Jesus’ resurrection launches Christianity as he shows himself to many people and then disappears into the clouds. The disciples struggle to take it all in.

The book of Hebrews emphasizes the greatness of Jesus, and calls every believer to hold fast to their confession, firm to the end.

Jesus prepares his followers for the trials to come. They need to not be confused about what just happened, and they need to understand what it all means. Jesus does this through a series of dramatic appearances, combined with specific teaching, so as to sear into their memories what they saw and what they learned. These well-prepared believers will become an unstoppable force, spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire – and beyond.

After telling the thief next to Him that’ll he’ll be in paradise soon, Jesus dies. Everyone witnesses this and the Centurion declares His innocence. Joseph of Arimathea buries Jesus but then Joanna and the two Marys find the tomb empty. Upon hearing this, Peter rushes to the tomb and finally connects the dots.

T. M. and Rev. Robert Lynn continue their Conversation about the state of the Church, looking at the formative role of worship in congregational life.

Pilate and Herod find Jesus innocent, but Pilate caves to the rabble and sends Jesus to the cross anyway.

Things are happening fast now. Jesus issues a final warning to His disciples. He prays, “Let this cup pass,” is betrayed and arrested, and heals the ear of the servant of the high priest. Then Peter denies Him 3 times, and a quick trial before the council determines that he’s claiming to be the son of God and so must be guilty.

The action really picks up as we approach Jesus’ arrest. Satan enters Judas and he plots with the authorities to betray Jesus. They eat the last supper and the disciples, clueless about what’s coming, get into a silly debate about who’s the greatest. Jesus turns this into a teachable moment, then predicts Peter’s denial.

The local church is both sign and outpost of the Kingdom of God, sent by God to bring the refreshing grace and truth of Jesus to the world. Bob Lynn helps us to see how churches can realize more of this vision and calling.

Jesus gives a long and detailed description of the end times. Though parts of it are widely misunderstood, one part proves life-saving; He tells the disciples to flee to the hills instead of retreating within the city walls. The Roman siege of the city in 70AD was a slaughter. The Christians who fled survived.

Jesus frustrates all the attempts to trap Him with trick questions. Then he fires back with some harsh criticism. The disciples ask about the end times and Jesus launches the Olivet Discourse.