Episode Sixteen: The Death of Jesus of Nazareth

After Jesus entered Jerusalem to cries of "Hosannah to the Son of David" the political and religious authorities work together to eliminate this potential threat.  Show Notes Jesus replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.’” (Luke 13:31-32 NABRE) "If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and you hang him on a tree, his corpse shall not remain on the tree overnight. You must bury it the same day; anyone who is hanged is a curse of God. (Deut 21:22-23; NABRE)  The Roman soldiers and temple police confronted Jesus at night so as not to cause a public scene and therefore risk a riot (cf. John 18:3). Jesus not only responded affirmatively but he also said to Caiaphas that: ‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” (Mark 14:62; NABRE) If the crowds thought this was the true ‘King of the Jews’, Pilate would display him as such and put a sign to that effect over the cross (cf. John 19:19).  “Whenever we crucify criminals…[we place them] where the greatest number of people can watch and be influenced by this threat; for every penalty is aimed not so much at the offense, as at its exemplary value.” -- Quintilian (A Roman Orator), Declamationes maiores 274.13. Yochanan [the beloved disciple] witnessed the crucifixion as did several other of Jesus’ followers, friends, his mother (cf. John 19:25-26), and more from a distance (cf. Luke 23:49).