MATTHEW 28:16-20
THE GREAT COMMISSION
16 The eleven disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”[1]

• Galatians 2:20 - 20 I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.[2]
• Ephesians 1:13 - In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed.[3]
• Ephesians 2:6 - He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,[4]
• Philippians 1:6 - I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.[5]
• Refer to 1 Corinthians 15:3

 
MARK 16:19-20
THE ASCENSION
19 So the Lord Jesus, after speaking to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

• Hebrews – Our high priest sat down.
• Not pacing… sat down.
• Refer to Luke 24:50

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the accompanying signs.[6]

• That’s it… the end of the Gospels.

 
LUKE 24:44-49
44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

• Everything written in the Old Testament had to be true.

45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day,

• As it was written according to the Old Testament.

47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

• Jesus said, “I had to die, be buried and raised again.”
• Jesus then said, “Repentance & forgiveness is to come through me and you are to tell the world.”

48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”

• Refer to Acts 1:3

 
THE ASCENSION OF JESUS
50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

• Gave them peace for the next 10 days… and longer.

51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.

• Jesus ascended while blessing the people who didn’t get it.
• Refer to Acts 1:9

52 After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple praising God.[7]

• What do you think their joy was then as compared to 10 days later?
• Refer to Acts 2:1

 
ACTS 1:3-12
3 After he had suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
 
THE HOLY SPIRIT PROMISED
4 While he was with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”

• “With” the Holy Spirit
• vs “in” the Holy Spirit

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

• This doesn’t occur until Acts 2 – The birth of the Church.
• Nobody knows the end times.
• Refer to Mark 16:19

 
THE ASCENSION
9 After he had said this, he was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

• A cloud lived in the holy of holies. (2 Chronicles 5)
• The glory of God ascended into heaven.

10 While he was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them.

• Angels (always men in the Scripture)

11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven.”

• Refer to Luke 24:52

 
UNITED IN PRAYER
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away.[8]
 
ACTS 2:1-4
2 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.[9]

• The Church is birthed!
• Refer to Mark 16:20

 
1 Corinthians 15:3-7
3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.[10]

• Acts 12:17 - Motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Tell these things to James and the brothers,” he said, and he left and went to another place.[11]
• Acts 15:13 - 13 After they stopped speaking, James responded: “Brothers and sisters, listen to me.[12]
• Acts 21:17-18 - 17 When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters welcomed us warmly. 18 The following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.[13]
• Galatians 1:18-19 - 18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.[14]

Refer to Luke 24:44

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 28:16–20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ga 2:20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Eph 1:13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Eph 2:6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Php 1:6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 16:19–20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 24:44–53). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 1:3–12). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 2:1–4). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Co 15:3–8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 12:17). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 15:13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ac 21:17–18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ga 1:18–19). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

• Jesus told the disciples to meet him in Galilee
• Their fear caused them to stay in Jerusalem
• They stayed there for a full week
• Once Jesus had appeared to Thomas they all traveled to Galilee
• Peter decides to go fishing with 6 other disciples
• They can’t catch any fish
• Jesus says, “Cast your net on the right side.”
• They caught 153 fish.
• Jesus feeds the disciples breakfast.
• Jesus is proving again He will provide for their needs and there is no need for them to return to their original careers.

 

• Peter is the one Jesus previously gave the “keys to the Kingdom” to.
• Peter is the one who when Jesus said the disciples would all scatter on His behalf that he would be the one to remain for Jesus.
• Jesus told Peter he would deny Him 3 times before the cock crowed twice.
• Peter was the first disciple that Jesus appeared to after His resurrection
• Refer to John 21:15

 
MATTHEW 28:16-20
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them.

• Refer to 1 Corinthians 15:3

17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

• Refer to Mark 16:15

19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.

• Telling them to disciple believers.
• “Go” – Participle meaning “As you go”
• Not an imperative verb with an exclamation point.
• This passage has been used over and over to manipulate people to go into missions.
• Refer to Mark 16:16

And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”[1]
 
MARK 16:15-18
15 Then He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.

• Jesus commissions the disciples to all creation.
• Refer to Matthew 28:19

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

• What kind of baptism? 1) Water? 2) Spirit? 3) identify as follower of Jesus.

17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 they will pick up snakes; if they should drink anything deadly, it will never harm them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well.”[2]

• These things may have already happened but not every believer will have experienced them.
• I will definitely not go looking for them.
• Refer to Matthew 28:20

JOHN 21:15-25
JESUS’ THREEFOLD RESTORATION OF PETER
15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape – unconditionally) me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love (Phileo love – He knew that is what he already displayed) you.”

• I love you conditionally because I obviously have already showed you this in my denial.
• Peter is being humble and with a broken spirit.

“Feed my lambs,” he told him.

• Take care of and teach my new followers.
• Young disciples. – Feed them milk.
• Peter was encouraged.

16 A second time he asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agape – unconditionally) me?” (at all)

• Decreasing degrees of love.

“Yes, Lord,” he said to him, “you know that I love (Phileo love) you.”

• Peter responded by lowering the level of love in his answer by being honest and humble.

“Shepherd my sheep, (encourage believers – church)” he told him.

• Once again, Jesus is trying to encourage Peter by giving him more responsibility with His followers.

17 He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love (Phileo love) me?”
Peter was grieved that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love (Phileo love) you.”
“Feed my sheep, (mature believers - disciple)” Jesus said.

• What was the purpose of Jesus asking these 3 questions?
• Peter is the first to preach to the Jews, to the Samaritans and to the Gentiles.
• He was given the “Keys to the Kingdom”.
• Agape love – Unconditional love (marriage – for better or for worst) “I’ll love you even if you don’ love me back.”
• Phileo Love – Based on feelings and circumstances. Conditional… based upon how you feel at the time.

 

• Peter was going to be used because he showed his brokenness.
• There is a difference in teachers/disciplers who lead out of brokenness.
• There is something to say for one who has come through brokenness.
• Being broken hurts… it can humble.
• Humbleness leads to great leadership.
• Our society has a tendency to throw out people that blow it. No second chances in our society.
• I’m OK with failure… I run to failure.
• Brokenness can lead to a tender and humble heart.
• I will pursue and follow one with a tender and humbled heart.
• I don’t care about the quantity of one’s ministry as much as I do about the quality.
• What has been their journey and where is their heart?
• That is listening at a whole different level.
• Who cares if they wrote a book… or a hundred books?
• Who cares if they have multiple campuses and thousands of attendees?
• I want to know their heart… if they have come through brokenness and are humble.
• I love going on the MercyMe cruise… not because I am on stage… but because I get to deliver this Truth to a majority of people that hardly ever get to hear it.
• Book/CD signing day is pretty funny.

 
18 “Truly I tell you, when you were younger, you would tie your belt and walk wherever you wanted. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you and carry you where you don’t want to go.”

• You are going to die for the Gospel.

19 He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”

• The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - The tradition is that he died a martyr at Rome about 67 AD, when about 75 years old. His Lord and Master had predicted a violent death for him (Jn 21:18, 19), which it is thought came to pass by crucifixion under Nero. It is said that at his own desire he was crucified head downward, feeling himself unworthy to resemble his Master in his death.[3]
• “John penned his gospel around the late 80’s to early 90’s AD, meaning that Peter had already died by the time John wrote John 21:18. If tradition is correct, the “follow me” in John 21:19 was literally fulfilled for Peter followed Jesus to the cross.” – Bob Warren

 
CORRECTING A FALSE REPORT
20 So Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them, the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is the one that’s going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
22 “If I want him to remain until I come,” Jesus answered, “what is that to you? As for you, follow me.”

• Don’t worry about him… stay focused on your own walk.
• Quit watching men and follow Jesus.

23 So this rumor spread to the brothers and sisters that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”
 
EPILOGUE
24 This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

• We know this through the Spirit of God.

25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.[4]

• What the Gospels have recorded is only 75-80 days of Jesus’ ministry on earth.
• Refer to Matthew 28:16

 
1 Corinthians 15:1-7
1 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep.

• At this point, no one had denied that Jesus had resurrected.
• Refer to Matthew 28:17

7 Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.[5]

[1] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mt 28:16–20). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Mk 16:15–18). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Gray, J. M. (1915). Peter, Simon. In J. Orr, J. L. Nuelsen, E. Y. Mullins, & M. O. Evans (Eds.), The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (Vol. 1–5, p. 2349). Chicago: The Howard-Severance Company.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 20:19–21:25). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (1 Co 15:1–7). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

Jesus has appeared 4 times already:

1. Mary Magdalene
2. The other women
3. 2 men on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24)
4. Peter

• Refer to John 20:19

 
Mark 16:14
THE GREAT COMMISSION
14 Later he appeared to the Eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table. He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who saw him after he had risen.[1]

• How many of the disciples did Jesus rebuke?
• The Eleven is a general term used to describe the disciples.
• Thomas is not there… John & Peter already believed.
• 8 received the rebuking.
• Refer to Luke 24:38

 
Luke 24:36-43
THE REALITY OF THE RISEN JESUS
36 As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!”

• Saying what things?
• 10 are there… Thomas is not there.
• Who believe Jesus was raised?
  1) John believed at the sight of the grave clothes.
  2) Peter believed later when Jesus appeared to him.

37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.

• 8 of the 10
• Refer to Mark 16:14

38 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

• They thought they were seeing a spirit… 8 of them.
• Flesh & bones – no mention of blood.
• Refer to John 20:20

41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence. [2]

• Refer to John 20:20b

 
John 20:19 – 21:25
THE DISCIPLES COMMISSIONED
19 When it was evening of that first day of the week (Sunday), the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked because they feared the Jews. Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

• The disciples are scared because their Savior/friend is gone and the Jews are looking for them.
• Jesus just appeared and did not come through the door.
• Refer to Luke 24:36

20 Having said this, he showed them his hands and his side.

• John records hands and side… Luke recorded hands and feet.
• Jesus showed them His hands, feet and side.
• Refer to Luke 24:41

So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

• The other 8 finally believe that Jesus has raised from the dead.

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”

• 10 disciples present… not Thomas
• Jesus was sent to live His life by Another (the Father)

22 After saying this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

• “On them” rather than “in them”
• This is different than Acts 2 where the Church was birthed.
• Jesus is giving them the ability to understand what He is going to say to them between now and His ascension.

23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

• He is giving the disciples authority to judge sin.
• This is different than Church discipline.
• The ability to point out the difference of walking by the Spirit vs walking by the flesh.

 
THOMAS SEES AND BELIEVES
24 But Thomas (called “Twin”), one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples were telling him, “We’ve seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in his hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

• Thomas is the only disciple who does not believe at this point.

26 A week later (after 8 days… Sunday) his disciples were indoors again, and Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

• Not your peace… Jesus’ peace… John 14

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don’t be faithless, but believe.”
28 Thomas responded to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

• Jesus is truth... We are not teaching this generation that Jesus is the truth.
• They are finding it hard to believe.
• Therefore, they are not falling in love with Jesus.
• The more truth they know about Jesus the more they believe.
• We are teaching them morals and behavior and lists.
• Just teach them that Jesus was and is always will be real.
• Teach Jesus so the Spirit will prove Him real.
• The trust will come if they believe He is real.

 
THE PURPOSE OF THIS GOSPEL
30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book.

• John did not record all of Jesus’ miracles… only 7
• 7 is enough for you to believe

31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

• Live your life by another life… Jesus’ life in us.
• Colossians 3:4 – He is my life

JESUS’ THIRD APPEARANCE TO THE DISCIPLES
21 After this, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). He revealed himself in this way: (7th total appearance)

• They finally have the courage to leave Jerusalem and go to Galilee… after they believed.
• Thomas was keeping them from traveling because of His unbelief.

2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called “Twin”), Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, Zebedee’s sons (James & John), and two others of his disciples were together. (7 total)
3 “I’m going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them.

• Peter returned to his old vocation to meet his needs.
• “I’m not just going to sit around.”

“We’re coming with you,” they told him. They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

• 7 men… including Peter, James & John who were found by Jesus as fishermen. (Luke 5:1-11)

4 When daybreak came, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know it was Jesus. 5 “Friends,” Jesus called to them, “you don’t have any fish, do you?”
“No,” they answered.
6 “Cast the net on the right side of the boat,” he told them, “and you’ll find some.” So they did, and they were unable to haul it in because of the large number of fish. 7 The disciple, the one Jesus loved, said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”

• John recognized Jesus… even though Jesus appeared to Peter first and was even given the keys to the Kingdom.
•  Someone besides the lead guy recognized Jesus first.

When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea. 8 Since they were not far from land (about a hundred yards away), the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish lying on it, and bread.

• These were not the fish out of the net.

10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus told them. 11 So Simon Peter climbed up and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish—153 of them. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn.

• No significance to the number of 153 other than John was so specific here to prove authenticity of his letter as compared to only including 7 miracles.

12 “Come and have breakfast,” Jesus told them. None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them. He did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.[3]

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 16:14). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 24:36–43). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 20:19–21:14). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - (NAS): 9 but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

Psalm 19:14 - 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.

“I love the jelly doughnut’s here at Leavener”
“I love my new car”
“I love boxing and football”
“I love my job”
“I love this church”
“I love Rusty”
“I love my family”
“I love my kids”
“I looooove my wife”
“I love my brothers and sisters in Christ”
“I love Jesus”
“I love God”

​I’m going to try to explain what “love” is, what it’s not, and again what it is. It seems the more I mature, ideas start to combine and simplify.
Example: Complexity is the enemy of security!

I John 14:19 - 19 We love, because He first loved us.

8 Types of Love According to the Ancient Greeks
1) Agape — Unconditional Love. First, we have agape love. ...
2) Eros — Romanic Love. Eros is named after the Greek god of love and fertility. ...
3) Philia — Affectionate Love. ...
4) Philautia — Self-love. ...
5) Storge — Familiar Love. ...
6) Pragma — Enduring Love. ...
7) Ludus — Playful Love. ...
8) Mania — Obsessive Love.

Agapeo: Verb, future, active, indicative, second person, singular
ἀγαπάω, I love (never of love between the sexes, but nearly always of the love of (the) God or (the) Christ to us, and of our love to Him and to our fellow creatures, as inspired by His love for us).
AGAPEO active
Luke 10:27 (NAS): You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18)

We can talk about AGAPE (N), but we live out AGAPAO (V) Agape
Galatians 5:6 (NAS): 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

Agape
Jude 20–21 (NAS): 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the
Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

AGAPAO
1 John 3:23 (NAS): 23 This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one
another, just as He commanded us.

Agapao
Galatians 5:14 (NAS): 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

​Mark 12:30–31 (NAS): 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your
strength.’
31 “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There
is no other commandment greater than these.”
Romans 13:8–10 (NAS): 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one
another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall
not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it
is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of
the law. Romans 13:8–10 (NAS): 8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love
one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall
not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it
is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of
the law.
Galatians 5:14 (NAS): 14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the
statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
1 John 4:8 (NAS): 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for
God is love.
1 Corinthians 13:8 (NAS): 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts
of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease;
if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
John 3:16 (NAS): 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have
eternal life.
John 3:19 (NAS): 19 “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into
the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their
deeds were evil.
2 Timothy 4:10 (NAS): 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has
deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia,
Titus to Dalmatia.
2 Peter 2:15 (NAS): 15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray,
having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages
of unrighteousness;
John 12:43 (NAS): 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the
approval of God.
Luke 11:43 (NAS): 43 “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the
synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places.
Luke 16:13 (NAS): 13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate
the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the
other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
John 5:20 (NAS): 20 “For the Father loves (Phileo) the Son, and shows Him all
things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works
than these, so that you will marvel.
Matthew 5:46 (NAS): 46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward do
you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 6:24 (NAS): 24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate
the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and wealth.
Luke 6:32 (NAS): 32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners love those who love them.
Luke 7:42 (NAS): 42 “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave
them both. So which of them will love him more?”
Luke 11:43 (NAS): 43 “Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the
synagogues and the respectful greetings in the market places.
John 12:43 (NAS): 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the
approval of God.
John 21:15 (NAS): 15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to
Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love (agapeo) Me more than these?”
He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You.” He *said to him,
“Tend My lambs.”
2 Timothy 4:10 (NAS): 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has
deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to
Dalmatia.
2 Peter 2:15 (NAS): 15 forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having
followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of
unrighteousness;
1 John 2:15 (NAS): 15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If
anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Agape used apart
Matthew 24:12 (NAS): 12 “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s
love will grow cold.
Revelation 2:4 (NAS): 4 ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your
first love.
Ephesians 5:2 (NAS): 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and
gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant
aroma.
Philo God
Revelation 3:19 (NAS): 19 ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline;
therefore be zealous and repent.
John 5:20 (NAS): 20 “For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all
things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater
works than these, so that you will marvel.
John 11:3 (NAS): 3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold,
he whom You love is sick.”
John 11:36 (NAS): 36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved John
16:27 (NAS): 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved
Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father.
John 20:2 (NAS): 2 So she *ran and *came to Simon Peter and to the other
disciple whom Jesus loved, and *said to them, “They have taken away the
Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him

• Group of women left before the Sabbath ended.
• Those women purchased additional spices on the Sabbath to anoint Jesus’ body.
• Mary Magdalene got there first and saw the tomb was empty. She left to report to Peter & John
• The other women showed up at the tomb and saw an angel that told them Jesus was not there and they were to go tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee.
• Refer to Luke 24:9 (back up to vs 1 for context)

 
MATTHEW 28:9-15
9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” They came up, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”

• Who is them?
• 8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.[1] – This is the other women.
• There is time between verse 8 & 9.

THE SOLDIERS BRIBED TO LIE
11 As they were on their way, some of the guards came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him while we were sleeping.’

• The Jewish leaders invented a lie.
• How do they know it was the disciples if they guards were asleep?
• This lie is still believed today.
• This lie would cost the Roman soldiers their lives because the Roman seal was broken.

14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.”
 - If you lie… we will keep you safe.
15 They took the money and did as they were instructed, and this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.[2]
 - Believed until the day Matthew penned his book
 - Still believed today.
 - Refer to Mark 16:12
 
Mark 16:9-13
THE LONGER ENDING OF MARK: APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN LORD
9 Early on the first day of the week, after he had risen, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.

• He appeared to Mary Magdalen first… not the other women
• Refer to John 20:14

10 She went and reported to those who had been with him, as they were mourning and weeping. 11 Yet, when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe it.

• Refer to Matthew 28:9  

12 After this, he appeared in a different form to two of them walking on their way into the country.

• Not two of the 12 disciples
• Refer to Luke 24:13

13 And they went and reported it to the rest, who did not believe them either.[3]

• They didn’t believe in a physical resurrection.
• Refer to Luke 24:33

 
Luke 24:1-35
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words.
9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest.

• Refer to John 20:2 (Read vs 1 for context)

10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things.

• They were telling these things but they were not together.

11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.
 - They didn’t believe it…
 - The 9 didn’t believe the women because a women’s testimony in a court of law was not valid in 30 AD.
12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb.
 - Peter was listening to Mary Magdalene… not the other 9.
When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.
 - Amazed about the resurrection or that His body was stolen?
 - Refer to John 20:3
 - Peter still did not believe in a physical resurrection at this point. He thought the body was stolen as told by Mary Magdalene.
 - Refer to John 20:11
 
THE EMMAUS DISCIPLES
13 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.
18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked them.
So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet powerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened.

• 3rd day or 72 hours?
• Jewish perspective allows part of a day to be a whole day.
• It’s still the 3rd day in this conversation.

22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

• Isaiah spoke of a suffering servant.
• Jesus believed all the prophets and what they spoke.

26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.

• All the Scriptures were true

28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.

• This was not communion.
• Jesus told His disciples at the Passover meal that He would not observe this communion until returns in the Messianic Kingdom.

31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight.

• It didn’t say they opened their eyes.
• God opened their eyes.
• It took them awhile to understand who Jesus was.
• Jesus told these men all the Scripture and took them time for it to be revealed to them that it was Jesus.

32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem.

• Refer to Mark 16:13

They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”

• The 1st apostle that Jesus appeared to was the apostle who denied Jesus 3 times.
• Refer to 1 Corinthians 15:1-5

35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.[4]
 
John 20:1-18
1 On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2 So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

• She knew the stone was rolled away
• She knew Jesus was not in the tomb
• She believed someone stole Jesus’ body
• She went to report this to Peter & John
• Refer to Luke 24:10

3 At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb.
 - Peter & John based upon what they heard from Mary Magdalene.
4 The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. 5 Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in.
 - John couldn’t believe it. In shock.
6 Then, following him, Simon Peter also came. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. 7 The wrapping that had been on his head was not lying with the linen cloths but was folded up in a separate place by itself.
 - John saw two separate piles of cloth.
 - Because linen was folded… He believed that Jesus was resurrected.
8 The other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, then also went in, saw, and believed.

• John actually believed at this point that Jesus had physically resurrected… rather than just spiritually.

9 For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to the place where they were staying.

• Refer to Luke 24:12 (2nd time)

 
MARY MAGDALENE SEES THE RISEN LORD
11 But Mary stood outside the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.
 - This is the first time Mary Magdalene had encountered the angels.
13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put him.”

• Refer to Mark 16:9

14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know it was Jesus. 15 “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it that you’re seeking?”
Supposing he was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve carried him away, tell me where you’ve put him, and I will take him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
Turning around, she said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”—which means “Teacher.”

• When Jesus said Mary… Mary recognized Him.
• When Mary recognized the significance of Jesus calling her by name… she knew Jesus.

17 “Don’t cling to me,” Jesus told her, “since I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them that I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”

• “Don’t touch Me.”
• He appeared to a woman
• He appeared to a woman who was formerly a harlot.
• 1) “Don’t cling to me” – Mary wanted to grab Him as not to let Him ascend into heaven.
• 2) “Don’t touch Me.” – Jesus had not yet ascended to heaven to offer His blood as a Holy Sacrifice and He would do this before He appears to the disciples.

 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her. [5]

• Refer to Mark 16:9-11 (2nd time)

 
1 Corinthians 15:5
1 Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.[6]

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 28:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 28:9–15). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 16:9–13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 24:1–35). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 20:2–18). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Co 15:1–5). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

MATTHEW 27:61
61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb.
 
THE CLOSELY GUARDED TOMB
62 The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come, steal him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 “You have a guard of soldiers,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” 66 They went and secured the tomb by setting a seal on the stone and placing the guard.
 - Breaking a Roman seal would bring death.

• Matthew 12:40 – “For as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.”[1]
• Not 72 hours… but parts of 3 different days.
• Genesis 42:17-20 - So Joseph imprisoned them together for three days. 18 On the third day Joseph said to them, “I fear God—do this and you will live. 19 If you are honest, let one of you be confined to the guardhouse, while the rest of you go and take grain to relieve the hunger of your households. 20 Bring your youngest brother to me so that your words can be confirmed; then you won’t die.” And they consented to this. [2]
• 1 Samuel 30:12-13 - Then they gave him some pressed figs and two clusters of raisins. After he ate he revived, for he hadn’t eaten food or drunk water for three days and three nights.
• Then David said to him, “Who do you belong to? Where are you from?”

“I’m an Egyptian, the slave of an Amalekite man,” he said. “My master abandoned me when I got sick three days ago.[3]

• Matthew 16:21 - From then on Jesus began to point out to his disciples that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day.[4]
• Mark 8:31 - Then he began to teach them that it was necessary for the Son of Man to suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and rise after three days.[5]
• Contradiction? – After?
• If a Jew considers part of a day a full day.

 
Proving the resurrection:

• 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 - For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.[6]
• Refer to Mark 15:47

 
RESURRECTION MORNING
MATTHEW 28:1-8
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week (Sunday) was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb.
 - Refer to Mark 16:1
2 There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
Refer to John 20:1
5 The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.[7]

• The women (minus Mary Magdalene) to the other 9.
• Mary Magdalene went to Peter & John who were running to the grave with a different message.
• End

 
MARK 15:47–16:8
47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where he was laid.

• Refer to Luke 23:55

 
RESURRECTION MORNING
MARK 16
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they could go and anoint him.

• Conclusion: Women were traveling to grave before the Sabbath was over but couldn’t purchase spices on the Sabbath.
• They bought spices on both Friday & Sunday.
• Luke 24:10 - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things.[8]
• Luke 23:56 - Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes (Friday).
• Refer to Matthew 28:2

2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise.

• Mary Magdalene got there before the others because she got there in the dark.
• She saw the stone was rolled away and left.

3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?”

• They had not seen Mary Magdalene yet.

4 Looking up, they noticed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away.

• Refer to Luke 24:1
• Did Mary Magdalene do something to open this?
• Refer to Luke 24:2

5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed (amazed).

• Angels are always referred to as male in the Bible.
• Possibly the same angel that
• Refer to Luke 24:3

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’”

• The angel told the women to tell the disciples to go to Galilee.
• This is the same instruction Jesus gave them before He died.
• Matthew 26:31 - Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight all of you will fall away because of me, for it is written:

I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.,

• But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.”[9]

• Refer to Luke 24:4

8 They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.[10]
 
LUKE 23:55-24:8
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 (Friday). And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

• They saw Jesus laying in the tomb
• They saw how His body was laid in the tomb
• They traveled back and bought spices
• Refer to Matthew 28:1

 
RESURRECTION MORNING
Luke 24
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.

• Mary Magdalene has already been there.
• Refer to John 20:1 (2nd time)

2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

• The women without Mary Magdalene
• Refer to Mark 16:5

3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

• The women did not find the body… but they did find something.
• Refer to Matthew 28:5

4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes.
 - Mary Magdalene is not present.
 - She has no idea Jesus has been raised.
5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
“Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?”

• The women had come to bring spices believing that Jesus was still there.
• The angel alerted them to what Jesus had taught them.
• The women didn’t get it.
• They were supposed to go tell the disciples to go to Galilee… Did they go? No.
• Refer to Matthew 28:8

8 And they remembered his words. [11]
 
JOHN 20:1-2
1 On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb.

• It was dark and couldn’t see the Angel.
• Refer to Mark 16:2

2 So she went running to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said to them, “They’ve taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”[12]

• She assumed Jesus’ body had been stolen.

Refer to Mark 16:3 (2nd time)

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 12:40). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ge 42:17–20). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Sa 30:12–13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 16:21). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 8:31). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Co 15:3–8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 27:61–28:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[8] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 24:10). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 26:31–32). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[10] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mk 15:47–16:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Lk 23:55–24:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[12] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 20:1–2). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

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!