1. The Cross THE END OR THE BEGINNING?

2. Why was Jesus crucified?

3. Jesus’ behavior often shocked those who witnessed it, for it was the complete opposite of the accepted practices of the time: On all important issues of the day (marriage, authority, etc.) Jesus’ opinion conflicted with that of most people!

4. Jesus made the outcasts of society (women, poor people, etc.) the very cornerstone of his message about God’s Kingdom Jesus claimed for himself a position of authority above that of both the religious and the political powers of his day

5. Jesus’ Final Days 1. The Passover/Last Supper (historically the Thursday)

6. 2. Gethsemane Matthew 26:36-46 I only want to say if there is a way, Take this cup away from me For I don't want to taste its poison, Feel it burn me, I have changed I'm not as sure as when we started, Then I was inspired, now I'm sad and tired Listen, surely I've exceeded expectations, Tried for three years, seems like thirty Could you ask as much from any other man? But if I die See the saga through and do the things you ask of me Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, nail me to their tree I'd wanna know, I'd wanna know my God, I'd wanna know, I'd wanna know my God Wanna see, I'd wanna see my God, Wanna see, I'd wanna see my God Why I should die? Would I be more noticed than I was ever before? Would the things I've said and done matter any more? I'd have to know, I'd have to know my Lord Have to know, I'd have to know my Lord, Have to see, I'd have to see my Lord Have to see, I'd have to see my Lord If I die what will be my reward? If I die what will be my reward? Have to know, I'd have to know my Lord Have to know, have to know my Lord, Why should I die? Why should I die? Can you show me now that I would not be killed in vain? Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain Show me there's a reason for your wanting me to die You're far too keen on where and how and not so hot on why Alright I'll die, Just, just watch me die, See how, see how I die. See how I die Then I was inspired, now I'm sad and tired, After all I've tried for three years Seems like ninety, Why then am I scared to finish what I started? What you started, I didn't start it, God, Thy will is hard but You hold every card I will drink Your cup of poison, Nail me to Your cross and break me Bleed me, beat me, kill me, take me now Before I change my mind

7. 1.Do you agree with the lyricist (Andrew Lloyd Webber) interpretation of what Jesus is experiencing within himself? Why or why not? 2.Jesus seems to be blaming God, how do you see God’s role in the death of Jesus?

8. Jesus’ Final Hours 1.Jesus appears before the Great Sanhedrin and is questioned by Caiaphas – the High Priest Read Mark 14: 60-62. What does Caiaphas ask Jesus and how does He answer?

9. 2. Jesus is charged with Blasphemy! 3. Appearing before Pontius Pilate: blasphemy was religious – not political. Pilate was not interested – tried to defer to Herod.

10. According to Luke, Herod was happy to see Jesus but when Jesus refused to talk, Herod sent Him back to Pilate. 4.Pilate tried to offered the release another prisoner - Barabbas, meaning “son of the father”. Instead Matthew tells of Pilate washing his hands, claiming innocence.

11. 5.A crown of thorns is placed on Jesus, he is “scourged” (a whip with bone or metal chips attached) – a beating often given before a crucifixion. 6.Jesus is given a crossbeam to carry (not an entire cross) Jesus walks to Golgotha or “the skull”,

12. Crucifixion was the method of execution reserved for non-Roman citizens and slaves. Capital punishment for Roman citizens was beheading, they thought it more humane. Crucifixion was the most gruesome way to die, and death would usually take days.

13. 7. Jesus’s Last Words Matthew 27 Mark 15Luke 23John 19 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” “It is finished.”

14. Take time now to complete brief research on the evolution of the cross or crucifix as a major Christian symbol (you will find out they ARE different!)