The Ascension

       When HE had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, HE lifted up HIS hands and blessed them. While HE was blessing them, HE left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped HIM and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising GOD.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 24, verses 50 - 53

JESUS Reinstates Peter

       When they had finished eating, JESUS said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love ME more than these?"

       "Yes, LORD," he said, "YOU know that I love YOU."

       JESUS said, "Feed MY lambs."

       Again JESUS said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love ME?"

       He answered, "Yes, LORD, YOU know that I love YOU."

       JESUS said, "Take care of MY sheep."

       The third time HE said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love ME?"

       Peter was hurt because JESUS asked him the third time, "Do you love ME?" He said, "LORD, YOU know all things; YOU know that I love YOU."

       JESUS said, "Feed MY sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." JESUS said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify GOD. Then HE said to him, "Follow ME!"

       Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom JESUS loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against JESUS at the supper and had said, "LORD, who is going to betray YOU?") When Peter saw him, he asked, "LORD, what about him?"

       JESUS answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow ME." Because of this, the rumor spread among the brothers that this disciple would not die. But JESUS did not say that he would not die; HE only said, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?"

       This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

       JESUS did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

Gospel of John: chapter 21, verses 15 - 25

JESUS and the Miraculous Catch of Fish

       Afterward JESUS appeared again to HIS disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

       Early in the morning, JESUS stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was JESUS.

       HE called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"

       "No," they answered.

       HE said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

       Then the disciple whom JESUS loved said to Peter, "It is THE LORD!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is THE LORD," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

       JESUS said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught."

       Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. JESUS said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask HIM, "Who are YOU?" They knew it was THE LORD. JESUS came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time JESUS appeared to HIS disciples after HE was raised from the dead.

Gospel of John: chapter 21, verses 1 - 14

JESUS Appears to the Disciples

       While they were still talking about this, JESUS HIMSELF stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

       They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. HE said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at MY hands and MY feet. It is I MYSELF! Touch ME and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

       When HE had said this, HE showed them HIS hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, HE asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave HIM a piece of broiled fish, and HE took it and ate it in their presence.

       HE said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about ME in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

       Then HE opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. HE told them, "This is what is written: THE CHRIST will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in HIS name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I AM going to send you what MY FATHER has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

Gospel of Luke: chapter 24, verses 36 - 49

On the Road to Emmaus

       Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, JESUS HIMSELF came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing HIM.

       HE asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

       They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked HIM, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

       "What things?" HE asked.

       "About JESUS OF NAZARETH," they replied. "HE was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before GOD and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed HIM over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified HIM; but we had hoped that HE was THE ONE who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find HIS body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said HE was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but HIM they did not see."

       HE said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not THE CHRIST have to suffer these things and then enter HIS glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, HE explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning HIMSELF.

       As they approached the village to which they were going, JESUS acted as if HE were going farther. But they urged HIM strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So HE went in to stay with them.

       When HE was at the table with them, HE took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized HIM, and HE disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while HE talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

       They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! THE LORD has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how JESUS was recognized by them when HE broke the bread.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 24, verses 13 - 35

JESUS Appears to Mary Magdalene

       Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where JESUS' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

       They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

       "They have taken my LORD away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put HIM." At this, she turned around and saw JESUS standing there, but she did not realize that it was JESUS.

       "Woman," HE said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?"

       Thinking HE was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried HIM away, tell me where you have put HIM, and I will get HIM."

       JESUS said to her, "Mary."

       She turned toward HIM and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

       JESUS said, "Do not hold on to ME, for I have not yet returned to THE FATHER. Go instead to MY brothers and tell them, 'I AM returning to MY FATHER and your FATHER, to MY GOD and your GOD.'"

       Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen THE LORD!" And she told them that HE had said these things to her.

Gospel of John: chapter 20, verses 10 - 18

The Empty Tomb

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one JESUS loved, and said, "They have taken THE LORD out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put HIM!"

       So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around JESUS' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that JESUS had to rise from the dead.)

Gospel of John: chapter 20, verses 1 - 9

The Resurrection

       On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of THE LORD JESUS. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? HE is not here; HE has risen! Remember how HE told you, while HE was still with you in Galilee: 'THE SON OF MAN must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " Then they remembered HIS words.

       When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 24, verses 1 - 12

The Resurrection

       When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint JESUS' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

      But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

       "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for JESUS THE NAZARENE, who was crucified. HE has risen! HE is not here. See the place where they laid HIM. But go, tell HIS disciples and Peter, 'HE is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see HIM, just as HE told you.' "

       Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

       When JESUS rose early on the first day of the week, HE appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom HE had driven seven demons. She went and told those who had been with HIM and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that JESUS was alive and that she had seen HIM, they did not believe it.

       Afterward JESUS appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.

       Later JESUS appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; HE rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen HIM after HE had risen.

       HE said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In MY name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

       After THE LORD JESUS had spoken to them, HE was taken up into heaven and HE sat at the right hand of GOD. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and THE LORD worked with them and confirmed HIS word by the signs that accompanied it.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 16

The Resurrection

      After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

       There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of THE LORD came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

       The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for JESUS, who was crucified. HE is not here; HE has risen, just as HE said. Come and see the place where HE lay. Then go quickly and tell HIS disciples: 'HE has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see HIM.' Now I have told you."

       So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell HIS disciples. Suddenly JESUS met them. "Greetings," HE said. They came to HIM, clasped HIS feet and worshiped HIM. Then JESUS said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell MY brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see ME."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 28, verses 1 - 10

The Guard at the Tomb

       The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while HE was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, HIS disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that HE has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."

       "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 62 - 66

The Burial of JESUS

       As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of JESUS. Going to Pilate, he asked for JESUS' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 57 - 61

The Burial of JESUS

       It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of GOD, went boldly to Pilate and asked for JESUS' body. Pilate was surprised to hear that HE was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if JESUS had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where HE was laid.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 42 - 47

JESUS' Burial

       Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of GOD. Going to Pilate, he asked for JESUS' body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

       The women who had come with JESUS from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how HIS body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 23, verses 50 - 56

The Burial of JESUS

       Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of JESUS. Now Joseph was a disciple of JESUS, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited JESUS at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking JESUS' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where JESUS was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid JESUS there.

Gospel of John: chapter 19, verses 38 - 42

The Death of JESUS

       From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour JESUS cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?"

       When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "HE'S calling Elijah."

       Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to JESUS to drink. The rest said, "Now leave HIM alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save HIM."

       And when JESUS had cried out again in a loud voice, HE gave up HIS SPIRIT.

       At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after JESUS' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

       When the centurion and those with him who were guarding JESUS saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely HE was THE SON OF GOD!"

       Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed JESUS from Galilee to care for HIS needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's sons.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 45 - 56

The Death of JESUS

       At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour JESUS cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"--which means, "MY GOD, MY GOD, why have YOU forsaken ME?"

       When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, HE'S calling Elijah."

       One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to JESUS to drink. "Now leave HIM alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take HIM down," he said.

       With a loud cry, JESUS breathed HIS last.

       The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of JESUS, heard HIS cry and saw how HE died, he said, "Surely this man was THE SON OF GOD!"

       Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed HIM and cared for HIS needs. Many other women who had come up with HIM to Jerusalem were also there.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 33 - 41

JESUS' Death

       It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. JESUS called out with a loud voice, "FATHER, into YOUR hands I commit MY SPIRIT." When HE had said this, HE breathed HIS last.

       The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised GOD and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew HIM, including the women who had followed HIM from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 23, verses 44 - 49

The Death of JESUS

       Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, JESUS said, "I AM thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to JESUS' lips. When HE had received the drink, JESUS said, "It is finished." With that, HE bowed HIS head and gave up HIS spirit.

       Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with JESUS, and then those of the other. But when they came to JESUS and found that HE was already dead, they did not break HIS legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced JESUS' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled. "Not one of HIS bones will be broken," and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Gospel of John: chapter 19, verses 28 - 37

The Crucifixion

       As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered JESUS wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, HE refused to drink it. When they had crucified HIM, they divided up HIS clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over HIM there. Above HIS head they placed the written charge against HIM: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with HIM, one on HIS right and one on HIS left. Those who passed by hurled insults at HIM, shaking their heads and saying, "YOU who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save YOURSELF! Come down from the cross, if YOU are THE SON OF GOD!"

       In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked HIM. "HE saved others," they said, "But HE can't save HIMSELF! HE'S THE KING OF ISRAEL! Let HIM come down now from the cross, and we will believe in HIM. HE trusts in GOD. Let GOD rescue HIM now if HE wants HIM, for HE said, 'I AM THE SON OF GOD.' " In the same way the robbers who were crucified with HIM also heaped insults on HIM.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 27, verses 32 - 44

The Crucifixion

       A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. They brought JESUS to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered HIM wine mixed with myrrh, but HE did not take it. And they crucified HIM. Dividing up HIS clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

       It was the third hour when they crucified HIM. The written notice of the charge against HIM read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with HIM, one on HIS right and one on HIS left. Those who passed by hurled insults at HIM, shaking their heads and saying, "So! YOU who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save YOURSELF!"

       In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked HIM among themselves. "HE saved others," they said, "but HE can't save HIMSELF! Let this CHRIST, this KING OF ISRAEL, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with HIM also heaped insults on HIM.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 15, verses 21 - 32

The Crucifixion

       As they led HIM away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind JESUS. A large number of people followed HIM, including women who mourned and wailed for HIM. JESUS turned and said to them, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for ME; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' Then

       " 'they will say to the mountains, "Fall on us!"

          and to the hills, "Cover us!" '

For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

       Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with HIM to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified HIM, along with the criminals--one on HIS right, the other on HIS left. JESUS said, "FATHER, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up HIS clothes by casting lots.

       The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at HIM. They said, "HE saved others; let HIM save HIMSELF if HE is THE CHRIST OF GOD, THE CHOSEN ONE."

       The soldiers also came up and mocked HIM. They offered HIM wine vinegar and said, "If YOU are THE KING OF THE JEWS, save YOURSELF."

       There was a written notice above HIM, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

       One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at HIM: "Aren't YOU THE CHRIST? Save YOURSELF and us!"

       But the other criminal rebuked HIM. "Don't you fear GOD," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

       Then he said, "JESUS, remember me when YOU come into YOUR kingdom."

       JESUS answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with ME in paradise."

Gospel of Luke: chapter 23, verses 26 - 43

The Crucifixion

       So the soldiers took charge of JESUS. Carrying HIS own cross, HE went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified HIM, and with HIM two others--one on each side and JESUS in the middle.

       Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where JESUS was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."

       Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

       When the soldiers crucified JESUS, they took HIS clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

       "Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."

       This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said,

          "They divided MY garments among them

              and cast lots for MY clothing."

So this is what the soldiers did.

       Near the cross of JESUS stood HIS mother, HIS mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When JESUS saw HIS mother there, and the disciple whom HE loved standing nearby, HE said to HIS mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Gospel of John: chapter 19, verses 16 - 27

THE LORD'S Supper

       On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to JESUS and asked, "Where do YOU want us to make preparations for YOU to eat the Passover?"

       HE replied, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'THE TEACHER says: MY appointed time is near. I AM going to celebrate the Passover with MY disciples at your house.' " So the disciples did as JESUS had directed them and prepared the Passover.

       When evening came, JESUS was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, HE said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray ME."

       They were very sad and began to say to HIM one after the other, "Surely not I, LORD?"

       JESUS replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with ME will betray ME. THE SON OF MAN will go just as it is written about HIM. But woe to that man who betrays THE SON OF MAN! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

       Then Judas, the one who would betray HIM, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"

       JESUS answered, "Yes, it is you."

       While they were eating, JESUS took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to HIS disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is MY body."

       Then HE took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is MY blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in MY FATHER'S kingdom."

       When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 26, verses 17 - 30

THE LORD'S Supper

       On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, JESUS' disciples asked HIM, "Where do YOU want us to go and make preparations for YOU to eat the Passover?"

       So HE sent two of HIS disciples, telling them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, 'THE TEACHER asks: Where is MY guest room, where I may eat the Passover with MY disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there."

       The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as JESUS had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

       When evening came, JESUS arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, HE said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray ME--one who is eating with ME."

       They were saddened, and one by one they said to HIM, "Surely not I?"

       "It is one of the Twelve," HE replied, "one who dips bread into the bowl with ME. THE SON OF MAN will go just as it is written about HIM. But woe to that man who betrays THE SON OF MAN! It would be better for him if he had not been born."

       While they were eating, JESUS took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to HIS disciples, saying, "Take it; this is MY body."

       Then HE took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

       "This is MY blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," HE said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of GOD."

       When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 14, verses 12 - 26

The Last Supper

       Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. JESUS sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover."

       "Where do YOU want us to prepare for it?" they asked.

       HE replied, "As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, 'THE TEACHER asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with MY disciples?' He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there."

       They left and found things just as JESUS had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

       When the hour came, JESUS and HIS apostles reclined at the table. And HE said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of GOD."

       After taking the cup, HE gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of GOD comes."

       And HE took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is MY body given for you; do this in remembrance of ME."

       In the same way, after the supper HE took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in MY blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray ME is with MINE on the table. THE SON OF MAN will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays HIM." They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

       Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. JESUS said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I AM among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by ME in MY trials. And I confer on you a kingdom, just as MY FATHER conferred one on ME, so that you may eat and drink at MY table in MY kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

       "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

       But he replied, "LORD, I am ready to go with YOU to prison and to death."

       JESUS answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know ME."

       Then JESUS asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?"

       "Nothing," they answered.

       HE said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: 'And HE was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in ME. Yes, what is written about ME is reaching its fulfillment."

       The disciples said, "See, LORD, here are two swords."

       "That is enough," HE replied.

Gospel of Luke: chapter 22, verses 7 - 38

The Triumphal Entry

       As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, JESUS sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to ME. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that THE LORD needs them, and HE will send them right away."

       This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

       "Say to the Daughter of Zion,

          'See, your king comes to you,

       gentle and riding on a donkey,

          on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "

       The disciples went and did as JESUS had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and JESUS sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of HIM and those that followed shouted,

       "Hosanna to THE SON OF DAVID!"

       "Blessed is HE who comes in the name of THE LORD!"

       "Hosanna in the highest!"

       When JESUS entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"

       The crowds answered, "This is JESUS, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Gospel of Matthew: chapter 21, verses 1 - 11

The Triumphal Entry

       As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, JESUS sent two of HIS disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' tell him, 'THE LORD needs it and will send it back here shortly.' "

       They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" They answered as JESUS had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to JESUS and threw their cloaks over it, HE sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

       "Hosanna!"

       "Blessed is HE who comes in the name of THE LORD!"

       "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"

       "Hosanna in the highest!"

       JESUS entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. HE looked around at everything, but since it was already late, HE went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Gospel of Mark: chapter 11, verses 1 - 11

The Triumphal Entry

       After JESUS had said this, HE went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As HE approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, HE sent two of HIS disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'THE LORD needs it.' "

       Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as HE had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

       They replied, "THE LORD needs it."

       They brought it to JESUS, threw their cloaks on the colt and put JESUS on it. As HE went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

       When HE came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise GOD in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

       "Blessed is THE KING who comes in the name of THE LORD!"

       "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

       Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to JESUS, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

       "I tell you," HE replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

       As HE approached Jerusalem and saw the city, HE wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of GOD'S coming to you."

Gospel of Luke: chapter 19, verses 28 - 44

The Triumphal Entry

       The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that JESUS was on HIS way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet HIM, shouting,

          "Hosanna!"

          "Blessed is HE who comes in the name of THE LORD!"

          "Blessed is THE KING OF ISRAEL!"

JESUS found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,

          "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;

          see, your king is coming,

          seated on a donkey's colt."

       At first HIS disciples did not understand all this. Only after JESUS was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about HIM and that they had done these things to HIM.

       Now the crowd that was with HIM when HE called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that HE had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet HIM. So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after HIM!"

Gospel of John: chapter 12, verses 12 - 19