The events leading up to the crucifixion in Jerusalem are chaotic and fascinating. Pilate remains in the judgment hall, religious leaders are relieved, and soldiers are doing their job. Meanwhile, the crowd is angry, confused, and remembering the resurrection of Lazarus. While the disciples remain hidden, women and other followers are weeping and cry. But, Pilate, who remained at the judgment hall, does not look pleased with the situation.
Passover
The Jewish calendar indicates that the first night of the Passover festival in Jerusalem is Thursday. Because the festival is celebrated on Thursday night, the chief priests and scribes of the Jewish religion would have to offer sacrifices on both days. The Gospels report that Jesus had a “chagigah” ritual in the early morning, but they leave out the rest of the day, until the first night of Passover.
Caiaphas
The movie “Caiaphas in Jerusalem Leading Up to the Crucifixion” was based on a wildly speculative theory. The film argued that Caiaphas may have kept the nails from the crucifixion, out of remorse and to pass along to his family. According to Jacobovici, the nails were never found, because they were hidden or covered up, and archeologists were unaware of them.
The centurion
The Roman centurion in Jerusalem leading up to the crucifixion is quoted in Mark 15:27-28 as a witness to the crucifixion. He declares that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God. His passion and death show Jesus’ divine status more than any other event. The Jewish religious establishment mocked the Roman centurion for claiming that Jesus was divine, yet the centurion affirmed that Christ was the Son of God.
Theudas
Theudas, a fictional character in the Gospels, has a revealing significance in the history of Christianity. Theudas is a false messiah who promoted himself as something and nothing. He gathered followers with the promise of reconquering the Promised Land. At the time, this idea was widespread, and it would have been an important rallying point for the people. However, his followers were short-lived, and Josephus’ description of his life is more likely to be correct.
Yehohanan
The death of Yehohanan was not recorded in any document, and his crucifixion is unknown. Archaeologists have discovered that the nails used to nail Yehohanan to the cross were bent, and that the nail did not fall off after death. The nail, as well as a chunk of wood, were left attached to the body. The bones of Yehohanan were gathered and deposited in an ossuary a year after the crucifixion, and that Yehohanan was buried with the wood and nail still attached to his body. Interestingly, no one has found any information about his family, and no one has been able to determine his cause of death or the circumstances of his death.
Temple Incident
Mark brackets the cleansing of the temple with a scene in which the fig tree is cursed. The event suggests that the house of Israel had not lived up to its potential. Perhaps the cursing of the fig tree foreshadows the destruction of the temple and city. The disciples are confronted with the question of what to do. This article will examine the Temple Incident and its significance in the life of Jesus.
Death of Jesus
The death of Jesus in Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion is a major focus of Luke’s Gospel. Although the text often blames the Jews for the death of Jesus, Luke is careful to emphasize that it was their ignorance that caused the event, and what they did was necessary for God’s plan. However, Luke’s portrayal of the early Christian preaching also contains some mitigating factors.