02.14. Death of Jesus Continued
LESSON XIV.--Death of Jesus--Continued.
JESUS LED TO GOLGOTHA. At what hour of the day, according to John, was Jesus delivered up by Pilate? John 19:14. At what hour, according to Mark, was he crucified? Mark 15:25. How do you reconcile the two statements? Ans. It is supposed that the numeral in John’s account has been accidentally changed by transcribers. As they led Jesus away, who bore his cross? John 19:17. Who else bore it a part of the way? Mark 15:21. Who were the Alexander and Rufus here mentioned as the sons of Simon? Ans.--They were evidently well known persons then, but they are unknown at present. By whom was he followed? Luke 23:27.
What did Jesus say to the weeping women? Luke 23:28-31.
What is meant by the question about the green tree and the dry? Luke 23:31. Ans.--A green tree is one that is alive and growing; a dry tree, one that is dead and decaying. Jerusalem was then like the green tree, and it was yet to be like the dry when about to be destroyed by the Romans. The remark, then, means, that if the women of the city were distressed by what was now going on, how much more in the more distressing time that was coming, as indicated in Luke 23:29-30. Who were led forth with Jesus? Luke 23:32. To what place did they lead him? Luke 23:33. What was the Hebrew name of the place, and why was it so called? Matthew 27:33. Whence the name Calvary? Ans.--It came into English from the Latin word calvaria, which means a naked skull. Is it proper to speak of Mount Calvary? Ans.--No; for it was not a mount. THE CRUCIFIXION.
What did the Jews offer Jesus before they crucified him? Mark 15:23. Why did he not drink it? Ans.--It was an intoxicating drink, and supposed to be stupefying; but he was unwilling to take anything which would affect his mind.
Describe the crucifixion, and the disposal of his garments. Luke 23:33-34. What caused them to cast lots in dividing the garments? John 19:23-24. What prayer did Jesus offer as they crucified him? Luke 23:34.
Describe the mockings of the multitude. Luke 23:35-37. What was written over his head, and in what languages? Luke 23:38. What passed between Pilate and the Chief Priests about this title? John 19:21-22. State the different forms in which the four evangelists quote this inscription. Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38; John 19:19. How do you account for the differences? Ans.--Each quotes the idea expressed, and puts it in his own language. THE DYING THIEF.
Repeat the conversation between the two thieves. Luke 23:39-40.
Repeat that between the penitent thief and Jesus. Luke 23:41-42. Where is Paradise? Ans.--Jesus went that day into Hades; see Acts 2:26, Acts 2:29-31; consequently the Paradise here spoken of is the place of the righteous in Hades. The word is elsewhere applied to the eternal state. Revelation 2:7. It means a place of delight.
What does Matthew say about the two thieves? Matthew 27:44.
How is this reconciled with Luke’s account? Ans.--By supposing both to be true--that is, that they both reviled Jesus at first, but that one of them, after seeing the sun darkened, was convinced and changed his tone. THE DARKNESS AND THE END.
Describe the darkness and the last cries of Jesus. Matthew 27:45-50.
Why did they think he was calling for Elias? Ans.--His sufferings were so great, and his mouth was so dry from thirst, that he could not speak distinctly.
What friends were standing by, and what did Jesus say to them? John 19:25-27.
What was the effect of the scene on the centurion who commanded the soldiers? Luke 23:47. What is Matthew’s report of his remark? Matthew 27:54. How do you reconcile the two? Ans.--By supposing that both are true--that is, that he exclaimed first: "Certainly this was a righteous man;" and second: "Truly this was the Son of God." What events accompanied the last cry of Jesus? Matthew 27:51.