• PER356 The Night at Noon

    Pericope 356 analyzes the darkness that fell during the crucifixion of Jesus, from noon to 3 p.m., as reported by the three Synoptic Gospels. This cosmic event is studied in its chronological and theological dimensions: a sign of divine judgment, a prophetic fulfillment (Amos 8:9, Isaiah 53) and a modest veil over the ignominy of the cross. It precedes the last words of Jesus and his death.

    Isaiah 52.13-14 (King James Version) :
    Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.Notedeal…: or, prosperAs many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men:
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER358 John's Added Details

    John 19.31-37 reports details found only in his account of the events following Jesus' death: the Jewish authorities' request to have the bodies removed before the Passover Sabbath, the crurifragium applied to the robbers but not to Jesus, who was already dead, and the spear piercing his side. John, an eyewitness, attests the reality of Christ's death and the fulfillment of the Scriptures concerning the Passover Lamb.

    John 19.32 (King James Version) :
    Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER359 The extraordinary signs accompanying the death of Jesus

    At the death of Jesus on Golgotha, several extraordinary signs occur: the veil of the Temple is torn from top to bottom, symbolizing direct access to God; an earthquake shakes the region; rocks are split and tombs are opened. These phenomena, reported mainly by Matthew, signify the end of the old covenant, the coming of a new one, and Christ's victory over death, confirmed by the confession of the Roman centurion.

    Mark 15.38-39 (King James Version) :
    And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER360 The disciples present at the crucifixion

    PER360 analyzes the disciples present at the crucifixion of Jesus at Golgotha, comparing the four Gospels. They were mostly women — Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Salome, Mary the wife of Clopas — and the apostle John, the only man mentioned. Their courage contrasts with the flight of the male disciples. Jesus entrusts his mother to John, a gesture of profound humanity. A supernatural darkness covers the scene from noon until 3 p.m., on Friday, April 1, AD 33.

    Zechariah 13.7 (King James Version) :
    Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER361 Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus

    Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Jesus, courageously asks Pilate to release the body of the Crucified One. Accompanied by Nicodemus, he arranges a dignified burial in his own new tomb, before the Sabbath begins. This episode, attested by all four Gospels, illustrates the passage from discretion to a public act of faith at the very moment when the closest disciples remain in hiding.

    John 19.31 (King James Version) :
    The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER362 Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus place the body of Jesus in the tomb

    Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two members of the Sanhedrin favorable to Jesus, bury his body on Friday, April 1, AD 33, before the Sabbath. Nicodemus brings a large quantity of spices, and Joseph provides his new tomb. Their courageous and public act, carried out according to Jewish rites, gives the Messiah's burial a royal and honorable dimension, marking their emergence from discretion after the crucifixion.

    2 Chronicles 16.14 (King James Version) :
    And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries’ art: and they made a very great burning for him.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Further reading
  • ANN026 The hour of the crucifixion

    L'article explore les divergences horaires des Évangiles concernant la crucifixion de Jésus. Les Évangiles synoptiques et Jean donnent des heures différentes, suscitant des débats…

  • ANN035 The three days and three nights

    L'article explore l'énigme des 'trois jours et trois nuits' de Jésus, proposant que l'obscurité survenue durant la crucifixion soit considérée comme la 'troisième nuit'.…