The Christ Commission Ch 14

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Questions and Answers

What realization did Matthias come to after reflecting on the investigation?

Joseph's testimony was unreliable.

There had been no hoax by Jesus' followers. (correct)

The investigation had proven the case true.

The body of Jesus was secretly removed.

What was Matthias' reaction to admitting defeat in the investigation?

He decided to abandon his writing ambitions.

He felt regret for his previous beliefs.

He was exhilarated by the opportunity to write. (correct)

He blamed others for the misunderstanding.

What concern did Matthias have at the end of the investigation?

Joseph's health and well-being.

Finding a critical piece of the puzzle. (correct)

Making sure the manuscript is perfect.

Revealing the truth to the public.

How did Joseph's appearance contribute to the story at that moment?

He seemed fatigued and worn out. Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias compare his current state to?

A terrible hangover. Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias plan to do after reflecting on the events?

Write the manuscript of 'The Christ Commission' again. Signup and view all the answers

What mixed feelings does Matthias express about the investigation?

He is both exhilarated and exhausted by the truth. Signup and view all the answers

What is Matthias determined to do despite Joseph's concerns?

Interview James about his change of heart regarding Jesus Signup and view all the answers

How does Joseph feel about Matthias's decision to venture into the market?

He is deeply concerned for Matthias's safety. Signup and view all the answers

What does the marketplace in the lower city offer to its visitors?

A wide variety of goods and services Signup and view all the answers

What kind of atmosphere does the market create for rural visitors?

Deafening and overwhelming Signup and view all the answers

What phrase does Joseph use to express his hopeful sentiment to Matthias?

Mizpah. Signup and view all the answers

What caused Matthias to stop drinking heavily?

A traumatic experience in jail Signup and view all the answers

How did Matthias' wife influence his decision to quit drinking?

She gave him an ultimatum regarding family or alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of life did Joseph associate with God's presence?

Love and compassion Signup and view all the answers

What did Matthias believe about his pleas for help during his troubled times?

They were ignored by a higher power Signup and view all the answers

What lesson did Joseph try to convey to Matthias about Jesus's fate?

He was murdered for showing love to others Signup and view all the answers

What objects were used for scourging, as mentioned in the passage?

Flags with rusty chains and nails Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph say about the Kingdom of God?

It exists within individuals who love each other Signup and view all the answers

What was Matthias' emotional state during his drinking days?

Self-loathing and frustrated Signup and view all the answers

What did Matthias think about God's care for humanity?

God cares for every individual and their struggles Signup and view all the answers

What did Matthias see in the closet that Joseph revealed to him?

A life-size statue of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

According to Joseph, what was unique about Matthias's investigation into Jesus?

He never asked about the appearance of Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

How did Joseph describe Jesus's voice?

Soft and medium range Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Jesus's height surprised Matthias?

He was the same height as Matthias. Signup and view all the answers

What was the color of Jesus's hair as described by Joseph?

Dark walnut Signup and view all the answers

Why was Matthias eager to speak with James again?

To question James's motives for preaching Signup and view all the answers

What did Joseph warn Matthias about during his visit?

He could lose his life and not return. Signup and view all the answers

What did Matthias remember while observing the statue of Jesus?

A large oil painting by Ralph Palett Coleman Signup and view all the answers

What did Joseph say about Matthias's assumptions in his detective work?

Assumptions can lead to incorrect conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

What was Joseph's reaction when Matthias insisted on wanting to see James again?

He showed concern about the risk involved. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the instrument mentioned in the text?

To inflict severe punishment Signup and view all the answers

What kind of experience does Joseph ask Matthias to imagine?

Being tied to a post and tortured Signup and view all the answers

What does the crown of thorns symbolize in the context of the narrative?

Suffering and humiliation Signup and view all the answers

How did Joseph remove the crown of thorns from Jesus' head?

With great difficulty due to the embedded spikes Signup and view all the answers

What did the soldiers do to mock Jesus during his crucifixion?

They mocked him with a purple cloth and scepter. Signup and view all the answers

What does the sign placed over Jesus on the cross read?

Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthias observe about the broken sign?

It separated with the word 'King' prominent. Signup and view all the answers

What message did Jesus convey regarding material possessions, as recounted by Joseph?

Money should be given to the poor instead of indulgence. Signup and view all the answers

What did the soldiers use to strike Jesus after placing the crown on his head?

A heavy rod Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the linen that was used in the narrative?

It was used for Jesus’ body after his death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Matthias's Investigation

Matthias spent four days investigating the resurrection of Jesus
He interviewed many people, including John and Mark, who convinced him there was no hoax
Shobi's testimony solidified his belief
Matthias concluded that there was no case, no one had removed Jesus's body
Matthias was excited to write "The Christ Commission" with no doubts, but a missing piece remained

Conversation with Joseph

Joseph found Matthias, looking weary and haggard
Matthias compared himself to someone with a hangover
Matthias confessed that he used to be an alcoholic and stopped when he was in jail for drunkenness
Joseph said that falling into despair can help one to appreciate the good things
Matthias credited his wife and his two sons for changing his life
To Matthias, love is what brought him to God, love is more important than any material goods

Joseph's Collection

Joseph showed Matthias his collection of relics from Jesus’s crucifixion
The collection included the flagra, the crown of thorns, the club, and the reed
Joseph had procured the items from the tomb himself
The collection showed the brutality of Jesus’s crucifixion
Joseph believed that Jesus's love cured all ills and wrongs, and that love was the greatest gift from God

The Sculptor

Joseph showed Matthias a sculpture of Jesus, made by the sculptor Hermogenes
The sculpture was life-size and made of marble
It captured Jesus's likeness perfectly.
Matthias is deeply impressed and reminded of a painting he had seen
Matthias notes details of Jesus's appearance (his hair, eyes, skin, and voice)
Jesus's appearance was similar to his brother, James

A Missing Piece

Matthias remembers his earlier conversation with James about the reason for his faith
The conversation remains incomplete and Matthias feels there is a missing piece
Matthias wants to see James again and ask him why he would risk his life for a philosophy that brought death to his brother
Joseph is concerned about the danger, warning him about the consequences of staying in the past too long

The Meeting with James

Matthias, eager to understand James's change of heart regarding Jesus, asks Joseph to take him to James's stall in the market.
Despite Joseph's concerns about Matthias's safety, he agrees to take him.
Matthias explains to Joseph that this interview with James will be the final one for his research on Jesus.
After visiting the bustling marketplace, they find James working in the market.
James greets Matthias warmly, emphasizing his role as a supporter of Jesus, despite his initial disapproval.
Matthias reminds James of a previous conversation about his changed outlook regarding Jesus.
Matthias emphasizes that he has already interviewed many witnesses, but seeks understanding from James, who initially did not believe in Jesus but is now a strong advocate.
James acknowledges the conversation and asks Matthias if he is closer to understanding the truth.
Matthias pleads with James to share whatever revelation he experienced after the crucifixion, highlighting the difference between simply seeing the truth and understanding it.
James begins to explain his perspective when three Roman legionnaires enter the tent and arrest Matthias on orders from Pontius Pilate, the procurator.

Marketplace Description

The marketplace is described as a bustling, chaotic, and diverse place where visitors from various regions come together.
The text highlights the contrast between the grandeur of the Holy City and the stark poverty of the lower city.
The marketplace, a key aspect of the lower city, is filled with a variety of vendors, merchants, and craftsmen.
The sounds of the marketplace—haggling, cries of animals, and music—create a sensory overload.
Joseph describes the inhabitants of the lower city as prisoners of their own despair, their hopes dashed by the crucifixion of Jesus.

Joseph and Matthias's Relationship

Joseph, a guide and mentor to Matthias, shows concern for Matthias's safety but respects his determination.
Their conversation reveals their close relationship and shared purpose.
Joseph uses the Hebrew blessing "Mizpah" to express his hope for Matthias's safety.

Themes

Faith and belief: The text explores the complex journey of faith through James's transformation.
Social justice and poverty: The description of the marketplace highlights the social and economic disparities of the lower city.
Truth and understanding: Matthias's search for the truth about Jesus underscores the difference between merely witnessing an event and truly understanding its significance.

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