Mark 13:1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look at the magnificent stones and buildings!” 2“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” BSB Cyrus of Persia allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple but this second version fell short in comparison to Solomon’s Temple. This changed just prior Read more…

Interpreting the Olivet Discourse is complicated which causes some people to personalize as it relates it to their own lives. To study it in greater detail, however, means that we will have to make some interpretative decisions for ourselves. Specifically, what part relates to things that will happen versus things that have happened? Second, what is God’s part and what is our part? In other words, is this something we build on or does it Read more…

Mark 14:1 It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him. 2 For they said, “Not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people.” 3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining, a woman came having an alabaster Read more…

Matthew 14:14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver Him to you?” They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From that time he sought opportunity to betray Him…..20 Now when evening had come, He was reclining at the table with the twelve. 21 As they were eating, He said, “Truly Read more…

Mark 14: 26 When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 Jesus said to them, “All of you will fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.” NHEB After leaving the Upper Room, they exited Jerusalem and walked across the Kidron Valley. They were walking and Read more…

Mark 14:36 He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.” NHEB All four Gospels talk about Jesus’ prayer regarding the cup but only Mark has this “Abba” language. Abba is an Aramaic term that is akin to saying “Daddy”. It is a unique term of address that no Jewish person would ever use nor does it appear that Read more…

Mark 14:43 While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, scribes, and elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him and lead Him away securely.” 45Going directly to Jesus, he said, “Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 46 Then the men seized Jesus and arrested Him. 47 And Read more…

Mark 14:53 They led Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with him. 54 Peter had followed him from a distance, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and Read more…

Luke 23: 1 The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that He himself is the Christ, a king.”…..6 But when Pilate heard it, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7When he found out that He was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also Read more…

Mark 15:16 The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort. 17 They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 They began to salute him, “Greetings, King of the Jews.” 19 They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him. 20 When they had mocked him, Read more…