In getting my mind ready for Easter, the greatest moment in history, I was a tad curious on how Jesus was busy a few days before He had to suffer for the humanity. Ok, I confess, maybe I was more than just a tad curious. I took out my study Bible, a few of my husband’s commentaries, dictionaries of the Bible, and opened up various translations of the Bible (stumbled upon Hebrew Names Version Bible too).
As a visual learner, I tried to fill up a calendar with Jesus’ activities and teachings. Well, after many hours of slightly neglecting some of my responsibilities at home, I did a lot of investigations between the four gospels and Old Testament in trying to put a puzzle that scholars are still working on. My husband reminded me that I should’ve persuaded my beginning studies in Journalism, as I am having a blast trying to take apart the Jesus case.
But, I gave up the idea that I’ll have all my questions answered before I could write on this topic. So, grace is much appreciated as you read. (If you’re not familiar with that, read the article on Grace.)
Some events may be hard to pinpoint the exact day and location, others are no brainers. Before we get stuck on details that we may not fully comprehend, we need to understand that the four gospels are four different accounts of Jesus’ biography written by four different personalities:
Matthew (a tax-collector and disciple of Jesus)
Mark (a Jewish Christian, familiar with Peter’s preaching, companion to Paul and Barnabas in mission journeys)
Luke (a Gentile by birth, a doctor by trade, a loyal friend to Paul by association)
John (the disciple Jesus loved, a direct witness, the most detailed when it came to content of Jesus’ teaching)
The tiny differences you may stumble upon in the four books, don’t change the divine message we need to have in order to believe and receive eternal life.
To set the stage for the greatest historical event, I’ll attempt in giving a little background information to help us better understand in which context Jesus lived. It will also help us greatly to not overlook details while reading the Bible passages of the Passion Week.
Authorities
- It’s during Roman Empire (which followed the Greek Empire that fell apart)
- Tiberius is the Roman Emperor (who followed Caesar Augustus, when Jesus was born). Jesus refers to him when he says “give Caesar, what belongs to Caesar…”
- Pontius Pilate is governor of Judea (where Jerusalem was)
- Herod Antipas is tetrarch (governor) of Galilee (who killed John the Baptist)
- High priest is Caiaphas, appointed by Roman authorities (followed his father-in-law Annas, whom the Jews recognize as high priest)
Timing
We know it was the first month of the year, called Nissan in Nehemiah 2:1 and Esther 3:7, called as well the month of Abib in Deuteronomy 16
Also, there might be some challenges to fully understand the exact chronology of the days of the Passion week because at that time there were two systems to calculate time. There was the Roman way (the modern way, the day starts at midnight), and the Jewish way (new day would start at sunset). Either way, it doesn’t take away from the important things.
A Very Important Yearly Festival
The Passover (The Pesach)
Understanding the Passover is crucial to fully grasp what Easter is about. It was first established in Exodus 12 by God.
It’s the night to celebrate the angel passing over the Hebrew household trying to leave Egypt (the bondage place), led by Moses.
God gives very specific details the Hebrews have to observe closely.
- On the 10th day each man representing his family and his household was to take a year-old lamb without defect
- On the 14th day it had to be killed at twilight (around 3:00-5:00 PM).
- On the same night they had to roast the meat over fire, then eat it with bitter herbs (representing the bitterness of bondage), and bread without yeast (we’ll talk more about that).
- They were not to break any bones of the lamb.
- They had to go through ceremonial cleansing
- Later, everyone had to go eat the Passover meal within the Jerusalem walls
- People around the country had to travel to Jerusalem
- Residents of Jerusalem were used to having guest rooms available to host families out of town
“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.” Exodus 12:14
The Leavened Bread (The Matzah)
- It coincided with the Passover, because it was related to it. It remembered the first week out of bondage.
- It was celebrated 7 days, from the evening of day 14 till the evening of day 21 (Nisan/ Abib/ first month)
- They were not allowed to have yeast in the home, or bake bread with it.
- On the first day, they would hold a sacred assembly, and another one on day 7
- Not allowed to work, except to prepare food
- Yeast was the symbol of impurity and corruption. That’s why Jesus warns the disciples about the Pharisees “But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matthew 16:11). If you’re like me, you may wonder why? Well, it is simple. Any bread with yeast will get stale and mouldy very quickly. At our church, we have matzah (unleavened bread) to use for communion, that a dear friend brought a year ago. To this day, that bread, even if is not refrigerated, it looks and tastes as it should.
Things I need to work on:
- Take time to go through these crucial details. Discover more on your own.
- Choose a Gospel, and read the events of the Passion week understanding the background.