Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown 12 April 2025. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed for seven days.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Our devotionals will center Preparation for Passover, the fulfillment of Passover, and consequence of Passover.

You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

Exodus 12:1-36

Fulfillment of Passover (12:21-30)

Kill the Passover (12:21)

²¹ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

Strike the Lintel and Two Side Posts with Blood (12:22-23)

²² And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.²³ For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Passover to be on Observed Forever as Testimony to God’s Power and Provision (12:24-28)

²⁴ And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.²⁵ And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.²⁶ And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?²⁷ That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.²⁸ And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

Death of the First born (12:29-30)

²⁹ And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.³⁰ And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown 12 April 2025. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed for seven days.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Our devotionals will center Preparation for Passover, the fulfillment of Passover, and consequence of Passover.

You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

Exodus 12:1-36

Preparation for Passover (12:1-20)

New Year (12:1-2)

And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,² This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

Characteristics of the Lamb (12:3-5)

³ Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:⁴ And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.⁵ Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Killing the Lamb (12:6)

⁶ And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Blood of the Lamb (12:7)

⁷ And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

Eating the Lamb (12:8-11)

⁸ And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.⁹ Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.¹⁰ And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.¹¹ And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.

Passover by God (12:12-13)

¹² For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.¹³ And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Feast of Unleavened Bread (12:14-20)

¹⁴ And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.¹⁵ Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.¹⁶ And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.¹⁷ And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.¹⁸ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.¹⁹ Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.²⁰ Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Fulfillment of Passover (12:21-30)

Kill the Passover (12:21)

²¹ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

Strike the Lintel and Two Side Posts with Blood (12:22-23)

²² And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.²³ For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you.

Passover to be on Observed Forever as Testimony to God’s Power and Provision (12:24-28)

²⁴ And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.²⁵ And it shall come to pass, when ye be come to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, that ye shall keep this service.²⁶ And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?²⁷ That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.²⁸ And the children of Israel went away, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.

Death of the First born (12:29-30)

²⁹ And it came to pass, that at midnight the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.³⁰ And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

Consequence of Passover: Pharaoh Lets Israel Go (12:31-36)

³¹ And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, Rise up, and get you forth from among my people, both ye and the children of Israel; and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said.³² Also take your flocks and your herds, as ye have said, and be gone; and bless me also.³³ And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.³⁴ And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.³⁵ And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:³⁶ And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

The blood protected the children of Israel. Christ’s blood on the cross bought our salvation.  Each had to take a step of faith.  Israel had to obey God, sacrifice a perfect lamb, and put the blood on the lintel and doorpost. We must by faith, repenting of our sin, put our trust in God’s perfect Lamb, Jesus Christ. Israel lived and God freed them from their bondage in Egypt and eventually allowed them to enter into the Promised Land He promised Abraham. We live and will be eternally with the Lord here on earth and in heaven.

CONCLUSION:

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (John 1:36)

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (1 Corinthians 5:7)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown 12 April 2025. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed for seven days.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Our devotionals will center Preparation for Passover, the fulfillment of Passover, and consequence of Passover.

You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

Exodus 12:1-36

Preparation for Passover (12:1-20)

Passover by God (12:12-13)

¹² For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the Lord.¹³ And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Feast of Unleavened Bread (12:14-20)

¹⁴ And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.¹⁵ Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.¹⁶ And in the first day there shall be an holy convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be an holy convocation to you; no manner of work shall be done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.¹⁷ And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.¹⁸ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.¹⁹ Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.²⁰ Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown 12 April 2025. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread, observed for seven days.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Our devotionals will center Preparation for Passover, the fulfillment of Passover, and consequence of Passover.

You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

Exodus 12:1-36

Preparation for Passover (12:1-20)

New Year (12:1-2)

And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,² This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.

Characteristics of the Lamb (12:3-5)

³ Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:⁴ And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.⁵ Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Killing the Lamb (12:6)

⁶ And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Blood of the Lamb (12:7)

⁷ And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

Eating the Lamb (12:8-11)

⁸ And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.⁹ Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.¹⁰ And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.¹¹ And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. Next week we will look at the Passover.

The Burial of Jesus

(Isaiah 53:9-12; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

Joseph of Arimathea provides his own tomb for Jesus’ burial. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary observe where Jesus is laid.

Matthew 27:57–61 describes Jesus’ burial and the watch placed over His tomb. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Jesus, asks for Jesus’ body. Pilate agrees. Joseph wraps Jesus’ body in a clean linen shroud and places it in his own, never-used tomb, which is cut out of the rock in a garden. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-57.html)

The Guard at the Tomb

62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

The chief priests and Pharisees secure Pilate’s permission to seal and guard the tomb to prevent Jesus’ disciples from stealing His body and claiming resurrection.

Jesus’ enemies ask Pilate to place Roman soldiers at the grave site. They seek to prevent anyone from stealing His body and claiming He has been resurrected. Pilate agrees. The tomb is sealed. A guard is posted. These events are also seen in Mark 15:42–47, Luke 23:50–56, and John 19:38–42. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-62.html)

Conclusion

Matthew 27 is a heart-wrenching narrative of Jesus’ last hours, showcasing the depths of His sacrifice for humanity. It includes the remorse and suicide of Judas, Jesus’ trial before Pilate, His crucifixion, and burial. The chapter concludes with the chief priests and Pharisees securing the tomb to prevent Jesus’ resurrection prophecy from being fulfilled fraudulently.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. Next week we will look at the Passover.

The Death of Jesus

(Psalm 22:1-31; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30)

45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

After three hours of darkness, Jesus cries out and gives up His spirit. Miraculous signs occur: the temple curtain tears in two, the earth shakes, and many holy people are resurrected.

Matthew 27:45–56 describes the climactic moment when Jesus dies on the cross. Darkness falls over Israel as Jesus hangs near death. Jesus cries out the words of Psalm 22:1, which mean “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some nearby think He is calling for Elijah the prophet to come and save Him. Jesus dies. Immediately, the massive temple curtain is torn in two, top to bottom. Earthquakes open the tombs of some of the saints of Israel, who are later resurrected. A Roman centurion is shocked enough to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. Three women, Jesus’ friends, watch from a distance.(https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-45.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. Next week we will look at the Passover.

The Crucifixion

(Psalm 69:1-36; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16-27)

32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36And sitting down they watched him there; 37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Jesus is mocked and beaten by the soldiers before being led to Golgotha, where He is crucified alongside two robbers. Bystanders and religious leaders mock Him as He hangs on the cross.

Matthew 27:32–44 describes Jesus’ march to the cross, aided by a man named Simon of Cyrene. Jesus is offered a numbing, bitter wine, but refuses it, and is nailed to the cross. Soldiers gamble for His clothes. A somewhat sarcastic sign above Him reads “the King of the Jews.” Observers, including several Jewish religious leaders, mock Jesus for not being able to save Himself. Even the criminals being executed on either side of Jesus insult Him. Mark 15:20–32, Luke 23:36–43, and John 19:16–27 cover this same process.(https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-32.html)

The Death of Jesus

(Psalm 22:1-31; Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49; John 19:28-30)

45Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. 48And straightway one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

55And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children.

After three hours of darkness, Jesus cries out and gives up His spirit. Miraculous signs occur: the temple curtain tears in two, the earth shakes, and many holy people are resurrected.

Matthew 27:45–56 describes the climactic moment when Jesus dies on the cross. Darkness falls over Israel as Jesus hangs near death. Jesus cries out the words of Psalm 22:1, which mean “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some nearby think He is calling for Elijah the prophet to come and save Him. Jesus dies. Immediately, the massive temple curtain is torn in two, top to bottom. Earthquakes open the tombs of some of the saints of Israel, who are later resurrected. A Roman centurion is shocked enough to declare that Jesus was the Son of God. Three women, Jesus’ friends, watch from a distance.(https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-45.html)

The Burial of Jesus

(Isaiah 53:9-12; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)

57When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

Joseph of Arimathea provides his own tomb for Jesus’ burial. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary observe where Jesus is laid.

Matthew 27:57–61 describes Jesus’ burial and the watch placed over His tomb. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Jesus, asks for Jesus’ body. Pilate agrees. Joseph wraps Jesus’ body in a clean linen shroud and places it in his own, never-used tomb, which is cut out of the rock in a garden. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-57.html)

The Guard at the Tomb

62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

The chief priests and Pharisees secure Pilate’s permission to seal and guard the tomb to prevent Jesus’ disciples from stealing His body and claiming resurrection.

Jesus’ enemies ask Pilate to place Roman soldiers at the grave site. They seek to prevent anyone from stealing His body and claiming He has been resurrected. Pilate agrees. The tomb is sealed. A guard is posted. These events are also seen in Mark 15:42–47, Luke 23:50–56, and John 19:38–42. (https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-62.html)

Conclusion

Matthew 27 is a heart-wrenching narrative of Jesus’ last hours, showcasing the depths of His sacrifice for humanity. It includes the remorse and suicide of Judas, Jesus’ trial before Pilate, His crucifixion, and burial. The chapter concludes with the chief priests and Pharisees securing the tomb to prevent Jesus’ resurrection prophecy from being fulfilled fraudulently.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. Next week we will look at the Passover.

The Crucifixion

(Psalm 69:1-36; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:16-27)

32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36And sitting down they watched him there; 37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

38Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. 39And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, 40And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. 41Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, 42He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. 43He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. 44The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

Jesus is mocked and beaten by the soldiers before being led to Golgotha, where He is crucified alongside two robbers. Bystanders and religious leaders mock Him as He hangs on the cross.

Matthew 27:32–44 describes Jesus’ march to the cross, aided by a man named Simon of Cyrene. Jesus is offered a numbing, bitter wine, but refuses it, and is nailed to the cross. Soldiers gamble for His clothes. A somewhat sarcastic sign above Him reads “the King of the Jews.” Observers, including several Jewish religious leaders, mock Jesus for not being able to save Himself. Even the criminals being executed on either side of Jesus insult Him. Mark 15:20–32, Luke 23:36–43, and John 19:16–27 cover this same process.(https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/27/Matthew-27-32.html)

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus mocked, beaten, lead away to be crucified (Matthew 27:27-31)

Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.

Matthew 27:27-31 describes the moment when Roman soldiers brutally mocked Jesus before his crucifixion, essentially “crowning” him as a fake king by putting a crown of thorns on his head, dressing him in a purple robe, and kneeling before him while calling him “King of the Jews” in a sarcastic manner, highlighting the contrast between Jesus’ true identity as king and the way he was being treated by his captors; this act further emphasizes the humiliation Jesus endured. 

Key points about this passage:

• Mockery of Jesus’ claims:
  Since Jesus was accused of claiming to be the “King of the Jews,” the soldiers deliberately mocked this title by dressing him up in a way that parodied royalty. 
• Physical abuse:
  Besides the symbolic mockery, the soldiers also physically abused Jesus by spitting on him and hitting him with a reed. 
• Significance of the crown of thorns:
  The crown of thorns, a painful and sharp object, represents the suffering Jesus endured while being treated as a false king.   

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Today we continue our series on the Passover and resurrection of Jesus. 

This week we will look at the events that happened prior to the cross. The betrayal and arrest of Jesus, and His trials before Annas, Caiaphas, the Sanhedrin, and Pilate.  

Next week we will look at the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

Trial before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-26)

“And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.¹² And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.¹³ Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?¹⁴ And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly.¹⁵ Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would.¹⁶ And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.¹⁷ Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ?¹⁸ For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.¹⁹ When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.²¹ The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas.²² Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified.²³ And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified.²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.²⁵ Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.²⁶ Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

Although the Jewish religious leader thought that crucifying Jesus would end their problems, it did not. Going to the cross was God’s plan all along. So the wicked religious leaders were playing right into the plan of God. They killed the Messiah for their own political gain. They made their decision, have you?

Fifty-three years ago, I was at this decision point. I was confronted with the fact that Jesus was real, He died on the cross for my sin, and He wanted me to live with Him forever. I confessed my sin and trusted Christ to be my Savior and Lord.

God wants you too. Would you bow the knee to Him today?

Need to know more, please call me.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com