ZACCHAEUS CLIMBING SYCAMORE TREE

ZACCHAEUS CLIMBING SYCAMORE TREE

Generally all the Bible readers are aware of the story of Zacchaeus a publican and tax collector. When he came to know that Jesus was coming to his place he became curious to see Him somehow or other. So he preferred a sycamore tree on the way to climb to see Jesus as he was a short man. In this connection we are also reminded of the song sung by the lovely Sunday school children in regarding the climbing of the tree by him. This story also gives us moral that we too must climb higher to look at our savior Jesus for our salvation.

According to some scholars the name Zacchaeus came from Hebrew Aramaic “Zachai” which means “pure”. It was probably shortened from the home phone “Fzadik” which mean “religious”. This would be similar to the familiar name of “Lazarus” in John II which came from the Hebrew word “Ellazer” this word means “God is help’ or “eleazere” means God is help my” some of the scholars suggested that it was a shortened form of “Zacchaeus “ (zachr). Then the tree that is mentioned in (Luke 19:4) and translated as a sycamore came from ancient Greek word, “sukomorea” (fig tree foolish or tasteless) and it seemed referred to the sycamore tree.

In Biblical terms, these trees were abundant in the lower part of Galilee and in Egypt. Because those regions had warmer temperature in contrast to the cooler temperature in upper Galilee. This sycamore tree would grow very large in size with a thick trunk and its circumference would be about forty feet. Regarding its wood though not good and ideal, it was used for various purposes.

With its large branches it became an ideal and perfect one for Zacchaeus to climb that tree to see the Lord clearly as He was walking in the crowed. This sycamore tree is a different spices from the common fig tree of (Matthew 21:19-

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Zacchaeus Climbing Sycamore Tree passed through Jericho and behold there was a man named Zacchaeus which was the chief among the publicans and he was rich. He had strong desire to see Jesus and to know about him who He was. But he could not stand on the street because he was a short man to see Jesus and he climbed up this sycamore tree”

And when Jesus came to that spot He saw Zacchaeus on the tree and said unto him “Zacchaeus make haste and come down for today I must abide at thy house.” Then became down and received Jesus joyfully. When the Pharisees all this they murmured among themselves and commented that He had gone to be a guest to a man who was a sinner.

Zacchaeus stood and said unto the Lord “behold Lord half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation I restore him fourfold, and Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to his house for so much as he also is a son of Abraham for the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (luke19:1-10). The traditional song sung by the children about the climbing of that tree by zacchaeus was in the following manner with some changing of words here and there.

Zacchaeus was wee little man,

And a wee little man was he

He climbed up in the sycamore tree

The better his Lord to see,

And as the savior passed that way

He looked up in the tree

And he said “Zacchaueus”

For you come down I’m doing to your house for tea

(Or today instead of for tea)

For I’m going to your house for tea” (It was a traditional song copy right unknown)

This brief account of Zacchaeus climbing the tree to see Jesus in (Luke 19:1-10) came after the parable of two men who went up to pray. One was Pharisee and the other publican. Apostle Luke said about both of them in

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The Redemption Plan of God (18"9-14). As we find in these verses the penitent publican was declared righteous by Jesus where as the Pharisee who justified himself and who proclaimed that he had given his tithes of everything he possessed was still declared unrighteous before God. This parable clearly indicated the sinfulness and self righteousness of the Pharisee.

The publican (being a tax collector) must have repented before Jesus. It appears the people hated publicans because of their profession (as tax collector) but generally Jews were the tax collectors for Romans Jesus wanted to maintain good relationship even with self righteous sinners like Pharisees. But in turn the pharisees always opposed the teachings and other activities of Jesus throughout. They also did not like the healing of the sick even on Sabbath day by Jesus. All these incidents caused Jesus to expose their self righteousness, their hypocrisy and finally declared them as sinners.

The Hebrew word for Pharisee is “pharashim” and those Pharisees were completely different from gentiles and Romans. These Pharisees were the major political party called “Sanhedrin”. And it was called Jewish political party that formed even the government in Jesus time.

These Pharisees also became more influential at that time. They controlled the rules and regulations of the temple. They could do anything and everything because of their unyielding legalism and quick condemnation of all who differed with them. In such conditions the Lord told a parable where in the Pharisee went home not justified by God, and the publican was justified, and the Pharisee took it as an insult inspire of all that the Lord wanted to put before them the truth. The young ruler who came to Jesus in a self-righteous manner was also attacked by the words of the Lord. He said that the young ruler was unwilling to give away his money to the poor but wanted to follow him.

Here we can see how Jesus challenged the rich young ruler for his money to the poor only. He directed Zacchaeus to help the poor but not to Jesus treasure or to his fund. God the father has been an example for centuries to his followers. This incident also justified the righteousness of Jesus and assured us how He

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Zacchaeus Climbing Sycamore Tree showed kindness to enter through Jericho. Zacchaeus came to know this happy news and wished to see him because of his physical stature; he wanted to climb a tree on the way to see Jesus. Actually Jesus was on his way to the cross. He was going to present himself to the Jews as the Messiah king full filling (Zachariah 9:9).

“Rejoice greatly O daughter of Zion shout O daughter of Jerusalem, behold thy king cometh unto thee”. He is just having salvation lowly and riding upon an ass and upon a colt to foal of an ass. It Jesus was to contest for the office of the president in His time, his advisors would have begged him not to offend either Pharisees or any voter in the public or to show more friendship with the publicans like zacchaeus. We find here the attitude of the sages and the public against the publicans and it is said even the zealots hated the publicans. They were treated as worse than traitors.

All this information underscores it, courage and righteousness of our Lord who was willing to acknowledge this repentant publican publicly, even though we would face accusation from his enemies. Even then Jesus was the friend of publicans and sinners. It also reminds us of the wonderful truth mentioned in john (6:37). All that the father gives me shall come to me and him that cometh to me; I will in no wise cast out”.

As in so many similar cases we can only ask what would the Christian churches have been through centuries. If Jesus had only looked up at Zacchaeus for a disapproving shape of this head and continued down the road until He found a good follower to lodge with that night we can give only immense thanks to our merciful God and cry alone. “What a wonderful savior is Jesus my Lord” Zacchaeus climbing of the tree gives us a clear picture of his abundant faith in Jesus and also to prove himself right before him.

Prior to this incident Jesus came and began to preach the publicans who were looked down upon with wrath by the Pharisees. But His teachings changed many of them and even led them for repentance. Their faith and repentance brought them to God for forgiveness. We have to observe one thing. In the case

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The Redemption Plan of God of Zacchaeus we must appreciate his strong desire to see Jesus in spite of his stature. His climbing of the tree illustrates to us his unforced faith and his desire to become right before God. It was the holy spirit of God and his sovereign power that awoke him to his need of getting right with God and which drew him to his Lord. These are the important lessons for all of us from the story of Zacchaeus.

When Jesus came to the peace where Zacchaeus was on the tree. He saw him and said unto him “Zacchaeus make haste and come down for today I must abide at thy house. And he came down immediately and received Jesus happily. When people like Pharisees saw the situation they all murmured among themselves by saying that Jesus had gone to be a guest of a great sinner. The savior did the right thing even though some people misunderstood him. How Jesus knew about the repentance of Zacchaeus was not clearly mentioned anywhere. Perhaps Jesus must have been told by his disciples in advance or Zacchaeus himself must have sent a letter or message in advance as an evidence of his repentance.

Whatever might be the opinion of different people, one thing is crystal clear. That is a wealthy man Zacchaeus was seeking the forgiveness of God, but not self justification or as a poor man asking for money. The saying of Jesus that he would like to spend a night or a few nights in the house of that chief publican did not impress the self-righteous and self-praising Pharisees any more so, they offered no assistance to the sinners toward getting right with God. Instead of helping them the Pharisees judged and condemned them and these unrighteous hypocrites must have repeated psalm1 verse 1 all night to each other. When they heard that Jesus spent a night in the house of publican Zacchaeus.

“Blessed is the man that walked not in the counsel of the unGodly, not stranded in the way of sinners, not sitteth in the seat of the scornful”.

Christ has become the repeated cry of condemnation by the Pharisees and his going to the house of Zacchaeus made them restless and He became a target for their criticism. In such conditions, Jesus must have whispered in the

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Zacchaeus Climbing Sycamore Tree ear of the publican that some hypocrites had been watching His moments and so He would go back to His house. But He came to this world to save the sinners only, and ones a sinner is cleansed by God, Jesus can come in and abide with him. Any way Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully and it was really a memorable day for him.

As said in (Revelation 3"20) “Behold I stand at the door and knock it any man can hear my voice and open the door I will come into him and will sup with him and he with me”.

Jesus gave us a living lesson that once the sinner is cleansed the Lord Himself can sit down and have fellowship with Him. Whatever may be the understanding of Pharisees about Jesus He gave a wonderful truth to all humanity. However, Jesus entering the house of a man, who openly declared his repentance, was not doing anything wrong. He was rather demonstrating truth for the people to realize, what God has cleansed is not a common thing for the public.

Jesus spent that night with Zacchaeus as He had spent His time with the sinful Samaritan woman at Jacobs well. Zacchaeus humbly stood before the Lord and said “behold Lord the half of my goods I give to the poor and if I have taken from any man by false accusation I restore him fourfold. For these words, Jesus said unto him; this very day is salvation come to this house, and added Zacchaeus was also the son of Abraham “for the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was last” (Luke 19:9-10).

This enormous spiritual change in the life of Zacchaeus need not be overstated because he has publicly declared that he would donate half of his property to the poor. Undoubtedly the gentle words of Jesus would have prompted him to part with part of his fortunes into the bag of Judas who was carrying it. At that time Judas must have irritated because these publicans as Tax collectors have collected more money from the public. In the same way Jesus also must directed Zacchaeus to return that money to the public again.

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The Redemption Plan of God

Then Zacchaeus stood up and took both publicly to restore fourfold any money he collected illegally or questionably by false arguments. And according to (Exodus 22:1) such things demanded a five fold repayment for a stolen or fourfold repayment for a stolen sheep. This is just corresponded to David’s fourfold restoration. When prophet Nathan confronted him with the matter of “Bathsheba” comparing her to Isaiah’s love lamb. (2 Samuel 12:6).

This public pledge by Zacchaeus showed fruits worthy of repentance. The next word of Jesus to him as said in (luke19:9) “this day is the salvation come to this house”….. in light of the words of John the Baptist which may have been well know to all say this repentance and Zacchaeus turning towards God confirmed the truth that he really belonged to the seed of Abraham now spiritually as well as physically. So it is said, bring forth therefore fruits of repentance and begin not to say within yourselves. We have Abraham as our father for I say unto you that God is capable of these stones to rise up children unto Abraham (Luke 3:8).

The Pharisee would have said certainly that a publican or a chief publican such as Zacchaeus was married to Rome, and he was no longer a Jew or son of Abraham by faith or repentance. Jesus Christ here affirmed to born again Zacchaeus publicly, Apostle Paul also affirmed that Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for his righteousness (Roman 4:3) quoting from (Genesis 15:5). It is confirmed that Zacchaeus as the son of Abraham by following Abraham in faith and also spiritually he was called the son of Abraham.

A hot discussion among the Pharisees culminated when Jesus pronounced Zacchaeus as a true son of Abraham. This final declaration resulted closing of this story made the people to shout for centuries across the boundaries. The story of Zacchaeus became a great message for the Christian Missionaries who crossed oceans deserts and jungles with that message. They had even sacrificed their lives in the shadow of the savior’s noble purpose to proclaim the “good news” of salvation to those people who were lost.

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Zacchaeus Climbing Sycamore Tree

“For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10). We can also remember the self righteous rich young ruler where he was departing from Jesus, challenged to give away earthly goods and to follow Jesus.

Jesus said at that time “For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God”. And the people who heard those words whispered among themselves who then can be saved?. Then Jesus said “The kings who are impossible with men are possible with God. In connection with the story of Zacchaeus God made it easier that He can save the rich sinner as well as the poor.

At last this wonderful message was celebrated with a song by thousands of Sunday school children every week in the church which brings joy, hope and encouragement to all sinners who heard the voice of our savior who would like to climb higher in their spiritual life like Zacchaeus. Jesus came to Jericho with His message of salvation. Zacchaeus climbed the physical tree for the time being it was just the beginning of his spiritual climb for his lifelong.

Jesus seeks and knocks at the door of the heart of the sinner. So let us be watchful. When Jesus would come and knock at our door.

42 CHAPTER : 5

THE GARDEN TOMB OF JESUS

Jesus had done many miracles in his hectic missionary work apart from teaching and preaching but all these miracles and acts of God as mentioned in the Bible, his virgin birth and resurrection became most prominent. But unfortunately these two incidents were denied and attacked by different nonbelievers for centuries. And in recent years creation has joined its hands with the August company of doctrines to be denied. Finally it so happened that resurrection alone stands as the most maligned miracle of the ages. Without proper knowledge of evidence about criticism of the tomb our belief becomes of little important in the resurrection of Jesus.

All this story is connected to the present city Bethlehem a small village at that time in Judaean hills just about 5 miles away from Jerusalem. It has nothing to provide or worthy for tourists attraction from the city in the present days. The history of Ruth, Noami, Baoz, and also it was the birth place of king David. The background of all these personalities provided some significance to that city

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The Garden Tomb Of Jesus Bethlehem. Added to that the most important cause for Bethlehem to become more popular as world’s tourist center is because Jesus was born there. If Jesus was not born there Bethlehem would have remained only as an archeological site for some evidences about king David. Then the tomb of Jesus owes its importance and popularity for one fact that it is the place from which Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and this tomb is completely cave in one of the many hills that make up the city of Jerusalem. We cannot neglect the importance of that city because it is the heart beat of Christianity.

The resurrection is the fundamental doctrine of the new testament. Of all the miracles that took place resurrection is the most vital and wonder of wonders. This is mentioned in the New Testament about 104 times. As a matter of fact, this very resurrection gave life to Christianity and became major religion in the world with the living originator. Other religions like Islam, Buddhism, etc also had their originators and founders but died like ordinary people and only Christianity has living founder. In this connection, apostle Paul said that if resurrection is not true then we as Christians must have become miserable because the foundation for Christianity is faith. But now we need not be miserable as he is risen and proved himself as immortal God. In addition to that God has given that many infaleable proofs of its reality (Acts 1:3). The best news the world ever had come from a graveyard. The resurrection of Jesus is “Amen” for all His promises. Without the resurrection we could have no evidence for putting all our unconditional faith in Him. Even the gospels cannot explain the resurrection but the resurrection itself explains the gospel. For its confirmation let us examine some of the proofs concerning his resurrection. •Nobody has ever claimed that the body was present and accounted for in

the tomb. So the body was missing and the result was infavor of disapprove

of about resurrection. It is the undisputable fact that the body had gone

from the tomb that very point will give scope to sceptics a difficult time

(Mathew 28:6) and (John 20:1-10). •Some people were anxious to recover the body but never found it. The

elders must have spared experienced effort to locate and display the body of

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The Redemption Plan of God

Jesus. We can be sure they left no stone unturned in their search yet it became

futile. •The body was found at last. But it was alive and in normal condition. One

preacher said in this connection that “The victim of Calvary is loose and at

large.” And in (I Corinthians 15 : 5-8) we read that several people who saw

Him alive including 500 others, all saw Jesus after resurrection at a time. •Then the clothes that were found in His grave also an indelible proof

undoubtedly. Apostle John said they were lying. The Greek word for this is

“Keimai.” It is used in (Luke 2 : 12) and 16 of Jesus “Lying in a manger.” This

meaning here is “Out stretched” like a person who is lying down. The clear

picture and implication is that the clothes were positioned like such a way

as if Jesus’ body had passed through them and only the clothes were empty.

How much time would have taken place to unwrap the body and then to

rewrap the clothes without body to give it to a form. If anybody had tried to

steel the body why should he risk being found playing with the burial cloths. •Finally, the most undoubted proof of all is the disciples themselves. The

Bible history and tradition all indicate the followers of Jesus (except John

the apostle) all died painful martyr’s death for preaching the resurrection of

Jesus Christ. If at all they had knowledge of any circumstance they would

have certainly spoken of it. As we see in the world some people die for the

sake of truth but nobody die in order to save lie. If necessary many more

examples can be quoted for the proof of resurrection. Still it has not kept

the sceptics from proposing some of the most preposterous and imaginable

explanations. And most of them hinge on what is popularly known as “Swoon

theory.” According to this concept, Jesus did not die really but swooned or

fainted. The swoon theory is only a fanciful tale to explain the resurrection.

There is another theory called “Twin theory.” According to that theory the

originator of this wild and fanciful tale Mary’s baby was inadvertently switched

with another baby who happened to have an identical twin. So the Jesus,

Mary and Joseph raised was not the real Jesus but his twin brother Heerome

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The Garden Tomb Of Jesus

who did not know anything of his identical twin until he saw his brother on

the cross. After he saw his mirror image he realized that Jesus he had heard

so much about was no other than his twin brother.

As per the story Heerome steals the body of his brother Jesus and invents a messianic ministry for him by pretending to be the Christ. It would actually take a book to point out all the Biblical historical and logistical errors in this theory. It is amazing that a futile imagination will go to explain about the empty tomb. In light of the wild events today our readers may be interested to know how the Muslims explain the resurrection. After all they placed Jesus next to their prophet Mohammad as a prophet. There are many variations to the central view which is that Jesus was never crucified and so there is no need of resurrection. The main thesis is that God made someone to look like Jesus who was put to death.

A variety of names are offered as to who that unfortunate substitute was. From Judas Iscariot to Pontious Pilot to Simon of Cyrene and even to one of his inner circle. But according to Muslim theory what must have happened to Jesus? A majority of Muslims content that Jesus had escaped the cross and taken up to heaven and one day he will come back to earth and play a central role in the future events. On the basis of some of the alleged sayings of Mohammad the Muslims believe that just before the end of time Jesus will come back to earth. He will kill all the antichrist kill all the pigs and tag rag break the cross destroy the synagogues and churches. Then he will establish the religion of Islam live for forty years and die. After death He will be buried in the city of Medina by the side of prophet Mohammad. We may come across this kind of cock and bull stories. We must try to understand as readers about the shallow and ludicrous men’s philosophical thinking about their dynamic truth of the word of God. Apart from that it helps us to appreciate what God has revealed about the tomb in which Jesus was buried. In spite of many adverse sayings about the resurrection there is one undisputable fact both Biblically and historically that is the tomb was empty.

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The Redemption Plan of God

Let us recollect for a while what we know about the tomb. As a matter of fact, there are two tombs in Jerusalem both of them claim the burial of Jesus and resurrection. One is on the western side and slightly towards north of the temple mount. It is known as “Holy Sepulcher” site. It is older and more traditional site. However most of the original mount has been levelled over centuries to accommodate a good number of Basilicas that cover the area. At present, there exists only a small grotto (cave) in a large Basilica in a distance of about quarter mile to the north west of this Basilica remains the second temple commonly known as “Gordon Calvary.” In 1800 A.D. a British military general Sir. Charles Gordon happened to look through the window of his hotel room in Jerusalem. He saw the south eastern face of a mount with three caves that appeared like a skull. He made a thorough investigation and then came to conclusion that it was no other than the place of crucifixion in Biblical days.

Then on the northwest corner he found a tomb that seemed to have all the similarities that are mentioned in the Bible regarding the tomb of Jesus. But for awhile it is left to the discretion of the readers to believe which of the two must have been the real tomb of Jesus. At the same time, everybody would agree in two points •Both the tombs are empty. •Of the two locations, the Gordon tomb had the real serenity and worship

and one can understand with experience. With this brief information the

other historical background we are led to believe and confound that the

“Garden tomb” is taken for granted as the real tomb of Jesus and His

resurrection. They are many Biblical reasons for our belief.

Prophet Isaiah in 53 : 9 said that “The Messiah would make His grave rich in His death.” And the garden tomb is obviously a rich man’s tomb. It was not only hand hewn but also the place inside was so spacious even two corps can be put side by side. It was a common practice in those days to prefer an existing cave and convert that into a tomb by digging and preparing walls within itself to hold the dead bodies. It is said some of these cave tombs could hold even 60-70

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The Garden Tomb Of Jesus bodies and no space was wasted. Sometimes an area of 11 x 14 feet was provided for two corpes of rich families. Added to that apostle Luke in 23 :53 said it was a tomb that no other body was put prior to Jesus though we cannot see the physical evidence to support our belief and faith or deny the fact from other tombs. We all know our Lord was born from a virgin womb and he arose from the virgin tomb.

Our Lord is really great in arranging events in that manner. Some scholars argued that the tomb chamber alone was very small to allow the body to be prepared as the scriptures indicate. Actually before entering the tomb there will be another room through which one must pass. The tomb is called “Weeping chamber.” It will provide comfortable place for mourning families and friends out of hot sun and inclement weather. The weeping chamber is supposed to be ample in size to accommodate any manner of burial preparations. It is recorded in John’s Gospel that when he and Peter came to know about the empty tomb both of them ran to the spot to witness themselves. John went first and remained outside the tomb. He looked inside and saw empty grave clothes. One can without doubt looking out the side the tomb itself can see the body shelf on which the corpse of Jesus had been laid. What must be the reason for John not to enter the tomb we do not know. He must have done so because he had respect for the dead body of Jesus or he did not want to enter as it was an uncleaned place or he must have waited for the coming of Peter. But Peter came and immediately entered the tomb. And by this act we can understand the impetuous nature of Peter.

Once a speaker commented by saying that as soon as Peter came to know the body of Jesus was not there at the proper place he immediately went there. In Mathew 27 : 60 it is revealed the great stone was rolled across the entrance of the tomb. Generally, it was a common practice to close the entrance of a tomb. It is stated in John 19 : 39 that Nicodemus seemed to have spent about 100 pounds per expensive burial ointments used on Jesus’ burial clothes. It is really strange to know they were robbers of tombs also in those days. In such a case the ointment spent by Nicodemus would have been the great treasure to a tomb

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The Redemption Plan of God robbers. Generally, closing of a tomb prevents the scavenging animals. Some dogs and wild animals have been habituated to eat the flesh of dead and decomposed bodies mutilate the corpse and cause pungent smell in the surroundings. Sometimes opening of the tombs would be closed to keep the snitch of decaying bodies inside the tomb. It was this tomb the corrupted religious leaders wanted the Romans to shut and seal the tomb of Jesus.

But Pontius Pilate commanded the concern people to watch and keep as far as possible more security. As per the instructions the temple God sealed the tomb by pressing the cord stretched across the stone door into a soft clay on either side of the stone. And some quantity of sand would be used with the clay for any construction purpose. Then on the clay seal of high priest was in printed with a signet. If anybody tried to break the seal he was treated as sacrilege and then received due punishment. In the same way if anybody broke the Roman seal the punishment was death. We have looked into more information about the tomb which is called the garden tomb. In John 19:41 it is clearly stated the tomb was located in a garden. We must have to remember one thing in this context that is the garden we see today in Jerusalem is completely different at the time of Jesus Christ. Any garden today will be beautified with all kinds of wonderful flowers. But this is a story of 2000 years ago.

Some scholars are of the opinion regarding the garden that there must be vineyard in those days. The main reason for our thinking in that way is because of the remains of the largest wine press of ancient nature was found in the city of Jerusalem which is located at few yards from the opening of the tomb. And also a third largest water cistern is located there which would have held in excess of a quarter million gallons of water exactly that required for a vineyard of that size. The last authentic proof is one of the women by name Mary saw Jesus in the same garden after He arose from the dead and thought he was a gardener (John 20:15).

It is also very interesting to know something about the burial customs of Jews in the ancient period. For example, like the Egyptians the Jews used to embalm the dead body if they could afford the expenses. They anointed the

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The Garden Tomb Of Jesus bodies with oil and perfumes and with this process the decaying of the body could be prolonged. But after 18 or 24 months the body had to be inevitably decomposed and became dust leaving only bones. Finally, the family members kept those wasted bones in a stone box called “Ossuary” which means the “Bone box.” The size of the bone box was just the length of a thigh bone. In recent excavations many Ossuaries have been unearthed in the tombs in and around Jerusalem. It has been continued and in 1990 one of such stone box was located in a burial area of a high ranking and wealthy people with a name a very professionally inscribed on its side. The name was “Chaiaphas.” According to the Bible Chaiaphas was the high priest who sat in the judgment at the Jesus’ trials while the bones of the man who sat in the judgment of the “Lord of glory” are still here in a small stone box and the body of man he judged left this world longtime ago.

The “Talmud” is the name of the book of ancient Jews it contained their laws and traditions. It explained about the rabbis of Jesus times who taught their people some strange ideas about death and burial. After death according to their teaching the spirit hovered over the body for three days. They said during those three days it is possible for the spirit to reenter the body and give life to it. If not in the fourth day the physical efforts of death would lead the body for decay making it physically and ceremonially unclean. At that point, the spirit would never reenter the body. This may be one reason Jesus waited until the fourth day to come to the grave of Lazarus. In decomposed condition on the fourth day it is impossible to restore life unless he is a Deity who can give life. But here in the case of Lazarus Jesus is the Deity. There are other customs and traditions worth to mention in this context and it is not wise to conclude without drawing an analogy between resurrection and “Yonkippur” the day of atonement. On that day of the year the high priest used to wear plain white robe like an ordinary priest. There must be some reason for God in ordaining such clothing for such occasion. The reason is when the high priest entered the “Holy of holies” with the blood of sacrificial animal in a bowl he represented the future day on which Christ would shed His blood on the cross of Calvary. Jesus wore white

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The Redemption Plan of God garments when he was put on the cross and those white garments represented the righteousness of Jesus Christ and this is the only way one can enter the presence of God.

As readers kindly keep the picture of the high priest for awhile in your minds as he was entering the “Holy of holies” (sanctum sanctorum) with the blood of a sacrificial animal in a bowl. There must be a gathering of thousands of worshippers on the temple mount and there was a pin drop silence. At that moment, there arose a critical question in their hearts and minds. The question is what if?

1.What if God rejects the priest as the mediator between Himself and the people?

2.What if the priest had overlooked some ceremonial cleansing?

3.What if he missed some act of purification?

4.What if the animal had some blemish?

5.What if there were some blemish or problem with the blood?

6.What if God rejected the covering blood of the sacrificial animal?

In such conditions their sins would be uncovered. Then the warth of God might pounce upon them and make all fall dead on the spot. Then naturally such critical situation would force the high priest to sprinkle the blood on the “Mercy seat” immediately as some fault must have been found that caused all dead. As a result, the high priest might lie on the floor of Holy of holies in order to prevent the dying of people. Finally, the white robed priest would come out of the temple to the temple mount. This situation would show God had accepted the priest as a mediator and the blood scarifies as a satisfactory covering of their sins for one more year.

After all their sins were forgiven for another year and they were saved with the mercy of God Almighty they must have enjoyed and celebrated that occasion with Jubilant mood. Let us shift our imagination for awhile from Yonkippur to another Jewish convocation otherwise known as Jewish first feast called “Passover.” Jesus had died a cruel death on the cross. Then His body was kept in the tomb. During that time He was taken by His spirit the blood of

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The Garden Tomb Of Jesus sacrifice into the holy of holies of the heavenlies (Hebrews 9: 11-14, 23-26). Then Jesus presented Himself as the great high priest and the blood of His sacrifice appeared not as a temporary covering but as the eternal atonement for the sins of the whole humanity. If the high priest (Jesus) was rejected or if some fault, some blemish were found in His blood sacrifice then all our sins would have remained unforgiven and the entire humanity should have gone to eternal hell. Likewise the angels too must have wondered why Jesus was still in the grave.

It has been already two days to doubt whether God rejected his death, his blood or whether the warth of God was about to fall on the unsuspecting word then on the morning of the third day a white robed figure came out of the tomb. His very presence showed a green signal to signify God had accepted Him as High priest and the blood sacrifice. And as a result, salvation was accomplished. When God the son was hanging on the cross He cried “It is finished” (John 19:30) but on the resurrection morning God the father said “Amen” what is the mendable thing occurred on that resurrection morning? The Almighty God put His eternal stamp of approval on the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is certainly an auspicious occasion for all the Christian believers to rejoice themselves. In excitement we observe that precious day once in a year and call it (Easter Sunday) and some renowned scholars suggested this Easter festival must be celebrated 365 days a year and all believers must put their faith, trust and hope on him and him alone for their salvation.

We can see today the garden tomb in Jerusalem without stone door but with wooden door and on the door there is a simple message with a simple signature. The message is he is not here for he is risen again indeed and there are many proofs for that without doubt. Our praise, worship glory and honor must go to the risen lamb of God who is going to come soon as the Lion of tribe of Judah.

52 CHAPTER : 6

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