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Survey of the Gospels and Acts - Lesson 35

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Passion and Resurrection (Part 2)

Dr. Blomberg shares photos to guide through key biblical locations tied to the Passion and Resurrection narratives. The Upper Room, Gethsemane, Caiaphas’ home, and Roman steps, connect these sites to Jesus’ journey. Views of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Gordon’s Calvary highlight historical debates about the crucifixion and resurrection locations. 

Craig Blomberg
Craig Blomberg
Survey of the Gospels and Acts

Passion Week

Part 3

Slide show.


Transcription
Lessons

 

 

This is the 35th lecture in the online series of lectures for understanding the Gospels and Acts, in complement with the textbook by Craig Blomberg’s Jesus and The Gospels: an Introduction and Survey. 

 

(This is a set of slides presented by the lecturer, obviously taken on a tourist trip to Israel)

 

The first slide is a photo of the traditional site of the Upper Room. The next slide shows the typical medieval depiction of the Lord’s Supper. Another slide demonstrates an artist sketch of what a typical U shaped or reclining table would have looked like with people reclining on cushions with one elbow supporting their bodies and eating with the other hand. Food would have been placed in the middle of the table in the empty space in the middle of the U. 

 

There’s a photo of the Garden of Gethsemane, laid out today with nice curbed sidewalks and beautiful flowers and olive trees reminiscent of the original meaning of the name. The original Hebrew word Gethsemane means Oil Press. The picture also shows the Dome of the Rock and parts of Old Jerusalem. In another photo you see the Garden of Gethsemane looking from a different direction and also the Church of All Nations. Further up the Hill of Olives stands the Church of Mary Magdalene. 

 

Another slide reveals the stone lined walkways in Gethsemane with an old tree that some believe to be two thousand years old. The next slide pictures an orchard of olive trees that are fairly young and new in the Jezreel Valley in Galilee. 

 

Another shows the traditional site of Caiaphas’ home and the prison dungeon beneath it. It’s certainly not the true location of the original home and courtyard of the high priest because this place is erected over a cemetery of which would have been considered unclean by the Jews in Christ’s time. It seems that it was a holding place for prisoners at one time or another. 

 

Here are authenticated Roman steps coming up from the Kidron Valley to Old Jerusalem and in the background you can see the Church of St Peter in Valley of Cantu commemorating the denials of and subsequent repentance of the Apostle Peter. The next slide shows one of numerous reenactments of the way to the Cross by modern day pilgrims who find it worshipful and spiritual meaningful to reenact the walk to Golgotha. 

 

A view over the roof of the walked in portion of Old Jerusalem; in most cases structures built in recent centuries but still in the style that would have resembled structures of an earlier time even those in the days of Jesus. Another slide is of a modern arch roofed area over ancient paving stones, perhaps as old as the 2nd century AD, though that is disputed by some, perhaps on the same location as that of just outside of Pilate’s original palace. There’s a lot of debate that surrounds the location and authenticity of these kinds of places.  The next slide shows scrawling’s in one of those stones reflecting a game often placed with dice and at the very least, an object lesson reminding us of the story of the soldiers gambling for Jesus’ seamless robe. 

 

Another photo of the depiction of the mockup of the scale model of Old Jerusalem as seen at the Holly Land Hotel; this time with the Antonio Fortress portrayed in the foreground with part ruins and part restoration of that Antonio Fortress. 

 

In another photo, one sees the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, obviously a building erected considerable later than Christ’s crucifixion but there is good archeological support for this being the true location of the site which has been preserved until today. Another angle of the church is shown, shared by four different Christian denominations such as the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic. And the grotto ornate elaborate furniture and architecture inside, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher with the exact spot of the Cross which of course is far more difficult to claim as we have found commemorated with the Grotto at the end of the aisle, invisible in this slide. The location supported by the 19th century British explorer and archaeologist, Gordon, and hence the company known as Gordon’s Calvary is this skull shaped out cropping of rock adjacent to what today is the site of the Modern Jerusalem used as a bus barn, servicing all of the transport of Jerusalem. While much less likely to be the actual location of Jesus’ death; the fact that the site was called Golgotha and that term means the place of the skull given the frequency of such outcropping around Jerusalem, this may in fact be something akin to it, but the site long before the Church of the Holy Sepulcher resurrected it; that the place where that church now exist may have appeared in Jesus’ day. 

 

Next to Gordon’s Calvary is what has come to be known as the Garden Tomb. A beautiful site for tourist to see a typical ancient tomb carved out of rock. The larger stones to the immediate right of the entrance were put in at a later time to wall up about two thirds of the entrance to protect it from collapse. 

 

The next slide allows one to view those two different kinds of stones somewhat better that originally; there would have been a giant upside down U shaped archway entering into the tomb. Again, the location is not likely to be the correct site as the location that would have been much closer to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher; the appearance that this area has retained over the centuries is much more likely to look like what Jesus’ tomb would have been like. A third photo includes those extra stones added with still clear and beautiful roses in the fore ground. If one goes on Sunday morning, one cannot walk up to the entrance of the tomb but the Anglicans who own this land have beautiful outdoor services with a small amphitheater and seating that is incredibly spiritually moving and worth any visitor time and planning.

 

Just south of Jerusalem is this so-called rolling stone tomb which again is probably not the location of Jesus entombment and burial, yet gives us a picture of how that opening could have been sealed with many strong people, the stone rolled into place. The inside shows its different niches for different family members whose caskets were sometimes place on shelves or the floor or in a smaller niche such as shown on the left of the photo. 

 

Here we see a typical Jewish ossuary; this one is very decorative, made for someone of some prominence. This would have been the smaller bone box into which the bones of a deceased person would have placed after they had been buried for year or so. Once the flesh had rotted away, the bones were preserved and remarried in these smaller coffins, not least to preserve space which became less and less over the centuries. 

 

A beautiful little chapel with wild flowers in the fore ground and the palm tree, the Sea of Galilee at the back at a place called Tabda. A small Catholic church is shown with a stature of Jesus and his three fold restoration of Peter outside of a small amphitheater between the chapel and the lake front, another glorious site for contemporary Christian worship, thus commemorating the resurrection as well as the events that transpired with the reinstatement of the disciples and their commissioning as in John 21 but also in Matthew and Luke.
 

  • 1. Political Backgrounds (Part 1)
    Jump into an overview covering the influences of the Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires on the Jewish nation.
  • 2. Political Backgrounds (Part 2)
    The Hellenistic influence led to division, a Pharisee-Sadducee split, and a growing Messianic hope, which are all critical to understanding Jewish-Gentile relations in the New Testament.
  • 3. Religious Backgrounds (Part 1)
    Discover how language evolution, Jewish sects, and Jesus' redefinitions of theology shape Second Temple Judaism's response to Roman rule and spiritual renewal.
  • 4. Religious Backgrounds (Part 2)
    Dr. Blomberg explores the Jewish languages, sects, and responses to Roman occupation, alongside Jesus' reinterpretations of key Jewish beliefs, which focused on spiritual salvation, reshaping Messianic hopes, and broadening the scope of the elect.
  • 5. Social Background (Part 1)
    Learn the significance of early Christian manuscripts and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Hear about the geographical context of Israel, Herod's architectural legacy, and the value of Jewish sources for understanding the New Testament.
  • 6. Social Background (Part 2)
    Explore the Jewish and Greco-Roman backgrounds that offer insight into Jesus' interactions with religious groups and the significance of non-canonical Jewish texts in understanding the Gospels and Acts.
  • 8. Historical Criticisms (Part 1)
    Dr. Blomberg looks at the methods of New Testament interpretation, including the King James Version-only debate, the synoptic problem, and critical tools like source, form, and redaction criticism for understanding Gospel differences.
  • 9. Historical Criticisms (Part 2)
    Learn more about “form criticism,” questions of Gospel reliability, early Christian oral tradition, the synoptic problem, and redaction criticism. These provide essential tools for interpreting and comparing biblical texts.
  • 10. Illustrations and Applications
    The healing of the paralytic illustrates source and form criticism, comparing synoptic Gospel details to support Markan priority, while distinct narrative touches display each Gospel’s unique style and theological focus.
  • 11. Literary Criticism
    Analyze how John uses literary techniques to contrast Nicodemus' hesitant faith with the Samaritan woman's transformative belief, illustrating the inclusivity of Jesus' message.
  • 12. Introduction to Mark
    Survey the book of Mark, the authorship, structure, and themes including: discipleship, suffering, and Jesus’ dual nature, emphasizing perseverance through trials and hope in resurrection.
  • 13. Introduction to Matthew
    Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, a shift from Jewish particularism to universalism. His structure blends narrative and teaching, focusing on discipleship, opposition, and Jesus' authority.
  • 14. Introduction to Luke
    Luke highlights compassion for outcasts, the poor, and Gentiles, emphasizing prayer, the Spirit, and universal salvation. Its structure mirrors Acts, tracing Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem and outward to the Gentile world.
  • 15. Introduction to John
    The Gospel of John emphasizes Jesus’ divine and human natures through signs, discourses, and intimate themes, contrasting with the Synoptics while addressing Gnosticism, Jewish hostility, and offering insights into faith and discipleship for contemporary challenges.
  • 16. The Historical Jesus
    Learn about the historical Jesus, scholarly perspectives, Gospel timelines, and how themes in the Gospels affect understanding Jesus’ ministry and teachings.
  • 17. Infancy Narratives
    Explore the infancy narratives in Matthew, Luke, and John, focusing on contrasts, prophecy, Jesus' divine and humble identity, and the theological significance of his incarnation.
  • 18. Christ’s Adult Public Ministry
    Gain a geographical and historical perspective on Jesus' birth and early ministry through insights into Bethlehem, Shepherds' Fields, the Jordan River, and the Judean wilderness.
  • 19. Jesus Early Galilean Ministry (Part 1)
    The lecture explores Jesus’ transition from John the Baptist's ministry, focusing on baptism, their contrasting roles, and Jesus’ testing. It encourages you to balance repentance with celebration in your faith journey.
  • 20. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 2)
    John’s Gospel portrays Jesus’ early ministry as a transformative era marked by new joy, spiritual rebirth, and a universal Gospel, emphasizing contrasts between old rituals and Jesus’ fulfillment of God’s revelation.
  • 21. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 3)
    Jesus’ early ministry emphasizes the Kingdom of God, radical discipleship, transformative miracles, and ethical teachings that redefine Jewish laws, culminating in the Sermon on the Mount.
  • 22. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 4)
    Dr. Blomberg shares images to explain the cultural and geographical context of Jesus’ ministry, focusing on sites like Cana, Samaria, and the Sea of Galilee.
  • 23. Sermon on the Mount
    Gain insight into the Sermon on the Mount as Jesus' teachings reconcile Old Testament law with New Testament principles while contrasting the beliefs of other Jewish groups of his time.
  • 24. Jesus' Early Galilean Ministry (Part 5)
    Dr. Blomberg shares images to uncover the geographical, cultural, and archaeological context of Galilee during Jesus' ministry.
  • 25. Parables and Miracles
    Explore Jesus’ ministry, Passion Week, and key biblical sites, gaining insight into their historical, cultural, and theological significance.
  • 26. Places Related to Parables and Miracles
    Examine the historical context of Jesus' parables and miracles at locations such as the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, Capernaum, and Caesarea Philippi.
  • 27. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 1)
    Study Jesus' withdrawal from Galilee, his redefining of Jewish traditions, ministry to Gentiles, and Peter's confession, highlighting his universal mission.
  • 28. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 2)
    Dr. Blomberg explains Jesus’ fulfillment of Jewish festivals, “I am” statements, and miracles in John’s Gospel while examining his messianic mission, spiritual liberation, and teachings through critical exegesis.
  • 29. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 3)
    Dig into themes of forgiveness, repentance, justice, and discipleship in Matthew and Luke, emphasizing transformation, sacrificial giving, and the inaugurated Kingdom through Jesus’ teachings.
  • 30. Withdrawal from Galilee (Part 4)
    Biblical sites like the Pool of Bethesda, the Temple Mount, and the Mount of Olives, are religiously significant, archaeological confirmations, and connections to Jesus' parables and teachings.
  • 31. Two Case Studies
    Reflect on Biblical teachings, ethical considerations, and practical responses to real-life challenges involving marriage, divorce, and stewardship.
  • 32. Jericho to Jerusalem (Part 1)
    Study different debates on divorce, Jesus’ teaching on children, the rich young ruler’s challenge with wealth, and examples of stewardship.
  • 33. Jericho to Jerusalem (Part 2)
    Jesus’ final week includes his teachings, temple cleansing, Last Supper, and prayer in Gethsemane, emphasizing faith, sacrificial love, unity, and eschatological hope.
  • 34. Passion and Resurrection (Part 1)
    Dr. Blomberg teaches on the Passion and Resurrection narratives, exploring Jesus’ last sayings, the bodily resurrection’s significance, and its transformative impact on early Christian theology and worship.
  • 35. Passion and Resurrection (Part 2)
    Explore key biblical locations tied to Jesus' Passion and Resurrection, including the Upper Room, Gethsemane, burial sites, and worship areas.
  • 36. Who Was Jesus? Modern Myths vs. Biblical Basics
    Compare myths and biblical truths about Jesus, analyzing his humanity and divinity, compassion for outcasts, communal solidarity, and the Kingdom's radical message while addressing stewardship, social justice, and Christian unity.
  • 37. Acts (Part 1/5)
    The Book of Acts chronicles the early Christian church, offering lessons on salvation, the Holy Spirit's role, church leadership, and the Gospel's expansion while highlighting transitional practices and theological principles.
  • 38. Acts (Part 2/5)
    Acts 8-12 documents the Gospel's spread beyond Jerusalem, highlighting the conversions of Samaritans, Paul, and Cornelius, the Holy Spirit's unifying role, and God's sovereign guidance amidst persecution and growth.
  • 39. Acts (Part 3/5)
    Acts 13-16 outlines Paul’s first missionary journey, emphasizing the Gospel’s spread to Gentiles, the Jerusalem Council’s resolution on Gentile inclusion, and the balance between cultural sensitivity and doctrinal integrity.
  • 40. Acts – Pictures
    Learn about Paul’s missionary journeys, and the Gospel’s spread shaped by the role of archaeological landmarks, geography, culture, and ministry challenges.
  • 41. Acts (Part 5/5)
    Acts 16-28 chronicles Paul's missionary journeys, arrest, and journey to Rome, highlighting his preaching, cultural adaptation, trials, and the spread of Christianity despite persecution, demonstrating God's sovereignty.

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