Matthew (2013)

If someone freely paid a debt you owe, think how grateful you would be. Listen to this lesson to hear about the second three hours when Jesus was on the Cross and the unique suffering He endured on our behalf. Hear about the four women who witnessed Christ’s crucifixion. Find out about the three hours of darkness that veiled Jesus while God the Father imputed the sins of all mankind to Him and the meaning of a judicial separation that takes place between the Father and the Son. Because of what Christ accomplished on the Cross we can put our faith in Him for our salvation.

This lesson also includes Mark 15:33-36 and Luke 23:44-45a.

How do you react when people mock what you believe and make fun of you? Listen to this lesson to hear how Christ handled the ones who mocked, reviled, and taunted Him at His Crucifixion. Find out that there are seven different mocking events, both on the way to the cross and when Jesus was hanging on it. See that He did not answer them back when they ridiculed Him and spit on Him and hit Him. Learn that mocking someone means you feel disdain for that person and when you’re mocking the Creator of the universe you become a fool. See that the way Jesus handled His treatment led to others believing on Him as the Messiah. Only when your soul has been strengthened daily by learning the Word of God can you have joy, stability, and contentment when suffering.

The Jesus' Hours on the Cross chart Dr. Dean referred to during this class is available for download from Rose Publishing.

Do you find it difficult to listen to the excruciating events of the first three hours Jesus hung on the cross? Listen to this lesson to hear the epic true story as Jesus’ hands and feet were in horrific pain as the nails pierced the skin. Understand that it was not this physical suffering that paid the penalty for our sins. Learn about the two others who were crucified at the same time and see that they were probably rebels like Barabbas. Hear the first saying of Jesus from the Cross which emphasized His forgiveness for those who did not truly understand what they were doing. Learn that the sign they put over Him identified what the charges were against Him. Realize that Jesus was able to rest in God’s provision as a demonstration that we should have a like mental attitude when we are suffering.

The Joel Kramer videos Dr. Dean mentioned in today's Bible class are available here:

The Praetorium

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Salvation is a free gift from God, isn’t it? Listen to this lesson to learn the intense and deeply disturbing price the Lord Jesus Christ paid when He took the punishment for our sins. Follow as Jesus struggles to carry His cross on the road to Golgotha and hear how He gave a compassionate warning to the “daughters of Jerusalem”. Find out what horrors transpired as He was nailed to the cross and how our response should be to live for Him to bring Him glory.

Was Pilate as guilty as the religious leaders for sending Jesus to be crucified? Listen to this lesson to learn that Pilate allowed himself to be influenced by the angry mob because of fear of Caesar. Find out why he ordered Jesus to be scourged and what a cruel and painful punishment that was. See why the Roman soldiers put a crown of thorns and a purple robe on Jesus. Learn the meaning of the mob saying that Jesus’ blood was on them and on their children’s heads and how that verse has been wrongfully used to lead to Christian anti-Semitism through the ages. Marvel at the love Jesus displayed when He allowed Himself to be put to death in such a violent manner in order to take our punishment.

Choices! Life is filled with choices and what you choose determines your future. Listen to this lesson to learn that today everyone faces similar choices to the ones facing religious leaders, Roman rulers, and an unruly crowd the night Jesus was arrested and taken to court. Pilate tried desperately to release Jesus because he couldn’t find that He had committed any crimes but under political pressure Pilate offered the people the choice of releasing Jesus or BarAbbas, a false messiah. Today all of us face that same choice. Will we choose one of the many false messiahs or choose Jesus Christ, the only true Savior?

The combined Scripture reading for this class is available in the Notes link below.

What do you think about Jesus Christ? C.S. Lewis said there are only three choices. Either He’s the Lord, or He’s a lunatic, or He’s a liar. Listen to this lesson to learn about how the religious leaders of His day plotted to come up with a crime to convince a Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate, that Jesus had committed treason. See how Pilate tried to get out of making a judgment call by sending Jesus to Herod Antipas. Just as the people in those days had to choose where they stood in the case of Jesus Christ, each of us must make a decision now.

Also includes Mark 15:1-5 and Luke 23:1-12.

When Judas was remorseful over his betrayal of Jesus, did that mean he was saved? Listen to this lesson to learn that the Bible says salvation comes by faith alone in Christ alone and not by regretting or feeling sorry for our sins. Find out the differences between remorse, regret, and repentance. See that Judas admits his guilt to the Chief Priest but not to God. Find out the significance of Judas’ throwing the pieces of silver in the temple and how this was a fulfillment of prophecy. Hear about some alleged contradictions in this incident and how they are resolved. Learn that suicide is like all sins and has been paid for by Christ on the Cross.

How would you like the low point of your spiritual life to be recorded in the Bible so all generations can read about it? Listen to this message to learn that the lesson here is that our failures as believers can always be forgiven by God’s grace. Hear Jesus’ prediction to Peter and Peter’s arrogant boasting about how he would never deny Christ. See that, in effect, Peter and the other disciples are denying that Jesus is omniscient. Hear about spiritual vampires and decide if you share any of their traits. Remember that this incident shows that there’s no sin we can commit that can’t be forgiven by the grace of God so we can be restored and continue our spiritual growth.

What should you do when you are accused of something unfairly? Listen to this lesson to learn that no one has ever been treated more unjustly than Jesus Christ when He was arrested and put on trial on trumped-up charges. Hear who was on the “kangaroo court” who wanted to kill Him and were seeking people willing to lie against Jesus. See His example of a relaxed mental attitude which shows confidence that God is always in control even when injustice is taking place. Get a clear picture of Christ’s love for us as He allowed Himself to be spat on, hit, and ridiculed on our behalf.

Also included in this class is Luke 22:54, 63–65.

Click on the Notes link below to view the list of 22 Rules Broken at Yeshua’s Trial.