Thursday, March 23, 2006

About the Bible Study posts (update)

This is an explanation primarily for readers of the Bible Study posts who aren't in my church's Bible Study group.

Each post (so far) is named "Bible Study: Synoptics #N: XXX". The guidebook my church's Bible Study is using is "Come and See: Catholic Bible Study: The Synoptics (Matthew, Mark, and Luke)". These posts are my summaries of the primary readings, as well as my answers to the questions in the guidebook. The CCC links are to paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the Bible links are to excerpts from the New American Bible.

We're going through this book slightly out of order. I don't know if there will be "time off" after this guidebook is completed, if we'll start with another book, etc. As I have time, however, I will go back and cover the chapters of the guidebook I was not present for (I joined the group rather late).

The Come and See series has two other guidebooks, "Prophets and Apostles" and "The Gospel of John". Like I said, I don't know if we'll start a new session with one of them, if the study will be on hold, if we'll wing it, etc.

After Lent has ended, I will start writing weekly Scripture studies based on the coming Sunday's reading; hopefully, there will be three posts per week, with the first two being summaries and ramblings and the third being a coherent essay or reflection.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Bible Study: Synoptics #21: Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

Relevant Readings

The primary readings for this chapter are Matthew 27:27-56, Mark 15:16-41, and Luke 23:26-49.

Additional passages are: Psalm 22, Psalm 31, Isaiah 50:6, Isaiah 53, John 19:19,25-28,30, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, and Philippians 2:5-11.

Summary

Matthew 27:31-56 Mark 15:20-41 Luke 23:26-49
27-31 The soldiers strip Jesus and give him a scarlet military cloak, a reed, and a crown of thorns; they mock him be kneeling before him and saying "Hail, King of the Jews!"; they spit on him and strike him with the reed before dressing him in his own clothes and leading him off to be crucified 16-20 The soldiers dress Jesus in purple and a crown of thorns; they salute him with "Hail, King of the Jews!"; they spit on him and strike him with a reed, and kneel before him in mocking homage; then they dress him in his own clothes and lead him off to be crucified

32 The soldiers press Simon the Cyrenian into service to carry the cross 21 The soldiers press Simon the Cyrenian into service to carry the cross 26 The soldiers press Simon the Cyrenian into service to carry the cross behind Jesus
27-31 Jesus tells a group of mourning women to weep for themselves and their children instead of him, because of the hard times that will soon befall Jerusalem
33-34 Jesus arrives at Golgotha; they give him wine mixed with gall, but he refuses to drink it 22-23 Jesus arrives at Golgotha; they give him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refuses to drink it 32-33 Jesus arrives at Golgotha; two criminals are crucified on his right and left
35-36 The soldiers crucify Christ and cast lots for his garments, and kept watch over him 24-25 The soldiers crucify Christ and cast lots for his garments; the time was nine in the morning 34 The soldiers crucify Christ and cast lots for his garments; Jesus says "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."
35-37 People stand and watch, and the leaders of the people taunt Jesus saying "He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Messiah of God."; soldiers jeer at him and offer him wine and say "If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."
37 The charge against him is written as This is Jesus, the King of the Jews on his tablet 26 The charge against him is written as The King of the Jews on his tablet 38 The charge against him is written as This is the King of the Jews on his tablet
38 Jesus has two revolutionaries on his right and left, also being crucified 27 Jesus has two revolutionaries on his right and left, also being crucified 39-40 Jesus has two revolutionaries crucified with him; one of them reviles Jesus saying "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." but the other rebukes him
39-44 Passersby say "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself"; the priests, the elders, and the scribes mock Jesus saying that "he saved others; he cannot save himself", and that if Jesus comes down from the cross, they will believe in him; the revolutionaries also insult him 29-32 Passersby say "You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross"; the priests and scribes mock Jesus saying that "he saved others; he cannot save himself", and that if "the Messiah" comes down from the cross, they will believe in him; the revolutionaries also insult him 41-43 The penitent criminal says that they are suffering the same condemnation as Jesus who "has done nothing criminal"; he implores Jesus "remember me when you come into your kingdom" and Jesus replies "today you will be with me in Paradise."
43 The land is darkened from noon until three in the afternoon 33 The land is darkened from noon until three in the afternoon 44 The land is darkened from noon until three in the afternoon (due to an eclipse of the sun)
46-47 Jesus cries out "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?", and the bystanders think he is calling for Elijah 34-35 Jesus cries out "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?", and the bystanders think he is calling Elijah
48-49 Someone soaks a sponge in wine, sticks it on a reed, and offers it to Jesus; the others say "Wait; let us see if Elijah comes to save him" 36 Someone soaks a sponge in wine, sticks it on a reed, and offers it to Jesus saying "Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down"
50-51 Jesus cries out in a loud voice, and gives up his spirit; the veil of the sanctuary is torn in two from top to bottom, and there is an earthquake 37-38 Jesus gives a loud cry and breathes his last; the veil of the sanctuary is torn in two from top to bottom 45-46 The veil in the temple is torn down the middle; Jesus cries out in a loud voice "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit" and breathes his last
52-53 Tombs are opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep are raised and appear to many in the holy city after Jesus's resurrection
54 The centurion and his men keeping watch say "Truly, this was the Son of God!" 39 The centurion says "Truly this man was the Son of God!" 47-48 The centurion glorifies God and says "This man was innocent beyond doubt"; the spectators go home beating their breasts
55-56 Many women watch from a distance who had followed Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee 40-41 Many women watch from a distance who had followed Jesus from Galilee, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and Joses, and Salome 49 Jesus's acquaintances watch from a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee

Questions

  1. Find verses in Isaiah 53 that foretell the suffering servant.
    Isaiah 53:3-5 talks of a man of suffering [...] spurned, who endured our sufferings: his suffering for our sins heals us and makes us whole. Isaiah 53:7-8 says that he was like a lamb led to the slaughter, and smitten for the sin of his people.
  2. How did people react to Jesus at Golgotha in Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:16-20, and Luke 23:26-27?
    The soldiers made him a crown of thorns and mocked him, calling him "King of the Jews" as they struck him and spat on him. Simon of Cyrene was pulled into service to help Jesus carry his cross, and many women in the large crowd that followed Jesus were mourning and lamenting him.
  3. Compare the following verses: Isaiah 50:6, Matthew 27:30, and Mark 15:19-20.
    Isaiah prophesied Jesus letting himself be beaten and spat upon; this is fulfilled in the Gospels when Jesus is spat at and struck by the soldiers.
  4. Describe the encounter in Luke 23:27-31.
    Jesus tells the women mourning for him that they should be mourning for their own sakes, not for him. Luke oftens refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, so he may be alluding to it here as well. Jesus says that if they are so distraught now (when the wood is green) how bad will it be when it is dry?
  5. Find verses in Psalm 22 that describe Jesus on the cross.
    Psalm 22:2a: My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

    Psalm 22:7-9: I am [...] scorned by everyone, all who see me mock me [and] shake their heads at me: "You relied on the Lord -- let him deliver you"

    Psalm 22:19: they deivide my garments among them; for my clothing they cast lots

  6. How would you explain Psalm 22:31-32?
    And I will live for the LORD; my descendants will serve you. The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought.

    I believe these two verses foretell of the birth of Christianity: Jesus lives for God (the LORD), and those who proceed from him (his descendants: the apostles, disciples, etc.) serve God through him.

  7. According to CCC 601, CCC 602, and CCC 603, why did Jesus die on the cross?
    CCC 601: Jesus's death fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy of the "suffering servant". CCC 602: Jesus identified with us by taking on the burden of our sin. Through his death, he accepted our fate on his perfect person as a perfect sacrifice. CCC 603: Jesus, the spotless lamb, was the sacrifice that restored us to God.
  8. Compare the following verses: Matthew 27:38-44, Mark 15:32, and Luke 23:39-43.
    See the summary. Luke's account differs from Matthew's and Mark's, in that one of the two revolutionaries is penitent and believes Jesus is righteous.
  9. What is the significance of Psalm 22:19 and Mark 15:24?
    The soldiers acted in the manner prescribed in Psalm 22:19.
  10. What were the "Seven Last Words" of Jesus?
    Luke 23:34: "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." Luke 23:43: "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." John 19:26-27: "Woman, behold, your son. Behold, your mother." Matthew 27:46: "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani." John 19:28: "I thirst." John 19:30: "It is finished." Luke 23:46: "Father, into your hands I commend my spirit."
  11. What words identified Jesus on the cross in Matthew 27:37, Mark 15:26, Luke 23:38, and John 19:19?
    This is Jesus, the King of the Jews in Matthew, The King of the Jews in Mark, This is the King of the Jews in Luke, and Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews in John.
  12. What attempt was made to quench Jesus's thirst in Matthew 27:48 and Mark 15:36?
    Someone fetched a sponge, soaked it in wine, and stuck it on a reed (a stick) to offer to Jesus.
  13. How is the sky reported in Matthew 27:45?
    It became dark -- Luke attributes this to an eclipse of the sun.
  14. What do the following passages confirm: Matthew 27:50, Mark 15:37, Luke 23:46, and John 19:30?
    Jesus willingly gave up his spirit.
  15. Who stayed at the cross, as reported in Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41, and John 19:25-27?
    Matthew lists Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph and Zebedee's wife. Mark names Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and of Joses, and Salome. John's list is a little confusing due to the English punctuation, but it appears to name four women: Jesus's mother, Jesus's aunt, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.
  16. How would you apply Psalm 31 to Jesus on the cross?
    Psalm 31:6 is the line Luke has Jesus quoting right before he gives up his spirit. Psalm 31:14 mentions a plot to take my life, but the theme of the psalm is that despite the hardships, the speaker places his trust fully in God.
  17. What happened at the moment Jesus died, in Matthew 27:51-54?
    The veil in the sanctuary of the temple was torn from to bottom. There was an earthquake, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and they were seen in Jerusalem after Christ's resurrection. The centurion standing guard said "Truly, this was the Son of God!"
  18. What conclusions were drawn by the witnesses in Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, and Luke 23:47.
    In Matthew, the Centurion says "Truly, this was the Son of God!" In Mark, he says "Truly this man was the Son of God!" In Luke, he says "This man was innocent [or righteous] beyond doubt."
  19. How does Paul explain in 1 Cor 15:54-57 what was accomplished by Jesus's sacrifice on the cross?
    Paul writes that "Death is swallowed up in victory". Death loses its sting because Jesus's acceptance of our death to sin upon himself has freed us from the grip of sin and death.
  20. What did Jesus demonstrate in accepting crucifixion for our sins, according to Paul in Philippians 2:5-11?
    Jesus was obedient to God's will, even to death on the cross. He emptied himself and took on humanity. Paul mentions that Jesus "did not regard equality with God something to be grasped": this alludes to Adam and Eve "grasping" at the apple in Eden that the serpent told them would make them "like God". Although Jesus was "in the form of God", he took "human likeness", coming as one who is ruled over and governed, rather than one in a position of power.

Friday, March 10, 2006

Why did Jesus have to die?

(Question inspired by several of the questions in Bible Study: Synoptics #19: Agony in Gethsemane)

Why did Jesus have to die? Couldn't he have mediated for us to God without such a sacrifice? And if he did have to die, why did he pray to God asking to have the "cup" pass him by?

This is a very complicated question (partly because there are three questions in it). The summary of the teaching of the Church is that the blood sacrifice of Jesus was the last sacrifice to be made to God, and ushered in the New Covenant: we received forgiveness for sins and eternal salvation through Jesus's self-sacrifice on the cross. So... why did Jesus have to die? Let's first look at the nature of sacrifice in the Old Testament.

The Purpose of Sacrifice

As I mentioned in an earlier Q&A (Who were Adam and Eve?), the book of Genesis contains the first record of a sacrifice to God: it occurs after Adam and Eve are expelled from Eden. Cain made an offering of "the fruit of the soil" and Abel made an offering of "the best firstlings of his flock" (Genesis 4:3-5). God looked favorably upon Abel's offering, but not upon Cain's. Why might this be? The text says that Abel's offering was the "best" of his flock, but it does not describe the quality of Cain's offering. There are generally three elements in any sacrifice: the thing being sacrificed, the manner in which it is offered, and the state of the person making the sacrifice. Consider Luke 21:1-4, in which Jesus comments on a poor widow donating two coins, compared with the wealthy people making considerably larger donations. Jesus says that the widow, "from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood." Truly, the widow's sacrifice was more favorable to God than that of the wealthy men.

So then, if God was pleased with Abel's offering, we can assume that it was an especially good lamb, that Abel presented it up to God in a reverent manner, and that Abel's intentions and conscience were clean. There are, then, three places were Cain could have strayed: object, deed, or conscience. We do not know the quality of the fruits he offered up, nor the manner in which they were presented, nor his spiritual state. Although Abel and Cain were sinful in nature, I think it would be erroneous to assume Cain was "more evil" than Abel before that sacrifice just because, afterwards, Cain becomes resentful. Still, it seems something in Cain's sacrifice was not right. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:23-24 that we should present our offerings to God with a clean conscience; so it is likely that Cain bore some grudge or sin in secret that sullied his offering.

So then, it appears that "sacrifice" was a man-made institution designed to appease God by giving up something that we find favorable to our personal nature that, in the sacrificing, it may take on a favorable spiritual nature to God. Before we had forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, we made peace offerings to God through blood sacrifices: the finest lamb or bull or fowl, incense, etc. I offer that sacrifice was man-made, rather than God-made (like the Ten Commandements), because there is no evidence in Genesis of God asking Cain and Abel to give of the work of their hands. As man-made, it also represents a tendency in our free will to seek reparations with our God, that we would willingly give of ourselves to please God.

While sacrifice may have been man-made, it was further "regulated" by God through the laws recorded in Leviticus 1-7. Leviticus 1:1-4 explains the nature of animal sacrifice and what it aims to accomplish: "If his holocaust offering is from the herd, it must be a male without blemish. To find favor with the LORD, he shall bring it to the entrance of the meeting tent and there lay his hand on the head of the holocaust, so that it may be acceptable to make atonement for him." (Leviticus 1:3-4)

The Shift in Sacrifice

Christ's mission on earth was to bring redemption to mankind by offering them what animal sacrifice could not: repentance of sins through personal actions, not by proxy. Paul's letter to the Hebrews goes into detail about the nature of sacrifices and atonements under the old covenant (Hebrews 9-10). The old covenant was full of ritual practices to cleanse the flesh, whereas the new covenant is designed to purify our consciences and refresh our spirits (Hebrews 9:13-14).

Paul explains the manner of sacrifice in the temple. The priests and the high priest entered into the outer tabernacle frequently, but only once per year did the high priest go behind the veil into the inner tabernacle, the Holy of Holies, with "blood that he offers for himself and for the sins of the people". This physical separation between man and God, the veil through which only the high priest could enter once a year, represented that man, in his sinful nature, could not stand in the presence of God (for the Holy of Holies is considered God's dwelling place on earth). These offerings and sacrifices were merely symbols of the greater need for spiritual renewal.

Paul goes on to explain in Hebrews 10:1-10 how this sacrifice-by-proxy cannot fulfill our spiritual needs: "it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins" (Hebrews 10:4). Paul invokes the words of Psalm 40:7-9 in the person of Jesus: it was not sacrifice and offerings for disobedience God wanted, but rather our free obedience to His will. This was accomplished in Jesus Christ. The sacrifices under the old law were superceded by the will to obey God. And it was the very will that Jesus obeyed that simultaneously fulfilled the old law and the new covenant!

Christ's Death for Us

When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane for the "cup" to pass him by, he ended his plea with "not my will but Yours be done". Why did Jesus ask for "relief" from his mission? Because he was human. Jesus is our role model, our example. We do not have the impossible expectations of God-like perfection as our example, we have the perfect human as our example. Christ was made perfect in his humanity by his constant devotion to God's will. Jesus was tempted on many occasions, but never gave into his tempter. The prayer in Gethsemane was Satan's final temptation.

Because Jesus is our human example, it is only "fair" that he experienced the same pains and problems we face. Jesus, in a sudden shattering moment of realization, feared death. And maybe not just his death, but what his death would mean for all he had done. Was his death necessary to complete his mission, or would it end all he had worked for? And was death the necessary end? Jesus got through this temptation by ending his supplication as he did: not my will but God's be done.

And so we finally close in on why Jesus had to die, and why nothing less than his death would satisfy his mission. As I said, his death fulfilled both the old law and the new covenant: a blood sacrifice for sins as well as the perfect obedience of God's will. Jesus became our blood sacrifice, our lamb; but he was different from every other lamb or bull or bird offered up, in that he gave himself willingly. He took his place as a human accepting the weight of the sin of all humanity on his shoulders and on his soul. He offered himself up to God and to all of us as the final blood sacrifice and ushered in a new covenant. We are forgiven of our sins through Christ and we are promised eternal salvation if only we obey the will of God.

Jesus died for us as a human, not as a God. Our God did not succomb to sin, for God is above and outside sin. And, just as sacrificing beasts could not truly restore us, neither could God stepping in where humanity could simply not tread have restored us. Jesus, in his human nature, took our sinful burden upon himself. Death is the wages of sin (Romans 6:23) and Jesus in his sinlessness suffered our death-to-sin. In this act, he bridged the gap between us and God: the veil in the tabernacle was torn in two, signifying an open communication between us and God. Christ did for us, as a human, what we could not, and we have his example to follow. Jesus does not ask the impossible, he asks that we obey God and repent for our sins at those times when we disobey.

The Son Also Rises

The story of the gift of salvation and the new covenant does not end with Jesus's death. Jesus was raised to new life, resurrected into a perfect body. This is not a "perfect body" as we think of bodies, although that is not to say it is not a physical presence. The perfect body of the Resurrection is one from which sin has been purged absolutely, and where sin was has been replaced by grace, by God's presence. Christ had no sin of his own, but bore ours to his death; it was in his resurrection that he was given the divine, perfect body which we all wish to attain and can achieve through the example of Jesus.

Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Reconcile yourself to God and obey His will. This is the price of eternal salvation: love, not taken away, but given in abundance.

Amen.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Bible Study: Synoptics #20: The Trials of Jesus

Relevant Readings

The primary readings for this chapter are Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, and Luke 22-23.

Additional passages are: Leviticus 24:16, Psalm 41:10-11, Psalm 110:1, Isaiah 53:7, Daniel 7:13, Matthew 2:7-8,16-18; 4:1-11; 14:2-12, Mark 6:17-29, Luke 9:7-9; 13:31-33, and John 18:29-38.

Summary

Note: the summary does not analyze as fully the details of the Last Supper, which are covered in The Last Supper (Synoptics #18), nor Jesus' prayers in Gethsemane, which are covered in Agony in Gethsemane (Synoptics #19).
Matthew 26-27 Mark 14-15 Luke 22-23
26:
1-2
Jesus predicts his crucifixion: "You know that in two days' time it will be Passover, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified."



3-5 The chief priests (led by Caiaphas) meet to plot Jesus' arrest 14:
1-2
The chief priests meet to plot Jesus' arrest 22:
1-2
The chief priests meet to plot Jesus' arrest
6-14 Jesus is annointed with oil in Bethany; the disciples complain about the waste of perfumed oil, and Jesus replies "The poor you will always have with you; but you will not always have me." 2-9 Jesus is annointed with oil in Bethany; the disciples complain about the waste of oil, and Jesus replies "The poor you will always have with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them, but you will not always have me."
14-16 Judas asks for money from the chief priests for handing Jesus over to them; they give him thirty pieces of silver, and he looks for an opportunity to betray Jesus 10-11 Judas tells the chief priests he can hand Jesus over to them; they reward him with the promise of money 3-6 Satan [enters] into Judas, who discusses a plan for Jesus' arrest, and is paid by the chief priests
17-29 The Last Supper 12-25 The Last Supper 7-23 The Last Supper
24-30 The disciples argue over who is the greatest among them
30-32 They go to the Mount of Olives and Jesus tells them "This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed'; but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee." 26-28 They go to the Mount of Olives and Jesus tells them "All of you will have your faith shaken, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed.' But after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee." 31-32 Jesus warns Simon (Peter) that his faith is being tested by Satan, and that he must strengthen the faith of the other disciples
33-35 Peter says his faith shall not be shaken; Jesus says Peter will deny him three times before the cock crows that night, but Peter and the other disciples say "Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you" 29-31 Peter says his faith shall not be shaken; Jesus says Peter will deny him three times before the cock crows twice that night, but Peter and the other disciples say "Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you" 33-34 Peter says he is prepared to go to prison and die with Jesus; Jesus says Peter shall deny him three times before the cock crows that day
35-38 Jesus warns the disciples of the hard times and opposition that face them
36-46 Agony in Gethsemane 32-42 Agony in Gethsemane 39-46 Agony in Gethsemane
47-50 Judas arrives with an armed crowd from the chief priests; he kisses Jesus and says "Hail, Rabbi!" and Jesus replies "Friend, do what you have come for"; Jesus is then arrested 43-46 Judas arrives with an armed crowd from the chief priests; he kisses Jesus and says "Rabbi"; Jesus is then arrested 47-48 Judas arrives with a crowd; he kisses Jesus, who says to him "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?"
51-54 One of those who accompanied Jesus cuts the ear off one of the high priest's servant with a sword; Jesus rebukes him saying "all who take the sword will perish by the sword" 47 One of the bystanders cuts the ear off one of the high priest's servants 49-51 Jesus' disciples ask "shall we strike with a sword" and one of them cuts the ear off one of the high priest's servants; Jesus rebukes him saying "Stop, no more of this!" and heals the servant's ear
55-57 Jesus comments on the nature of his arrest: not in the temple, but away from the crowds "that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled"; he is then led of to Caiaphas 48-53 Jesus comments on the nature of his arrest: not in the temple, but away from the crowds "that the scriptures may be fulfilled"; his disciples flee, and Jesus is led off to the high priest's court; a young man follows but is caught and runs off naked 52-54 Jesus comments on the nature of his arrest: not in the temple, but away from the crowds, during "the time for the power of darkness"
58 Peter follows at a distance, and sits down in the courtyard with the servants 54 Peter follows at a distance, and sits down in the courtyard with the guards by a fire 54-55 Peter follows at a distance, and sits down in the courtyard where a fire has just been made
59-62 Two men bear false witness against Jesus, saying "This man said, 'I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.'" 55-60 Many bear false witness against Jesus, with some saying "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands and within three days I will build another not made with hands.'"; but their testimonies do not agree
63-66 The high priest asks Jesus to swear before God whether he is the Messiah; Jesus says "You have said so. But I tell you: From now on you will see 'the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power' and 'coming on the clouds of heaven.'"; the high priest tears his robes in anger and accuses Jesus of blasphemy and the crowd demands death as punishment 61-64 The high priest asks Jesus whether or not he is the Messiah; Jesus says "I am; and 'you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.'"; the high priest tears his garments in anger and accuses Jesus of blasphemy and the crowd demands death as punishment 56-62 Peter denies Jesus three times, and a cock crows just as he finishes the third denial; Peter sees Jesus turn to look at him, and remembering Jesus' words he goes out and weeps
63-65 Jesus is ridiculed and beaten; he is struck while blindfolded and asked to prophesy who struck him
67-68 Jesus is spat upon; he is struck and asked to prophesy who hit him 65 Jesus is spat upon; he is blindfolded and struck and asked to prophesy 66-71 The Sanhedrin ask Jesus to tell them if he is the Messiah; Jesus says that if he tells them, they won't believe him, "But from this time on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."; they ask him if he is the Son of God, and he says "You say that I am"
69-75 Peter denies Jesus three times, and a cock crows immediately after the third denial; Peter remembers the words of Jesus and goes out and weeps 66-72 Peter denies Jesus three times, and a cock crows after his first and third denial; Peter remembers the words of Jesus and breaks down and weeps
27:
1-2
In the morning, Jesus is bound and brought to Pilate 15:
1
In the morning, Jesus is bound and brought to Pilate 23:
1
The crowd brings Jesus to Pilate
3-10 Judas regrets handing Jesus when he learns Jesus is condemned to death, betraying innocent blood; he throws the money into the temple and goes off and hangs himself; the priests decide not to deposit the silver into the temple treasury (because it is blood money)
11-14 Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews, and he replies "You say so"; Jesus does not respond to further accusations and questions 2-5 Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews, and he replies "You say so"; Jesus does not respond to further accusations and questions 2-4 The assembly accuses Jesus of opposing Caesar and claiming himself a king, the Messiah; Pilate asks him if he is the king of the Jews, and he replies "You say so"; Pilate declares Jesus not guilty
15-18 Pilate asks the crowd if they wants Jesus called Messiah or (Jesus) Barabbas released 6-10 Pilate asks the crowd if they want Jesus or Barabbas released 5-7 The crowd reveals Jesus is a Galilean, and so Pilate sends him to Herod for judgment
19 Pilate's wife tells him of her dream, and warns him to have no part in the trial of that righteous man 8-11 Jesus does not answer any of Herod's questions; Herod and his soldiers mistreat Jesus and send him back to Pilate dressed in resplendent garb
20-26 The crowd opts for the release of Barabbas, and demands Jesus be crucified; Pilate gives in to the crowd, has Jesus scourged, and hands him over to be crucified; the crowd assumes responsibility for Jesus' blood 11-15 The crowd opts for the release of Barabbas, and demands Jesus be crucified; Pilate gives in to the crowd, has Jesus scourged, and hands him over to be crucified 13-16 Pilate decides to flog Jesus and then release him
17-25 The crowd demands the release of Barabbas and to have Jesus crucified, so Pilate gives in and hands Jesus over to them
27-31 The soldiers strip Jesus and give him a scarlet military cloak, a reed, and a crown of thorns; they mock him be kneeling before him and saying "Hail, King of the Jews!"; they spit on him and strike him with the reed before dressing him in his own clothes and leading him off to be crucified 16-20 The soldiers dress Jesus in purple and a crown of thorns; they salute him with "Hail, King of the Jews!"; they spit on him and strike him with a reed, and kneel before him in mocking homage; then they dress him in his own clothes and lead him off to be crucified

Questions

  1. Describe the accounts of Jesus' betrayal and arrest: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-52, and Luke 22:47-53.
    See the summary.
  2. What was foretold (Psalm 41:10-11) and what became of the betrayer (Matthew 27:3-10)?
    The psalm says that the friend who had my trust, shared my table, has scorned me. In Matthew, we read that Judas, feeling remorse for what he has done, throws the money he was given into the temple, and runs off to hang himself.

    The reference Matthew makes to a prophecy by Jeremiah, but it seems to be a conglomeration of text from Zechariah 11:12-13 and Jeremiah 32:6-9.

  3. Explain Peter's behavior: Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, and Luke 22:56-62.
    All three synoptics give similar accounts of Peter's interrogation and denial of Jesus. The first person to recognize Peter is a maid in the courtyard. In Matthew, she says he was "with Jesus the Galilean", to which Peter replies "I do not know what you are talking about". in Mark, he was "with the Nazarene, Jesus", and he replies "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about", and then a cock crows for the first time. The maid in Luke says Peter "was with him", and Peter replies "Woman, I do not know him".

    The accounts of the second denial differ. In Matthew, another girl sees Peter as he walks out the gate from the courtyard and says "This man was with Jesus the Nazorean" and Peter swears "I do not know the man!" In Mark, the same maid tells some bystanders that Peter "is one of them"; Peter overhears her and denies it again. In Luke, another person, some short while later, says to Peter "You too are on of them" but Peter replies "My friend, I am not".

    All three accounts of the last denial end with Peter recalling Christ's prophecy of his denials and with Peter weeping (bitterly). In Matthew, the bystanders say to Peter that even his speech gives him away as one of them, and Peter curses and swears that he "[does] not know the man". In Mark, the bystanders identify Peter as a Galilean and one of them, and Peter curses and swears he "[does] not know this man about whom [they] are talking". The man in Luke's account also recognizes Peter as a Galilean, and Peter replies "My friend, I do not know what you are talking about". In Matthew and Mark, the cock crows immediately after Peter has finished speaking; in Luke's account, the cock crows just as [Peter] was saying this.

  4. What was foretold of Peter in Matthew 26:30-35, Mark 14:26-31, and Luke 22:31-34?
    Matthew and Mark have similar accounts: as Jesus and his disciples arrive at the Mount of Olives, Jesus warns them their faith will be shaken, as the shepherd will be struck and "the sheep [Matthew: of the flock] will be dispersed"; Jesus also tells them he will go to Galilee ahead of them after he has been "raised up". Then Peter says that, though others' faith may be shaken, his will not be (although Matthew uses the stronger word "never" in place of "not"). Jesus tells Peter that Peter will deny him three times "this very night" before the cock crows (once in Matthew, twice in Mark).

    Luke's account differs slightly from the other two, taking place (as far as can be determined) in the room of the Last Supper. Jesus says to Peter, addressing him as Simon, "behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers". Christ is referring to the role Peter will play in the early history of the church, during the Acts of the Apostles. Peter then tells Jesus he is "prepared to go to prison and to die with you", but Jesus replies that Peter will betray him three times "before the cock crows this day".

  5. To whom was Jesus taken first, and with what type of testimony, as recalled in Matthew 26:57-59?
    Jesus was first led to Caiaphas the high priest, and the entire Sanhedrin. They sought false testimony against Jesus so that he might be put to death; Exodus 20:16, one of the ten commandments, reads "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor".
  6. Compare the following passages: Mark 14:61, Isaiah 53:7, Matthew 26:64, Psalm 110:1, and Daniel 7:13.
    Jesus remained silent for most of the questioning, just as Isaiah prophesied: "though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth".

    When Jesus did answer, it was to tell them that the Son of Man would be "seated at the right hand of the Power", quoting from Psalm 110:1, and "coming on the clouds of heaven", quoting from Daniel 7:13.

  7. What was Jesus falsely accused of (Matthew 26:65) and what was the penalty (Leviticus 24:16)?
    The high priest claims Jesus blasphemed (although it does not seem that he did). Leviticus reads that the punishment for blasphemy is stoning.
  8. When was Jesus taken to Pilate, and what were the events of trial, as described in Mark 15:1-5 and John 18:29-38?
    Jesus was taken to Pilate as soon as morning came. In most accounts, Jesus is rather silent in his questioning; Mark has him answering only one question of Pilate's: Pilate questioned him, "Are you the king of the Jews?" He said to him in reply, "You say so." Afterwards, Jesus is accused of many things but makes no response, amazing Pilate.

    John's account is far more philosophical. Pilate seeks to know Jesus' crime, but the crowd is reluctant to answer and says they do not have the right to execute anyone. When Pilate asks Jesus is if he is the "King of the Jews", Jesus asks what prompted Pilate to say that. When Pilate asks Jesus what he has done, such that his own "nation and chief priests" have handed him over, Jesus says "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here." Pilate then asks Jesus if he is, indeed, a king. Jesus replies "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." At this, Pilate asks "What is truth?" and then reports to the Jews that he cannot find any guilt in Jesus.

  9. Describe the input from three sets of people to Pilate about Jesus: Mark 15:1-5, Matthew 27:19, and Luke 23:13-25.
    In Mark, the chief priests of the Sanhedrin accuse Jesus of many things, to which Jesus gives no response.

    Matthew's account mentions Pilate's wife warning him of a dream she had: "Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him."

    Luke's account mentions Herod finding no charges of which to accuse Jesus. The crowd calls for the release of a convicted murderer (Barabbas) and for the crucifixion of Jesus.

  10. Why was Jesus subjected to a third trial, according to Luke 23:6-8?
    Luke has Pilate recognizing Herod's jurisdiction over Galilee, since Jesus was from that region.
  11. Why was Herod glad to see Jesus in Luke 23:8-10?
    Herod had heard of Jesus and wanted to see him perform a sign or miracle for him.
  12. How did Herod and his soldiers treat Jesus in Luke 23:11?
    They treated him contemptuously and mocked him. They dressed him up in robes when they sent him back to Pilate.
  13. What did we learn of Herod's father in Matthew 2:7-8,16-18?
    Herod's father sent the magi to Bethlehem when he heard of Jesus' birth. Later he ordered a massacre of boys of two years or less in the area of Bethlehem in an attempt to kill Jesus.
  14. Why was Herod curious about Jesus (Luke 9:7-9), and what had been his attitude toward Jesus during his ministry (Luke 13:31-33)?
    Some people confused Jesus with John the Baptist "raise from the dead", whom Herod had beheaded, or one of the other prophets (such as Elijah). Herod wants to know who it is that is causing such a stir.

    Herod had sought to kill Jesus, but Jesus would not be deterred from his work.

  15. Identify two serious sins of Herod from Mark 6:17-29 and Matthew 14:2-12.
    Herod was married to Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Herod had John the Baptist beheaded to appease Herodias.
  16. Recall the previous trials of Jesus in the desert from Matthew 4:1-11.
    Matthew 4:1-4: Satan asks Jesus to turn stones into bread. Jesus replies, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3.

    Matthew 4:5-7: Satan asks Jesus to leap off the temple, under the protection of the angels. Jesus replies, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13.

    Matthew 4:9-11: Satan asks Jesus to worship him, and in return Jesus would receive power over all kingdoms on earth. Jesus replies, quoting Deuteronomy 6:16.

  17. How did Jesus defend himself: Mark 14:60-62, Matthew 27:11, and Luke 23:9?
    In Mark, Jesus remains silent in front of the Sanhedrin until he is asked "Are you the Messiah, the son of the Blessed One?" when he answers "I am; and 'you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.'". In Matthew, when Pilate asks if he is the "king of the Jews", he replies "You say so". In Luke, he remains silent before Herod.
  18. Why did Jesus allow himself to be subjected to torture and death?
    In CCC 609 it says that, by his suffering and death, his humanity was perfected into the instrument of divine love through which we have received salvation. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
  19. Who was responsible for Jesus' death?
    While there appears to be Scriptural support for "blaming the Jews" for Jesus' death, CCC 597 makes it clear that Jesus, and Peter afterwards, recognized the "ignorance" of those involved. The responsibility falls on those who do know Jesus and yet continue to sin against him (CCC 598). Jesus' death was a necessity ever since the Fall of man, and in light of that, all sinners up to his time on earth are responsible for Jesus' death. And now, after his crucifixion, it is we who must accept responsibility when we sin against God, and ask for repentence.
  20. What did Jesus accomplish by his obedience?
    CCC 615 tells us that Jesus' obedience to God's will, even to death, transformed Jesus into an "offering for sin", atoning for our sins and opening the door to redemption.

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Bible Study: Synoptics #19: Agony in Gethsemane

Relevant Readings

The primary readings for this chapter are Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, and Luke 22:39-46.

Additional passages are: Psalm 42:6-12, John 3:16-17, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 2:5-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-10; 10:9-10.

Summary

Matthew 26:36-46 Mark 14:32-42 Luke 22:39-46
36 Jesus goes to Gethsemane 32 Jesus goes to Gethsemane 39 Jesus goes to Gethsemane
37 Jesus brings Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and begins to feel sorrow and distress 33 Jesus brings Peter, James, and John, and begins to be troubled and distressed
38 Jesus says "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." 34 Jesus says "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch." 40 Jesus says "Pray that you may not undergo the test."
39 Jesus advances and prays the first time, saying "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will." 35-36 Jesus advances and prays the first time, saying "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will." 41-42 Jesus advances and prays, saying "Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done."
43-44 An angel appears from heaven to strengthen Jesus; his agony was so great his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground
40-41 Jesus returns and finds his disciples sleeping; he says to Peter "So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." 37-38 Jesus returns and finds his disciples sleeping; he says "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." 45-46 Jesus returns and finds his disciples sleeping; he says "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not undergo the test."
42-43 Jesus prays a second time, saying "My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!", and returns to see his disciples sleeping again for they could not keep their eyes open 39-40 Jesus prays a second time saying the same thing and returns to see his disciples sleeping again for they could not keep their eyes open and did not know what to answer him
44-45 Jesus prays a third time saying the same thing and sees them sleeping again, and says "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners." 41 Jesus prays a third time and sees them sleeping again, and says "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners."
46 Jesus sees Judas arriving, and says "Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand." 42 Jesus sees Judas arriving, and says "Get up, let us go. See, my betrayer is at hand."

Connections

Eloi, eloi: Psalm 42

In Psalm 42 (the Scriptural base of the hymn "As the Deer Longs"), we read a man's plea to God: as the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God. The man cries out that his adversaries mock him daily, asking "Where is your God?". This psalm, and the one after it, repeat the mantra Why are you downcast, my soul, why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God.

But also in this psalm is a reflection of Christ's anguished cry on the cross. Psalm 42:10 reads: I say to God, "My rock, why do you forget me? Why must I go about mourning with the enemy oppressing me?" This is found also in Psalm 22:2. Mark and Matthew have Christ saying Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? on the cross, which translated means "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

Questions

  1. How did Jesus prepare for his impending death in Matthew 26:36-39?
    Jesus took three disciples (Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John)) with him to Gethsemane to pray. Jesus fell prostrate in prayer to God, asking that, if possible, the cup pass from himself -- but not that his will be done, but God's.
  2. Who did Jesus take with him, according to Mark 14:32-34?
    Peter, James, and John -- Matthew identifies the latter two as the "two sons of Zebedee".
  3. Describe the events in Luke 22:39-46.
    See the summary.
  4. Compare Matthew 26:38 with Psalm 42:6-12.
    In Matthew, Jesus says to his disciples before he prays, "My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me." The Psalm asks Why are you downcast, my soul; why do you groan within me? Wait for God, whom I shall praise again, my savior and my God. (Psalm 42:6,12).
  5. In Luke 22:43, who came from where to help Jesus, and what was the help?
    An angel from heaven appears to strengthen Jesus.
  6. According to Mark 14:41-42, how did Jesus know he was going to die?
    Jesus says the hour has come when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Clearly, anyone of that time (or any time!) was a sinner. Jesus did not mean that he was about to be arrested, but that he was about to placed in the hands of sinners as their sacrifice.
  7. What can you learn from the following verses: Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:35-36, Luke 22:41-42, and Philippians 2:5-8?
    In the Gospels, Jesus asks that God take the "cup" -- the sacrifice required of him -- away from him; but in the end, Jesus consents that God's will should be done, not his own. Paul writes that Jesus, who was in the form of God, took human likeness and humbled himself, becoming obedient to death. Paul means that Jesus, although truly divine and truly God, in his human form bent his human will to God's will, and obeyed God's demands, even unto death.
  8. What do we learn about Jesus from Hebrews 5:7-10; 10:9-10?
    The first passage tells us that Jesus prayed to God to save him from death, and though he suffered, God made him perfect due to his supreme obedience to God's will. The second tells us that, in Jesus' submission to God's will, he became our last sacrifice to God.
  9. Jesus faced a battle and a victory through prayer. What does he urge of us?
    CCC 2849 says that Jesus urges us to be vigilant in our hearts, as we are in communion with his. We are united to Christ's battle with temptation and to his ultimate victory over it.
  10. If you knew you only had a few days to live, what example of Jesus would you embrace?
    I suppose I would spend some of my time in contemplative prayer, asking God for strength and the courage to accept His will before mine.
  11. Why did Jesus consent to die for our sins?
    CCC 536 says that, out of his (and God's) love for humanity, Christ accepted his mission to die for our sins to bring about our redemption. It also states, as in Matthew 26:39, that Christ accepted it because it was God's will.
  12. In John 3:16-17, why did God the Father let Jesus endure such agony and suffering?
    For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.
  13. Did Jesus have to die?
    CCC 612 says that it was the act of taking up the yoke of our sins (for the wages of sin is death) that made Jesus' death necessary. Paul writes, in Hebrews 4:14-16, that Jesus has been tested in the same ways we are, but was without sin; therefore, it is only natural that Jesus was tested by death as well.
  14. What manner and duration of prayer did Jesus request?
    In Matthew 26:40, it is written that he was praying for an hour. CCC 2719 identifies this as "contemplative prayer".
  15. Describe three traditional types of prayer.
    Vocal Prayer (CCC 2700): speaking to God, whether alone or in a group (such as the Lord's Prayer).

    Meditation (CCC 2708): a concentrated attention on the how and why of Christian life, engaging thought, imagination, emotion, and desire.

    Contemplative Prayer (CCC 2714-CCC 2715): a "gathering up" of our energy to spend time with Christ in silence, listening intently to what God has to tell us, and fixating our minds on Jesus.

  16. What are some difficulties desciples encountered in prayer?
    In Luke 22:45, we read that the disciples were sleeping in grief; rather than focus their efforts on prayer, they succombed to grief and tried to "sleep it off". CCC 2729 identifies simple distraction as a major difficulty in our attempts at prayer. CCC 2731 identifies "dryness", when we just cannot think of anything to say to God. Jesus says to his disciples in Luke 22:40 "Pray that you may not undergo the test". CCC 2733 identifies "acedia", depression due to decreasing vigilance, carelessness of heart.
  17. How does Paul suggest in Ephesians 6:18 to persevere in prayer?
    To pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.
  18. How and why does Paul write you should pray in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18?
    Find every opportunity to pray, pray joyfully, and give thanks to God.
  19. What are your obstacles in prayer?
    In my life, I find it hard to pray unless I set aside time specifically for prayer. I rarely "get around" to having spontaneous conversations with God through prayer. I'm fairly busy, with my new apartment, new job, wedding arrangments, etc. And yet, with all the time I spend driving in my car, I should be able to find some time there to pray (while still minding the road).