LIVING THE CHRISTLIFE

WAYNE BARRETT

MAY 6, 2026

Holy Week

The Week that Changed the World

pt. 6

Day(s) Events (selected) Scripture

Palm Sunday This will be the focus of this Sunday,

and so not as much attention will be

given to it this evening.

Matt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-10; Lk. 19:28-40; Jn.

12:12-15

Mon-Tue Many teachings and events

Holy Wednesday Jesus predicts his suffering

Supper in Bethany at the house of

Simon the leper

The plot to kill Jesus is finalized

Matt. 26:1-2

Matt. 26:6-13; Mk 14:3-9; Jn 12:1-6

Matt. 26:3-5,14-16; Mk 14:1-2,10-11; Lk.

22:1-6; Jn. 12:9-11

Maundy Thursday

Passover meal

Place prepared for Last Supper

Judas revealed as the betrayer

Jesus washes the apostles’ feet—and

institutes servanthood as a model

Jesus blesses the bread and cup—and

institutes the Lord’s Supper

Jesus’ words to Peter

Jesus’ vast teachings, including his

High Priestly Prayer

The departure to the Mount of Olives,

then to Gethsemane

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane

The betrayal of Jesus

Matt. 26:17-19; Mk 14:12-16; Lk. 22:7-13

Matt. 26:20-25; Mk. 14:17-21; Lk. 22:21-23;

Jn. 13:2,18,21-30

Jn. 13:1,3-17

Matt. 26:26-29; Mk 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20

Matt. 26:33-35; Mk 14:29-31; Luke 22:31-34;

Jn 13:36-38

John 14-17

Matt 26:30-32; Mk 14:26-28;Lk 22:35-39;

Jn 18:1

Matt. 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:39-46

Matt. 26:47-56; Mk 14:43-52; Lk 22:47-53;

Jn 18:2-11

Good Friday

Day of Preparation

Jesus in custody and before the council

Peter denies Jesus

Jesus before Pilate

Judas hangs himself

Jesus is mocked

The crucifixion of Jesus

The death of Jesus

The side of Jesus is pierced

Jesus is buried

Matt. 26:57-68; Mk. 14:53, 55-65; Lk. 22:63-

71; Jn 18:12-14, 19-24

Matt. 26:69-75; Mk. 14:66-72; Lk. 22:54-62;

Jn. 18:15-18, 25-27

Matt 27:1-2, 11-26; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-25;

Jn. 18:28-40, 19:6-16a

Matt. 27:3-10; Acts 1:15-20

Matt. 27:27-31; Mk. 15:16-20; Jn. 19:1-5

Matt 27:32-44; Mk. 15:21-32; Lk. 23:26-43;

Jn. 19:16b-27

Matt. 27:45-56; Mk. 15:33-41; Lk. 23:44-49;

Jn. 19:28-30

Jn 19:31-37

Matt. 27:57-61; Mk. 15:42-47; Lk. 23:50-56a;

Jn. 19:38-42

Saturday

The Sabbath

The guard is obtained for Jesus’ tomb

The disciples rested

Matt 27:62-66

Luke 23:56b

Resurrection Day

Sunday Jewish reckoning of days

2

The Side of Jesus Is Pierced

John 19:31-17

31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the

Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that

they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who

had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did

not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out

blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is

telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be

fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on

him whom they have pierced.”

v 31 – “Since it was the day of Preparation …”

This day had begun at sundown on Thursday and it ended (and the Sabbath began) at sundown

on Friday.

If a person ever wants to understand the loathsomeness of legalism, look no further than this

verse of Scripture.

The hearts and consciences of the Jews who conspired to have Jesus tortured and

executed are completely unaffected by their acts of conspiracy, lying, inciting mobs,

and political manipulation. In fact, they are pleased with the results obtained.

In all of their evil-doing, they would have found words to argue for justification of their

actions.

And anything done according to the Law was, by their definition, according to the will of

God, whose most commendable servants they were.

But what is disturbing their conscience is that these bodies might be left up on the crosses

overnight, which is forbidden in the Law (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)—and besides

which, would be just a terrible distraction from their righteous and festive worship

that was just coming up.

“for that Sabbath was a high day” – the Sabbath following Passover was the beginning of the

Feast of Unleavened Bread, one of the major high (or great) days on the calendar

Breaking their legs kept the men from being able to lift themselves up on the cross enough to

catch a breath. Eventually, typically, their legs would give out anyway, and they would

suffocate.

Break their legs—they won’t mind—get this over with and take the bodies away. We’ve got a

worship service to conduct!

vv 32-33 – “So the soldiers came …”

The thieves received this treatment and, presumably, died fairly quickly.

Jesus had already delivered his spirit to the Father.

vv 34-35 – “But one of the soldiers pierced his side …”

Just to make sure? We don’t know the soldier’s motivation—and perhaps he didn’t either.

“blood and water”

First of all, we must believe that John was simply describing what he witnessed—he does not

offer any further commentary on there being “blood and water,” but strongly emphasizes that

he, himself, saw it.

One probable (and perhaps chief) reason that John emphasizes this so strongly is not that there

was blood and water, but that there is no doubt that Jesus died on the cross—and did not

merely “swoon” or that Jesus did not actually have a physical body—addressing varies

heresies regarding the resurrection.

3

There are several medical explanations on why, when Jesus’ body was pierced, the blood which

came out would have separated from the serum, which, almost certainly, John would have

called water. He certainly would not have called it serum.

cf 1 John 5:6-7. This much-discussed passage seems to be John’s argument against those

denying that Jesus is the Christ—and some of whom denying that Jesus had a physical body.

It affirms his physical birth, his human body, and the Spirit’s affirmation of who he is.

vv 36-37 – “For these things took place …”

“He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.”—Psalm 34:20

“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and

pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall

mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps

over a firstborn.”—Zechariah 12:10

______________

Jesus is Buried

Matt. 27:57-61

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple

of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb,

which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.

61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

Mark 15:42-47

42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the

kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised

to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was

already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to

Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and

laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the

tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Luke 23:50-56a

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the

council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was

looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he

took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever

yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had

come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they

returned and prepared spices and ointments.

John 19:38-42

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews,

asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and

took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture

of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it

in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was

crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So

because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

4

MATTHEW

v 57 – “When it was evening …”

This would be getting late, but still before actual sundown, the beginning of the Sabbath

a “rich man”—a reminder although there are many warnings to the rich in Scripture, all rich

people are not condemned in Scripture

Joseph, who also was a disciple – lit. “who also himself was discipled to Jesus”

v 58 – “He went to Pilate”—which took some courage and, perhaps, some standing

body – sóma

vv 59-60 – Joseph cared for Jesus’ body with the best that he had

“and he rolled a great stone”—meaning, probably, that Joseph had this done, a job that probably

required a crew of men

v 61 – “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary …”

Doing all they knew to do and were able to do, which was next to nothing –BUT—they watched

everything happen such that they knew where to find (so they thought) the body of Jesus

MARK

From Mark we continue to receive extra nuance and detail

v 43 – “Joseph of Arimathea …”

“a respected member of the council” – more lit. “a prominent counsellor”

counsellor - bouleutés - “The term describes a recognized member of a formal deliberative body—specifically the

Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court in the first century. Such ‘counselors’ combined civic authority with

religious accountability, wielding influence over legal decisions, Temple policy, and matters of life and death”

(BibleHub.com, Topical Lexicon, bouleutés).

“who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God” – Joseph’s godly character described in

another way

“took courage”—more lit. “having boldness” or “having daring”

v 44 – “Pilate was surprised …”

surprised – thaumazó, he wondered, he marveled

Pilate called in the centurion and questioned him – more details from Mark

He granted the “corpse” - ptóma, dead body, carcase

v 46 – “and taking him down”

Joseph removed, or had Jesus’ body removed, from the cross (cf Luke 50:53)

v 47 – “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses …”—Matthew’s “other Mary” identified

LUKE

vv 50-51 – “Now there was a man named Joseph …”

More lit. “And behold, a man named Joseph, a Council member, and being a good man and

righteous, who had not consented to the Council and their deed, from Arimathea, a city of the

Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God …”

v 53 – “tomb … where no one had ever been laid”

corresponding to it being Joseph’s own new tomb (Matt. 27:60)

v 56 – “Then they returned …”

The women were determined to take proper care of Jesus’ body. While grieving and traumatized,

they did not cease to minister to him.

JOHN

v 38 – “After these things …”

Joseph was a disciple “but secretly for fear of the Jews.” But after this, no longer a secret!

v 39 – “Nicodemus also …”

Nicodemus returns! We only know this from John. And bringing a great quantity of “myrrh and

aloes”—this was the embalming formula

v 40 – “So they took the body of Jesus …”

5

Jesus body was prepared with this before being placed in the tomb

It is possible that the women did not know this had been done, or, perhaps they were planning to

give additional care to the body of Jesus

v 41 – “Now in the place …”

The garden with Joseph’s tomb was nearby

John indicates that they used this tomb “because it was close at hand.” Had more time been

available, they might normally have chosen to bury Jesus in Bethany or somewhere with a

more personal connection.

______________

The Guard Is Obtained for Jesus’ Tomb

Matt. 27:62-66

62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before

Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I

will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal

him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the

first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they

went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.

v 62 – “The next day …”

This was on the Sabbath. Apparently, continuing to petition Pilate did not violate any laws of

keeping the Sabbath holy.

v 63 – “Sir, …”

“Sir” – Kyrie - Sir, Lord … to Pontius Pilate

“imposter” – planos - deceiver

more lit. “We have remembered how that deceiver said while living ‘After three days, I arise.’”

Jesus’ prophetic words about his Resurrection were known even to his enemies. While they

could not believe that he really could do such a thing … they were uneasy. Even perhaps

reassuring themselves by saying Jesus spoke these words “while living.”

Ever scheming against Jesus – still!—the chief priests and the Pharisees were taking no chances.

Jesus’ words were simple and plain: After three days, I arise. And even now they resonate with

power, because that is exactly what he did.

v 64 – “Therefore order the tomb to be made secure …”

The chief priests and the Pharisees could, of course, have themselves instituted a watch on the

tomb to make sure that the disciples did not come and steal the body.

It is possible that they lacked the courage to do so, anticipating that the disciples might now have

some business to conduct with them. (We know that the disciples were confused and

fearful—but the chief priests and the Pharisees did not necessarily know that.)

It could also be that the chief priests and the Pharisees actually imagined that the disciples would

engage in such a plot, and they feared that they would still be dealing with the words and

popularity of Jesus—even though he had been killed.

the last “fraud” – plané – deception

v 65 – “Pilate said to them …”

more lit. “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you have known.” –make it as secure as

anything you have ever seen

v 66 – “So they went …”

“sealing the stone” – a legal embossed seal, probably wax, and apparently in Pilate’s name,

which a person would violate at their peril

“setting a guard” – trained Roman soldiers. More than a match for some fishermen and some

women.

6

______________

The Disciples Rested

Luke 23:56b

42…On the Sabbath they [the women] rested according to the commandment.

Such was the understood and absolute practice of keeping the Sabbath according to the current

teachings.

We can wonder if there had been any discussion among themselves, especially in light of Jesus’

teachings and acts on the Sabbath, if this pause before caring for Jesus’ body was necessary.

But thousands of years of practice are not easily modified. And had they broken the Sabbath,

even for this reason, there would have been serious—perhaps fatal—consequences.