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Prepping for this past week’s message was a treat. Over the years of ministry, I had put together bits and pieces of the timeline, but never assembled a chronology of the entire week. As I was preparing, the "Remember, Don't Forget" concept came to mind and brought back memories of the celebratory nature of the Jewish people. Their many memorial days combined with the annual rhythm of religious festivals stirred me to look for intentionality. Of all the days in the history of the world, Jesus chose His presentation and crucifixion with precision.
There are some fascinating studies on the potential of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the exact day that was predicted some 173,880 days beforehand, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). The precision, intentionality and purpose of the life of Christ points to a grand plan that was designed by God before the foundations of the earth. Jesus Christ transcended history and fulfilled these prophecies perfectly.
The Holy Week message was taught at about 2x speed, so I thought I would attach my notes (see below) and point you to two resources that helped shape the chronology itself.
I am indebted to Harold W. Hoehner for his diligent work on the Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ. Dr. Hoehner was my professor at Dallas Theological Seminary and has set the bar for chronological studies of the life of Jesus. His book was published by Zondervan in 1977, and has stood the test of time.
I am also grateful for the work of Charles R. Swindoll for his work on The Darkness and the Dawn. His colorful words and storytelling narrative brought me into the very crucifixion scene. Swindoll has always been a tremendous author and prolific communicator, but the pages of The Darkness and the Dawn invite the reader into the first century chaos that surrounded the cross of Christ.
As with most topics, the more you read, the more you seem to discover the seminal work. In most business leadership books you find the lingering influence of Peter Drucker's Effective Executive. Author after author seems to quote his concepts, refer to his theories or repackage his brilliance. When it comes to the crucifixion of Christ and the details of the surrounding events of that fateful day, Jim Bishop's work The Day Christ Died seems to be the source from which other writers draw their inspiration. Like Drucker, Bishop seems to have paved the way for those who will follow. Originally published in 1957 by Harper Collins Publishers, his research and depth of study have proved timeless for those who seek to put the pieces together decades later.
I hope these resources prove helpful for you as you seek to understand more deeply the implications of the crucifixion and the depth of love demonstrated on Calvary's Cross.
I pray you enjoy your Easter season and that you "Remember, and Don't Forget!"
~ Brad
Message Notes: "The Chronology of the Holy Week" (attached) – Brad Bell
Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ – Hoehner
The Darkness and the Dawn – Swindoll
The Day Christ Died – Bishop