Topic 14Topic 14 Jesus’ Suffering and DeathJesus’ Suffering and DeathA. Decision to Go to Jerusalem

1. Peter’s Confession at Caesarea Philippi (# 122 Mk. 8:27-33 par.)a. The big question: “Who do people/you say I am?”b. Peter: “You are the Messiah” – first open identification.c. Jesus: commands silence; announces suffering and death.d. Peter’s objection – can’t fathom a suffering messiah.e. Jesus’ rebuke: “Get behind me Satan;” warning of suffering

discipleship.

2. Three “Passion Predictions” (Mk. 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34)a. Explicit predictions of rejection by Jerusalem authorities,

suffering, death, and resurrection.b. Authenticity debated: composed or reworded after the fact?c. Either way, there are good reasons to think Jesus did expect a

violent death in Jerusalem.

3. Goes to challenge Jerusalem authorities.a. Aware of danger.b. Willing to die.

B.B. Challenges in JerusalemChallenges in Jerusalem1.1. Triumphal entry (# 196 Mk. 11:1-10 par.)Triumphal entry (# 196 Mk. 11:1-10 par.)

a.a. ““Symbolic action” – cf. OT prophets.Symbolic action” – cf. OT prophets.

b.b. Rides donkey like OT kings; crowds hail as king or royal Rides donkey like OT kings; crowds hail as king or royal messiah (Ps. 118:26).messiah (Ps. 118:26).

c.c. Mt. sees Jesus fulfilling Zech. 9:9, which pictures a humble, Mt. sees Jesus fulfilling Zech. 9:9, which pictures a humble, “peaceful king” who rides a donkey rather than war horse and “peaceful king” who rides a donkey rather than war horse and rules the world in peace. (Crossan: is this scene “history rules the world in peace. (Crossan: is this scene “history remembered” or “prophecy historicized”?)remembered” or “prophecy historicized”?)

d.d. Declares Jesus king or announces arrival of God’s kingdom.Declares Jesus king or announces arrival of God’s kingdom.1)1) Does crowd expect Jesus to seize power and “clean house”?Does crowd expect Jesus to seize power and “clean house”?

2)2) Passover week: celebrated liberation from Egypt; eschatological/ Passover week: celebrated liberation from Egypt; eschatological/ liberationist hopes ran high; Jerusalem was a “powder keg;” liberationist hopes ran high; Jerusalem was a “powder keg;” Jesus’ action is potentially provocative.Jesus’ action is potentially provocative.

e.e. If this action came to attention of the authorities, it must have If this action came to attention of the authorities, it must have made them nervous.made them nervous.

B.B. Challenges in Jerusalem – cont.Challenges in Jerusalem – cont.2.2. Temple-cleansing (# 200 Mk. 11:15-19 par.)Temple-cleansing (# 200 Mk. 11:15-19 par.)

a.a. Jesus stages a “temple tantrum” in Court of Gentiles.Jesus stages a “temple tantrum” in Court of Gentiles.1)1) Disrupts business of money-changers and pigeon-sellers Disrupts business of money-changers and pigeon-sellers

(necessary for temple operation); takes control of outer court.(necessary for temple operation); takes control of outer court.2)2) Quotes Isa. 56:7 – “my house shall be called a house of prayer Quotes Isa. 56:7 – “my house shall be called a house of prayer

for all the nations” for all the nations” (context speaks of foreigners coming to temple).(context speaks of foreigners coming to temple).

3)3) Jer. 7:11 – “but you have made it a den of robbers” (Jer. goes on Jer. 7:11 – “but you have made it a den of robbers” (Jer. goes on to predict the destruction of the temple).to predict the destruction of the temple).

b.b. What does Jesus find wrong with the temple?What does Jesus find wrong with the temple?1)1) Presence of business activity is not conducive to worship.Presence of business activity is not conducive to worship.2)2) Temple traders are dishonest; overcharging; exploiting pilgrims.Temple traders are dishonest; overcharging; exploiting pilgrims.3)3) Temple authorities use system of tithes/sacrifices/temple tax to Temple authorities use system of tithes/sacrifices/temple tax to

oppress the poor and enrich themselves.oppress the poor and enrich themselves.4)4) Temple rituals are no longer the means of access to God.Temple rituals are no longer the means of access to God.

c.c. Interpretations of “symbolic action” fall into two main camps:Interpretations of “symbolic action” fall into two main camps:1)1) Cleanses/purifies temple of abuses, perhaps in preparation for Cleanses/purifies temple of abuses, perhaps in preparation for

eschatological coming of the Gentiles (cf. Isa 56).eschatological coming of the Gentiles (cf. Isa 56).2)2) Predicts/threatens destruction of temple, by Rome or by God (cf. Predicts/threatens destruction of temple, by Rome or by God (cf.

Jer. 7; Mk. 13:2; 14:57-59; 15:29).Jer. 7; Mk. 13:2; 14:57-59; 15:29).

d.d. Provoked temple authorities to take action against Jesus.Provoked temple authorities to take action against Jesus.

B.B. Challenges in Jerusalem – cont.Challenges in Jerusalem – cont.3.3. Teaching in the temple (Mk. 11:27-12:44 par.)Teaching in the temple (Mk. 11:27-12:44 par.)

a.a. Temple authorities question Jesus’ authority (11:27-33).Temple authorities question Jesus’ authority (11:27-33).

b.b. Parable of Wicked Tenants (12:1-12) – Parable of Wicked Tenants (12:1-12) – authorities have rejected authorities have rejected God’s messengers; “vineyard” will be given to “others.”God’s messengers; “vineyard” will be given to “others.”

c.c. Series of “entrapping” questions (Roman tax; resurrection; first Series of “entrapping” questions (Roman tax; resurrection; first commandment).commandment).

d.d. Attacks on the pretentiousness and greed of the scribes (cf. Attacks on the pretentiousness and greed of the scribes (cf. Mt.’s woes on scribes and Pharisees).Mt.’s woes on scribes and Pharisees).

e.e. Lesson of the “widow’s mite” – Lesson of the “widow’s mite” – her “two small copper coins” (worth her “two small copper coins” (worth less than a penny) were more than the “large sums” of the richless than a penny) were more than the “large sums” of the rich..

4.4. Eschatological discourse (Mk. 13 par.)Eschatological discourse (Mk. 13 par.)a.a. Predicts devastating destruction of temple and nation.Predicts devastating destruction of temple and nation.

b.b. Coming of “Son of Man” to gather the elect.Coming of “Son of Man” to gather the elect.

c.c. What will survive (presumably) is a “renewed Israel,” founded What will survive (presumably) is a “renewed Israel,” founded on the principles and values of God’s reign.on the principles and values of God’s reign.

Lepton

C.C. The Passion Narrative (Mk. 14-15 par.)The Passion Narrative (Mk. 14-15 par.)1.1. Conspiracy (Mk. 14:1-2, 10-11 par.)Conspiracy (Mk. 14:1-2, 10-11 par.)

a.a. Temple authorities are concerned that Jesus’ provocative Temple authorities are concerned that Jesus’ provocative teaching/actions will incite rebellion or disturbance; want to arrest teaching/actions will incite rebellion or disturbance; want to arrest him away from crowdshim away from crowds..

b.b. Judas Iscariot offers to betray him Judas Iscariot offers to betray him (cf. newly published “Gospel of (cf. newly published “Gospel of Judas”).Judas”).

2.2. Anointing in Bethany (Mk. 14:3-9 par.)Anointing in Bethany (Mk. 14:3-9 par.)3.3. Last Supper Last Supper (# 234-237 Mk. 14:12-25 par.; (# 234-237 Mk. 14:12-25 par.;

Jn. 13; 1 Cor. 11:23-26)Jn. 13; 1 Cor. 11:23-26)

a.a. Problem of dating.Problem of dating.1)1) Synoptics: Passover meal (evening of Synoptics: Passover meal (evening of

Nisan 15) – 2 disciples sent to prepare Nisan 15) – 2 disciples sent to prepare (Mk. 14:12-16).(Mk. 14:12-16).

2)2) John: Passover eve (evening of Nisan John: Passover eve (evening of Nisan 14) – lambs sacrificed next day, as Jesus 14) – lambs sacrificed next day, as Jesus was being crucified (Jn. 18:28; 19:14).was being crucified (Jn. 18:28; 19:14).

Traditional House of the Upper Room

3.3. Last Supper Last Supper – cont.– cont.b.b. Prediction of betrayal – one who is dipping bread with me.Prediction of betrayal – one who is dipping bread with me.c.c. Blessing of bread and wine Blessing of bread and wine (“words of institution;” “eucharistic words”)(“words of institution;” “eucharistic words”)

1)1) Variety of wordingsVariety of wordings::a)a) Mk.: “Take; this is my body…This is my blood of the Mk.: “Take; this is my body…This is my blood of the

covenant, which is poured out for many.”covenant, which is poured out for many.”b)b) Mt.: “Take, eat; this is my body…Drink from it, all of you; for Mt.: “Take, eat; this is my body…Drink from it, all of you; for

this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”many for the forgiveness of sins.”

c)c) Lk.: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in Lk.: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me…This cup that is poured out for you is remembrance of me…This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”the new covenant in my blood.”

d)d) Paul: “This is my body that is for you. Do this in Paul: “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me…This cup is the new covenant in my remembrance of me…This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Cor. 11: 23-25).me” (1 Cor. 11: 23-25).

2)2) Interpretations:Interpretations:a)a) Jesus’ death as Jesus’ death as martyrdom – martyrdom – in Judaism, martyrdom of the in Judaism, martyrdom of the

righteous was thought to have atoning value for nation.righteous was thought to have atoning value for nation.b)b) Jesus’ death as Jesus’ death as covenant sacrifice covenant sacrifice – renews covenant of – renews covenant of

Moses on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 24); fulfills Jeremiah’s “new Moses on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 24); fulfills Jeremiah’s “new covenant” (Jer. 31:31-34).covenant” (Jer. 31:31-34).

c)c) Jesus’ death as Jesus’ death as vicarious (or substitutionary) atonement – vicarious (or substitutionary) atonement – may echo Suffering Servant who suffers vicariously “for may echo Suffering Servant who suffers vicariously “for many” (cf. Isa. 53:1-12).many” (cf. Isa. 53:1-12).

d.d. Predictions of desertion, Peter’s denial, reunion in Galilee.Predictions of desertion, Peter’s denial, reunion in Galilee.

4.4. Gethsemane (Mk. 14:32-52 par.)Gethsemane (Mk. 14:32-52 par.)a.a. Jesus’ prayer of agony (note Jesus’ prayer of agony (note AbbaAbba in v. 36). in v. 36).

b.b. Arrest – identified by Judas’ kiss; forbids defense by violence; Arrest – identified by Judas’ kiss; forbids defense by violence; disciples flee.disciples flee.

5.5. Jewish trial (Mk. 14:53-65 par.)Jewish trial (Mk. 14:53-65 par.)a.a. Formal trial before Sanhedrin (Mk.; Mt.) in middle of night is Formal trial before Sanhedrin (Mk.; Mt.) in middle of night is

historically questionable.historically questionable.

b.b. May have been informal hearing in Caiaphas’ house (Lk.; Jn.).May have been informal hearing in Caiaphas’ house (Lk.; Jn.).

c.c. Charge of threatening to destroy/rebuild temple – doesn’t Charge of threatening to destroy/rebuild temple – doesn’t stick.stick.

d.d. Questioned about messianic claims – response ambiguous.Questioned about messianic claims – response ambiguous.

e.e. Condemned for Condemned for blasphemyblasphemy – capital crime under Jewish law. – capital crime under Jewish law.

6.6. Peter’s denial (Mk. 14:66-72 par.)Peter’s denial (Mk. 14:66-72 par.)

Modern church built on traditional site of Caiaphas’ house.

Steps may be first-century.

7.7. Roman trial (Mk. 15:1-15 par.)Roman trial (Mk. 15:1-15 par.)a.a. Pontius Pilate (Roman procurator/prefect) resided in Pontius Pilate (Roman procurator/prefect) resided in

Caesarea; in Jerusalem to maintain order during festival.Caesarea; in Jerusalem to maintain order during festival.

b.b. Charge is Charge is insurrectioninsurrection, sedition, claiming to be king of Jews., sedition, claiming to be king of Jews.

c.c. Pilate’s reluctance to condemn is strange in light of his normal Pilate’s reluctance to condemn is strange in light of his normal brutality, insensitivity, quickness to execute.brutality, insensitivity, quickness to execute.1)1) Release of Barabbas, an actual insurrectionist, is even stranger.Release of Barabbas, an actual insurrectionist, is even stranger.

2)2) Evangelists tend to shift blame from Rome to Jewish authorities; Evangelists tend to shift blame from Rome to Jewish authorities; exonerates Rome and proves Jesus’ innocence.exonerates Rome and proves Jesus’ innocence.

3)3) Maybe Pilate was “toying” with the temple authorities.Maybe Pilate was “toying” with the temple authorities.

d.d. Finally yields to chief priests’ pressure and orders crucifixion.Finally yields to chief priests’ pressure and orders crucifixion.

e.e. It is historically wrong to blame “the Jews” for Jesus’ death.It is historically wrong to blame “the Jews” for Jesus’ death.1)1) Crucified by Rome as suspected rebel between two Crucified by Rome as suspected rebel between two lēistailēistai (= (=

political revolutionaries).political revolutionaries).

2)2) Jewish involvement was limited to temple authorities, who were Jewish involvement was limited to temple authorities, who were allies of Rome.allies of Rome.

8.8. Crucifixion (Mk. 15:16-41 par.)Crucifixion (Mk. 15:16-41 par.)a.a. Cruel, humiliating execution used by Rome to make example Cruel, humiliating execution used by Rome to make example

of attempted rebels.of attempted rebels.b.b. Victim is scourged with studded whip; carries cross piece to Victim is scourged with studded whip; carries cross piece to

public place of execution; stripped; fastened to cross; left to public place of execution; stripped; fastened to cross; left to die slowly of exposure, exhaustion, suffocation.die slowly of exposure, exhaustion, suffocation.

c.c. Evangelists are very sparing in gruesome details.Evangelists are very sparing in gruesome details.1)1) Simon of Cyrene carries cross to Golgotha (“place of a skull;” Simon of Cyrene carries cross to Golgotha (“place of a skull;”

location uncertain).location uncertain).2)2) Crucified between two Crucified between two lēistailēistai (= political revolutionaries). (= political revolutionaries).

d.d. Emphasize fulfillment of Scripture, esp. psalms of the Emphasize fulfillment of Scripture, esp. psalms of the righteous sufferer (Pss. 22; 69). righteous sufferer (Pss. 22; 69). 1)1) Division of clothes, mocking, vinegar to drink (cf. Pss. 22; 69).Division of clothes, mocking, vinegar to drink (cf. Pss. 22; 69).2)2) Mk.’s only saying from cross is, “My God, my God, why have you Mk.’s only saying from cross is, “My God, my God, why have you

forsaken me?” (15:34; quoting Ps. 22:1).forsaken me?” (15:34; quoting Ps. 22:1).3)3) Ps. 22 is lament of righteous sufferer; begins with cry of Ps. 22 is lament of righteous sufferer; begins with cry of

dereliction; complains of unjust treatment; begs for deliverance; dereliction; complains of unjust treatment; begs for deliverance; closes with assurance of God’s vindication.closes with assurance of God’s vindication.

e.e. Dies quickly at mid-afternoon.Dies quickly at mid-afternoon.1)1) Only the women are present; male disciples have fled.Only the women are present; male disciples have fled.2)2) Cosmic signs (darkness; earthquake; tearing of temple veil) give Cosmic signs (darkness; earthquake; tearing of temple veil) give

eschatological significance to death.eschatological significance to death.

Golgotha

9.9. Burial (Mk. 15:42-47 par.) Burial (Mk. 15:42-47 par.) a.a. By Joseph of Arimathea, a member of Sanhedrin.By Joseph of Arimathea, a member of Sanhedrin.

b.b. Unusual for crucifixion victim to get proper burial (Crossan).Unusual for crucifixion victim to get proper burial (Crossan).

“Gordon’s Calvary”

Garden Tomb