life of christ part eleven: prophecies in preparation for the death of christ

Life of ChristLife of Christ

Part Eleven: Prophecies in Part Eleven: Prophecies in Preparation for the Death of Preparation for the Death of

ChristChrist

Overview of Christ’s Public Overview of Christ’s Public MinistryMinistry

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First Year

OPENINGEVENTS

4 months

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EARLYMINISTRIES

OBSCURITY(VANISHING)

Largely in Judea

8 months

POPULARITY(DECLINING)

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4 mos. 10 mos.

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Second Year

PRIVATEPREPARATION

Around Galilee

6 months

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CONCLUDINGMINISTRIES

3 Mos. 3 Mos.

OPPOSITION(INCREASING)

Third Year

Judea Perea

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Death

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PUBLICPRESENTATION

The Olivet Discourse: The Olivet Discourse: Prophecies about the Temple Prophecies about the Temple

and the Return of Christand the Return of Christ Setting of the discourse (Matt 24:1-3; Mark Setting of the discourse (Matt 24:1-3; Mark

13:1-4; Luke 21:5-7)13:1-4; Luke 21:5-7) The disciples asked 3 questions:The disciples asked 3 questions:

the first pertained to the destruction of the Temple, the first pertained to the destruction of the Temple, which subsequently took place in A.D. 70.which subsequently took place in A.D. 70.

the second pertained to Jesus’ personal return and the the second pertained to Jesus’ personal return and the consummation of the age.consummation of the age.

the third pertained to the sign when “these things” the third pertained to the sign when “these things” would take place.would take place.

The disciples assumed that the destruction of the The disciples assumed that the destruction of the Temple would be the prelude to Messiah’s return Temple would be the prelude to Messiah’s return and would initiate His Kingdom on the earth. and would initiate His Kingdom on the earth. Jesus did not reveal in the subsequent discourse Jesus did not reveal in the subsequent discourse the long interval that would take place between the long interval that would take place between these two events; some predictions were fulfilled these two events; some predictions were fulfilled about 40 years after He spoke them, others still about 40 years after He spoke them, others still remain to be fulfilled.remain to be fulfilled.


and the Return of Christand the Return of Christ Beginning of birth pangs (Matt 24:4-Beginning of birth pangs (Matt 24:4-

14; Mark 13:5-13; Luke 21:8-19)14; Mark 13:5-13; Luke 21:8-19) ““Birth pangs” is a frequent figure of Birth pangs” is a frequent figure of

speech in the OT for the time of Israel’s speech in the OT for the time of Israel’s tribulation (Isa 13:8; 26:17-19; 66:7-9; Jer tribulation (Isa 13:8; 26:17-19; 66:7-9; Jer 30:7-8; Mic 4:9-10; cf. 1 Thess 5:3).30:7-8; Mic 4:9-10; cf. 1 Thess 5:3).

Abomination of desolation and Abomination of desolation and subsequent distress (Matt 24:15-28; subsequent distress (Matt 24:15-28; Mark 13:14-23; Luke 21:20-24)Mark 13:14-23; Luke 21:20-24) Increasing human agony in the Day of the Increasing human agony in the Day of the

Lord will be climaxed by the Messiah’s Lord will be climaxed by the Messiah’s return.return.

The Structure of Daniel’s 70The Structure of Daniel’s 70thth WeekWeek

(The Day of the Lord)(The Day of the Lord)

3.5 Years 3.5 YearsBeginning of Birth Pangs (Matt 24:4-14)

The Great Tribulation

(Matt 24:15-28)

Abomination of

Desolation

Rapture of the Church

Return of Christ


and the Return of Christand the Return of Christ Coming of the Son of Man (Matt 24:29-31; Mark Coming of the Son of Man (Matt 24:29-31; Mark

13:24-27; Luke 21:25-27)13:24-27; Luke 21:25-27) The return of the Son of Man to earth will climax all the The return of the Son of Man to earth will climax all the

hopes and longings of Israel. It will only come after the hopes and longings of Israel. It will only come after the predicted time of tribulation, accompanied by the re-predicted time of tribulation, accompanied by the re-gathering of dispersed Israel. Israel’s national gathering of dispersed Israel. Israel’s national deliverance is a recurring theme of Jewish eschatological deliverance is a recurring theme of Jewish eschatological hope (Deut 30:3-4; Isa 11:12; 27:13; 56:8; Jer 23:3; 31:8; hope (Deut 30:3-4; Isa 11:12; 27:13; 56:8; Jer 23:3; 31:8; Ezek 11:17; 20:34, 41; 28:25; 34:13; cf Rom 11:26).Ezek 11:17; 20:34, 41; 28:25; 34:13; cf Rom 11:26).

Signs of nearness, but unknown time (Matt 24:32-Signs of nearness, but unknown time (Matt 24:32-41; Mark 13:28-32; Luke 21:28-33)41; Mark 13:28-32; Luke 21:28-33) When Israel sees these things beginning to happen, she When Israel sees these things beginning to happen, she

can recognize that her “redemption is drawing near” can recognize that her “redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28) and that “the Kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:28) and that “the Kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31).(Luke 21:31).


and the Return of Christand the Return of Christ Five parables to teach watchfulness and Five parables to teach watchfulness and

faithfulness (Matt 24:42 – 25:30; Mark 13:33-37; faithfulness (Matt 24:42 – 25:30; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:34-36)Luke 21:34-36) Journeying Master and SlavesJourneying Master and Slaves Head of House and ThiefHead of House and Thief Master and Faithful SlaveMaster and Faithful Slave Bridegroom and Ten VirginsBridegroom and Ten Virgins TalentsTalents

Judgment at the Son of Man’s coming (Matt 25:31-Judgment at the Son of Man’s coming (Matt 25:31-46)46) The throne on which the Son of Man will sit when He The throne on which the Son of Man will sit when He

comes will be located on the earth, in Jerusalem. This comes will be located on the earth, in Jerusalem. This throne is the throne of His father David to which He is throne is the throne of His father David to which He is heir (Luke 1:32-33). From there He will judge the heir (Luke 1:32-33). From there He will judge the survivors of the period of the Great Tribulation (Matt survivors of the period of the Great Tribulation (Matt 24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20; Matt 24:29; Mark 13:24).24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20; Matt 24:29; Mark 13:24).

1st, 2nd, and 4th emphasize watchfulness

3rd and 5th emphasize faithfulness

Arrangements for BetrayalArrangements for Betrayal Plot by the Sanhedrin to arrest and kill Jesus (Matt Plot by the Sanhedrin to arrest and kill Jesus (Matt

26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 21:37 – 22:2)26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 21:37 – 22:2) The Sanhedrin met to plan how it could implement the The Sanhedrin met to plan how it could implement the

decision which had already been made (John 11:53). decision which had already been made (John 11:53). Because of Jesus’ great popularity, they decided to wait Because of Jesus’ great popularity, they decided to wait

until after the feast, when many of the pilgrims would until after the feast, when many of the pilgrims would have returned home. have returned home.

This plan was changed, however, when they received an This plan was changed, however, when they received an unexpected offer of cooperation from one of the Twelve. unexpected offer of cooperation from one of the Twelve. By this God ensured that the Lamb of God would be slain By this God ensured that the Lamb of God would be slain on the Passover and not after.on the Passover and not after.

Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus (Matt 26:14-16; Judas’ agreement to betray Jesus (Matt 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6)Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6) Scripture does not tell us how Satan deceived Judas. Scripture does not tell us how Satan deceived Judas.

Perhaps he thought that by his action he could force Perhaps he thought that by his action he could force Jesus to the throne. There is some question whether Jesus to the throne. There is some question whether Judas thought his action would lead to Christ’s Judas thought his action would lead to Christ’s crucifixion.crucifixion.

The Last SupperThe Last Supper Preparation for the Passover meal (Matt Preparation for the Passover meal (Matt

26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13)26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13) These preparations came during the daylight These preparations came during the daylight

hours on Thursday, the fourteenth of Nissan. hours on Thursday, the fourteenth of Nissan. Lambs were customarily sacrificed in the Lambs were customarily sacrificed in the afternoon in preparation for the Passover afternoon in preparation for the Passover supper, which was eaten in the evening.supper, which was eaten in the evening.

Beginning of the Passover meal (Matt Beginning of the Passover meal (Matt 26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14-16)26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14-16) This meal took place on the fifteenth of Nisan This meal took place on the fifteenth of Nisan

(Lev 23:5), that is, Thursday evening after (Lev 23:5), that is, Thursday evening after sundown.sundown.

Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20)Washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-20) Jesus’ actions during the supper were intended Jesus’ actions during the supper were intended

to be an example of self-sacrificing humility.to be an example of self-sacrificing humility.

The Last SupperThe Last Supper Identification of the betrayer (Matt 26:21-25; Identification of the betrayer (Matt 26:21-25;

Mark 14:18-21; Luke 21:21-23; John 13:21-Mark 14:18-21; Luke 21:21-23; John 13:21-30)30) Judas was the disciples’ treasurer and the one Judas was the disciples’ treasurer and the one

who normally administered benevolences on their who normally administered benevolences on their behalf. Most of the disciples apparently did not behalf. Most of the disciples apparently did not know that he was the betrayer. In fact, he know that he was the betrayer. In fact, he evidently was seated in a place of honor near evidently was seated in a place of honor near Jesus at the supper.Jesus at the supper.

Dissension among the disciples over Dissension among the disciples over greatness (Luke 22:24-30)greatness (Luke 22:24-30) Jesus’ earlier words about the destruction of the Jesus’ earlier words about the destruction of the

Temple and His second coming evidently aroused Temple and His second coming evidently aroused ambition in the minds of the Twelve concerning ambition in the minds of the Twelve concerning their roles in the Kingdom. They had failed to their roles in the Kingdom. They had failed to learn Jesus’ oft repeated lessons on humility. He learn Jesus’ oft repeated lessons on humility. He once again corrected their thinking, but did not once again corrected their thinking, but did not correct their anticipations of the coming Kingdom.correct their anticipations of the coming Kingdom.

The Last SupperThe Last Supper First prediction of Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31-38; First prediction of Peter’s denial (Luke 22:31-38;

John 13:13-38)John 13:13-38) There were evidently two predictions of Peter’s denial:There were evidently two predictions of Peter’s denial:

The first, described by Luke and John, took place in the The first, described by Luke and John, took place in the upper room (Luke 22:39; John 18:1).upper room (Luke 22:39; John 18:1).

The second, described by Matthew and Mark, took place at The second, described by Matthew and Mark, took place at the Mount of Olives (Matt 26:34; Mark 14:30).the Mount of Olives (Matt 26:34; Mark 14:30).

Conclusion of the meal and the Lord’s Supper Conclusion of the meal and the Lord’s Supper instituted (1 Cor 11:23-26; Matt 26:26-29; Mark instituted (1 Cor 11:23-26; Matt 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20)14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20) The bread and the cup were part of the traditional The bread and the cup were part of the traditional

Passover meal among the Jews. Passover meal among the Jews. The third of four cups passed during the supper related to The third of four cups passed during the supper related to

the promise of Israel’s redemption (Exod 6:6-7); this was the promise of Israel’s redemption (Exod 6:6-7); this was tied to Jesus’ imminent sacrifice.tied to Jesus’ imminent sacrifice.

The fourth cup relates to the promise of restoration, which The fourth cup relates to the promise of restoration, which will not realized until the establishment of the Kingdom of will not realized until the establishment of the Kingdom of God.God.

Discourses and Prayers from Discourses and Prayers from the Upper Room to the Upper Room to

GethsemaneGethsemane Questions about His destination, the Father, and the Questions about His destination, the Father, and the

Holy Spirit answered (John 14:1-31)Holy Spirit answered (John 14:1-31) Though delivered to the same group as the earlier discourse Though delivered to the same group as the earlier discourse

on the Mount of Olives, this one is quite different.on the Mount of Olives, this one is quite different. The earlier discourse focused on the nation of Israel, of which The earlier discourse focused on the nation of Israel, of which

the Twelve were members.the Twelve were members. This discourse focused on the state of the Twelve and other This discourse focused on the state of the Twelve and other

believers during the time of Jesus’ absence. The anticipations of believers during the time of Jesus’ absence. The anticipations of the latter group, many of whom were not Israelites, were quite the latter group, many of whom were not Israelites, were quite different from those of Israel.different from those of Israel.

The vine and the branches (John 15:1-17)The vine and the branches (John 15:1-17) The vine as a symbol for Israel was well known from the OT, The vine as a symbol for Israel was well known from the OT,

but the generation of Jesus’ first coming did not receive, but the generation of Jesus’ first coming did not receive, much less, abide in Him. Only through this spiritual much less, abide in Him. Only through this spiritual relationship were the disciples able to bear fruit after Jesus’ relationship were the disciples able to bear fruit after Jesus’ departure.departure.

Opposition from the world (John 15:18 – 16:4)Opposition from the world (John 15:18 – 16:4) Jesus imminent departure made this warning necessary. As Jesus imminent departure made this warning necessary. As

long as Jesus was present, the persecution fell on Him, not long as Jesus was present, the persecution fell on Him, not the Twelve. After He left, they would have to rely on the the Twelve. After He left, they would have to rely on the Holy Spirit.Holy Spirit.


GethsemaneGethsemane Coming and ministry of the Spirit (John 16:5-Coming and ministry of the Spirit (John 16:5-

15)15) The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost would mark The coming of the Spirit at Pentecost would mark

a new age in which the Spirit would minister:a new age in which the Spirit would minister: to the world, concerning sin, righteousness, and to the world, concerning sin, righteousness, and

judgment;judgment; to believers as “a guide into all the truth.”to believers as “a guide into all the truth.”

Prediction of joy over His resurrection (John Prediction of joy over His resurrection (John 16:16-22)16:16-22) After the disciples experienced tremendous sorrow After the disciples experienced tremendous sorrow

over Jesus’ death, they would experience over Jesus’ death, they would experience tremendous joy over seeing Him alive again.tremendous joy over seeing Him alive again.

Promise of answered prayer and peace (John Promise of answered prayer and peace (John 16:23-33)16:23-33) More preparation for the disciples in light of Jesus’ More preparation for the disciples in light of Jesus’

impending death.impending death.


GethsemaneGethsemane Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and all Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and all

who will believe (John 17:1-26)who will believe (John 17:1-26) This is Jesus high priestly prayer (cf. Rom This is Jesus high priestly prayer (cf. Rom

8:34; Heb 7:25). It is a preview of Jesus’ 8:34; Heb 7:25). It is a preview of Jesus’ ongoing ministry of intercession as our ongoing ministry of intercession as our advocate (1 John 2:1). The three parts of advocate (1 John 2:1). The three parts of the prayer are:the prayer are:

His prayer for His own glorification (John 17:1-His prayer for His own glorification (John 17:1-5)5)

His prayer for the disciples (John 17:6-19)His prayer for the disciples (John 17:6-19) His prayer for future believers (John 17:20-26)His prayer for future believers (John 17:20-26)


GethsemaneGethsemane Second prediction of Peter’s denial (Matt Second prediction of Peter’s denial (Matt

26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:39-40a; 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; Luke 22:39-40a; John 18:1)John 18:1) The third of the four watches in the night (12:00AM The third of the four watches in the night (12:00AM

to 3:00 AM) was called “cockcrowing.” The cock to 3:00 AM) was called “cockcrowing.” The cock would crow early in the period and again toward would crow early in the period and again toward the end. Mark refers specifically to the second the end. Mark refers specifically to the second crowing, Matthew’s reference is more general.crowing, Matthew’s reference is more general.

Before dawn Peter would deny Jesus 3 times.Before dawn Peter would deny Jesus 3 times. Jesus’ three agonizing prayers in Gethsemane Jesus’ three agonizing prayers in Gethsemane

(Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40b-(Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:40b-46)46) As bad as the physical pain and desertion by His As bad as the physical pain and desertion by His

friends would be, this is not what Jesus dreaded friends would be, this is not what Jesus dreaded most. Rather, it was the ultimate horror of most. Rather, it was the ultimate horror of separation from the Father. He prayed for separation from the Father. He prayed for deliverance from this cup, but only if it was the deliverance from this cup, but only if it was the Father’s will.Father’s will.

Next Time:Next Time:

Part Twelve: The Death of Part Twelve: The Death of ChristChrist

life of christ part eleven: prophecies in preparation for the death of christ

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discourse matt

son of man matt

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faithfulness matt

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return of christcoming

return of christsetting

unknown time matt