• PER356 The Night at Noon

    Pericope 356 analyzes the darkness that fell during the crucifixion of Jesus, from noon to 3 p.m., as reported by the three Synoptic Gospels. This cosmic event is studied in its chronological and theological dimensions: a sign of divine judgment, a prophetic fulfillment (Amos 8:9, Isaiah 53) and a modest veil over the ignominy of the cross. It precedes the last words of Jesus and his death.

    Isaiah 52.13-14 (King James Version) :
    Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.Notedeal…: or, prosperAs many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER358 John's Added Details

    John 19.31-37 reports details found only in his account of the events following Jesus' death: the Jewish authorities' request to have the bodies removed before the Passover Sabbath, the crurifragium applied to the robbers but not to Jesus, who was already dead, and the spear piercing his side. John, an eyewitness, attests the reality of Christ's death and the fulfillment of the Scriptures concerning the Passover Lamb.

    Deuteronomy 21.22-23 (King James Version) :
    And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree:Noteaccursed…: Heb. the curse of GodHis body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER359 The extraordinary signs accompanying the death of Jesus

    At the death of Jesus on Golgotha, several extraordinary signs occur: the veil of the Temple is torn from top to bottom, symbolizing direct access to God; an earthquake shakes the region; rocks are split and tombs are opened. These phenomena, reported mainly by Matthew, signify the end of the old covenant, the coming of a new one, and Christ's victory over death, confirmed by the confession of the Roman centurion.

    Hebrews 10.20 (King James Version) :
    By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER360 The disciples present at the crucifixion

    PER360 analyzes the disciples present at the crucifixion of Jesus at Golgotha, comparing the four Gospels. They were mostly women — Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Salome, Mary the wife of Clopas — and the apostle John, the only man mentioned. Their courage contrasts with the flight of the male disciples. Jesus entrusts his mother to John, a gesture of profound humanity. A supernatural darkness covers the scene from noon until 3 p.m., on Friday, April 1, AD 33.

    Mark 15.40-41 (King James Version) :
    There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;(Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER361 Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus

    Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus, courageously asks Pilate to release the body of the Crucified One. Accompanied by Nicodemus, he arranges a dignified burial in his own new tomb, before the Sabbath begins. This episode, attested by all four Gospels, illustrates the passage from discretion to a public act of faith at the very moment when the closest disciples remain in hiding.

    Luke 23.50-56 (King James Version) :
    And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:(The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathæa, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER362 Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus place the body of Jesus in the tomb

    Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two members of the Sanhedrin favorable to Jesus, bury his body on Friday, April 1, AD 33, before the Sabbath. Nicodemus brings a large quantity of spices, and Joseph provides his new tomb. Their courageous and public act, carried out according to Jewish rites, gives the Messiah's burial a royal and honorable dimension, marking their emergence from discretion after the crucifixion.

    John 19.39-42 (King James Version) :
    And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN026 The hour of the crucifixion

    L'article explore les divergences horaires des Évangiles concernant la crucifixion de Jésus. Les Évangiles synoptiques et Jean donnent des heures différentes, suscitant des débats…

  • ANN035 The three days and three nights

    L'article explore l'énigme des 'trois jours et trois nuits' de Jésus, proposant que l'obscurité survenue durant la crucifixion soit considérée comme la 'troisième nuit'.…