Chapter 5: The Situation on Friday Afternoon Summary and Analysis

Although the prosecution of Jesus was conducted by the Jewish priests, focus must be placed on Jesus' close circle during the days that led up to his arrest. There were sixteen people who belonged to that inner circle: The eleven remaining apostles; Mary, mother of Jesus; Mary, wife of Cleophas, Salome, wife of Zebedee, Mary Magdalene, and, Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward. Two men of higher social class were also avid supporters: Joseph of Arimathea and the councilor, Nicodemus. All these individuals were in Jerusalem during the feast.

What were the reactions of these people and when did the full realization of what happened fall upon them? For the disciples it was that very night when Judas led the guards to him. Peter and John followed behind Jesus and the...