The Legend of Azazel (Legend of the Scape Goat)
 
The scarlet thread was a symbolic reference to Isaiah 1:18; and the Talmud tells us (ib.39a) that during the forty years that Simon the Just was high priest, the thread actually turned white as soon as the goat was thrown over the precipice; a sign that the sins of the people were forgiven. In later time the change to white was not invariable: a proof of the people’s moral and spiritual deterioration, that was gradually on the increase, until forty years before the destruction of the Second Temple, when the change of the color was no longer observed (i.e. 39b).
 
MATTHEW 27:51-61
51 Suddenly, the curtain (veil) of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.
52 The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised.
53 And they came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.

• Assuming this is local believers of Jesus that had recently died.
• KJV & NASB – Both agree w/ CSB that they were raised at Jesus’ death but did not come out of the tombs until Jesus was resurrected.
• NIV believes they were raised and came out of their tombs at Jesus’ death and just didn’t enter Jerusalem until the resurrection.
• Jews would not be in the cemetery during Passover because it would have defiled them.
• These resurrections were just more proof of God’s resurrection power for the public.

54 When the centurion (possibly the same one who gave Jesus a drink in verse 48) and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

• Refer to Luke 23:47

55 Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and looked after him were there, watching from a distance. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.[1]

• What name is missing?
• Mary, mother of Jesus.
• Possibly at John’s house where Jesus told John to take her.

 
Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - “If anyone is found guilty of an offense deserving the death penalty and is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, 23 you are not to leave his corpse on the tree overnight but are to bury him that day, for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.[2]

• If a man is hanged on a tree, he must be buried by sundown.
• Jesus had to hang on a tree (as God’s curse) rather than be stoned.
• Refer to John 19:31

 
THE BURIAL OF JESUS
57 When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released.

• Refer to John 19:38

59 So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, 60 and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb.

• Refer to Luke 23:54

61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. [3]
 
MARK 15:38-47
38 Then the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 When the centurion, who was standing opposite him, saw the way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
40 There were also women watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger (less) and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women followed him and took care of him. Many other women had come up with him to Jerusalem.[4]

• Luke 8:3 – They ministered to Jesus financially. It was much more blessed to give than to receive.
• Refer to Luke 23:49

THE BURIAL OF JESUS
42 When it was already evening, because it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body.

• Refer Matthew 27:57

44 Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had already died. 45 When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph.

• Joseph received Jesus’ body.
• What day of the week was it?
• From the Talmud: (unredeemed Jews)

On the eve of the Passover Yeshu was hanged. For forty days before the execution took place, a herald went forth and cried, “He is going forth to be stoned because he practiced sorcery and enticed Israel to apostasy. Any one of you who can say anything in his favor, let him come forward and plead on his behalf.’ But since nothing was brought forward in his favor he was hanged on the eve of the Passover! [A Florentine Ms. Adds: and the eve of Sabbath.] (Sanhedrin 43a)

• Deuteronomy 21:22-23 - “If anyone is found guilty of an offense deserving the death penalty and is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, 23 you are not to leave his corpse on the tree overnight but are to bury him that day, for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.[5]
• They had to get his body down before sundown on Friday.
• Refer to John 19:38

46 After he bought some linen cloth, Joseph took him down and wrapped him in the linen.

• Refer to John 19:39- 40

Then he laid him in a tomb cut out of the rock and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where he was laid.[6]

• Refer to Luke 23:55

 
LUKE 23:47-49
47 When the centurion saw what happened, he began to glorify God, saying, “This man really was righteous (innocent)!”

• Followed by…
• Matthew 27:54 - they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

48 All the crowds that had gathered for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, went home, striking their chests.

• When those who had called for the release of Barabbas realized their mistake they began the process of grieving.
• Refer to Mark 15:40

49 But all who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. [7]

• Refer to Matthew 27:55

 
THE BURIAL OF JESUS
50 There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, 51 who had not agreed with their plan and action.

• Joseph was not involved… not present at Jesus’ religious trial.

He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God.

• Refer to Mark 15:44

52 He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. 53 Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. 54 It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

• In the ground part of the day on Friday.
• Refer to Mark 15:47

55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how his body was placed. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.[8]

• When did they purchase the spices? Before the Sabbath.
• End here…

 
John 19:31-42
JESUS’S SIDE PIERCED
31 Since it was the preparation day, the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special day). They requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and that their bodies be taken away.

• Edersheim says: “The Sabbath about to open was a ‘high day’ – it was both a Sabbath and the second Pascal Day, which was regarded as in every respect equally sacred with the first.”  (Book V: p. 613)
• They wanted their legs broken so they would suffocate.
• They could no longer press up on their legs to get a breath.

32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other one who had been crucified with him. 33 When they came to Jesus, they did not break his legs since they saw that he was already dead. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out.

• Blood came out first… some believe that Jesus died from a broken heart.

35 He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows he is telling the truth. 36 For these things happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled: Not one of his bones will be broken.

• Fulfillment of Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12 and Psalm 34:20.

37 Also, another Scripture says: They will look at the one they pierced.

• Zechariah 12:10 - “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the house of David and the residents of Jerusalem, and they will look at me whom they pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly for him as one weeps for a firstborn.[9]
• What generation of Jews is this in reference to?
• In reference to the 2nd Coming of Jesus
• Refer Mark 15:42

 
JESUS’S BURIAL
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus—but secretly because of his fear of the Jews—asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away.

• Refer to Luke 23:50 (1st time)

39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes.

• Refer to Mark 15:46 (1st time)

40 They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where he was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it.

• Refer to Matthew 27:60

42 They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish day of preparation and since the tomb was nearby. [10]

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 27:50–56). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Dt 21:22–23). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 27:57–61). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 15:38–41). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Dt 21:22–23). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 15:42–47). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 23:45–49). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 23:50–56). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Zec 12:10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 19:31–42). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Friends are an interesting notion.
What determines a friendship? What causes one to continue and another to cease?
I believe a friend is an acquaintance you choose to be your friend. I don’t think it is contingent upon their agreement, but solely on your decision to be their friend.

When you see the word ‘love’ in the Bible, it can have a number of meanings based on the underlying Greek work. Two of the more frequently used ones are ‘Phileo’ and ‘Agape’.
Phileo is the same root for the city of Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Phileo is the love of a brother or friend. Agape’ is this sort of love beyond most of our understanding and experience. It is an unfiltered, pure, unconditional love. It is God’s sort of love.
I have seen in people with Down’s Syndrome and my dog. But beyond that most will show glimpses of it, but there always seems to be a condition here or there.

My friend, Pete, is the topic of discussion today! Pete has been on my mind for years. He was probably in his mid-late teens when his life began to influence mine. He is an extroverted personality, a bit in your face, which isn’t normally someone I would migrate towards. As a matter of fact, his personality in his younger days was strong enough, I would have had to breath in and out slowly to even be in the room with him.

But he had an encounter with Jesus which revolutionized his world view and personality. His story reminds me to give room to friends and acquaintances even if they happen to disappoint you.
I don’t know if any of you have ever crossed paths with Pete, but I suppose several have.
The fact is, I haven’t ever met my quasi-friend, but I know enough about him to call him friend. He is also known as Simon Peter!

I may not have the sequence of events exactly right, but they are close.
It turns out Peter’s brother Andrew is the one who kicked the whole story into gear. Jesus’ cousin, John or John the Baptist was an eccentric soul. He lived in the wilderness and was a holy man. He encouraged people to repent of sin as the kingdom of God was near.
John had followers who the Bible call disciples. One of John’s followers was Andrew.
One day Andrew was hanging with John and Jesus was there. John pronounced Jesus the Messiah and Andrew quit following John and began following Jesus. Jesus began expressing His heart to Andrew and he was so excited he went and told his brother, Peter, ‘I have found Messiah!’ When Peter approached Jesus, He identified Peter and told himhe would now be called Cephas. And that is how Peter became interesting!!

There friendship must of have developed reasonably quickly as there is a familiarity described in the Bible. (John 1:40-42) Peter was probably in his late teens or early 20s and a newlywed. One of Jesus’ early ministry activities was in the city of Capernaum. One day after reasoning with the local Jewish people, He stopped by Peter’s house. Peter’s mother-in-law was there sick with a high fever. Jesus rebuked the fever, healed her and went about His ordinary business. (Matthew 8:14,15)

Another example of their familiarity was one day after fishing Peter was cleaning his nets and Jesus was trying to get some space away from the crowds who were mesmerized by his miracles and healing. He saw two boats and got into one of them which turned out to be Peter’s and asked him to take it out away from land a bit. Peter went along with the
plan.
After He was done speaking with the people, He told Peter to let his nets down into the water. Peter explained to Jesus, it wasn’t a good fishing day. They had been out all night and caught nothing. BUT I will do as you say and let the nets down. When he did this he caught so many fish the nets began to break! They signaled to their partners in other boats who quickly came and filled their boats with fish! They caught so many fish the boats began to sink! (Luke 5:2-11)

After this miracle, Peter and Andrew left everything and followed Jesus!
Keep in mind, Jesus’ public ministry was only about 3-3.5 years long. So this friendship began and deepened quickly!
And through the months of following Jesus, Peter and the other disciples watched up close as He lived in their presence and they were even sent out to tell others the Kingdom of God was at hand. Through this living together effort He instructed Peter and the others they would receive rejection and hatred, but to not be afraid of those who could destroy their bodies, but not their souls.

Can you imagine a friend emphasizing these sorts of thoughts to you as a teenager?
Shortly after John the Baptist was beheaded and Jesus fed 5000 with five loaves of bread and two fish, He was worn down physically and emotionally. He sent the disciples ahead of Him in the boat across the Sea of Galilee while He sent the crowd away, rested and prayed. And then as the evening was situated, be began walking towards the disciples on the water. (Matthew 14:26-31)

As you could imagine on a stormy night at sea, seeing a human walking across the water would terrify just about anyone. The disciples were no different, they were freaked out. They were crying and thought He was a ghost. He finally told them to take courage as it was Him.

As the situation was winding down, Peter yelled out, “Lord, if it is you, command me to walk out to you!’ Imagine that! Have you ever been on rough water in the dark? Would anything possess you to leave the relative comfort of the boat to step onto the water? Peter did it! He literally walked on water, until he didn’t! Then he yelled, ‘Lord, save me!’
And immediately, Jesus did. (Matthew 10:24-28)

Think about Peter. What would stir him to get out of the boat? What would Jesus think about Peter wanting to get out of the boat? Did the entire group laugh about that event at later gatherings? What was the conversation like --- ‘that one time when Peter walked on water…’

Once the boat landed and they went about their way, they probably had one of those pow wows. It seems like this might have been the time they were sitting around a campfire in Caesarea Phillipi talking about life and Jesus was sensing where the men were mentally with the whole thing of hanging out with God Almighty.

Then He began a deep conversation, ‘Who do people say I am?’ And after listening to their answers, He asked the pointed question ‘but who do you say I am?’ In all four gospels, the answer to the question was only recorded for Peter’s opinion. He said, ‘You are the Messiah!’ (Matthew 16:15, 16)

Jesus complimented him for his correct answer and told him only the Father could have revealed it to him. Jesus told Peter upon that proclamation, that Jesus is Messiah, He will build His church. Then He did something amazing to Peter, He promised to give him the keys to the kingdom of heaven! THE KEYS!!! (Matthew 16:19)

Shortly after the keys are promised, Jesus explained to the disciples how he would suffer and die. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke Him for his prophecy. Jesus said, ‘get behind me satan’ in response to Peter’s proclamation. Can you imagine Peter’s thoughts at such a situation?

A week later took Peter, James and John on a mountain to pray. While they were there this supernatural event, called the transfiguration, happened. Jesus’ face shined like the sun and his clothes were as white as light. And while this happened all of a sudden Elijah and Moses were present. And the voice of God said, ‘This is my Son with whom I am well pleased, listen to Him!’ What do you suppose those 3 disciples were thinking at this
moment? (Matthew 17:1-3)

After a time settling into their new normal, Jesus continued to teach ideas to the disciples about His way of life. One day Peter asked Him, ‘How often shall I forgive my brother who has sinned against me, seven times?’ Jesus said at least seventy times seven times. Peter’s head had to be spinning processing this declaration. (Matthew 18:21, 22)

Before long the disciples are following Jesus to the Last Supper. They dined and discussed the days ahead. Then Jesus took up a towel and bent down to wash the disciples feet. As you might guess, Peter told Jesus He would never wash his feet. Jesus powered up and explained to him this either had to happen or his part with Jesus was over! So Peter said ‘wash my entire body!’ Jesus said, ‘nah’. (John 13:5-10)

While at the Last Supper the disciples got into an argument over who was the greatest. Can you imagine? The greatest ever was sitting in their presence, prepared to do the greatest act of love known to mankind and these guys are arguing which of them is the best! (Luke 22:24)(Matthew 22:26-30)

Jesus points out they have all just hung with God for three years and will have some long term privileges due to their friendship. Then He transitions to satan’s view of who is the greatest among them. HE also helps them know Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends. Jesus tells Peter, ‘hey, satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat. Once you repent, you are going to strengthen your brothers!’ How’s that for switching the topic from
the greatest. Who knows what Peter was thinking at this point. (Luke 22:31)

Peter then declares his loyalty to Jesus, stating he will go to prison and even die for Jesus. Jesus thanks him for his thoughts and points out he will deny Him 3 times before the rooster crows. (Matthew 26:33-35)

After dinner they head over to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is stressed to the point He sweats drops of blood and simply asks His friends including Peter to stay alert and pray for Him. When He repeatedly checks back with the disciples they are sawing logs. Jesus had to roll His eyes at their weakness. (Mark 14:33-41)

And as Judas betrays Jesus the crowd of nearly 600 comes to arrest Him. Peter is ready to die for Jesus and cuts the ear off of one of the 600. Jesus picks it up and heals it and offers Himself humbly to fulfill His mission. (Mark 14:47, John 18:10, 11)

Peter follows Jesus into the mock trial and watches from a distance. There isn’t much evidence of any of the other disciples sticking so close to the action. In this effort Peter was close enough he could be repeatedly accused of being a follower of Jesus. He was able to deny Jesus three time just as the rooster crowed. Peter wept bitterly! Can you imagine the inner turmoil brewing inside young Peter? (Matthew 26:69-75)

After the crucifixion and resurrection, Peter ran to the tomb to see if it was true. He had to be winded and probably had no idea what this amazing feat meant or how to reconcile it in his mind. But Jesus took care of that and found the disciples and began to explain some of the things they needed to know. They had to be amazed, overwhelmed and blown away! (Luke 24:12)

As Peter tried to process all of this, he told the other disciples, I’m going fishing. Several said, ‘we’re going with you!’ It makes all the sense in the world, Peter returned to what he knew. What? Was he 22-25 years old and just witnessed world history first hand!! Guess what they caught that night? NOTHING!!! (John 21:2-13)

Jesus was on shore grilling some breakfast for the boys. He yelled out at them, ‘hey, I’m betting I know what you caught! NOTHING! Cast your nets on the other side!’ Of course He did. What HAPPENED? They caught so many fish they couldn't bring the net in!! Peter threw himself in the sea and swam to Jesus!! They had a feast!!
After breakfast Jesus asked Peter 3 questions! (John 21:15-17)
1) Do you agape’ love me?
2)Do you agape’ love me?
3)Do you phileo love me?
Peter was grieved and this was their story!

Here is my take on their friendship. Peter was a loose cannon. He would try, say or do anything to show Jesus he was all in. But he was weak. He lacked a power you and I possess; God’s Spirit. Peter would waffle back and forth in his efforts.

So when this final dialogue about Peter’s love happened. I believe it was Jesus validating Peter. Peter you were proud and did things from your own strength throughout this entire ​story. But here you have finally realized agape’ love is outside your power. You wouldn’t promise me something which you couldn’t fulfill.

Peter knew Jesus laid down His life to be his friend. That was agape’ and it was impossible for him without something else. He was able to honestly answer Jesus!! You are a loyal friend. You will agape’ love me, but it won’t happen until Pentecost when my Love is poured out in your heart! Then agape’ will be your normal way! I am proud of
you, my friend!

Menorah – Middle light, Ner Elohim, the Westernmost Lamp, the Lamp of God, the Servant Lamp –Specially prized.

• The Ner Elohim Lamp quit burning in 30 AD.
• From the Talmud: During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot [‘For the Lord’] did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-colored strap become white; nor did the westernmost light shine. (Yoma 39b)

 

• Genesis 1:3-5 - Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” There was an evening, and there was a morning: one day. [1]
• Light was created the first day.

 

• Genesis 1:14-19 - 14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night. They will serve as signs for seasons and for days and years. 15 They will be lights in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule over the day and the lesser light to rule over the night—as well as the stars. 17 God placed them in the expanse of the sky to provide light on the earth, 18 to rule the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 Evening came and then morning: the fourth day. [2]
• The sun was created on the fourth day.
• Menorah- Picture
• How many days were in the Creation?
  - 7 Days
  - 1-3 – 4 – 5-7 Days

 

• From Josephus (an unredeemed Jew who was an historian):

Over against this table, near the southern wall, was set a candlestick of cast gold, hollow within, being of the weight of one hundred pounds… It was made with its knops, and lilies, and pomegranates, and bowls (which ornaments amounted to seventy in all); by which means the shaft elevated itself on high from a single base, and spread itself into as many branches as there are planets, including the sun among them. It terminated in seven heads, in one row, all standing parallel to one another; and these branches carried seven lamps, one by one, in imitation of the number of the planets. These lamps looked to the east and to the south, the candlestick being situate obliquely. (Antiquities, Book III, Chapter VI, Paragraph 7)

• Josephus realized that the sun, located at the center of our solar system, was providing light for the planets visible to early man.
• Mercury, Venus, Earth (or moon), Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
• It seems therefore, that he concluded the sun served as the middle lamp (Servant Lamp) of our universe.
• If this is so, the sun is a picture of “the Son” who is the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5)
• “The Son” that Josephus failed to recognize as Savior!

 
The Legend of Azazel

• Day of Atonement – All sin would be atoned for one day of the year.
• Hebrews 9:6-7 – With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. 7 But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.[3]
• What is the difference between atonement and forgiveness?
  - Covered but not removed
• High Priest would go into the Holy of Holies twice.
  - 1st time with the blood of a bull to cover his own sin.
  - Then two goats were brought to the High Priest, lots were cast and one of the goats was sacrificed.
   - The High Priest would then take the blood of the sacrificed goat into the Holy of Holies and offer it as sacrifice for the rest of the Jews sins… to be covered.

 

• Leviticus 16:8-10 - After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other for an uninhabitable place (Scapegoat or Azazel), A, (Lit for Azazel) B, (Perhaps a term that means “for the goat that departs,” or “for removal,” or “for a rough, difficult place,” or “for a goat demon”)[4] 9 he is to present the goat chosen by lot for the Lord and sacrifice it as a sin offering. 10 But the goat chosen by lot for an uninhabitable place is to be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement with it by sending it into the wilderness for an uninhabitable place. [5]

 

• From the Talmud:
  If you assume it was Rabbai Johannan ben Zaccai [who made the rule], was there in the days of Rabbai Johannan Zaccai a thread of scarlet [which turned white]? Has it not been taught: Rabbai Johannan Zaccai lived altogether a hundred and twenty years. For forty years he was in business, forty years he studied, and forty years he taught’, and it has further been taught: ‘For forty years before the destruction of the Temple the thread of scarlet never turned white but it remained red.’ (Rosh HaShana 31b)
• They tied a red ribbon on the scapegoat which turned white as it ran away.
• During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot [‘For the Lord’] did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-colored strap become white. (Yoma 39b)

 

• From the Jewish Encyclopedia:

Day of Atonement – A man was selected, preferably a priest, to take the goat to the precipice in the wilderness; and he was accompanied part of the way by the most eminent men of Jerusalem. Ten booths had been constructed at intervals along the road leading from Jerusalem to the steep mountain. At each one of these the man leading the goat was formally offered food and drink, which he, however, refused. When he reached the tenth booth those who accompanied him proceeded no further, but watched the ceremony from a distance. When he came to the precipice he divided the scarlet thread into two parts, one of which he tied to the rock and the other to the goat’s horns, and then pushed the goat down (Yoma vi. 1-8). The cliff was so high and rugged that before the goat had traversed half the distance to the plain below, its limbs were utterly shattered. Men were stationed at intervals along the way, and as soon as the goat was thrown down the precipice, they signaled to one another by means of kerchiefs or flags, until the information reached the high priest, whereat he proceeded with the other parts of the ritual.
 
The scarlet thread was a symbolic reference to Isaiah 1:18; and the Talmud tells us (ib.39a) that during the forty years that Simon the Just was high priest, the thread actually turned white as soon as the goat was thrown over the precipice; a sign that the sins of the people were forgiven. In later time the change to white was not invariable: a proof of the people’s moral and spiritual deterioration, that was gradually on the increase, until forty years before the destruction of the Second Temple, when the change of the color was no longer observed (i.e. 39b).
 

• Hebrews 10:12 - But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.[6]
• The sacrificial system that had been in effect for years was not obsolete because of Jesus’ blood.
• Mishnah – 220 AD – Oral Law written down
• Talmud – 600 AD – Expanded w/ stories (Tradition written by unredeemed Jews)

 
9 - Lamps
Zechariah – Additional two branches to serve as resource to make sure the other 7 branches remained lit.

• Persians – 400 years of silence between testaments
• Alexander Great and the Greeks defeated the Persians
• Divided into four regions
• Syria - Antiochus Epiphanes defiled the Temple Mount
• Maccabees came in and rededicated the Temple Mount. There was enough oil in one branch to relight the Menorah and it burnt for 8 days.
• Two additional branches were added during the days of the Maccabees restoration and is related now to Hanukah.

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ge 1:3–5). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ge 1:14–19). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Heb 9:6–7). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Le 16:8–10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.\
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Heb 10:12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

MATTHEW 27:50-51
50 But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit.

• Jesus died physically. Previously, Jesus had died spiritually.
• Jesus gave up His life freely. No one took His life from Him.

51 Suddenly, the curtain (veil) of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom,

• From the Talmud: About the curtain we have learnt: Gamaliel said in the name of Rabbai Simeon the Deputy [High Priest]: The curtain was a handbreadth thick and was woven on seventy-two strands, and each strand consisted of twenty-four threads; “its length was forty cubits and its breadth twenty cubits, and was made up out of eighty-two myriads [of threads]. They used to make two every year; and three hundred priests were required to immerse it. (Chullin 90b)

• It was a heavy curtain
• God split from top to bottom
• Hebrews 10:19-20 - 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus--20 he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)[1]
• The curtain was symbolization of Jesus’ fleshly body.
• Jesus’s body veiled the Glory of God.
• The Glory of God penetrated through the body at the Mount of Transfiguration.
• Jesus’ body served as the veil.
• King Herod’s Temple:
• Exodus 25-40 – God gave Moses instructions for the Tabernacle.
• The Glory of God lived above the Mercy Seat in the Tabernacle.
• The Glory would move and lead Israel wherever God wanted the Israelites to move.
• Then judges and then the Kings
• 2 Chronicles 5
• King Solomon built the 1st Temple.
• 586 BC – Temple was destroyed by Babylonians
• Ezekiel 9-11 – The Glory of God went back to heaven.
• Israelites in captivity for 70 years.
• Persians defeated Babylonians and King Cyrus allowed some Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. (Ezra)
• The Temple was completed in 516 BC. (Ezra 6)
• The Glory of God never re-entered the Temple.
• God sends two prophets – Haggai & Zechariah
• Haggai 2:9 - “The final glory of this house will be greater than the first,” says the Lord of Armies. “I will provide peace in this place”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies. [2]
• King Herod refurbishes the Temple from 19 BC – 64 AD. (83 years total)
• Luke 2 – The Glory of God shone around them.
• Jesus walks into the Temple and fulfills the prophecy of Haggai 2:9.
• The veil pointed to Christ’s Body
• Revelation 1:6 - To him who loves us and has set us free from our sins by his blood, 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.[3]
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 - We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.[4]
• Colossians 1:27 - God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.[5]
• 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 - 6 For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ. [6]
• Acts 6:7 - So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith. [7]
• It was because of Jesus’ death
• From the Talmud: During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple... the doors of the Hekal would open by themselves, until Rabbai Johanan Ben Zakkai rebuked them, saying: Hekal, Hekal, why wilt thou be the alarmer thyself? I know about thee that thou wilt be destroyed, for Zechariah ben Ido has already prophesied concerning thee: Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars. (Yoma 39b)
• The doors of the Temple mysteriously opened by themselves in 30 AD.
• From Josephus: Morevover, the eastern gate of the inner [court of the] temple, which was of brass, and vastly heavy, and had been with difficulty shut by twenty men, and rested upon a basis armed with iron, and had bolts fastened very deep into the firm floor, which was there made of one entire stone, was seen to be opened of its own accord about the sixth hour of the night. Now those that kept watch in the temple came hereupon running to the captain of the temple, and told him of it; who then came up thither, and not without great difficulty was able to shut the gate again. This also appeared to the vulgar to be a very happy prodigy, as if God did thereby open them the gate of happiness. But the men of learning understood it, that the security of their holy house was dissolved of its own accord, and that the gate was opened for the advantage of the enemies. So these publicly declared that the signal foreshowed the desolation that was coming upon them. (Wars VI:5;3)

 
Menorah – Golden Lampstand – Golden Candlestick

• South side of the Holy Place
• 7 branches with middle branch called the Ner Elohim (the Lamp of God, western lamp, or the Shamash – Servant Lamp)
• Table of Showbread & Alter of Incense
• This lampstand provided light for the priests.
• From the Talmud: (unredeemed Jews) - [The seven lamps] shall give light in front of the candlestick; this teaches that they were made to face the western lamp and the western lamp faced the Shechinah; and Rabbai Johanan said: This shows that the middle one is specially prized.
• From the Jewish Encyclopedia: The... “Ner Elohim” (1 Sam. Iii.3), was left burning all day and was refilled in the evening. It served to light all the lamps. The Ner Elohim contained no more oil than the other lamps, a half-log measure (1 log contains the liquid of six eggs), sufficient to last during the longest winter night (Men. 89a); yet by a miracle that lamp regularly burned till the following evening (ib. 86b). This miracle, however, ceased after the death of Simeon the Righteous, who was high priest forty years before the destruction of the Temple. (Yoma 39b)
• From the Talmud: During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot [‘For the Lord’] did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-colored strap become white; nor did the westernmost light shine. (Yoma 39b)

 

• John 8:12 – Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”[8]
• John 9:5 - As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”[9]
• Revelation 1:9-16 - I, John, your brother and partner in the affliction, kingdom, and endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard a loud voice behind me like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”
• 12 Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me. When I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was one like the Son of Man, dressed in a robe and with a golden sash wrapped around his chest. 14 The hair of his head was white as wool—white as snow—and his eyes like a fiery flame. 15 His feet were like fine bronze as it is fired in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of cascading waters. 16 He had seven stars in his right hand; a sharp double-edged sword came from his mouth, and his face was shining like the sun at full strength.[10]
• He saw a Menorah with the Western Lamp as Jesus.
• Revelation 21:23 -  23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb.[11]
• Matthew 27:45-46 - 45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”[12]
• The light went out in the Temple in 30 AD.

But now the light shines through us.

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Heb 10:19–20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Hag 2:9). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Re 1:5–6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (2 Co 3:18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Col 1:27). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (2 Co 4:6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 6:7). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 8:12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 9:5). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Re 1:9–16). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Re 21:22–23). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 27:45–46). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.