CFM: April 3–9
Easter
Videos and Podcasts
Video/ Podcast | Lesson Extension | Additional Materials |
Scripture Central | | |
Follow Him | ||
Line Upon Line | ||
Teaching with Power | | |
Don't Miss This | | |
CFM New Testament | ||
Unshaken | Easter (not yet posted) | |
The Interpreter Foundation | ||
Teaching Helps with John Hilton | | |
Talk of Him | | |
Ponderfun | ||
Talking Scripture | Easter (not yet posted) |
Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson
This is my favorite time of the year, there are so many wonderful ways to Celebrate the Savior. With Conference this weekend, followed by Easter, there are many ways and opportunities to make this week especially meaningful. Here are a few ideas that might be fun.
Understanding Passover
This week, in addition to Easter, Jews worldwide will celebrate Passover on the evening of April 5. Understanding the Passover experience can greatly enrich one's understanding and appreciation for the events of Holy Week. Our family has Jewish lines, and we have had the special opportunity to learn about and participate in several Jewish Festivals over the years, including Passover. During that time, many correlations between Jewish festival traditions and our modern Temple Practices have stood out. This should not be surprising because our Modern Temple ordinances were patterned after ancient Temple practices.
While I was attending synagogue a few years ago, this topic came up. The Rabbi who was teaching the class knew I was LDS, and he pointed me out, saying, "You Mormons (this was prior to the name adjustment), we have many similarities; because you have the temple, you are able to focus on sacred spaces. We Jews are still waiting for our Temple, so until then, we have the special opportunity to focus on Sacred Times." I loved this dear Rabbi's profound observation, and I have loved the tender insights that I have received in learning more about the beautiful traditions that unite our faiths and bring our tribes together.
Some Jews are offended when Christians observe Passover, which is a justified response. This is a very sacred experience for them, similar in many ways to our Temple observance. If one chooses to participate in a Seder, one should do so with the utmost respect for our Jewish brothers and Sisters. Preferably, one should attend a Seder that is hosted by a Jewish Family or local Synagogue. This is a symbolically rich tradition that the Jewish people have faithfully preserved for 5783 years at a very high cost. It is a tradition that the Christian community rejected and discarded, a tradition that they actively tried to silence through violence, so one can understand why some members of the Jewish community might be hesitant and concerned.
Several years ago, I put together a presentation for my family to demonstrate some of the symbolic connections between Passover and the Temple (Sacred Times & Places), focusing on the Jewish Traditions of the Haggadah. While this presentation is far from perfect, I am happy to share it with those who are interested. Other resources are listed in the links below, including some links to traditional Haggadahs and recipes for those who are interested in learning about this Ancient and Sacred Tradition.
Video/ Book: Feasts and Festivals of the Messiah by Lynda Cherry
Symbols of the Messiah by Daniel Smith
Bird's Head Haggada: The oldest Haggadot in existence, dating back to the 13th Century. This was introduced to us by Daniel Rona, and it has been a family favorite for many years.
Per request, I am adding the recipe for the Charoset I made last year for Sunday School.
Charoset Recipe
3 medium apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, peeled and finely diced
1/8 c. lemon juice
1 c. toasted pecan, roughly chopped (I personally like putting in candied nuts)
1/4 c. craisins
1/4 c. grape juice
1 c. Medjool Dates (pitted)
1/2 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. lemon zest
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch kosher salt
Chop pecans. Dice apples to desired cube size, place in a large mixing bowl, and add lemon juice to preserve color. Set to side. (I will frequently just run the apples through the food processor because I am lazy, but some like to cut into cubes because it looks prettier.) In a food processor, blend pitted dates, lemon zest, honey, cinnamon, salt, and grape juice. Pour mixture in with diced apples, and add in chopped pecans and craisins. Mix together thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve. (I personally think this is plenty sweet, but some like it sweeter, so if you are one of those people, feel free to add a bit of brown sugar.)
Last Week of Christ's Mortal Ministry Chronology
There has been an ongoing debate among scholars regarding the chronology of the last week of Christ's life. The traditional account holds that Christ was crucified on a Friday and rose from the dead on Sunday (2 days). However, some scholars argue that Christ was actually crucified on a Thursday, which would have resulted in two Sabbath days, the Passover Sabbath on Friday and the regular Sabbath on Saturday (3 days).
This alternative timeline is gaining more validity among scholars due to biblical evidence that supports the notion of a Thursday crucifixion. James Tabor's article "The Last Days of Jesus: A Final 'Messianic' Meal" explains some of these details,
The confusion arose because all the gospels say that there was a rush to get his (Christ's) body off the cross and buried before sundown because the “Sabbath” was near. Everyone assumed the reference to “the Sabbath” had to be Saturday, so the crucifixion must have been on a Friday. However, as Jews know, the day of Passover itself is also a “Sabbath” or rest day, no matter what weekday it falls on. In the year 30 AD Friday, the 15th of the Jewish month Nisan was also a Sabbath, so two Sabbaths occurred back to back, Friday and Saturday. Matthew seems to know this as he says that the women who visited Jesus’ tomb came early Sunday morning “after the Sabbaths” (Matthew 28:1 uses the plural form σαββάτων "of the Sabbaths," indicating two Sabbaths).
As is often the case, the gospel of John preserves a more accurate chronology of what went on. John specifies that the Wednesday night “last supper” was “before the festival of Passover” (John 13:1). He also notes that when Jesus’ accusers delivered him to be crucified on Thursday morning they would not enter Pilate’s courtyard because they would be defiled and would not be able to eat the Passover that evening (John 18:28). John knows that the Jews would be eating their traditional Seder meal Thursday evening. (John 19:31 (INT) also refers to the day of Preparation and the next day being a special Sabbath. The word preparation, Paraskevi, is the Greek name for Friday)
While the differences in the dates do not detract from the importance of the events in any way, the difference in the timelines may help to clear up some confusion that many have had regarding the last days of Christ's life and the events leading up to his crucifixion, such as why is there a huge gap in information on Wednesday, when all of the other days are so packed? This revised timeline may also make some events even more poignant and meaningful. For example, If Christ died at 3:00 PM on Thursday, this would have been the exact time that the priests were shedding the blood of the sacrificial lambs on the Temple Mount. Additionally, this alternative chronology better correlates with the overall timeline of the story, an understanding of Jewish tradition, and it more accurately depicts Christ's predictions regarding Jonah, that he would be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights, as well as his statement that everything written about him by the prophets would be accomplished.
In conclusion, it does not really matter if one wants to subscribe to the traditional or the alternative timeline for the last week of Christ's life; the events still happened, and the overall story remains the same. This perspective may simply clarify some of the specifics, making more sense to those who like to get into the nuts and bolts, helping us all better understand the Savior and his life through the lens of Jewish culture and tradition.
The outline below follows the alternative dates compiled from the different gospels.
Major Topics & Events
Major Events/ Doctrines | Location | Scripture Source | Cross-References | Videos |
Pre-Holy Week | | | | |
Arrival in Bethany, Raising of Lazarus | Bethany | John 11:1–44 (INT); 12:1–2, 9–11 (INT) | | |
Mary of Bethany Anoints Jesus' feet | Bethany | | ||
Judas Criticizes Mary, Jesus rebukes Judas | Bethany | | | |
Priests plot to kill Jesus and Lazarus | Jerusalem | | | |
Palm Sunday | | | | |
Colt: prophesy Fulfilled | Mount of Olives | Matthew 21:1-6 (INT), Mark 11:2-7 (INT), Luke 19:30-35, (INT), John 12:12–15 (INT) | Zechariah 9:9 (INT), 1 Kings 1:33 (INT) | |
Triumphal Entry | Jerusalem | Zechariah 9:9 (INT) | ||
Significance of Palm Branches & Hosanna Shout | Jerusalem | Matthew 21:8–11 (INT); Mark 11:9 (INT), John 12:13 (INT) | Phoinix, (תָּמָר Tamar, part of the traditions associated with Sukkot Lev 23:40-44 INT) Hosanna from יָשַׁע (H3467) and נָא (H4994) Psalms 118:25-26 (INT) | |
Pharisees disapprove | Jerusalem | Luke 19:39–40 (INT), John 12:19 (INT) | | |
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem | Near Jerusalem | | ||
Jesus teaches Greek Investigators | Jerusalem | | | |
Discourse: Jesus sent by the Father | Jerusalem | | | |
Monday: Cleanses Temple | Temple | Matthew 21:12-16 (INT), Mark 11:15–19 (INT), Luke 19:45–48 (INT) | ||
Tuesday: Curses Fig Tree | Near Bethany | | | |
Priests challenge Jesus’ authority | Temple | Matthew 21:23–46 (INT), Mark 11:27–33 (INT), Luke 20:1–8 (INT) | | |
Parable: Two sons | Temple | | ||
Parable: Wicked husbandmen | Temple | Matthew 21:33–46 (INT), Mark 12:1–12 (INT), Luke 20:9–20 (INT) | | |
Parable: Wedding of a king’s son | Temple | Matthew 22:1–14 (INT), see Luke 14:1–24 (INT) | |
Tribute to Caesar: Pharisees and Herodians | Temple | Matthew 22:15–22 (INT), Mark 12:13–17 (INT), Luke 20:21–26 (INT) | | |
Marriage, seven husbands: Sadducees | Temple | Matthew 22:23–33 (INT), Mark 12:18–27 (INT), Luke 20:27–38 (INT) | | |
Great commandment: Pharisees | Temple | Matthew 22:34–40 (INT), Mark 12:28–31 (INT), Luke 10:25–37 (INT) | | |
Pharisees put to silence | Temple | Matthew 22:41–46 (INT), Mark 12:35–37 (INT), Luke 20:39–44 (INT) | | |
Widow’s mite | Temple | Mark 12:41–44 (INT), Luke 21:1–4 (INT) | | |
Denunciation of hypocrisy | Temple | Matthew 23:1–36 (INT), Mark 12:38–40 (INT), Luke 11:37–54 (INT); 18:9–14 (INT); 20:45–47 (INT) | | |
Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem | Near Jerusalem | Matthew 23:37–39 (INT), Luke 13:34–35 (INT) | | |
Olivet Discourse: Signs of Second Coming | Mount of Olives | Matthew 24 (INT), Mark 13 (INT), Luke 12:37–48 (INT); 17:20–37 (INT); 21:5–38 (INT) | ||
Parable: Ten virgins | Mount of Olives | Matthew 25:1–13 (INT), Luke see 12:35–36 (INT) | ||
Parable: Talents | Mount of Olives | | ||
Parable: Sheep, goats | Mount of Olives | | ||
Jesus Prophesied his Crucifixion in two days | Near Jerusalem | Matthew 26:2 (INT) | | |
Wednesday: Conspiracy at Caiaphas’s palace | Jerusalem, High Priest's house, see map below | Matthew 26:3–5 (INT), Mark 14:1–2 (INT) | | |
Feast with Simon the Pharisee | Bethany | | | |
An unnamed woman anointed Jesus. (Ordinance of High Priesthood, associated with Yom Kippur. Preparatory for Christ's Atoning Sacrifice.) | Bethany | Matthew 26:7–13 (INT), Mark 14:3–9 (INT), Luke 7:37–50 (INT) | | |
Judas’s conspiracy to betray Jesus | Jerusalem | Matthew 26:14–16 (INT), Mark 14:10–11 (INT), Luke 22:1–6 (INT) | | |
The first day of unleavened bread (According to the Synoptic Gospels) | Jerusalem | Matthew 26:17–19 (INT), Mark 14:12–16 (INT), Luke 22:7–13 (INT) | | |
Eve of the Passover (synoptic gospels conflict with John's account, and this is where the accounts get muddy) | Jerusalem | Matthew 26:20 (INT), Mark 14:17 (INT), Luke 22:13–14 (INT), John 13:1–2 (INT) | | |
Last Supper: | | | ||
Around 7:00 PM, after sundown, Jesus' Disciples participate in a Passover Seder | Jerusalem, Upper Room, see map below | Matthew 26:20 (INT), Mark 14:17 (INT), Luke 22:13–14 (INT), John 13:1–2 (INT) | | |
“One of you shall betray me” | Jerusalem, Upper Room | Matthew 26:21–24 (INT), Mark 14:18–21 (INT), Luke 22:21–23 (INT), John 13:18–22 (INT) | | Church Video: The Last Supper |
Judas identified | Jerusalem, Upper Room | Matthew 26:25 (INT), John 13:23–30 (INT) | | |
Sacrament instituted | Jerusalem, Upper Room | Matthew 26:26–29 (INT), Mark 14:22–25 (INT), Luke 22:15–20 (INT) | | |
Jesus washes disciples’ feet | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 13:2–5 (INT) | | |
Peter’s protest | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 13:6–12 (INT) | | |
Jesus’ example | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | | |
A new commandment | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 13:31–35 (INT) | | |
Jesus comforts the disciples | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | | |
Another Comforter | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 14:16–31 (INT) | | |
The True Vine | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | | |
Love one another | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | | |
Hatred of the world | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 15:18–25 (INT) | | |
The Spirit of truth testifies | Jerusalem, Upper Room | John 15:26–27 (INT) | | |
Warnings to the Apostles | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | | |
Opposition: Joy and sorrow | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | | |
Prophecy: Flock to be scattered | Jerusalem, Upper Room | Matthew 26:31–32 (INT), Mark 14:27 (INT), John 16:31–33 (INT) | | |
Sang hymn before retiring to Gethsemane (probably around 10:00 PM) | Jerusalem, Upper Room | | The Great Hallel A traditional rendition of the Hallel being performed at the Western Wall | |
Jesus’ intercessory prayer | Jerusalem, Upper Room to Gethsemane | |
Thursday: Trial, the next morning | Jerusalem | Matthew 27:1 (INT), Mark 15:1 (INT), Luke 22:66 (INT), John 18:28 (INT) | | |
Hearing before Caiaphas | Jerusalem | Matthew 27:1 (INT), Mark 15:1 (INT), Luke 22:66–71 (INT), John 18:24 (INT), 28 (INT) | | |
Hearing before Pilate (around 6:30) | Jerusalem | Matthew 27:2 (INT), 11–14 (INT), Mark 15:1–5 (INT), Luke 23:1–6 (INT), John 18:28–38 (INT) | | |
Judas’s remorse and death | Temple | | | |
Hearing before Herod (sent around 7:00 am) | Jerusalem | | | |
Herod and soldiers mock Jesus | Jerusalem | Luke 23:11–12 (INT) | | |
Second hearing before Pilate | Antonia fortress, see map below | Matthew 27:15–31 (INT), Mark 15:6–15 (INT), Luke 23:11–17 (INT) | | |
Barabbas released (around 8:00 am compare with Yom Kippur scapegoat) | Antonia fortress | Matthew 27:15–21, 26 (INT), Mark 15:6–15 (INT), Luke 23:18–25 (INT), John 18:39–40 (INT) | | |
Pilate washed his hands to proclaim his innocence | Antonia fortress | | Church Video: Jesus Is Condemned Before Pilate, My Kingdom is Not of this World | |
Clothed in Purple Robes & Crown of Thorns | | Matthew 27:29 (INT), Mark 15:17 (INT), John 19:2 (INT) | ||
Jesus carries his own cross to Golgotha | Outside Jerusalem gates, actual site debated | Matthew 27:32–34 (INT), Mark 15:20–23 (INT), Luke 23:26–31 (INT), John 19:13–17 (INT) | | |
The Crucifixion Matthew says 3rd hour (9:00am) John says 6th hour (12:00 PM) | Calvary | Matthew 27:35–44 (INT), Mark 15:24–33 (INT), Luke 23:32–43 (INT), John 19:18–22 (INT) | Church Video: Jesus Is Scourged and Crucified | |
Jesus speaks to two theives | Calvary | Luke 23:39-43 (INT) | | |
Soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ robe | Calvary | | | |
The sign: King of the Jews | Calvary | | | |
Darkness for 3 hours | Calvary | | | |
Jesus offered vinegar to drink from a branch of hyssop | Calvary | BD | | |
Last Words: Jesus’ mother put in John’s care, | | John 19:26-27 (INT) | BD | |
Jesus calls out to his Father, "Eli, Elu, lama sabachthani?" | | | | |
Death of Jesus Christ (9th hour, around 3:00 PM, the same time that the Passover lambs at the Temple are being slain) | | | |
Earthquake: Veil of temple rent | Jerusalem | | | |
Pierced by a spear (around 3:15 PM) | Calvary | | | |
Passover scripture fulfilled | Calvary | | | |
Watchers near the cross | Calvary | | | |
Jesus’ burial (Around 4:00 PM in hasty preparation for the Passover Sabbath) | Near Jerusalem | | Church Video: Jesus Is Laid in a Tomb | |
Chief priests and Pharisees seal the tomb | Near Jerusalem | | | |
Beginning of Passover Sabbath, Thursday evening at sunset, around 7:00 PM.(night 1) | | | | |
Good Friday continuation of Passover until sunset on Friday evening (night 2) | | | | |
Saturday, 2nd Sabbath Day (night 3) | | | | |
Resurrection Morning: Sunday Earthquake, angels open tomb | | Church Video: Jesus Is Resurrected | ||
Women come to Tomb, find the stone rolled away, see the angels, and run to tell the apostles | | | | |
Peter and John run to the tomb | Near Jerusalem | | | |
Mary returns to the open tomb, “Woman, why weepest thou?” | Near Jerusalem | | | |
“Touch me not” | Near Jerusalem | | |
Disciples told but disbelieve | Near Jerusalem | | | |
Two Marys come to the tomb | Near Jerusalem | | | |
Angels: “He is risen” | Near Jerusalem | | | |
Women meet Jesus | Near Jerusalem | | | |
Officials bribe soldiers | Near Jerusalem | | | |
Jesus appears to two disciples | Emmaus | | ||
Two tell others who disbelieve | Jerusalem | | | |
Evening: Jesus appears to disciples | Jerusalem | | Church Videos: The Risen Lord Jesus Christ Appears to the Apostles | |
Thomas, absent, does not believe | Jerusalem | | | |
Eight days later: With Thomas | Jerusalem | |
Church Videos & Resources
The Last Supper (John 13: 1-35)
Jesus Warns Peter and Offers the Intercessory Prayer (Luke 22: 31-34)
The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane (Matthew 26: 36-57)
Jesus Is Tried by Caiaphas; Peter Denies Knowing Him (Matthew 26: 57-75)
Jesus Is Condemned Before Pilate (Matthew 27: 1-2, 11-25)
Jesus Is Scourged and Crucified (Matthew 27: 26-50)
Jesus Is Laid in a Tomb (Matthew 27: 57-60)
Jesus Is Resurrected (John 20: 3-18)
He Is Risen (John 20: 11-17)
For God So Loved the World (John 3:16)
The Risen Lord Jesus Christ Appears to the Apostles (Luke 24:36-41, 44-49)
Blessed Are They That Have Not Seen, and Yet Have Believed - Thomas of the Bible (John 20: 24-29)
Scripture Central
The Bible Project
BYU’s RSC
Messages of Christ
Holy Week (This link takes you to Daniel's Blog site, and it has a fantastic overview with numerous videos that are excellent. I suggest binging them all!)
Video Tours of the Holy Land
Additional Videos & Insights
