The last day up to the crucifixion

PER325 The farewell prayer: Jesus the Messiah prays for himself

This article focuses on Jesus’ farewell prayer in the Gospel of John. Before his crucifixion, he prays aloud for his disciples according to the divine plan. Set in Jerusalem, the scene reveals the unity between Jesus and God, offering a solid testimony to strengthen the disciples’ faith. This prayer highlights Jesus’ awareness of the events to come and his commitment to his redemptive mission.

John 16.5-33 (King James Version) :

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:Of sin, because they believe not on me;Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER329 The struggle in prayer

The article analyzes Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, illustrating his human suffering and his submission to the divine will. It highlights the historical and scriptural context of the event, offering a theological reflection on Jesus' redemptive mission and the exhortation to watch and pray in times of trial.

Matthew 26.37-45 (King James Version) :

And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER342 The tragic end of Judas Iscariot

Only Matthew reports the tragic end of Judas Iscariot. After Jesus is condemned, overwhelmed with remorse, Judas throws the thirty pieces of silver into the sanctuary of the Temple and takes his own life. The priests use this money to buy the potter’s field, called Hakeldama. This episode illustrates the irreversibility of betrayal and the despair of a man unable to accept forgiveness.

Matthew 27.3-9 (King James Version) :

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in.Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER344 The return before Pontius Pilate

Pericope PER344 analyzes Jesus’ return before Pontius Pilate after his appearance before Herod Antipas, an episode reported only by Luke. Pilate, finding no fault deserving death under Roman law, tries to resist the pressure of the Jewish religious leaders. The article offers a precise chronological reconstruction of the morning of the Friday of the Passion and raises the linguistic question of the exchanges between Jesus and Pilate, which were most likely held in Greek.

John 18.28-38 (King James Version) :

Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death:That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die.Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER346 The relentlessness of the Sanhedrin, official condemnation

PER346 analyzes the official condemnation of Jesus by Pontius Pilate under the relentless pressure of the Sanhedrin. In Jerusalem, on Friday morning, the crowd, manipulated by the religious leaders, demands crucifixion. Pilate, politically trapped, yields despite the absence of any valid charge. The study addresses the irregularities of the trial and the chronological question of the 'sixth hour' in John 19.14, through a synoptic approach to the four Gospels.

Mark 15.13-15 (King James Version) :

And they cried out again, Crucify him.Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER348 Pilate’s Efforts to Save Jesus

The pericope PER348 examines Pontius Pilate’s repeated attempts to save Jesus during the trial before the praetorium in Jerusalem, on a Friday morning. Based mainly on John 19.4-15, it traces the political and religious pressures that lead Pilate to condemn Jesus despite his conviction of his innocence. This passage reveals the tension between justice, political power and religious authority during the Passion of Christ.

Mark 15.6-19 (King James Version) :

Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.And the multitude crying aloud began to desire him to do as he had ever done unto them.But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews?For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy.But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews?And they cried out again, Crucify him.Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Prætorium; and they call together the whole band.And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews!And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER349 Pilate's titulus

Pilate's titulus is the notice placed on Jesus' cross bearing the words 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews', written in Hebrew, Latin and Greek. Pilate insists on this wording despite the protest of the chief priests, thus asserting a symbolic authority after having yielded on the condemnation. This act reveals a tragic irony: the inscription publicly proclaims Jesus' kingship at the very moment of his death.

Matthew 27.32 (King James Version) :

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

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER352 The Crucifixion

Pericope PER352 analyzes the crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Golgotha through the four Gospels. It places the event around 9 a.m. on a Friday morning, examines the fulfillment of prophecies (Isaiah 53,12; Psalm 22,19), the technical details of the crucifixion, the royal inscription and the mockery of the witnesses. A rigorous synoptic reading that links history, chronology and theology.

Luke 23.23 (King James Version) :

And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER354 The dialogue with the two criminals who surrounded him

Pericope 354 analyzes the unique dialogue reported by Luke between Jesus and the two criminals crucified beside him (Lk 23,39-43). One mocks Jesus; the other acknowledges his guilt, affirms Jesus' innocence and asks to be welcomed into his kingdom. Jesus promises him paradise “today.” This passage reveals a central theological paradox: Jesus saves from the cross, displaying a spiritual authority precisely where everything seems to contradict it.

Matthew 27.44 (King James Version) :

The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

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.

John 18.17-30 (King James Version) :

Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?Peter then denied again: and immediately the cock crew.Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man?They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

PER357 The Death of the Messiah Jesus

Pericope PER357 analyzes the death of Jesus on the cross at Golgotha, on Friday, April 1, AD 33, around 3 p.m., drawing on the four Gospel accounts. Matthew and Mark are very close; Luke reports the last words of Jesus and the reaction of the centurion; John, a direct witness, gives details of the events after his death and their prophetic fulfillment. The article includes a precise chronology of the three days and three nights according to the Jewish calendar.

John 19.31 (King James Version) :

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

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.

Nahum 1.5 (King James Version) :

The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The last day up to the crucifixion

Épisodes 1 à 10

Épisodes 11 à 12