of Nissan—coincided with a Sabbath, meaning two Sabbaths occurred back-to-back on Friday and Saturday.
• Matthew’s account supports this timing, as it mentions women visiting the tomb early on Sunday, implying that the timeline aligns with the events accurately.

Insights from the Gospels Regarding the Last Meal 04:25​

"Paul’s account of the Last Supper adds unique elements that differ from the traditional gospel narratives."

• Paul provides the earliest account of the Last Supper, claiming he received a tradition from Jesus regarding the bread and wine, stating that the bread represents Jesus's body, and the wine symbolizes his blood. This version of the Last Supper is foundational to Christian practice but deviates from Jewish customs regarding meals.
• In contrast, the Gospel of John presents a more conventional Jewish meal without references to Paul’s symbolic language of body and blood. In John’s narrative, Jesus washes his disciples' feet and speaks about his impending betrayal without invoking the sacramental elements that later became central to Christian belief.
• The similarities between Mark's gospel and Paul’s teachings suggest that Mark may have incorporated Paul’s ideas into his account of the Last Supper, which influenced both Matthew and Luke in their narratives as well.

The Dedicay and Its Significance 08:01​

"The Dedicay reveals early Christian traditions devoid of Paul’s symbolic interpretations of the Last Supper."

• An independent source known as the Dedicay, dating to the early 2nd century, emerges as a critical text that provides insight into early Christian Eucharistic practices without the elements of bread representing flesh or wine representing blood.
• This text, intended as an instructional manual for Christian baptism candidates, includesethical instructions and sections on the Eucharist, further indicating that the specific language of consuming body and blood may have developed over time rather than being part of Jesus's original teachings.
• The lack of mention of these symbolic elements in the Dedicay raises questions about the origins of Paul’s traditions, suggesting a divergence from the early Jewish customs existing within the Christian community at the time.

The Arrest and Gethsemane 08:56​

"The arrest of Jesus in Gethsemane marked a pivotal moment, with significant tensions between Roman and Jewish authorities."

• After the Last Supper, Jesus led his disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he faced intense emotional distress as he prayed for strength. Despite urging his disciples to stay awake and pray with him, they succumbed to fatigue.
• The arrest that follows involves a significant number of armed forces, including Roman soldiers and Jewish temple police, which reflects heightened tensions between Roman authority and Jewish leadership under Pontius Pilate's governance.
• The Gospel accounts depict a resistance from one of Jesus’s disciples, who cuts off a servant's ear during the arrest. However, Jesus resolved not to fight back, understanding his arrest as part of a divine plan. The resulting chaos led to his disciples fleeing as he was taken away, signifying a crucial turning point in the narrative of Jesus's impending crucifixion.

The Political Dynamics of Jesus' Trial 11:23​

"Jesus was first taken to a private house in the middle of the night, likely belonging to the high priest Annas."

• The high priesthood was a politically charged position under Roman rule, and while Caiaphas officially held the title in 30 AD, it was his father-in-law Annas who maintained significant power behind the scenes.
• Annas's family was wealthy and influential, controlling all trade associated with temple services, leading to widespread resentment among the people.
• By disrupting temple trade, Jesus threatened the very heart of Annas's operations, which was a direct challenge to their power.

The Clandestine Nature of the Trial 13:39​

"The clandestine and illegal nature of this trial is indicated by the time as well as the place chosen for the proceedings."

• Unlike formal Sanhedrin meetings, which occurred during the day, Jesus was tried late at night in a private house, breaching legal procedures.
• The goal was to create a record of Jesus' alleged sedition to report to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor.
• Jesus remained silent throughout most of the questioning, only affirming his role as the Messiah when directly asked, which led the gathered accusers to condemn him violently.

Archaeological Discoveries Related to the Trial 14:52​

"Two recent archaeological discoveries have shed new light on this phase of the trial of Jesus."

• Excavations have revealed a palatial mansion that may have belonged to Annas, providing context for the trial's location and proceedings.
• A burial cave discovered in 1990, believed to be the family tomb of Caiaphas, included an inscription identifying a bone box as belonging to Caiaphas, linking the historical figure to the events of the trial.

Pilate and the Charges Against Jesus 16:32​

"Jesus was bound and taken under guard by his accusers to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate."

• Pilate was a Roman governor known for his harsh treatment of Jewish subjects and had the authority to execute prisoners.
• The charges brought against Jesus were of a political nature—namely, that he posed a threat to the nation and claimed kingship—each sufficient for a death sentence under Roman law.
• Despite finding Jesus innocent according to the Gospels, Pilate succumbed to public pressure from the Jewish leaders demanding crucifixion.

Jesus' Sentencing and Crucifixion 20:26​

"Pilate ordered a placard written in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew that read 'This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.'"

• The Romans crucified Jesus primarily for sedition, framing him as a false king, which was a significant crime under Roman rule.
• As a mockery of his kingship, soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus and ridiculed him.
• Jesus, alongside two others accused of insurrection, was led to Golgotha, a site designated for public executions, reinforcing the humiliation and severity of his punishment.

Roman Crucifixion Practices 22:23​

"Josephus described crucifixion as the most wretched of deaths; anyone growing up in first-century Roman Palestine knew the horror of this form of terror by direct experience and observation."

• Roman crucifixion was a brutal and public form of execution, described by the historian Josephus as possibly the most horrific way to die. Victims were often left hanging on crosses for days, making their suffering a common sight in Jewish society.
• During the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, Josephus reported that the frequency of crucifixions reached an alarming rate of 500 a day, leading to a situation where there was a shortage of wood as all the trees in the area were cut down for this purpose.

Insights from Archaeological Discoveries 23:11​

"The skeletal remains of a Jewish male victim were discovered in a tomb just north of Jerusalem, offering an amazing glimpse into the details involved in Roman crucifixion."

• The discovery of the remains of a man named Yhokanan provided significant insights into the actual methods of crucifixion practiced by the Romans in first-century Jerusalem. This archaeological find revealed that nails were typically driven through the forearms rather than the hands to support the weight of the body effectively.
• The feet were nailed through the heelbone, and this method minimized excessive bleeding, which would have allowed victims to last longer on the cross. The nail found in Yhokanan's heelbone remained intact as he was removed from the cross.

The Agonizing Process of Death by Crucifixion 24:35​

"Death by crucifixion was a slow process; it could take as long as two or three days, with death resulting from a combination of shock, exhaustion, dehydration, loss of blood, and suffocation."

• Victims were stripped naked and exposed to harsh sunlight, which compounded their suffering. The physical pain was exacerbated by exhaustion, muscle cramps, and dehydration.
• Various techniques were employed to prolong suffering, such as supporting the body with a sedicula (a piece of wood), making it increasingly difficult for the victim to breathe. If necessary, the Romans could hasten death by breaking the legs of the victim, leading to asphyxiation.

Jewish Rituals Following Crucifixion 25:30​

"The Jews had a law requiring those hung on a tree to be buried the same day as they were crucified."

• While the Romans typically left bodies on crosses to rot, Jewish law mandated that those who were executed must be buried the same day. This practice led to prompt burials when circumstances allowed.
• Yhokanan's legs were likely broken to expedite his death, which complied with Jewish burial customs. This urgency contrasts sharply with the general Roman practice regarding crucified bodies.

The Final Hours of Jesus 25:53​

"Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloy, Eloy, Lama Sabakthani,' and at that point, he bowed his head and breathed his last."

• As Jesus neared death, he expressed his feelings of abandonment through a cry in Aramaic, quoting Psalm 22. This profound moment signifies his deep emotional turmoil amid his crucifixion.
• Following this event, the Roman authorities sought to hasten the deaths of the crucified victims to avoid leaving them on the crosses during the forthcoming Sabbath, which prompted them to break the legs of the victims.

 

[Walter And Debbie]

What follows is a great series on the last days of Jesus unlike what many of us have probably been taught over our Christian lives. I find it very credible.

Here is a link to a related article on James Tabor's website

Last Days of Jesus: Digging Deeply into the Sources

Once again “Holy Week” has arrived. Today is Palm Sunday, with Easter one week away. It is also the first day of Passover–or more properly speaking, the “days of unleavened …

jamestabor.com

Clip source: Last Days of Jesus Pt 1-A Temple Takeover Recon - YouTube

Summary​

• The crowd was ecstatic, shouting messianic praises and laying down garments and branches, demonstrating their belief in Jesus as a king and savior, which transformed the atmosphere into one of hopeful anticipation.
• The journey was a crucial moment leading up to Passover, highlighting the growing support for Jesus, the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, and setting the stage for the events of Holy Week.

Last Days of Jesus Pt 1-A Temple Takeover Recon​

The Journey to Jerusalem 00:00​

• In March 30 AD, Jesus and his followers embarked on a three-day journey to Jerusalem, coinciding with the upcoming Passover festival in early April.
• The group camped along the way, reflecting the diverse composition of the pilgrims, which included Galileans, sympathizers from Judea, and women of means supporting the movement.

The Gathering in Jericho 01:22​

• Upon reaching Jericho, they encountered a significant crowd, where a blind man sought Jesus's help.
• This moment was pivotal as it marked a shift in Jesus's public ministry; he allowed the acknowledgment of his royal status, responding to the blind man's faith by healing him, which drew ecstatic reactions from the crowd.

The Entry into Jerusalem 02:26​

• As Jesus and his followers ascended to Jerusalem, he arranged for a donkey’s colt to fulfill prophetic scripture regarding his entry, specifically referencing the prophecy of Zechariah about the king coming in humility.
• The crowd's excitement manifested as they laid garments and branches on the ground to honor him, openly declaring messianic hymns, which indicated a desire for liberation inspired by the Davidic lineage.

The Purpose of the Entry 04:10​

• Jesus's entry was deliberate; rather than inciting rebellion, it was aimed at fulfilling biblical prophecies concerning the Messiah.
• After addressing the crowd, Jesus returned to Bethany with his close circle of disciples, staying with Mary and Martha, emphasizing his connection to his followers and the prophetic mission he was undertaking.

Lauri, Thank You, Sister,

Love, Walter

 

[Walter And Debbie]

Sunday 4-13-25 1st. Day Of The Weekly Cycle, Abib/Nisan 14 5785, 25th. Day of Spring

A New Look at

A Profound New Look at Jesus’ LAST WEEK

Love, Walter And Debbie

 

[LeeB]

There were indeed two Sabbaths that week but they were not back to back. On Wednesday was the Passover, the day of the crucifixion, and Jesus died near to sunset that day. Joseph of Arimathea begged the body from Pilate, Joseph had to hurry to bury Christ as a Jewish custom was to bury before the sun set. All this occurred on Passover, a Wednesday . The very next day, Thursday, was an annual Sabbath, the first day of unleavened bread and this was the day that the Jews did not want the bodies of the three who were crucified to be on the crosses on this annual “high day”. John 19:31 The Passover is not a Sabbath, the 14th of Nisan but the 15th was and this was the day that the Jews did not want the bodies on the crosses. Passover was the preparation day for the 15th, the first day of unleavened bread. Leviticus 23:6 this was the “high day” mentioned by John 19:31 Therefore, Jesus was put in the tomb just before the Passover ended and the first day of unleavened bread began. Thursday was the annual Sabbath of the first day of unleavened bread that ended at sunset. The next day, Friday, was the preparation day for the weekly Sabbath and this is when the women bought and prepared the spices. Mark 16:1 Luke 23:55,56 The women knew where the body of Jesus was. On this Friday they could buy spices and prepare them but not on the next day, Saturday the weekly Sabbath. They rested on the weekly Sabbath according to the 4th commandment. So then, from sunset Wednesday to sunset Thursday is one day; from sunset Thursday to sunset Friday was two days the from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday is three days . This fulfilled the words of Jesus, Matthew 12:40 Being in the tomb shortly before sunset on the Passover until late on the weekly Sabbath, exactly three days and three nights Jesus was raised from the dead. We read in Matthew 28:1KJV THE SABBATH WAS NOT YET OVER WHEN THE WOMEN CAME TO THE TOMB AND JESUS WAS NOT THERE. Late on the Weekly Sabbath Jesus walked out of the tomb before the women arrived. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the weekly Sabbath before the Sabbath was over. Many modern translators have it after the Sabbath to support a Sunday morning sunrise resurrection which I have shown here is incorrect. Remember the day in this time was from sunset to sunset not sunrise to sunrise or midnight to midnight . The word “dawn” does not mean the rising of the sun in scripture but the beginning of or the dawn of a new day. Like the dawn of a new era or age. If you have a good understanding of the ancient Hebrew holidays you can know when Christ was crucified, resurrected, ascended and sent the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to fulfill all the symbolism of these ancient Hebrew days on the exact day they occurred. HE DID.

 

[Walter And Debbie]

There were indeed two Sabbaths that week but they were not back to back. On Wednesday was the Passover, the day of the crucifixion, and Jesus died near to sunset that day. Joseph of Arimathea begged the body from Pilate, Joseph had to hurry to bury Christ as a Jewish custom was to bury before the sun set. All this occurred on Passover, a Wednesday . The very next day, Thursday, was an annual Sabbath, the first day of unleavened bread and this was the day that the Jews did not want the bodies of the three who were crucified to be on the crosses on this annual “high day”. John 19:31 The Passover is not a Sabbath, the 14th of Nisan but the 15th was and this was the day that the Jews did not want the bodies on the crosses. Passover was the preparation day for the 15th, the first day of unleavened bread. Leviticus 23:6 this was the “high day” mentioned by John 19:31 Therefore, Jesus was put in the tomb just before the Passover ended and the first day of unleavened bread began. Thursday was the annual Sabbath of the first day of unleavened bread that ended at sunset. The next day, Friday, was the preparation day for the weekly Sabbath and this is when the women bought and prepared the spices. Mark 16:1 Luke 23:55,56 The women knew where the body of Jesus was. On this Friday they could buy spices and prepare them but not on the next day, Saturday the weekly Sabbath. They rested on the weekly Sabbath according to the 4th commandment. So then, from sunset Wednesday to sunset Thursday is one day; from sunset Thursday to sunset Friday was two days the from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday is three days . This fulfilled the words of Jesus, Matthew 12:40 Being in the tomb shortly before sunset on the Passover until late on the weekly Sabbath, exactly three days and three nights Jesus was raised from the dead. We read in Matthew 28:1KJV THE SABBATH WAS NOT YET OVER WHEN THE WOMEN CAME TO THE TOMB AND JESUS WAS NOT THERE. Late on the Weekly Sabbath Jesus walked out of the tomb before the women arrived. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead on the weekly Sabbath before the Sabbath was over. Many modern translators have it after the Sabbath to support a Sunday morning sunrise resurrection which I have shown here is incorrect. Remember the day in this time was from sunset to sunset not sunrise to sunrise or midnight to midnight . The word “dawn” does not mean the rising of the sun in scripture but the beginning of or the dawn of a new day. Like the dawn of a new era or age. If you have a good understanding of the ancient Hebrew holidays you can know when Christ was crucified, resurrected, ascended and sent the Holy Spirit. Jesus had to fulfill all the symbolism of these ancient Hebrew days on the exact day they occurred. HE DID.

Thank you, LeeB. Love, Walter

 

[LeeB]

You see Walter, we have some things in common.

 

[Walter And Debbie]

You see Walter, we have some things in common.

Yes, I see.