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Judas’ Regret and a Tragic End
In Matthew 27:1-10, the religious leaders decide to take Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate, to have Him sentenced to death. Meanwhile, Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, is filled with regret. He tries to return the money to the priests, saying he has sinned by betraying an innocent man. But they refuse to take it back, saying it’s not their problem. Overcome with guilt, Judas throws the money into the temple and goes away to take his own life. The priests use the silver to buy a field, fulfilling an old prophecy about betrayal and blood money.
Jesus Stands Before Pilate and Herod
In Luke 23:1-12, Jesus is brought before Pilate, the Roman governor, as religious leaders accuse Him of misleading the people and claiming to be a king. Pilate questions Jesus but finds no reason to punish Him. When he learns that Jesus is from Galilee, he sends Him to King Herod, who was eager to see Jesus perform a miracle. However, Jesus remains silent, refusing to answer Herod’s questions. Disappointed, Herod and his soldiers mock Jesus, dress Him in a royal robe to make fun of His claim as King, and send Him back to Pilate. On that day, Pilate and Herod, who had been enemies, became friends.
Jesus Is Sentenced and Crucified
In Mark 15:6-24, Pilate, the Roman governor, offers to release a prisoner as part of a tradition during the festival. The crowd chooses Barabbas, a criminal, instead of Jesus. Although Pilate knows Jesus is innocent, he gives in to the people’s demands and orders Jesus to be crucified. The soldiers mock Jesus, dressing Him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head. They beat Him and spit on Him before leading Him to be crucified. Along the way, a man named Simon is forced to carry Jesus’ cross. When they reach Golgotha, the soldiers try to give Jesus a drink mixed with myrrh, but He refuses. Then, they nail Him to the cross.
Jesus’ Love and Sacrifice on the Cross
In Luke 23:32-49, Jesus is crucified between two criminals. Even in His suffering, He prays for those who put Him there, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” One of the criminals mocks Him, but the other recognizes Jesus’ innocence and asks to be remembered in His kingdom. Jesus promises him, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Darkness covers the land, and Jesus cries out to God before taking His final breath. A Roman officer watching everything realizes Jesus was truly righteous. Many people, including the women who followed Him, watch from a distance, grieving His death.
Jesus Is Buried, but the Story Isn’t Over
In Matthew 27:57-66, a man named Joseph of Arimathea, who secretly followed Jesus, asks Pilate for permission to bury His body. Joseph wraps Jesus in clean linen and places Him in a new tomb carved out of rock. A large stone is rolled in front of the entrance. Meanwhile, the religious leaders remember that Jesus said He would rise after three days. Worried that His followers might steal the body and claim He is alive, they ask Pilate to secure the tomb. Pilate agrees, and soldiers seal the stone and stand guard, making sure no one can interfere.
Jesus Is Alive!
In John 20:1-18, Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus’ tomb early in the morning and finds the stone rolled away. She runs to tell the disciples, and Peter and John rush to see for themselves. They find the tomb empty, with only the linen wrappings left behind. Mary stays behind, crying, until she sees someone she thinks is the gardener. But when He speaks her name, she realizes—it’s Jesus! He is alive! Jesus tells her to go and share the good news with His followers, showing that His resurrection is real and brings hope to everyone who believes in Him.
The Truth Can’t Be Hidden
In Matthew 28:8-15, the women who found Jesus’ empty tomb run to tell the disciples, full of joy and excitement. On the way, they meet Jesus Himself, and He reassures them not to be afraid. Meanwhile, the religious leaders bribe the guards to spread a lie—that Jesus’ body was stolen. Even though they try to cover up the truth, nothing can change the fact that Jesus is alive. This passage reminds us that the truth of Jesus’ resurrection is powerful and cannot be hidden, no matter how hard people try.
Jesus Opens Their Eyes
In Luke 24:13-43, two of Jesus’ followers walk to a village called Emmaus, feeling sad about His death. A stranger joins them and explains how the Scriptures foretold everything that happened. When they sit down to eat, the stranger breaks bread, and suddenly they recognize—it’s Jesus! He then disappears, and they rush to tell the others. Later, Jesus appears to His disciples, showing them His hands and feet to prove He is alive. This story reminds us that Jesus is always with us, even when we don’t recognize Him at first, and He helps us understand the truth when we seek Him.
Seeing and Believing
In John 20:24-21:14, Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, struggles to believe that Jesus is alive because he hasn’t seen Him yet. When Jesus appears and invites Thomas to touch His wounds, Thomas immediately believes. Jesus reminds him that those who believe without seeing are blessed. Later, Jesus meets His disciples by the sea, helping them catch a huge number of fish and sharing breakfast with them. These moments show that Jesus is patient with our doubts, reveals Himself in ways we can understand, and continues to care for His followers even after His resurrection.
Jesus Restores and Calls
In John 21:15-25, Jesus has a deep conversation with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him. Each time Peter says “yes,” Jesus tells him to take care of His followers. This is Jesus’ way of restoring Peter after he had denied Him three times. Jesus also hints at Peter’s future, showing that following Him won’t always be easy, but it’s worth it. When Peter asks about another disciple’s future, Jesus reminds him to focus on his own path. This passage teaches us that Jesus forgives, gives us purpose, and calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly.
The Great Commission: Jesus Sends His Followers
In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection and gives them an important mission. He tells them to go out into the world, teach people about Him, and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He promises that He will always be with them. This reminds us that Jesus wants His message of love and salvation to reach everyone, and He gives His followers the strength to share it.
Jesus Returns to Heaven
In Luke 24:44-53, Jesus reminds His disciples that everything written about Him in the Scriptures had to happen. He explains how His suffering, death, and resurrection were part of God’s plan to bring forgiveness to the world. Then, He blesses His disciples and ascends into heaven while they watch. Filled with joy, they worship Him and return to Jerusalem, praising God. This passage reminds us that Jesus fulfilled God’s promises and that His followers are called to share His message with the world.