Exhuming Easter (complete - 3rd edition)

Then a dispute arose among the disciples as to which one of them was to be
regarded as the greatest. But Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over
them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you; rather
the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who
serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the
one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood
by me in my trials; and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a
Kingdom, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom, and you will sit on
thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. [Luke 22:24-30] For the hour is coming, indeed
it has already come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave
me. Yet I am never alone because the Father is always with me. [John 16:32]
And then he turned to Simon Peter and said, “Simon, Simon, listen to me! Satan
has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may
not fail; and that you, after you have turned back, might strengthen your brothers.” [Luke
22:31-32]
And Peter replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and even to death!”
Jesus then said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day until you have denied
three times that you even know me.” [Luke 22:33-34] And Simon Peter said to him,
“Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot
follow me; but you will follow afterwards.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not
follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” And Jesus answered, “Will you lay
down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied
me three times.” [John 13:36-38]
Then Jesus turned and said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or
sandals, did you lack anything?” They answered, “No, not a thing.” And he continued,
“But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has
no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in
me: ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is
being fulfilled.” Then they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He smiled and
replied, “It is enough.” [Luke 22:35-38]
And Jesus then spoke with them at length about many things – including his own
true nature, the requirements for their discipleship, the omni-presence of the Holy Spirit,
his upcoming crucifixion and departure, and the Loving nature of God the Father. [known
as Jesus’ “Johanine Farewell Discourse”; read from John 14:1 to John 17:26]
To Gethsemane …
Then, after Jesus had spoken these words and they had all sung the Passover
hymn, they departed, walking across the Kidron Valley towards the Mount of Olives, as
was Jesus’ custom. [Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26, Luke 22:39 & John 18:1a]
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