Section A

The Trials and Death of Jesus

Jesus and his disciples were in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of Passover.  The Passover was an annual festival celebrating the Exodus or escape from Egypt.  The first Passover was in 1250 BCE (Before Common Era).  The Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus but were afraid of a riot with the crowds around if they did.  They were afraid of Jesus and jealous of his popularity with the people.  Jesus condemned them for leading the people badly and they thought some of the things he said were blasphemy.  Blasphemy is claiming the power of God.

        Judas Iscariot offered to give them a time and a place were they could arrest Jesus quietly.  The Jewish leaders offered him thirty pieces of silver as a payment.  Judas was one of the twelve closest followers of Jesus.  On Thursday night Jesus had a meal with the disciples.  We call this meal the ‘Last Supper’.  During this meal he said that someone would betray him.  This meal was to celebrate the Passover, but Jesus talked about a new covenant and his death.  He gave the disciples bread and wine to remember his body and blood.  We call this Communion.  

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        After the meal they went to the garden of Gethsemane and Jesus prayed but the disciples fell asleep.  Jesus was praying that if possible he would not have to go through with his death on the cross.  While he was praying Judas came with the soldiers to arrest him.  The sign of who to take was a kiss or embrace.  It was needed because it was dark and possibly because Jesus was quite ordinary to look at.  When the soldiers were trying to arrest Jesus, Peter lashed out with a sword but Jesus stopped him and then all the disciples ...

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