It is Friday night, the day of Jesus’ execution. A construction worker reflects on the events over the warmth of a fire. Matthew 26 Please take out the hot pad from your bag and feel the warmth of the fire while he speaks.

During Christ’s life the land of Israel was divided into four political districts. At his birth, Jerusalem was the seat of the government for the entire region and Herod the Great was King over all four districts. He was an evil and ruthless man who had murdered many; including members of his own family. After he died the kingdom was split up and his son (Herod Antipas) took power over Galilee. He was called the Tetrarch of Galilee and was only answerable to Rome. He was a very powerful man with responsibilities similar to a state governor here in the United States. We see his story in Luke 23:6-12. Please take out and hold your American flag.

During this time, there is little military conflict within the Roman empire. The empire’s economy is booming and supports vigorous trade throughout the Mediterranean Sea. The cities within the Empire are some of the most developed the world has ever known. Roman cities back then had cleaner water then some American communities. Roman cities included public bathhouses that had hot, warm, and cold water and were available to the rich and the poor. It is against this backdrop of peace, wealth, and privilege that the life and teachings of Jesus threatened to its core. For this next movement, take out the penny in your bag and hold it in your hand.

Nicodemus Nicodemus was a religious leader. As a Pharisee he was an expert in the scriptures and Jewish tradition. He is known in the Bible for his secret conversation with Jesus (John 3). He wrestled with keeping his religion or following Jesus. Please take out and hold your nail.