Holy Week. The last week of Jesus' earthly life
Knowing that the soldiers were approaching, the Lord began to prepare for the upcoming trial by the high priests and for His death on the cross. Feeling the need for prayer at this decisive moment, the Lord said to the apostles: “Sit here while I pray.” Having moved a short distance, the Lord began to grieve and yearn. “My soul is grieved to death,” He said to the apostles Peter, James and John who were nearby. “Stay here and watch with Me” (Matthew 26:38). Then, moving away a little, He fell on His face and began to pray: “My Father! If possible, let this cup pass from Me. However, not as I want, but as You want” (Matthew 26:36-39). This prayer was so intense that, according to the evangelists’ description, sweat, like drops of blood, flowed from His face to the ground. At this time of incredible internal struggle, an Angel from Heaven appeared to Jesus and began to strengthen Him.
No one can comprehend the full severity of the Savior’s sorrows when He was preparing to suffer on the cross for the redemption of sinful humanity. There is no need to deny the natural fear of death, because He, as a man, was familiar with ordinary human hardships and illnesses. To ordinary people It is natural to die, but for Him, as completely sinless, death was an unnatural state.
Moreover, the internal suffering of Christ was especially unbearable because at that time the Lord took upon Himself the entire unbearable burden of the sins of mankind. The evil of the world with all its unbearable weight seemed to crush the Savior and filled His soul with unbearable sorrow. As a morally perfect person, even the slightest evil was alien and disgusting to him. Taking upon Himself human sins, the Lord, along with them, took upon Himself the guilt for them. Thus, what each of the people had to endure for his crimes was now concentrated on Him Alone. It is obvious that Christ's grief was intensified by the realization of how hardened most people were. Many of them will not only not appreciate His endless love and greatest feat, but will laugh at Him and angrily reject the righteous path offered to them. They will prefer sin to a righteous lifestyle, and they will persecute and kill people who thirst for salvation.
Experiencing this, the Lord prayed three times. The first time He asked the Father to remove the cup of suffering from Him; the second time He expressed readiness to follow the will of the Father; after the third prayer, the Savior said: “Thy will be done”! (Matthew 26:42).
From a theological point of view, the internal struggle that the Lord Jesus Christ endured in the Garden of Gethsemane clearly reveals two independent and integral essences in Him: Divine and human. His Divine will was in everything agreement with the will of His Heavenly Father, who wanted to save people through His suffering, and His human will naturally turned away from death as the lot of sinners and wanted to find another way to save people. Ultimately, strengthened by diligent prayer, His human will yielded to His divine will.
Rising from prayer, the Lord approached the apostles to warn them of the approach of a traitor. Finding them sleeping, He meekly reproaches them: “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is being delivered into the hands of sinners” (Matthew 26:45). “Watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). How could it be that the disciples fell asleep at such a crucial moment? This apparently happened from excessive sadness. They vaguely understood that some terrible tragedy was about to happen, and did not know how to avert it. It is known that strong experiences can be so debilitating nervous system that a person loses the will to resist and tries to forget himself in sleep.
However, the Lord convinces His disciples, and in their person all Christians, not to despair under any difficult circumstances, but to watch and pray diligently. God, seeing a person’s faith, will not allow the one who trusts in Him to fall into temptation beyond his strength, but will certainly help him.
Taking Jesus Christ into custody
Conversion to epub, mobi, fb2 formats
"Orthodoxy and peace...
The events of the last week of the Savior’s earthly life relate to the Passion of Christ, known in the presentation of the four canonical Gospels. Below is a list compiled taking into account the description of the last days of Christ's earthly life in all four Gospels.
The events of the Passion of Christ are remembered throughout Holy Week, gradually preparing believers for the holiday of Easter. A special place among the Passion of Christ is occupied by the events that occurred after the Last Supper: arrest, trial, scourging and execution. The Crucifixion is the culminating moment of the Passion of Christ.
| Matthew | Mark | Luke | John | |
| Sunday(Palm Sunday) | ||||
| Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem | 21:1-9 | 11:1-10 | 19:28-44 | 12:12-19 |
| Jesus visits the Temple and returns to Bethany | 21:10-17 | 11:11 | 19:45-46 | |
| Monday | ||||
| Jesus curses barren fig tree | 21:18-19 | 11:12-14 | ||
| Jesus drives the merchants out of the Temple | 11:15-19 | 19:45-48 | ||
| Tuesday | ||||
| Jesus explains the curse of the fig tree | 21:20-22 | 11:20-26 | ||
| Jesus is asked about His authority | 21:23-27 | 11:27-33 | 20:1-8 | |
| Jesus teaches in the Temple | 21:28 - 22:45 | 12:1-37 | 20:9-44 | |
| Jesus condemns the scribes and Pharisees | 23:1-36 | 12:37-40 | 20:45-47 | |
| Jesus talks about the widow's gift | 12:41-44 | 21:1-4 | ||
| Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple and the end of the world | 24:1-44 | 13:1-37 | 21:5-36 | |
| Wednesday | ||||
| Jewish leaders plot against Jesus | 26:1-5 | 14:1-2 | 22:1-2 | |
| Anointing of Jesus in Bethany | 26:6-13 | 14:3-9 | ||
| Judas agrees to betray Jesus | 26:14-16 | 14:10-11 | 22:2-6 | |
| Thursday | ||||
| Jesus prepares for Easter | 26:17-19 | 14:12-16 | 22:7-13 | |
| Last Supper | 26:20-29 | 14:17-25 | 22:14-38 | 13:1-38 |
| Jesus leaves with his disciples for Gethsemane | 26:30-46 | 14:26-42 | 22:39-46 | 18:1 |
| Jesus is betrayed and captured | 26:47-56 | 14:43-52 | 22:47-53 | 18:2-12 |
| Jesus in front of Anna | 18:12-14; 19-23 | |||
| Jesus before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin; Peter's denial | 26:57-75 | 14:53-72 | 22:54-71 | 18:15-18; 24-27 |
| Friday(Good Friday) | ||||
| Jesus before Pilate; suicide of Judas | 27:1-10 | 15:1-5 | 23:1-5 | 18:28-38 |
| Jesus is sent to Herod | 23:6-16 | |||
| Pilate pronounces death sentence | 27:15-26 | 15:6-15 | 23:17-25 | 18:39 - 19:16 |
| Jesus is scourged and led to Calvary | 27:27-32 | 15:15-21 | 19:16-17 | |
| Crucifixion and death of Jesus | 27:33-56 | 15:22-41 | 23:33-49 | 19:18-30 |
| Burial of Jesus | 27:57-61 | 15:42-47 | 23:50-56 | 19:31-42 |
| Saturday | ||||
| There are guards posted at the tomb | 27:62-66 | |||
| Sunday(Easter) | ||||
| The empty tomb and the risen Christ | 28:1-20 | 16:1-8 | 24:1-53 | 20:1 - 21:25 |
Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem
Before the Entry into Jerusalem, Christ declared himself as the Messiah to individuals, the time has come to do this publicly. It happened on the Sunday before Easter, when crowds of pilgrims flocked to Jerusalem. Jesus sends two disciples to fetch a donkey, sits on it, and rides into the city. He is greeted with singing by the people who have learned about the entry of Christ, and take up the hosanna to the son of David, which was proclaimed by the apostles. This great event serves, as it were, as the threshold of the suffering of Christ, suffered “for us for the sake of man and for our salvation.”
Supper at Bethany/Washing of Jesus' Feet by a Sinner
According to Mark and Matthew, in Bethany, where Jesus and his disciples were invited to the house of Simon the leper, a woman performed an anointing, which symbolized the subsequent suffering and death of Christ. Church tradition distinguishes this anointing from the anointing that was performed by Mary, the sister of the resurrected Lazarus, six days before Easter and even before the Lord entered Jerusalem. The woman who approached the Lord in order to anoint him with precious ointment was a repentant sinner.
Washing the disciples' feet
On Thursday morning, the disciples asked Jesus where he would eat the Passover. He said that at the gates of Jerusalem they would meet a servant with a jug of water, he would lead them to a house, the owner of which must be notified that Jesus and his disciples would be eating Passover at his place. Arriving at this house for supper, everyone took off their shoes as usual. There were no slaves to wash the guests' feet, so Jesus did it himself. The disciples were silent in embarrassment, only Peter allowed himself to be surprised. Jesus explained that this was a lesson in humility and that they should also treat each other as their Master had shown. St. Luke reports that at the supper there was a dispute between the disciples about which of them was greater. Probably, this dispute was the reason to show the students a clear example of humility and mutual love by washing their feet.
At the evening, Christ repeated that one of the disciples would betray him. With fear, everyone asked him: “Isn’t it me, Lord?”. Judas asked in order to divert suspicion from himself and heard in response: "You said". Soon Judas leaves the supper. Jesus reminded the disciples that where he would soon follow, they would not be able to go. Peter objected to the teacher that “he would lay down his life for Him.” However, Christ predicted that he would renounce him before the rooster crowed. As a consolation to the disciples, saddened by his imminent departure, Christ established the Eucharist - the main sacrament of the Christian faith.
The path to the Garden of Gethsemane and the prediction of the coming renunciation of the disciples
After supper, Christ and his disciples went out of the city. Through the hollow of the Kidron Stream they came to the Garden of Gethsemane.
Prayer for the Cup
Jesus left his disciples at the entrance to the garden. Taking with him only three chosen ones: James, John and Peter, he went to the Mount of Olives. Having ordered them not to sleep, he went away to pray. A premonition of death filled the soul of Jesus, doubts took possession of him. He, succumbing to his human nature, asked God the Father to carry the cup of Passion past, but he humbly accepted His will.
The Kiss of Judas and the Arrest of Jesus
Late on Thursday evening, Jesus, having descended from the mountain, wakes up the apostles and tells them that the one who betrayed him is already approaching. Armed temple servants and Roman soldiers appear. Judas showed them the place where they could find Jesus. Judas emerges from the crowd and kisses Jesus, giving the guards a signal.
They grab Jesus, and when the apostles try to stop the guards, Malchus, the slave of the high priest, is wounded. Jesus asks to free the apostles, they run away, only Peter and John secretly follow the guards who are taking their teacher away.
Jesus before the Sanhedrin (high priests)
On the night of Holy Thursday, Jesus was brought to the Sanhedrin. Christ appeared before Anna. He began to ask Christ about his teaching and his followers. Jesus refused to answer, he claimed that he always preached openly, did not spread any secret teaching, and offered to listen to witnesses to his sermons. Annas did not have the power to pass judgment and sent Christ to Caiaphas. Jesus remained silent. The Sanhedrin, gathered at Caiaphas, condemns Christ to death.
Denial of the Apostle Peter
Peter, who followed Jesus to the Sanhedrin, was not allowed into the house. In the hallway, he went to the fireplace to warm up. The servants, one of whom was a relative of Malchus, recognized the disciple of Christ and began to question him. Peter denies his teacher three times before the rooster crows.
Jesus before Pontius Pilate
On the morning of Good Friday, Jesus was taken to the praetorium, which was located in the former palace of Herod near the Tower of Antony. It was necessary to obtain approval of the death sentence from Pilate. Pilate was unhappy that he was being interfered with in this matter. He retires with Jesus to the praetorium and discusses with him alone. After a conversation with the condemned man, Pilate decided on the occasion of the holiday to invite the people to release Jesus. However, the crowd, incited by the high priests, demands the release not of Jesus Christ, but of Barabbas. Pilate hesitates, but ultimately condemns Christ, however, he does not use the language of the high priests. Pilate washing his hands is a sign that he does not want to interfere with what is happening.
Flagellation of Christ
Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged (usually scourging preceded crucifixion).
Desecration and crowning with thorns
The time is late morning of Good Friday. The scene is a palace in Jerusalem near the tower of Castle Antonia. To ridicule Jesus, the “King of the Jews,” they put a red hair shirt on him, a crown of thorns, and give him a staff. In this form he is brought out to the people. Seeing Christ in a purple robe and crown, Pilate, according to the testimony of John and the weather forecasters, says: “Behold a man.” In Matthew this scene is combined with “washing one’s hands.”
Way of the Cross (Carrying the Cross)
Jesus is sentenced to a shameful death by crucifixion along with two thieves. The place of execution was Golgotha, located outside the city. The time is around noon on Good Friday. The scene is the ascent to Golgotha. The condemned person had to carry the cross himself to the place of execution. Forecasters indicate that Christ was followed by crying women and Simon the Cyrene: since Christ was falling under the weight of the cross, the soldiers forced Simon to help him.
Tearing off Christ's clothes and playing them at dice with the soldiers
The soldiers cast lots to share Christ's clothing.
Golgotha - Crucifixion of Christ
According to Jewish custom, those condemned to execution were offered wine. Jesus, having sipped it, refused the drink. On both sides of Christ two thieves were crucified. Above Jesus' head, a sign was attached to the cross with an inscription in Hebrew, Greek and Latin languages: “King of the Jews.” After some time, the crucified man, tormented by thirst, asked for a drink. One of the soldiers guarding Christ dipped a sponge in a mixture of water and vinegar and brought it to his lips on a reed.
Descent from the Cross
To hasten the death of the crucified (it was the eve of Easter Saturday, which should not have been overshadowed by executions), the high priests ordered their legs to be broken. However, Jesus was already dead. One of the soldiers (in some sources - Longinus) hits Jesus in the ribs with a spear - blood mixed with water flowed from the wound. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council of Elders, came to the procurator and asked him for the body of Jesus. Pilate ordered that the body be given to Joseph. Another admirer of Jesus, Nicodemus, helped remove the body from the cross.
Entombment
Nicodemus, brought aromas. Together with Joseph, he prepared Jesus' body for burial, wrapping it in a shroud with myrrh and aloes. At the same time, Galilean wives were present and mourned Christ.
Descent into Hell
In the New Testament this is reported only by the Apostle Peter: Christ, in order to lead us to God, once suffered for our sins... having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit, by which He went and preached to the spirits in prison. (1 Peter 3:18-19).
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
On the first day after Saturday, in the morning, women came to the tomb of the resurrected Jesus with myrrh to anoint his body. Shortly before their appearance, an earthquake occurs and an angel descends from heaven. He rolls away the stone from Christ's tomb to show them that it is empty. The angel tells the wives that Christ has risen, “... something inaccessible to all eyes and incomprehensible has been accomplished.”
In fact, the Passion of Christ ends with His death and the subsequent mourning and burial of the body of Jesus. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ itself is the next cycle in the history of Jesus, also consisting of several episodes. However, there is still an opinion that “the descent into hell represents the limit of Christ’s humiliation and at the same time the beginning of His glory.”
Last days earthly life of the Savior
Based on the importance of the events that took place, these last days of the Savior’s earthly life are called Great, and the last week itself - the week of sorrows and suffering of Jesus Christ - is Passionate. During Holy Week (week), Christians fast especially strictly and pray for a long time during services in churches.
Three days after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem - on Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday - Jesus came to the temple and taught the people. The Lord spoke about the Kingdom of Heaven and about His Second Coming to earth in great glory along with many Angels; about the resurrection of the dead and the last, Last Judgment, when every person will be judged, and the righteous will then enter the Kingdom of Heaven and live there, like Adam and Eve in paradise, and sinners will suffer forever in hell for their evil deeds.
“The chief priests and the scribes and the elders of the people sought to destroy Him, but they could not find anything to do with Him, because all the people persistently listened to Him.”
Maundy Thursday
Last Supper
According to the Law of Moses, on the eve of Passover - the main Jewish holiday in honor of their liberation from Egyptian captivity - each family prepared special food (Passover lamb) and ate it with prayers and singing.
Jesus and his disciples were no exception. On His instructions, Peter and John prepared the Easter table in a house on Mount Zion (in the Zion Upper Room), where in the evening, secretly from everyone (hence the Last Supper), the Savior and the rest of the disciples came on Thursday.
Last Supper
When everyone had gathered, the Savior stood up and took off His outerwear, took a towel, poured water into the washbasin and, like a servant, washed the disciples’ feet. It was customary in those distant times for servants to wash the feet of all guests - after all, they then walked barefoot or in sandals with two or three straps. Then He said: “If I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, then you should also wash one another’s feet; for I have given you an example, that you also should do the same as I have done to you.” Thus, the Lord gave the disciples an example of meekness and humility.
Betrayal of Judas
Among the closest twelve disciples of Jesus there was one, Judas Iscariot, who first helped the Lord in preaching and received from Him, like the other apostles, the gift of healing diseases. Everyone trusted him - he even managed their common money. But the devil seduced Judas, and he began to hate the Savior. And he even went to the Jewish leaders and priests and promised to betray the Savior to them if they gave him thirty silver coins. Of course, they immediately agreed and began to wait for the opportunity when there would be no people around Jesus ready to protect Him. It was the day before, on Great Wednesday.
Now, on Maundy Thursday, Judas was with everyone at the Last Supper. The omniscient Lord said: “One of you will betray me.” The disciples became confused and began vying with each other to ask who the traitor could be. “Isn’t it me, Lord?” - they ask the Teacher. Judas also asked a question. And the Lord quietly said to him: “You.” John asked directly: “Lord! Who is this?" Jesus answered:
“He to whom I dip a piece of bread and give it.” And he gave it to Judas Iscariot, who “having accepted the piece, immediately went out.” The apostles thought that Christ was sending Judas to buy something for the holiday - after all, he was the custodian of their common money...
Establishment of the Sacrament of Communion
The festive meal began. The Savior took the bread, prayed, divided it and gave it to the disciples with the words: “Take, eat; this is My Body.” Then he took the cup, gave it to them and said: “Drink from it, everyone. For this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Thus, the Lord established the Sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist in Greek, and Thanksgiving in Russian), which unites a person with Christ.
After the apostles received communion, Jesus began His farewell conversation: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another”; “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he loves Me; and whoever loves Me will be loved by My Father; and I will love him and show myself to him.”
These commandments of the Savior subsequently became the main rule of life of the Earthly Church.
Night in the Garden of Gethsemane
When the Easter supper was finished, Christ and the disciples went from the city to the Mount of Olives, where the Garden of Gethsemane was located. The Lord loved to come here often... On the way, Jesus bitterly says to them: “You will all betray Me this night.” The apostles vehemently object...
Leaving the disciples at the entrance to the garden, Jesus entered it with three of them - Peter, James and John. And again, as at Tabor, the disciples fell asleep, and Jesus began to pray - He knew that His suffering (the passion of Christ) was about to come: “My Father! If possible, let this cup pass from Me. However, not as I want, but as You want.” This prayer was so intense that “His sweat was like drops of blood...”
Suddenly Judas appeared in the garden with the servants of the high priests and the guards of the temple. “Whomever I kiss is He, take Him,” the traitor gives them a sign. Approaching the Lord and greeting Him: “Hello, Teacher,” Judas kisses Jesus. He meekly asks: “Do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” Jesus then turns to the guards: “Whom are you looking for?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they answer. “It is I,” says Christ and voluntarily allows Himself to be bound. And His disciples, as the Lord predicted quite recently, scatter in fear... Only Peter and John watch from afar where their Teachers are leading.
The Trial of Jesus Christ by the High Priests
First, Jesus Christ was taken to a former high priest named Anna. He asked Jesus what His teaching was about and who His disciples were. Jesus answered, “I have spoken plainly to the world; I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where Jews always meet, and I did not say anything secretly.” Then one of the servants hit the Savior on the cheek - “Is this how you answer the high priest?” To which Jesus said: “If I have said something bad, show what is bad; What if it’s good that you beat Me?”
From here the bound Jesus was taken to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. Members of the Sanhedrin have already gathered here - supreme council: high priests, elders, scribes (experts in the Law of Moses) and rulers of the temple. They began to look for false witnesses and invent some kind of guilt behind Jesus Christ in order to condemn Him to death.
X Christ at the court of the Sanhedrin
Finally, Caiaphas asked Jesus: “Tell us, are you the Christ, the Son of God?” “You said,” Jesus answers, “and I even say to you [I say to you], from now on you will see [you will see] the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power [at right side God] and the one who comes [coming] on the clouds of heaven.”
Then Caiaphas tore his clothes as a sign of indignation and said: “He is blaspheming! [How boldly He speaks about God!] What more witnesses do we need?” And everyone said in response: “He is guilty of death.”
Servants surrounded Jesus, took him out into the courtyard and began to mock Him, spit on Him, and hit Him in the face. The God-man endured all humiliation and insults without complaint...
Peter's denial
The Apostle Peter, who along with John followed Christ from afar after He was captured in the Garden of Gethsemane, sat in the courtyard of the high priest and warmed himself with others by the fire. One of the maids recognized him and said: “And you were with Jesus the Galilean.” Peter was frightened and replied: “I don’t know what you’re saying.” And then the rooster crowed. Soon another one came up and, pointing to Peter, said to those who were there: “And this one was with Jesus of Nazareth.” But Peter again denied, swearing that he did not know this Man. Then others, approaching the fire, began to say: “Exactly, you are one of them, because you speak as the Galileans speak.” Then Peter again began to swear and swear that he did not know This Man. At this time, the rooster crowed for the second time, and the Savior turned around and looked at the disciple. And Peter remembered how the Teacher told him at the Last Supper: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” He left the yard and cried bitterly.
Good Friday
Jesus Christ at Pilate
The Sanhedrin, when passing a death sentence, did not have the right to carry it out without the consent of the Roman ruler. Therefore, early on Friday morning, the Jewish priests and leaders brought Jesus Christ, whom they had condemned, to Pontius Pilate and began to accuse Jesus, saying that He was teaching the people bad things, forbidding them to pay taxes, and calling Himself a king.
Pilate asked Him: “Are you the King of the Jews?” “You say,” answered Christ, “but My kingdom is not of this world [not on earth].” After talking with Christ and making sure that He was not a political criminal and a conspirator against the Roman Empire, Pilate came out to those gathered and said: “I find no guilt in this Man. You have a custom that I release one thing to you at Passover: do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” But the Jews shouted: “Death to Him! But release Barabbas to us” (Barabbas was a murderer).
Then Pilate ordered Jesus to be beaten. Having tied the Lord to a post, the soldiers began to beat Him with whips, inside of which metal pieces were sewn, which, when struck, deeply cut the skin. Then they wove a crown of thorns, put it on Jesus’ head, dressed Him in red, supposedly royal, clothes, gave Him a stick and said, laughing at Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they beat Him on the head with a stick and hit Him on the cheeks.
Thinking that, having seen the bloodied and beaten Christ, the Jews would be satisfied and take pity on Him, Pilate ordered Jesus to be brought out to the people and, pointing to Him, said: “Behold, the Man”... But the high priests and leaders, and after them the whole crowd, still They shouted louder: “Crucify Him, crucify”... “If you let Him go, you are not a friend of Caesar [the Roman emperor]; “Everyone who makes himself a king is an opponent of Caesar.”
Pilate, seeing that no arguments were helping, and the confusion of the people was increasing, washed his hands before the people with the words: “I am innocent of the blood of this Righteous One, see you.” And in response the Jews said: “His blood be on us and on our children.” Then Pilate condemned Christ to crucifixion. The soldiers dressed Him again in His own clothes, leaving a thorny wreath on His forehead, and led Him to Mount Golgotha or the “Place of Execution”, on which criminals were usually crucified.
Leading with Jesus were two thieves condemned to death. A difficult road strewn with stones led to Golgotha, and a heavy wooden cross was placed on the Savior’s shoulders, on which He was to be crucified. The tormented Christ, who endured severe suffering, all wounded, fell more than once under the weight of the cross. Then the Roman soldiers, stopping Simon of Cyrene who was coming from the field, forced him to carry the cross to Golgotha.
Crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ
Arriving at Golgotha, the soldiers took His clothes off Jesus Christ and crucified Him - they nailed His hands and feet to the cross. To the left and right of Him two thieves were crucified. It happened at noon. At this time, the sun darkened and darkness fell... A plaque was nailed over His head indicating His “guilt.” It was written in three languages – Greek, Roman and Hebrew: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
After which the soldiers began to divide His clothes among themselves. One of the clothes - the chiton - was not sewn, but woven from top to bottom. Its warriors decided not to tear it apart and cast lots to find out who would get it. Thus one of the prophecies was fulfilled Old Testament, in which it was said: “They divided My garments among themselves and cast lots for My clothing.”
The enemies of Jesus, passing by and standing at the cross, mocked Him: “Save Thyself; If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross... and we will believe in Him.” Even one of the crucified thieves could not restrain his mockery: “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” Another robber, crucified by right hand from Christ, calmed him down: “Or are you not afraid of God, when you yourself are condemned to the same thing? And we are condemned justly, because we have received what is worthy of our deeds; but He did nothing bad.” Then he turned to the Savior: “Remember me, Lord, when you come into Your Kingdom!” Jesus Christ answered him: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Crucifixion of Christ
At the cross stood those who loved Jesus - His Mother, his beloved disciple John and some women from Galilee who always followed Him. At these moments, the words of Simeon the God-Receiver, which were spoken 33 years ago, came true. And now, seeing the terrible torment of His Son, Holy Mother of God experienced such suffering, as if Her heart had been pierced by a weapon... With the last parting words, Christ turned from the cross to His Mother: “Woman! Behold, Your son!”, and then to the student: “Behold, Your Mother!” From that day on, the Mother of God began to live in the house of John, who took care of Her in every possible way.
Three hours passed after the crucifixion, and the Lord’s suffering became unbearable even for Him. “My God, My God! - Jesus exclaimed, “why have you forsaken me?” A little more time passed when, with the words: “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit,” the Savior, bowing His head, ended His earthly life...
At that moment, the earth began to shake, stones fell, the curtain in the Jerusalem Temple tore itself in two, the dead came out of their graves and appeared to many... The Jews began to run away in fear from the place of execution, only the Roman centurion Longinus, standing at the cross, said with deep emotion: “Truly He was the Son of God!”
Burial of Jesus Christ
That year, the holiday of the Jewish Passover began on Friday evening - when it was not supposed to do any business. Therefore, that same evening, one of the noble Jerusalemites, a member of the Sanhedrin, a secret disciple of the Lord named Joseph, begged Pilate for the Body of Jesus in order to have time to bury him.
Burial of Christ
As required by the Law of Moses, the Body of Jesus was taken down from the cross, anointed with scented oil, wrapped in a clean burial linen (shroud), and placed in the hewn tomb of Calvary belonging to Joseph. At the same time, the Galilean wives were also present, who agreed to come here again early on Sunday morning, after Easter, in order to properly, slowly, complete everything required by the Law.
The entrance to the cave was blocked with a large stone, and the Jewish leaders also sealed it, fearing that the disciples of Jesus would take the Body of their Teacher, and they also assigned guards.
Resurrection of Christ
On the night from Saturday to Sunday, our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. His human body was transformed, becoming incorruptible and spiritualized. Since then, the light of Christ's Resurrection has been shining throughout the world. Every year in Holy Saturday The Holy Fire descends on the Holy Sepulcher, strengthening faith and warming hearts with the warmth of Divine love for the world and man.
Now we know that all people, saints and sinners, baptized and unbaptized, will also be resurrected. Their souls will be united with their bodies, and they will all appear before Jesus Christ. Then the Kingdom of God will open for all who believed and loved the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Angel of the Lord who appeared rolled away the stone from the Savior’s grave. The warriors guarding the grave cave, frightened by his brilliant appearance, fell as if dead, and then fled. Some of them came to the high priests and told them what had happened. The high priests gave the soldiers money and ordered them to tell everyone that they had fallen asleep and during their sleep the disciples of Jesus Christ stole His Body.
Myrrh-Bearing Women at the Holy Sepulcher
Early in the morning of the first day of the week, disciples of Christ - pious women - went to the tomb of the Teacher to anoint His Body with fragrant oils, or myrrh (hence the myrrh-bearing women - that is, those who carry myrrh). They were worried about one question: “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”
Approaching the cave, they saw that the entrance to the cave was open - this huge stone lay at its entrance. Entering inside, they did not find the Body of Jesus Christ there, but saw an Angel in white clothes with a face sparkling like lightning. “Do not be alarmed,” he said to the frightened women, “for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified; He's not here. He rose again, as He said; come, see the place where the Lord lay, and go quickly, tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead and is awaiting you in Galilee.”
The delighted women - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, mother of James Mary and others - hastened to tell the apostles about everything they had seen. But the apostles did not believe them.
Only Peter and John hurried to the Teacher’s tomb. John, the younger one, came running first and saw the linen in which the Body of the Savior was wrapped, but did not enter the cave. Peter came running next. He entered the cave and also saw a cloth and a specially folded scarf with which the head of the Savior was covered, lying separately. Surprised, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem to the other apostles.
Appearances of Jesus Christ after the resurrection
Appearance to Mary Magdalene
According to church tradition, the resurrected Jesus appeared first to His Most Pure Mother, and then to “Mary Magdalene, from whom he cast out seven demons.” It happened like this.
When Peter and John left, Mary Magdalene stood at the Teacher’s tomb and wept. Looking into the cave, she saw two Angels in white robes sitting on a coffin. "Why are you crying?" - they asked the woman. “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him,” answered Mary.
Turning around, she saw Jesus, but did not recognize Him. Jesus also asked: “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for? Thinking that it was the gardener, she said to Him: “Sir! If you have brought Him out, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him.” Then the Savior addressed her by name, and she, recognizing His voice, exclaimed: “Teacher!” and she rushed to Him... But Jesus stopped her: “Do not touch Me; for I have not yet ascended to My Father. Go and tell the disciples, My brothers, that I will ascend to My Father; But go to My brothers and say to them: I ascend to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” And Christ became invisible.
Mary immediately hurried to the apostles to tell them that she had seen the risen Lord and to convey His words. “But they, having heard that He was alive, and she had seen Him, did not believe.”
Apparition on the way to Emmaus
On the same day of the Resurrection of Christ, two of his disciples - Cleopas and Luke, the future evangelist - went to the village of Emmaus, located not far from Jerusalem. They again and again recalled the death of the Lord and mentioned rumors about His resurrection. During their conversation, a Stranger suddenly appeared. This was their Teacher, whom they, like Mary Magdalene, did not recognize. The Savior asked them why they were so sad and what they were talking about.
Cleopas was surprised: “Are you really one of those who came to Jerusalem who does not know about what has happened in it these days?” And they began to tell the Stranger “what happened to Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; how the chief priests and our rulers betrayed Him
to be condemned to death and crucified Him... But we hoped that He was the One who was to deliver Israel... Some of our women amazed us: they were early at the tomb and did not find His Body and when they came they said that they had seen the apparition Angels who say that He is alive. And some of our men went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see Him.” Jesus then began to explain to them everything that had been said about Him by the prophets, beginning with Moses. Cleopas and Luke listened to Him with surprise and attention.
But then Emmaus appeared ahead. The stranger began to say goodbye. After fervent requests from Cleopas and Luke, Jesus agrees to stay with them and share a meal with them. At dinner He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and serves it to them just as Jesus had done all this just a short time ago. The students are pierced by the same thought: “It’s HIM!” And at that very moment Jesus “became invisible to them » .
Having now believed in the Risen Teacher, Cleopas and Luke hastily return to Jerusalem. Here they told the eleven apostles and those who were with them what happened on the way to Emmaus, how they recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, but they did not believe them either...
Appearance to the Ten Apostles
Late in the evening of the same Sunday, the Lord appeared to all His disciples, except for the absent Thomas. Suddenly appearing in the locked upper room of Zion, the Lord addressed them with His usual greeting: “Peace be with you!” They were afraid - no one could enter here through the locked door, and if they now see Jesus, it means it is His spirit...
The appearance of the risen Lord to the disciples
Then the Savior offered to touch Him, because “a spirit has no flesh and bones” and, to reinforce His words, asked for something to eat. “They gave Him some of the baked fish and honeycomb. And he took it and ate before them.” Only then did the apostles believe that this was not a ghost.
Thomas's disbelief
Only a few days later Thomas appeared in Jerusalem. He reacted with doubt to the news of the resurrection of Christ. “Unless I see in His hands the marks of the nails, and put my finger into the marks of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe,” declared Thomas the unbeliever.
Once again, now to all eleven, Jesus appeared eight days later. The Lord invited Thomas to touch His wounds - Thomas became convinced that the hands of Jesus standing in front of him were pierced with nails, his ribs were pierced with a spear... Ashamed, Thomas then exclaimed: “My Lord and my God!”
Apparition on Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee)
A few days later, the Lord appeared to the apostles in Galilee, where they came at His command. One day, after fishing all night and not catching anything, they sent their boat to the shore. From a distance, the disciples did not recognize Jesus standing there, who asked them: “Children, do you have any food?” Hearing a negative answer, He said: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat and you will catch it.” They obeyed and, sure enough, the nets were soon filled with so many fish that they could hardly get them out. Then John says to Peter: “This is the Lord.” Without hesitation for a minute, Peter threw himself into the water and swam to the Teacher in order to meet Him as soon as possible.
When the others approached, dragging a net with the catch behind the boat, they saw a fire on the shore and fish and bread baked on it. The Lord invited them to have lunch. Knowing that the Lord was before them, the disciples did not dare to ask Him: “Who are you?”
During dinner, Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” And when he hears in response the repentant: “So, Lord! You know that I love You,” forgives his betrayal, admonishing him: “Feed My sheep.” With this threefold confession of his love and faith, Peter seemed to wash away his threefold denial of the Lord on the night of betrayal. Now he was restored to his apostolic ministry.
Apparition on a mountain in Galilee
In Galilee, Jesus once again appeared to the eleven apostles on the mountain where, according to legend, he taught the Beatitudes at the beginning of His ministry. Here He gave them a farewell message: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; and whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
So, for forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared to His disciples, talked with them about the Kingdom of Heaven, about those Divine truths of His teaching, which they were supposed to announce to the whole world - from Jerusalem “to the ends of the earth.”
Ascension of the Lord
And now the last day of the visible stay on earth of our Lord Jesus Christ has come. On the fortieth day after His Resurrection, Christ gathered all the apostles, commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, and then left the city with them, heading to the Mount of Olives. Finally, they climbed to the top. Raising his hands, the Lord blessed His disciples and... began to slowly rise from the ground and ascend to heaven... Soon a bright cloud completely hid Him from the eyes of the disciples. Shocked, they bowed in reverence, and then, orphaned, stood for a long time, sadly looking into the empty Sky...
Suddenly two angels in white robes appeared to them and said that Jesus would come to them in the same way as they saw Him ascending to Heaven. Then the joyful Peter and James, John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas, brother of James, returned to Jerusalem and began to wait for the fulfillment of the words of the Savior - the descent of the Holy Spirit on them, which would give them special power for a great cause, the work of their life: preaching the Gospel (the Teachings of Christ) to the whole world.
Descent of the Holy Spirit
The apostles, the Mother of God and some myrrh-bearing women, having gathered in Jerusalem, awaited the fulfillment of what the Savior had promised: “But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of everything that I have told you.” At the suggestion of Peter, instead of Judas, who betrayed the Teacher and then hanged himself out of shame, they chose the twelfth apostle Matthias by lot.
On the tenth day after the Ascension, on the fiftieth day after the Resurrection of Christ, the words of the Teacher were fulfilled. On this day, the Jews celebrated Pentecost, one of their main holidays. And so they gathered in Jerusalem a large number of pilgrims.
The twelve apostles, together with the Mother of God, were in the Zion Upper Room. In the morning, at nine o’clock, “suddenly there was a noise from the sky, as if from a rushing strong wind, and filled the whole house where they were." Dividing tongues of fire that appeared after that stopped over each of them. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit...” - the fiery baptism of the apostles took place.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles
At that moment, the three Persons of the One Divinity were revealed to the apostles, and in their person to all humanity - God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
An unusual noise from the sky attracted everyone's attention - soon a crowd gathered at the Zion Upper Room. big crowd pilgrims. The apostles came out to meet them - and suddenly... each of those who came heard the words of the apostles addressed to him in his native language that he understood.
This was surprising, because many knew that the apostles were simple, unlearned people who did not speak their own language quite correctly - the Galilean dialect. And suddenly they all began to speak different languages, which were never taught and did not understand until this day!
The Apostle Peter explained that this miracle was performed by God Himself! And then he began to talk about Jesus Christ, Who preached His Divine teaching to them and to all the people, was crucified and resurrected on the third day. Now the Savior, as promised, sent them from heaven the Holy Spirit, who taught them to speak in different languages.
His listeners felt remorse. "What do we do?" - they asked sadly. “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” answered Peter. About three thousand people believed and were baptized that day.
Life of the first Christians
The newly converted Christians remained with the apostles. They all together remembered the teachings of the Savior, took communion and prayed. They had everything in common. Rich people sold their estates and helped those in need. Every day more and more Christians joined them.
This was the beginning of the Church of Christ - the image of the Kingdom of God on earth. And the very day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles can be called the birthday of this eternal Kingdom, the birthday of the Church.
After the fiery baptism of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the apostles became completely different people - they were literally reborn. Now these were already people of strong, fiery faith, fearlessness, and tireless zeal for the gospel of the Word of God.
In addition, the Holy Spirit endowed the apostles with the gift of healing: with their “hands... many signs and wonders were performed among the people … “So, the Apostle Peter cast out demons in the name of the Lord, healed the sick, raised the dead... Even his shadow had miraculous power- “they carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and beds, so that at least the shadow of Peter passing would overshadow any of them.”
The apostles knew from their Divine Teacher that their lives would be full of ridicule and mockery, imprisonment and beatings... Each of them would have their own cup of suffering. In these coming sufferings in the absence of the Divine Teacher, it was necessary to strengthen, support and comfort the apostles, to give them courage and patience. That is why the ascended Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit-Comforter to His disciples.
And now no one and nothing could stop God’s messengers in their holy and great feat of fulfilling the commandments of the Teacher - spreading His Divine teaching throughout the world. Crucified on crosses, burned at the stake, perishing under a hail of stones and blows of swords, the apostles were unusually strong in spirit...
First the apostles preached Christian teaching only to the Jews, and then decided to disperse throughout the world so that the Word of God could be heard by all the nations of the earth. The lot determined who should go in which direction.
The rapid spread of Christianity aroused fear and hatred among Jewish elders, teachers of the law and high priests. Christians began to be persecuted, accused before the Romans, and the common people turned against them. But despite everything, by the year 64 Christian Churches already existed in all the main cities of the Roman Empire.
Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary
According to Church tradition, after the death on the cross and the Resurrection of Her Divine Son, the Most Holy Theotokos lived for over twenty years in the house of John the Theologian. The Lord's disciples often gathered here, and She told them about children's and youth Savior.
Having dispersed throughout the world, the apostles told everyone about Mother of God, and therefore She soon became the Mother of all those who came to Her - she prayed to the Lord for the whole sinful world; I helped the poor and sick as much as I could; comforted the suffering; took care of orphans and widows...
But then one day, during the prayer of the Mother of God on the Mount of Olives, Archangel Gabriel suddenly appeared before Her. The Heavenly Messenger announced to the Mother of God that in three days She would go to the Lord, that Her death would be like a quiet sleep, for a very short time, and then She would see immortal life...
Returning home, the Mother of God told John about what was coming. Before her death, She wanted to say goodbye to the apostles who had become Her family and friends, and to bless them. And a miracle happened - by the will of God from different countries, where they preached, all the apostles gathered in Jerusalem, except Thomas. Having learned about the occasion for which the Lord had gathered them all together, they began to grieve that the Mother of God was leaving them. She's the same
blessed them all and promised not to leave them without Her help, to intercede for all people - after all, She will now be next to Her Divine Son.
And then this sad day came. The Mother of God was reclining on a decorated bed, around which many Christians had gathered. At nine o'clock in the morning the room suddenly lit up with an extraordinary light. The roof of the house opened, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, with many Angels and saints, descended to the bed of His Mother. At that moment, the face of the Most Holy Mother of God shone like the sun, and a wondrous fragrance spread from Her body. And miracles immediately began: touching the body of the Mother of God, the blind began to see, the deaf began to hear, the lame threw away their crutches...
Dormition of the Mother of God
Singing sacred hymns, the apostles carried the bed to the burial place. Having placed the holy body of the Mother of God in the burial cave, the apostles closed the entrance to it with a large stone.
Only three days after the burial, the Apostle Thomas arrived in Jerusalem from distant India. Together with others, he came to the burial cave to say goodbye to the Mother of God. And when they rolled away the stone, everyone saw an empty cave, where only burial shrouds lay. Holy Virgin, from which a wonderful fragrance spread... And Her Most Pure Body was resurrected by Divine power.
That same evening, the Most Holy Theotokos appeared to the apostles during their meal. “Rejoice! - She said, standing in the air surrounded by Angels, “I am always with you.” The apostles bowed to the Queen of Heaven and exclaimed: “Most Holy Theotokos, help us!”
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Almost three hundred years have passed... And all this time, the followers of Jesus Christ - Christians - were subjected to terrible persecution: they were deprived of property, condemned to hard work and starvation in a foreign land. The persecution by the Roman emperors was especially cruel. They came up with terrible torture and executions: Christians were burned, crucified on crosses, thrown to be devoured wild animals in circuses, sparing neither children nor the elderly.
The history of the Christian Church includes ten great persecutions of Christians. Only at the beginning of the fourth century, under Emperor Constantine the Great (305–337), did the persecution of Christians cease.
In 313, on the eve of the decisive battle for the imperial throne, Constantine and his entire army saw in the sky the sign of the cross and the luminous inscription “Nike” (from Greek, “this (cross) win"). And at night, Constantine dreamed of Jesus Christ Himself with a cross in his hand and said that he would defeat the enemy, only crosses should be drawn on military banners instead of Roman eagles. Constantine fulfilled God's command, and victory over an enemy significantly superior to him was won.
Exaltation of the Cross
The Emperor of the Roman Empire, Constantine the Great, took Christians under his protection and issued a decree equating Christianity with the Roman state religion. He decided to build in the sacred places of Palestine God's temples and find the Cross on which our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. His Christian mother became a like-minded person in this noble cause.
In 326, the holy queen Helena went to Jerusalem. Here, on her orders, pagan temples were destroyed and Christian churches were erected in their place. But Queen Helen could not find the Cross of Christ, because too much time had passed. But she continued her search. And then one day she was shown a buried cave at the foot of Golgotha, and soon three crosses and a tablet with the inscription in three languages “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” were pulled out of the ground.
Which of the crosses was the Cross of the Savior?
He was recognized thanks to a miracle that happened. According to Church tradition, at the same time a funeral procession appeared on Golgotha. Bishop Macarius of Jerusalem, who took an active part in the search, ordered that the found crosses be placed on the deceased. As soon as the Cross of the Savior touched him, the deceased was immediately resurrected by the Power emanating from the Cross.
Now no one has any doubt that it was this Cross that they had been looking for for so long. By the way, later the Cross of the Savior was called Life-giving, that is, giving life-giving power.
Meanwhile, many people gathered at Calvary. Everyone wanted to see the found shrine and worship it, but the majority (there were so many who came) were not able to not only approach and kiss it, but even see it. People began to ask Saint Macarius to raise the Cross. Then Patriarch Macarius stood on an elevated place and raised high - erected (hence the name of the holiday) - the Cross of the Savior, so that all those gathered could see the shrine. Christians, seeing the Life-giving tree of the Cross, fell to their knees, exclaiming “Lord, have mercy!” On this significant day, many people believed in Jesus Christ.
And to this day, all Christians revere the saving Cross of Christ.
The events of the last week of the Savior’s earthly life relate to the Passion of Christ, known in the presentation of the four canonical Gospels. Below is a list compiled taking into account the description of the last days of Christ's earthly life in all four Gospels.
The events of the Passion of Christ are remembered throughout Holy Week, gradually preparing believers for the holiday of Easter. A special place among the Passion of Christ is occupied by the events that occurred after the Last Supper: arrest, trial, scourging and execution. The Crucifixion is the culminating moment of the Passion of Christ.
Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem
Before the Entry into Jerusalem, Christ declared himself as the Messiah to individuals, the time has come to do this publicly. It happened on the Sunday before Easter, when crowds of pilgrims flocked to Jerusalem. Jesus sends two disciples to fetch a donkey, sits on it, and rides into the city. He is greeted with singing by the people who have learned about the entry of Christ, and take up the hosanna to the son of David, which was proclaimed by the apostles. This great event serves, as it were, as the threshold of the suffering of Christ, suffered “for us for the sake of man and for our salvation.”
Supper at Bethany/Washing of Jesus' Feet by a Sinner
According to Mark and Matthew, in Bethany, where Jesus and his disciples were invited to the house of Simon the leper, a woman performed an anointing, which symbolized the subsequent suffering and death of Christ. Church tradition distinguishes this anointing from the anointing that was performed by Mary, the sister of the resurrected Lazarus, six days before Easter and even before the Lord entered Jerusalem. The woman who approached the Lord in order to anoint him with precious ointment was a repentant sinner.
Washing the disciples' feet
On Thursday morning, the disciples asked Jesus where he would eat the Passover. He said that at the gates of Jerusalem they would meet a servant with a jug of water, he would lead them to a house, the owner of which must be notified that Jesus and his disciples would be eating Passover at his place. Arriving at this house for supper, everyone took off their shoes as usual. There were no slaves to wash the guests' feet, so Jesus did it himself. The disciples were silent in embarrassment, only Peter allowed himself to be surprised. Jesus explained that this was a lesson in humility and that they should also treat each other as their Master had shown. St. Luke reports that at the supper there was a dispute between the disciples about which of them was greater. Probably, this dispute was the reason for showing the disciples a clear example of humility and mutual love by washing their feet.
Last Supper
At the evening, Christ repeated that one of the disciples would betray him. With fear, everyone asked him: “Isn’t it me, Lord?” Judas asked in order to divert suspicion from himself and heard in response: “You said.” Soon Judas leaves the supper. Jesus reminded the disciples that where he would soon follow, they would not be able to go. Peter objected to the teacher that “he would lay down his life for Him.” However, Christ predicted that he would renounce him before the rooster crowed. As a consolation to the disciples, saddened by his imminent departure, Christ established the Eucharist - the main sacrament of the Christian faith.
The path to the Garden of Gethsemane and the prediction of the coming renunciation of the disciples
After supper, Christ and his disciples went out of the city. Through the hollow of the Kidron Stream they came to the Garden of Gethsemane.
Prayer for the Cup
Jesus left his disciples at the entrance to the garden. Taking with him only three chosen ones: James, John and Peter, he went to the Mount of Olives. Having ordered them not to sleep, he went away to pray. A premonition of death filled the soul of Jesus, doubts took possession of him. He, succumbing to his human nature, asked God the Father to carry the cup of Passion past, but he humbly accepted His will.
The Kiss of Judas and the Arrest of Jesus
Late on Thursday evening, Jesus, having descended from the mountain, wakes up the apostles and tells them that the one who betrayed him is already approaching. Armed temple servants and Roman soldiers appear. Judas showed them the place where they could find Jesus. Judas emerges from the crowd and kisses Jesus, giving the guards a signal.
They grab Jesus, and when the apostles try to stop the guards, Malchus, the slave of the high priest, is wounded. Jesus asks to free the apostles, they run away, only Peter and John secretly follow the guards who are taking their teacher away.
Jesus before the Sanhedrin (high priests)
On the night of Holy Thursday, Jesus was brought to the Sanhedrin. Christ appeared before Anna. He began to ask Christ about his teaching and his followers. Jesus refused to answer, he claimed that he always preached openly, did not spread any secret teaching, and offered to listen to witnesses to his sermons. Annas did not have the power to pass judgment and sent Christ to Caiaphas. Jesus remained silent. The Sanhedrin, gathered at Caiaphas, condemns Christ to death.
Denial of the Apostle Peter
Peter, who followed Jesus to the Sanhedrin, was not allowed into the house. In the hallway, he went to the fireplace to warm up. The servants, one of whom was a relative of Malchus, recognized the disciple of Christ and began to question him. Peter denies his teacher three times before the rooster crows.
Jesus before Pontius Pilate
On the morning of Good Friday, Jesus was taken to the praetorium, which was located in the former palace of Herod near the Tower of Antony. It was necessary to obtain approval of the death sentence from Pilate. Pilate was unhappy that he was being interfered with in this matter. He retires with Jesus to the praetorium and discusses with him alone. After a conversation with the condemned man, Pilate decided on the occasion of the holiday to invite the people to release Jesus. However, the crowd, incited by the high priests, demands the release not of Christ, but of Jesus Barabbas. Pilate hesitates, but ultimately condemns Christ, however, he does not use the language of the high priests. Pilate washing his hands is a sign that he does not want to interfere with what is happening.
Flagellation of Christ
Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged (usually scourging preceded crucifixion).
Desecration and crowning with thorns
The time is late morning of Good Friday. The scene is a palace in Jerusalem near the tower of Castle Antonia. To ridicule Jesus, the “King of the Jews,” they put a red hair shirt on him, a crown of thorns, and give him a staff. In this form he is brought out to the people. Seeing Christ in a purple robe and crown, Pilate, according to the testimony of John and the weather forecasters, says: “Behold a man.” In Matthew this scene is combined with “washing one’s hands.”
Way of the Cross (Carrying the Cross)
Jesus is sentenced to a shameful death by crucifixion along with two thieves. The place of execution was Golgotha, located outside the city. The time is around noon on Good Friday. The scene is the ascent to Golgotha. The condemned person had to carry the cross himself to the place of execution. Forecasters indicate that Christ was followed by crying women and Simon the Cyrene: since Christ was falling under the weight of the cross, the soldiers forced Simon to help him.
Tearing off Christ's clothes and playing them at dice with the soldiers
The soldiers cast lots to share Christ's clothing.
Golgotha - Crucifixion of Christ
According to Jewish custom, those condemned to execution were offered wine. Jesus, having sipped it, refused the drink. On both sides of Christ two thieves were crucified. Attached to the cross above Jesus' head was a sign reading in Hebrew, Greek and Latin: "King of the Jews." After some time, the crucified man, tormented by thirst, asked for a drink. One of the soldiers guarding Christ dipped a sponge in a mixture of water and vinegar and brought it to his lips on a reed.
Descent from the Cross
To hasten the death of the crucified (it was the eve of Easter Saturday, which should not have been overshadowed by executions), the high priests ordered their legs to be broken. However, Jesus was already dead. One of the soldiers (in some sources - Longinus) hits Jesus in the ribs with a spear - blood mixed with water flowed from the wound. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Council of Elders, came to the procurator and asked him for the body of Jesus. Pilate ordered that the body be given to Joseph. Another admirer of Jesus, Nicodemus, helped remove the body from the cross.
Entombment
Nicodemus, brought aromas. Together with Joseph, he prepared Jesus' body for burial, wrapping it in a shroud with myrrh and aloes. At the same time, Galilean wives were present and mourned Christ.
Descent into Hell
In the New Testament this is reported only by the Apostle Peter: Christ, in order to lead us to God, once suffered for our sins... having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit, by which He went and preached to the spirits in prison. (1 Peter 3:18-19).
Resurrection of Jesus Christ
On the first day after Saturday, in the morning, women came to the tomb of the resurrected Jesus with myrrh to anoint his body. Shortly before their appearance, an earthquake occurs and an angel descends from heaven. He rolls away the stone from Christ's tomb to show them that it is empty. The angel tells the wives that Christ has risen, “... something inaccessible to all eyes and incomprehensible has been accomplished.”
In fact, the Passion of Christ ends with His death and the subsequent mourning and burial of the body of Jesus. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ itself is the next cycle in the history of Jesus, also consisting of several episodes. However, there is still an opinion that “the descent into hell represents the limit of Christ’s humiliation and at the same time the beginning of His glory.”
Viewed (3396) times
Archpriest Pavel Matveevsky. The last days of the earthly life of our Lord Jesus Christ
“Three and a half years of ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ to the salvation of the human race were drawing to a close. By the unceasing preaching of the Gospel and countless manifestations of omnipotent power in miracles, the Savior established faith in his disciples and followers. But the Eternal Council has not yet been fulfilled Holy Trinity about the redemption of the human race from sin, condemnation and eternal death by the blood of the great Sacrifice: The blameless and most pure Lamb of Christ, foreknown before the foundation of the world, had to shed his honorable Blood to cleanse the sins of the whole world, to bring us to God, to destroy the works of the devil, to open the door for us Kingdom of Heaven and make you heirs of eternal life. Easter was coming..." With these words, a book opens, in which readers are offered an interpretation of those pages of the Holy Gospel that speak about the last days of the earthly life of Jesus Christ. The book was published by the Sibirskaya Blagozvonitsa Publishing House and is today on our bookshelf. ***
The basis for the book “The Last Days of the Earthly Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ” was the work of Pavel Alekseevich Matveevsky - spiritual writer, archpriest, master of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy - “Gospel History”. On the pages of this work, all the earthly life our Savior in chronological order. Interpretations are taken mainly from the works of the Holy Fathers and teachers Orthodox Church, about whom Father Paul says that these are the most faithful and reliable interpreters Gospel story. The composition of the “Gospel Story” is based on the works of St. Theophan the Recluse. The first edition was published in 1890.
So let's look at the narrative of this book. In its first chapter, the author talks about an event that the Holy Church recalled last Sunday - this is the solemn entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. Calling this period of time the first day of the last week, Father Paul writes: “Our Lord Jesus Christ began the last days of His earthly life with such an action in which he appeared before everyone as the Savior foretold by the prophets and awaited by Israel. While His time had not yet come (John 7:6), until the hour of His glorification on the cross had come (17:1), He carefully avoided all cases where popular enthusiasm would like to see the fulfillment of the cherished dream of restoring the ancient glory of the kingdom of Israel (John 6, 15). For the same purpose, in order to avoid misinterpretations and obscuring the truth with an admixture of vain expectations, He often forbade His disciples and followers to publicly disclose that He is the awaited Christ the Savior (Matthew 12:16; 16:20; 17:9; Mark 5, 43; Luke 5:14). Now, in view of the suffering, the people’s dreaminess could not reach any regrettable extreme, and the cross “resolutely put an end to all such plans among His followers.”
Further, the author quotes the words of St. John Chrysostom, who says: “Often before this, Jesus Christ went to Jerusalem, but never walked with such glory, because then it was still the beginning of His construction - the time of suffering was not yet close; Therefore, he lived in no way different from others, and for the most part hid himself.” According to the holy father, His glorious appearance at the very beginning “would have been unnecessary and useless: it would have only aroused great anger among the Jews.” During the saving ministry of Jesus Christ, some believed, hearing the teaching or seeing His wonderful works, while others still wanted a direct announcement from Him that he was the Messiah-Christ (John 10:24). And so the first day of the week, which ended with the death of the God-man, was that great, significant day by which the fate of not only many of the Lord’s contemporaries, but also the entire Jewish people was decided.
For the final teaching of the ignorant, the admonition of those who persist, the elimination of doubts of people who waver in the faith, and finally, to strengthen the faith of true followers, Jesus Christ for the last time appeared before His chosen people, in all the unearthly greatness of the meek, righteous and saving King (Zech. 9, 9). Here He makes a speech about His glorification in suffering. These words, spoken at such a solemn hour, with the majesty befitting the Son of God, should have been deeply imprinted in the minds and hearts of the apostles, who could not yet accommodate the thoughts of the suffering and death of the Lord. Now they hear that the cross for the Teacher is the path to glorification - that His death is necessary for the spread of the Gospel throughout the world, just as a grain, having rotted in the ground, gives life to the plant - that, finally, for His followers there is no other way to the highest honor, as a path of selflessness, hardship and suffering.
The next day after the significant entry into Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus Christ in the morning again went into the city, accompanied by twelve disciples, along the same road as yesterday, but without any solemnity. The thought of the God-man naturally turned to yesterday’s event, in which, along with the fleeting delight of the people, the extreme blindness of the representatives of the Jewish synagogue, the leaders and mentors of the people was revealed with amazing clarity. These hypocrites, who covered up their lack of true piety with external piety and good deeds for show, were worst enemies Jesus Christ and were often subjected to strong denunciations of the incarnate truth. For visual image spiritual barrenness of them, and after them of the entire Jewish people, the Lord in His conversations used the expressive image of a barren fig tree.”
And it was to this roadside tree that the Lord directed His path, however, according to the remark of St. John Chrysostom, “not in order to satisfy hunger, but for the disciples, in order to teach them an important moral lesson.” This event, which went down in history as the curse of the fig tree, is spoken of in the Gospel. It also talks about the expulsion of the traders from the temple, and readers will find an interpretation of these two events in the corresponding chapter of the book. And the next one talks about the third day - Great Tuesday, when the disciples are given instructions about the power of faith and prayer. Here we can also observe the extreme confusion of the enemies of Jesus. Blinded by unbelief, the members of the supreme Jewish court - the Sanhedrin, which had the right to decide questions of faith, shortly before this they decided to kill the Savior and gave the order that everyone who knew where he was should announce His whereabouts.
But now, the one condemned by them again publicly appears as the Messiah, accepts the honor of the people and assumes for himself dominion in the house of God. To use force against Him, to detain him and bring him to trial seemed premature and further unsafe due to the crowd of people crowding around the Divine Teacher. And so they ask the Savior a provocative question. And the Lord tells them “The parables of the two sons sent by their father into the vineyard, of the evil winegrowers, and of the wedding feast of the king’s son.” In these expressive parables, Jesus Christ showed the Jews their unrepentance and bitterness, pointed out the sad fate awaiting them, and forced them to pronounce judgment on themselves. And thereby hardened them even more. The chief priests, scribes and Pharisees realized that these parables were spoken by the Savior against them. The shame of public disgrace further increased their hatred of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that they wanted to seize Him, but they were afraid of the people who revered Him as a Prophet. The Gospel, as well as the author of this book, tells about their further actions.
(1 ratings, on average: 5,00 out of 5) 
Loading...
