The Christ Commission Ch 7

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Questions and Answers

What geographical feature is described as being parallel to Jerusalem's eastern wall?

The Dead Sea

The River Jordan

The Meadow of Bethany

The Mount of Olives (correct)

Why does Joseph believe that Matthias is under surveillance?

Due to the presence of a spying agent (correct)

Because of Matthias's appearance

As a result of Matthias's notoriety in Rome

Because of their conversation in the carriage

What is the significance of Lazarus in the narrative?

He is a wealthy merchant in Jerusalem.

He was raised from the dead by Jesus. (correct)

He built the house for Martha and Mary.

He was the governor of Bethany.

What activity is the small man observed doing across the road?

Slicing wood strips Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is made about Matthias when he is with Joseph?

He is a merchant seeking profit Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is attributed to Martha in the description?

Stern and assertive Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph imply about the nature of spies?

They should look unremarkable to avoid detection Signup and view all the answers

What does the name 'Bethany' mean in Aramaic?

House of poverty Signup and view all the answers

What was Joseph's reaction after pointing out the tomb of Lazarus?

He showed excitement about visiting it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph suggest will resolve any misunderstandings about Matthias's status in the city?

Paying a visit to Pilate and Caiaphas Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Matthias give for wanting to visit Bethany?

To investigate connections associated with Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph suggest might raise suspicion if a Roman citizen is seen meeting closely associated individuals?

That the citizen is a spy for the Romans. Signup and view all the answers

What action does Joseph instruct Matthias to take at the sharp turn in the road?

Open the carriage door and jump out. Signup and view all the answers

What role does Shem play in Joseph's plan?

He acts as a decoy to mislead any pursuers. Signup and view all the answers

What is Matthias's primary concern when discussing the visit to Bethany?

The risk of being caught by authorities. Signup and view all the answers

What event preceded Lazarus's sickness that involved a confrontation with the Pharisees?

The Feast of Dedication Signup and view all the answers

What message did Martha's messenger deliver to Jesus about Lazarus?

Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. Signup and view all the answers

How many days of mourning passed before Jesus arrived?

Four days Signup and view all the answers

What significant statement did Jesus make regarding Lazarus's condition?

Lazarus is sleeping. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Martha initially doubt Jesus's intentions after Lazarus's death?

Lazarus was dead when the message was delivered. Signup and view all the answers

What did Martha expect Jesus to do when she encountered him after Lazarus’s death?

To intercede with God on their behalf. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus do when he reached Lazarus's tomb?

He wept and prayed. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jesus’s declaration to Martha about life after death?

He that believes in me shall never die. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus mean when he referred to Lazarus as being 'asleep'?

It was a euphemism for his death. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Martha question Jesus about moving the stone from Lazarus's tomb?

She believed Lazarus could not be alive after four days. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the people after Lazarus was raised from the dead?

Many cheered and praised Jesus, but some were skeptical. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Lazarus when Jesus called him forth from the tomb?

He stumbled out, still wrapped in grave clothes. Signup and view all the answers

What did Caiaphas claim regarding the necessity of Jesus's death?

It was required to maintain the peace with the Romans. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mary do with the alabaster flask of spikenard?

She broke it and anointed Jesus with the perfume. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main concern associated with the burial rituals mentioned?

They could potentially harm a living person. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Matthias and Joseph Begin Their Investigation

Matthias, a mystery writer visiting Jerusalem with Joseph, is being followed by a spy.
The spy is inconspicuous, looking like an ordinary man, highlighting the fact that spies often hide their intentions.
Joseph explains that Matthias’s association with Jesus’ followers raises suspicion in the eyes of Pilate and Caiaphas.
Matthias wants to visit Martha and Mary, the sisters of Bethany, but Joseph warns against it due to the surveillance.
Joseph devises a plan to evade the spy by sending Shem, their carriage driver, on a long detour to Jericho, leaving Matthias and Joseph hidden in olive bushes.

Journey to Bethany

The road to Bethany passes the Mount of Olives, a significant location in Jesus’ ministry.
Bethany is described as "house of poverty," implying a simple and secluded village.
The village sits at the base of a hillside, offering a shorter pathway to Jerusalem than the road Matthias and Joseph took.

The Home of Martha and Mary

Their house is larger than average for Bethany, suggesting a former life of comfort.
Martha’s husband, Simon, had passed away from leprosy, adding a layer of sorrow to their lives.
Martha and Mary have a close relationship with Jesus and his followers.
The house is sparsely furnished but spacious, implying a place where many could gather, such as Jesus’ apostles.

The Resurrection Story

Martha explains how she contacted Jesus when Lazarus fell ill.
Jesus’ response to the messenger’s plea was ambiguous, implying that Lazarus’s illness was not meant to be fatal.
By the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus had already been dead for four days.
Martha reveals her doubts about Jesus during Lazarus’s death despite her strong faith.
Jesus’ words, "Your brother shall rise again," suggest that hope for a resurrection is a promise through belief in Jesus.
Martha highlights a key message from Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life, and he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and he that lives and believes in me shall never die.”

Key Facts:

The story focuses on the tomb of Lazarus, which was a family tomb with three shelves, one for Lazarus, one for Mary, and one for Martha.
Lazarus had been dead for four days before Jesus resurrected him.
The Sanhedrin met and decided that Jesus needed to be killed before everyone believed in his miracles.
Caiaphas, the high priest, believed that Jesus' miracles were performed by the power of Satan.
Jesus returned to Bethany for the Passover and was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.
After Jesus' arrest, nine of his apostles hid in the woods behind Martha and Mary's house for two days.
John later arrived with news that Jesus had been crucified and his body was missing from the tomb.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had laid Jesus' body in the tomb, but he had risen from the dead.
Martha and Mary took turns bringing food and water to the apostles in the woods.
The stone that sealed the tomb remained in place after Lazarus was resurrected.
Matthias, seeking the truth, investigates the tomb and removes the stone.
The tomb is empty, and Matthias, seeking to find the body of Christ, questions Joseph about where it might be.
Joseph believed that the apostles would be the most logical suspects to have moved the body.

The Suspects

Matthias believes that someone moved Jesus’ body from the tomb after his death to make it appear that Jesus had risen from the dead.
He considers possibilities of:
- the apostles or others close to Jesus
- the soldiers guarding the tomb
- the nine disciples hiding in the woods
- Peter and John who were in Jerusalem and knew of the crucifixion
- the high priest Caiaphas and Pilate
- Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea

The Empty Tomb

Matthias believes the body was moved to the tomb of Lazarus, which was on Martha’s private land and therefore more secure from prying eyes.
The empty tomb of Jesus could become a symbol of his resurrection.
Matthias investigates the tomb of Lazarus, noting that there is no trace of a body.

Matthias's Frustration

Matthias’ search in the tomb only finds worms and the faint scent of rose water, confirming there is no body inside.
Matthias is exhausted and frustrated by the lack of evidence of Jesus’ body being moved, leaving no clues to the identity of the person who took the body.

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Description

Join Matthias and Joseph as they navigate a dangerous journey through Jerusalem, facing spies and contemplating visits to biblical figures. This quiz delves into the intrigue surrounding their investigation and the historical significance of their surroundings. Explore the themes of secrecy and evasion in their adventure toward Bethany.