Harmony of the Gospels

171. The penitent thief on the cross- Luke 23:39-43

 

-“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise (A place of blessedness above the earth, the same word is used for the Garden of Eden in the Septuagint and indicates complete, intimate, and personal restoration and unification with the Father, Luke 23:43).” What better words could a dying man hear from the Savior of the world and the Sovereign Lord? The penitent thief began, as we see in another gospel account (Matthew 27:44), denouncing and ridiculing Jesus, but he was observant and began to spot the innocence of the Man and power of His message that he no doubt had heard before. He was aware of the Kingdom proclamation and the Lord’s eternal value as we can see in his comments (Luke 23:42). This was a confession of faith in Jesus, a fear of the Lord, and a turning away from his personal sins that he owned up to (Luke 23:40). This, as we conclude from this theologically important passage, is all that is required for a man to be saved eternally. Notice what is not required: water baptism, circumcision, obedience to all the Law, self-works, synagogue attendance, etc. What was required was a humble heart change. This was all it took to include this new born saint of the Spirit into God’s Heavenly Kingdom. So then, we can see from the passage even in Christ’s death there are two types of people: 1) those who reject His message with hard hearts, unbelief, selfish-ambition, mocking, and  ridicule, and 2) those who with deep contrition receive the gospel and trust in Him for forgiveness and remembrance before the Eternal Judge. *Application* What hope and encouragement this should give all of us who have believed in the One and Only Son of God for salvation! It is never too late while you have breath on this earth to inherit eternal life and be with the Savior forever! Give it all to Him and live! Keep sharing the message of the Kingdom to all those around you for you never know whom the Lord may be saving. In Jesus’ final moments before leaving earth in this incarnation, He was still seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10).

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 23:43

Harmony of the Gospels

170. Jesus mocked on the cross- Matt. 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23:35-39

 

-Jesus is derided and rudely mocked while on the wooden cross dying by passers by coming in and out of Jerusalem, the religious leaders led by the chief priests, and by Roman soldiers who participating in the ridicule of the Lord of lords. Amazingly, Christ took all the bad mouthing and making fun of without responding or getting angry with revenge. He focused on the mission to save the world in love and did not stray off His course set by the Father in Heaven.

-Some of the remarks reveal what these people thought of Him. They took Him to be a blasphemer who made bold claims about destroying and rebuilding the Temple physically. They misinterpreted the significance of the New Covenant and the Spirit filled age, which was about to be initiated for the spreading of the gospel unto the whole world for the salvation of many lives that were separated from the knowledge and love of the Lord. They scoffed at His claims that He could save, and wanted to see a sign of Him saving Himself as proof of His Divinity. This was a trap and temptation of Satan to get Christ off His mission of an atoning sacrifice, but it didn’t work. Jesus endured and overcame despite every effort to thwart Him. These mockers clearly heard His message that He claimed to be the Son of God, but they were unwilling to accept this message because it seemed so absurd to them. In their minds the Messiah could never humble Himself enough to take this abuse and suffering. They didn’t see Him as the suffering Servant, but the mighty King who would change their own nation for selfish motivations and with self-indulging signs and wonders. They totally missed the point of the Messiah’s incarnation. The blinders remained on and the ears were still deaf. For the Roman soldiers, their arrogance in imperialistic power kept them from realizing that God had visited them. They thought it to be foolishness that a King would be defeated by a humiliating death on a cross (1 Corinthians 1:21-25). Even the thieves on the cross hurled taunts at the Savior, though one would come around and fear the Lord receiving salvation in the end.

-*Application* Don’t take lightly the abuse of the Lord’s Name. This is the third commandment given to Moses on Mt. Sinai, and it is sometimes an easy temptation to fall into. These people we have studied today had no clue what they were actually doing and saying about the King of the universe. We also will face temptations to go along with the crowd and deny the Name of the Lord and His power in our lives. This is dangerous and will lead us into unbelief if we are not careful. The world still thinks little of the Lord Jesus Christ and will try to pull you away from Him and His humble wisdom. Don’t succumb to peer pressure and deceit. Seek His truth and live.

 

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 27:40

Harmony of the Gospels

169. Soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes- Matt. 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34, John 19:23-24

 

-First, a word about the initial part of this verse concerning the crucifixion. Crucifixion was widely practiced by the Roman Empire during this era of human history, mostly for the purpose of exposing and ridiculing those who rebelled against their authority. There were stories of Roman soldiers’ exploits of cruelty in different postures and tactics for crucified victims (see Josephus, Jewish War 5.449-551). The use of nails and a crossbar appear to have been common. Modern medical explanations for cause of death by the cross conclude that asphyxiation or shock is the determining factor in killing a hanging victim in this manner. This was widely believed to be the most painful form of death execution style due to the excruciating pain and the public shame it caused. Hanging suspended by one’s arms eventually caused great difficulty in breathing, which could only be alleviated by pushing up with one’s feet to take the weight off of the arms. But that motion itself would cause severe pain in the nailed feet and hands, arms, legs, and back, causing the exhausted victim to slump down again and again unable to breathe in a slow and agonizing death. Eventually, the crucified would succumb to suffocation if the physical trauma hadn’t already killed them. *Application* Magnify the Name of Christ Jesus who suffered a tremendous amount of pain to purchase the believers’ salvation! By His wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

-For what seems to be an unimportant side note to the biblical writers in the area of the soldiers obtaining Christ’s clothes, we should notice that every single gospel writer includes this part of the crucifixion. This casting of lots for Jesus’ clothes is a fulfillment of the great crucifixion prophecy of David in Psalms 22 around a thousand years before the time of Christ Jesus. This dividing up of the garments is prophesied in Psalms 22:18, and is one of the many exact fulfillments that Christ providentially achieved under the sovereignty of God’s plan. *Application* Things like this help our faith when we realize that such coordination is impossible without the mighty Hand of God in these Divine circumstances. God is at work to fulfill His overarching will and plan in this world. Praise the LORD who works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

-Luke’s gospel reveals the enormity of the Lord’s love for us all as He hung on the cross. His overriding thought was our forgiveness, which we can see based on His words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).” *Application* His love is sufficient to cover all our sins. Trust in the crucified Lord to receive His abundant and free gift of salvation and restoration. The compassion of Christ is never failing and always available even when we mistreat our Sovereign. Turn to Him and realize how great a love He has for you. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound!

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 23:34

Harmony of the Gospels

168. Jesus hung on the cross- Matt. 27:31-38, Mark 15:20-28, Luke 23:26-34, John 19:16-22

 

-Jesus is led out to be crucified with a procession of followers mourning and lamenting His plight. Some were hurling insults and mockery at Him and were pleased to see the Son of Man dying in front of their very eyes. Simon of Cyrene is an interesting aside to the crucifixion drama as he is compelled to carry the cross of the Lord for what was probably a good distance more than likely because Jesus was too weak to go on with this load. Mark’s gospel even includes the names of Simon’s sons, Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21). From this we may infer that at some point Simon became a believer and in some way gave testimony to the crucifixion accounts for its written account by the gospel writers. *Application* Simon of Cyrene was an illustration to us as believers of Christ’s command to pick up your cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). This is a load to bear, but it is worth it to know that we are in partnership with the Lord and doing His will His way. Die to yourself and follow the Master wherever He leads.

-Jesus was taken outside the city gates to a place called Golgotha, which means “Place of the Skull (Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, John 19:17).” Some time later Jerome, translating the Scriptures into Latin, used the term which we now translate as Calvary for the Skull (Latin for skull is calvaria).

-Along this Via Dolorosa (the way of suffering, or grief) He told the women who followed and were lamenting and mourning not to do that over Him, but for themselves and their children. He foresaw terrible times coming upon His people prophetically, which is taken up in more detail other passages of Scripture (Zechariah 12:10-14, Matthew 24:15-22, Luke 23:28-31, Revelation 6:16-17). There are two sites held by tradition to be the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. The traditional site is west of the Antonia Fortress, built by Herod to oversee the Temple Mount area. It is a steep journey up a mountain; an arduous task for a man who has been beaten and abused such as Christ was. This journey ends at what is now known as The Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The other site is known as the “Garden Tomb” and is north of the city outside the ancient gates. This place would have been a high traffic area, was in a garden area near the tomb, had a rock formation cut out of the side of the mountain that looked like a skull (this is from the building projects quarried by Herod’s administration). There are convincing proofs that this could very well be the location of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, but the exact location is unknown and inconclusive.

-Christ’s inscription read that He was the King of the Jews from Nazareth, written by Pilate (John 19:19). The Jewish leaders were upset with this, but Pilate would not change his sign. This may have been a form of mockery, and it was certainly used as a deterrent to further insurrections by the populace as a sign of Roman domination and authority. The Lord, in His Providence, allowed this appropriate message to be displayed as He died for the sins of mankind upon the wooden cross.

-*Application* Again we are brought to the point of decision when we read accounts of the Lord’s suffering and pain on our behalf. If you never have, receive the Lord’s sacrificial death for the atonement of your personal sins and be set free from the guilt and penalty of separation from God. Trust in Him and His work on the cross for forgiveness.

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 23:34

Harmony of the Gospels

166. Jesus’ trial before Roman Governor Pontius Pilate- Matt. 27:1-2, 11-26, Mark 15:1-15, Luke 23:1-7, 11-25, John 18:28-40; 19:1-16

 

-Of all the gospels, John is the one who gives us the most interaction between Jesus and Pontius Pilate during the period when He was delivered over to this governor and prefect over Judea in the time of Caesar Tiberius (a marker was found in 1961 in Caesarea Maritima indicating this historical fact). Pilate and Herod both were in Jerusalem at this pivotal moment for the Passover of the Jews. Pilate, we can observe, is respectful of the Jewish customs and traditions. By this demonstration and some of the words of the Gospel writers, we see in many respects his fear of the people and his desire to please them in order to keep a spirit of expedient tranquility. His desire was to release Jesus with some punishment, but he certainly did not want to condemn Him to death based on the charges that were levied and his conversations with the Lord. He was seeking truth, but he never could fully realize that Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, was standing right before him. What a sad description for this man of the world who found himself at the spiritual climax of history with a major decision. This trial had all the intrigue one could ever want with crucial choices and rushed deliberation that typified the chaos of the hour and the mob mentality of group think. In the midst of it all, we are to understand that Jesus had all authority of the situation, but yielded His authority to the Father’s will and went to His death sacrificially without a fight because His Kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36; 19:11). The cries for crucifixion in the end prevailed as Barabbas was released and Jesus was punished and scoffed at.

-*Application* God always gives us choice in the matter of spiritual things. Although He is still sovereign and His will prevails, we have a major part in the drama of this world. Make your decisions carefully realizing the eternal impact of them. Let God use you in your generation as He wills for His glory (Acts 13:36). Follow His Word and submit to His authority just as our Savior did.

 

Verses to Memorize- Matthew 27:25, John 18:36

 

167. Jesus beaten and mocked by soldiers- Matt. 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:1-3

 

-Jesus was flogged in the back, beaten with a reed on His head, spit upon, crowned with thorns twisted together and crushed down on His head, and was arrayed in a purple robe to be mocked as a defeated king by the Roman soldiers. He suffered immense verbal and physical torture as He went to His sacrificial death for the sins of mankind. Satan filled these mockers and they acted out in brutality against the King of kings and Lord of lords. *Application* This scene makes most, if not all, of our persecution that we receive pale in comparison to the torment that Jesus endured on our behalf. We should notice His response to every insult and blow. He returned blessing and love for every evil thing done against Him (Luke 23:34). This is the Law of Christ that we love our enemies and bless those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, 35, Romans 12:14).

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 27:29

Harmony of the Gospels

164. Jesus’ trial before the high priests- Matt. 26:57-68; 27:1, Mark 14:55-65, Luke 22:54, 63-71, John 18:12-14, 19-24

 

-Jesus is led by the officers from Gethsemane to Annas and then to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, as we can ascertain from the Scriptures. He is taken in for questioning in an attempt to garner testimony that would condemn Him before the chief priest, the scribes, and the elders. This was an illegal gathering according to their laws of the Sanhedrin (prominent Sadducees and Pharisees). Many were brought forward to give accusation against the Lord, but they did not concur and were proven false again and again because of disagreements in their witness. It finally came down to a direct question from the high priest as to if He was the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed (Mark 14:61). When Jesus claimed that, “I Am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right Hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of Heaven (Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62, Luke 22:69-70),” it was enough to draw the ire of the council and condemn Him for blasphemy. His fate in the eyes of the Jewish leaders was sealed at that point, but they could not crucify Him without permission from the governor, which would be the next step in the passion of Christ Jesus. *Application* When we stand against the accusers in our life, how do we react? We learn from Jesus here that our testimony needs to be true and accurate with no deception or lies. We don’t need to make up stories or excuses when confronted, and we don’t have to say all that much. Christ really made no defense. His life backed up His testimony. He would come with Power from on High, which was not a lie fabricated in His mind with falsehood. He simply spoke the facts and left the results to God. So should we when accusation arises. Live with integrity.

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 26:64

 

165. Peter denies Jesus- Matt. 26:58, 69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62, John 18:15-18, 25-27

 

-Peter, and one other disciple unknown to the high priest (probably John), follow the Christ into His custody hearing before the high priests, the scribes, and the elders at the house of Caiaphas. There are different accounts of how things happened in the gospels, but we see the Word of Christ coming to fulfillment in the life of Peter, the man who claimed just hours earlier he would never leave or forsake the Lord even to death (Matthew 26:35, Mark 14:29, Luke 22:33). Peter is with Him, but denies even knowing the Man three times before the rooster crowed twice. His response was remorse and bitter weeping knowing that he was not the man he thought he was in light of all that had just happened. He had not yet received the Holy Spirit and the power that would later characterize his life as we read in Acts. Satan had desired to sift him like wheat (Luke 22:31), but Christ prayed for him and he would be restored in faith and turn back to the Lord to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:32). He had cursed the very association with Christ Jesus and denied Him flatly and plainly. However, this was not the end and he would receive the grace and forgiveness every person needs from the Savior. *Application* O how sweet restoration is! We have it in Christ, who is our great Intercessor before the LORD (Romans 8:34). Please realize how great a God we have that cares for us in our weakness and restores us, and our weak constitutions in depravity, through the remission of sins. Even when we have great intentions, we like Peter, fail and don’t stand for God at times. Turn back to Him and let Him fill you with His strength and power through the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 26:75

Harmony of the Gospels

162. Arrest of Jesus- Matt. 26:50-56, Mark 14:46-52, Luke 22:49-53, John 18:10-12

 

-The band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews lead the crowd that arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane near the base of the Mount of Olives, just to the east across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem. It was in the dark of night, and Jesus commented concerning this power of darkness and the underhanded way that these had come to Him undercover rather than openly (Matthew 26:55, Mark 14:48-49, Luke 22:53). This was in fulfillment of the prophets in the Scriptures (Isaiah 53:1-12, Daniel 9:25-26). The Lamb must go to the slaughter without a fight sacrificially and carrying the load. No one took Jesus into custody. He could have called down twelve legions of angels (72,000) to deliver Him if He had appealed to the Father (Matthew 26:53), but He didn’t. He suffered, the just for the unjust for the purpose of our salvation if we turn to Him in faith (1 Peter 3:18). Again, He refrained from violence and denounced it commenting that, “…all who take up the sword will perish by the sword (Matthew 26:52).” This was not the way of the Kingdom of God. It would be won through love, faith, and sacrifice, not by force (Luke 16:15-16, John 3:16, 1 John 5:4-5). The Christ will drink from the cup that the LORD had given Him (John 18:11) *Application* Christ’s teaching here seems to our natural minds so antithetical to the normal manner of operation. In other words, He goes against the flow of this marred, diluted, and depraved world and radically alters our perception of how things should be. We would never think naturally that to give up would gain the greatest victory, but in the end it is God’s power that conquers through sacrificial obedience. This is the revolutionary message of the cross and it is still transforming lives today! For an excellent example see the movie To End All Wars.

 

Verse to Memorize- Matthew 26:52

 

163. A disciple lashes out and cuts guard’s ear- Matt. 26:50-53, Mark 14:46-47, Luke 22:49-51, John 18:10-11

 

-Peter, still living in the worldly mentally of force, unsheathes his sword and cuts off the servant of the high priest’s, Malchus, ear. Luke, who was the physician (Colossians 4:14), is the only one to record the healing which Jesus performed on this wounded soldier (Luke 22:51). It is interesting that under all the stress and duress that the Lord was under He cared enough to touch this man’s ear and heal him. This demonstrates the love of our Savior and His care even when He was in agony. We can easily see Jesus’ calming effect on the situation that could have easily turned chaotic and violent, which would have undermined the will and plan of God. *Application* Let the Spirit of the Lord control your life in the same way that Christ demonstrated here. Be the calming influence in the storms that swirl around your life. This is self-control demonstrated at the highest level and should be indicative of our walk in Christ every day. Stay cool, calm, and collected. Bring peace and reconciliation to the situation.

 

Verse to Memorize- John 18:10