Lesson 5 - The Passion and Death of Christ

The Passion and Death of Christ Lesson V

Outline of the Lesson

  • The Last Supper

  • Passion

  • Crucifixion

  • Death

  • Synthesis

The Last Supper

Jesus celebrates the Passover meal and institutes the Eucharist as a memorial of his sacrifice.

  • Passover:

    • Pesach (Hebrew) – to pass over.

    • A yearly ordinance commemorating the Jews' freedom from slavery.

Death of the Firstborn

Depicts the Biblical event where the firstborn of Egypt die, leading to the exodus of the Israelites.

  • Artwork: Painting the doorpost with the blood of the Lamb.

The Passover Meal

Each family must procure a lamb:

  • Year-old male without blemish.

  • Can be from sheep or goats.

  • The lamb's meat is consumed that night, roasted with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Exodus 12:3, 5, 8).

  • Wine and bread are also integral:

    • Wine gladdens the heart of man (Psalm 104:15).

    • Bread satisfies the human heart.

The Supper of the Lord

Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying:

  • "Take, eat; this is my body."

  • He took a cup and gave thanks, saying:

  • "Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:26-28).

The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane

Jesus was in intense agony during prayer:

  • His sweat became drops of blood (Luke 22:44).

  • Peter, James, and John slept while he prayed.

  • Condition known as hematohidrosis (blood sweat).

The Betrayal of Judas Iscariot

Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss in return for thirty pieces of silver.

Judas's Role in the Betrayal

  • Query: Was Judas a passive player in God’s predetermined plan?

  • Considerations of choice vs. predestination.

Motivations Behind Judas's Betrayal

Reasons for betrayal suggested:

  • Greed for money.

  • Disappointment in Jesus not aligning with political expectations (Benedict XVI).

The Arrest and Trials of Jesus

Jesus’s words and deeds were seen as a “sign of contradiction” (CCC 575).

  • Accusations against Jesus included:

    • False prophecy

    • Associating with tax collectors and sinners

    • Demonic possession

    • Healing on the Sabbath

    • Novel interpretation of the Law

    • Blasphemy

Personal Reflection

Consider moments of being falsely accused and personal reactions.

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

Sanhedrin: A council of chief priests, elders, and scribes.

  • Hearings before leaders: Annas, Caiaphas.

  • False witnesses testified against Jesus.

  • Convicted of blasphemy.

Peter's Denial

Peter denies knowing Jesus three times.

  • After the rooster crows, he realizes his sin and weeps bitterly.

Jesus before Pilate

Pontius Pilate: Roman Governor of Judea, aware of Jesus’ innocence but influenced to condemn.

  • Charges: Treason and sedition.

Pilate's Decision

The crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus.

  • Pilate succumbed to cries to crucify Jesus and symbolically washed his hands.

  • Jesus was scourged, mocked, abused by soldiers.

Scourging at the Pillar

  • Prophetic fulfillment: "He was pierced for our transgressions; crushed for our iniquities..." (Isaiah 53:5).

  • The Roman flagrum inflicted severe wounds and dehydration on Jesus.

The Whip

  • Description of the Roman flagrum:

    • Design: Wooden handle, small bones, leather thongs, metal balls.

    • Used on Jesus during scourging.

Crowning with Thorns

Jesus mocked as “King of the Jews,” a punishment corresponding with the sedition charge.

Jesus Carries His Cross to Calvary

Old Testament Reference

  • Abraham carried wood for the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:6).

  • Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha (John 19:17).

Jesus Meets His Mother

Simon of Cyrene

Simon from Cyrene is compelled to carry Jesus' cross (Matthew 27:32).

  • Represents support during Jesus’ suffering.

Personal Reflection

Identify the “Simons of Cyrene” in life and their roles.

  • Reflect on being a Simon for others in need.

The Crucifixion

Titulus Crucis: Inscription above Jesus' head:

  • IESUS NAZARENUS REX IUDAEORUM (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews).

  • Written in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.

Crucifixion as Punishment

Defined as a slow and excruciating method for high-profile criminals charged with treason.

Anatomical Considerations

Description of physical aspects related to crucifixion and body placement.

Weight-Bearing and Body Placement

Muscular and Respiratory Implications

Discussion on how crucifixion affects breathing and muscular functions.

Anatomy of the Body

Overview of major organs and their relation to crucifixion effects.

Old and New Testament Reflections

Comparison between Moses lifting the bronze serpent and the Crucifixion (John 3:14).

  • Both symbolize healing and salvation.

St. Dismas and Gestas

Dialogue between the good thief (St. Dismas) and Jesus:

  • "Jesus, remember me in your kingdom."

  • Response: "Today, you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:42-43).

Events Leading to Death

Description of the final moments of Jesus:

  • Stripped, garments cast for lots, nailed to the cross, refuses painkiller.

  • Fulfillment of Messianic prophecies (Psalms).

Jesus's Final Words and Death

Before dying, Jesus quotes Psalm 22.

  • Death leads to the tearing of the temple veil and the piercing of his side, signifying the outpouring of blood and water.

The Nature of Jesus's Death

Agony lasted six hours, causes included dehydration and asphyxia.

  • Flowing blood and water symbolize the beginning of the Church and a new covenant.

The Burial of Christ

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus took Jesus' body for burial.

  • Mary Magdalene and others witnessed the entombment.

Synthesis

The Holy Mass connects the sacrificial nature of Jesus's death to ongoing Christian practice.

Nature of the Holy Mass

It is both a meal and a sacrifice.

Elements of the Holy Mass

  • Meal:

    • Unleavened Bread representing the Body of Christ.

    • Grape Wine representing the Blood of Christ.

  • Jesus’ sacrifice has eternal effects and infinite value.

Importance of Clarity in the Mass

Emphasis on clearly pronouncing the words of institution during Mass, facilitating reverence.

Continuation of the Eucharistic Prayer

Taking the chalice, Jesus states the significance of the blood of the covenant and instructs to do this in memory of Him.

Comparison of Sacrifices

Contrast between the bloody sacrifice of the Crucifixion and the unbloody sacrifice of the Holy Mass.

The Mass as a Dual Reality

The Mass embodies a meal and a sacrifice, reinforcing the connection to Christ's sacrifice.