I do not attempt to understand the complexities and entirety of the great ordeal the Savior Jesus Christ underwent during the sunset of his life. But, after studying the Savior's last week for some time now, and because I have the blessing of visiting Jerusalem in a month, I decided to share what I know to be true.
As prophesied by Isaiah and Zechariah (Isaiah 62:11; Zech. 9:9) the Savior road into Jerusalem for the last time on Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11). He also walked to the outskirts of the Holy City and wept over it (Luke 19:41-44).
The next day, Monday, the Savior cursed the leaved yet barren fig tree--a very powerful metaphor. After this object lesson, the Lord cleared the temple for the second and last time, only escalating the Jewish leadership's vehement distaste for the Savior. (Matt 21)
Tuesday, the Lord predicted the destruction of the temple and taught several parables concerning questions on authority. Also during this day, Judas arranged the betrayal of the Lord for 30 pieces of silver. Some say this would be worth roughly $4,000 today.
On the Thursday of the week, the Lord took his disciples into an upper room. There, Jesus washed the feet of the Twelve (John 13: 3-10) pronouncing them clean. He also had kept the Passover meal as it was the first day of the feast of unleavened bread. Following, He instituted the sacrament (Matt. 26:1), and gave a discourse on the Comforter (John 16:7-16)
Then to the Garden of Gethsemane He went where the agony to balance every emotional, mental, physical pressure, pain, fear, or discomfort of each soul that ever has, or will live would be solemnly laid upon the Savior (Luke 22:42-46). This condition caused "the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore and to suffer both body and spirit." (D&C 19:18)
Upon the completion of this portion of the Atonement, having suffered all of it alone while his dearest apostles failed to comfort him because they fell asleep, a set of guards came for him. This action, spurred by one of his very apostles, marked the beginning of the end.
The Lord was brought before Annas who then sent him to Caiaphas, Annas' son in law (John 18:13, 24). By the time he was transferred to Pilate, Peter, the one who held the priesthood keys of the kingdom, as prophesied, denied his discipleship and association with the Savior thrice (John 18:25-26, Matthew 26:69-74). Jesus Christ had now been up the entire night. As Pilate found no fault with the Savior He was sent to Herod. After receiving no answers to his questions, Herod sent the Savior back to his late fancied associate Pilate (Luke 23:4-12).
After offering the release of a prisoner, as customary during the Passover season, Barabbas (ironically meaning "son of the father") an imprisoned murderer, was freed. The Jewish crowd pressured Pilate into crucifying the already flogged, beaten, spat-upon and mocked Lord with diabolical chants: "and they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified" (Luke 23:23).
So to Calvary or Golgotha (both meaning "skull") he went, the very last walk he would make in his mortal state. Too fatigued from the sheer weight of everything, he couldn't carry the cross himself. So "they compel[led] one Simon a Cyrenan, who passed by, coming out the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross" ( Mark 15:21)
For three hours (from about 9:00 a.m. to noon) he hung there in agony. People offered him wine mingled with myrrh to ease the pain, but he declined (Mark 15:23). Then for three more hours (noon to 3:00 p.m.) he hang in the darkness (Mark 15:33). Then at the ninth hour, or 3:00 p.m., He underwent the same cataclysmic, soul-wrenching experience of being alone, without support of His Father. As if all this weren't enough, the guards gave him vinegar to spite his piercing thirst.
Then to the Garden of Gethsemane He went where the agony to balance every emotional, mental, physical pressure, pain, fear, or discomfort of each soul that ever has, or will live would be solemnly laid upon the Savior (Luke 22:42-46). This condition caused "the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore and to suffer both body and spirit." (D&C 19:18)
Upon the completion of this portion of the Atonement, having suffered all of it alone while his dearest apostles failed to comfort him because they fell asleep, a set of guards came for him. This action, spurred by one of his very apostles, marked the beginning of the end.
The Lord was brought before Annas who then sent him to Caiaphas, Annas' son in law (John 18:13, 24). By the time he was transferred to Pilate, Peter, the one who held the priesthood keys of the kingdom, as prophesied, denied his discipleship and association with the Savior thrice (John 18:25-26, Matthew 26:69-74). Jesus Christ had now been up the entire night. As Pilate found no fault with the Savior He was sent to Herod. After receiving no answers to his questions, Herod sent the Savior back to his late fancied associate Pilate (Luke 23:4-12).
After offering the release of a prisoner, as customary during the Passover season, Barabbas (ironically meaning "son of the father") an imprisoned murderer, was freed. The Jewish crowd pressured Pilate into crucifying the already flogged, beaten, spat-upon and mocked Lord with diabolical chants: "and they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified" (Luke 23:23).
So to Calvary or Golgotha (both meaning "skull") he went, the very last walk he would make in his mortal state. Too fatigued from the sheer weight of everything, he couldn't carry the cross himself. So "they compel[led] one Simon a Cyrenan, who passed by, coming out the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross" ( Mark 15:21)
For three hours (from about 9:00 a.m. to noon) he hung there in agony. People offered him wine mingled with myrrh to ease the pain, but he declined (Mark 15:23). Then for three more hours (noon to 3:00 p.m.) he hang in the darkness (Mark 15:33). Then at the ninth hour, or 3:00 p.m., He underwent the same cataclysmic, soul-wrenching experience of being alone, without support of His Father. As if all this weren't enough, the guards gave him vinegar to spite his piercing thirst.
As a sermon appropriately delivered from his elevated placement, He uttered His last words of, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
I have a knowledge of these events and am so grateful for the life, example, and Atonement of the Lord. My hope is that we may always remember these things and live accordingly.
I have a knowledge of these events and am so grateful for the life, example, and Atonement of the Lord. My hope is that we may always remember these things and live accordingly.
