When
I was in Bible college years ago, a required class for everyone was The Life of
Christ. A couple of options were offered. I chose to study the final week of
Christ’s life. One full semester of the final week of Christ’s life.
There
is so much information in the Bible about that week. Much of the teachings of
Christ that are available to us were spoken during His final week.
Halley’s
Bible Handbook[i] has
a great chart about the last week and Jesus’ movements. I want to share this
with you.
The Last
Week of Jesus’ Life on Earth
|
|
Saturday
|
Jesus arrives
in Bethany (John 12:1)
|
Sunday
|
The Triumphal
Entry. Jesus weeks over Jerusalem
|
Monday
|
The fig
tree cursed. Merchants thrown out of the temple
|
Tuesday
|
Jesus’
last day in the temple. Judas’s bargain with the priests (or the next day?)
|
Wednesday
|
Day of
quiet at Bethany
|
Thursday
|
Evening:
the Last Supper Night: the agony in Gethsemane
|
Friday
|
Trial and
crucifixion
|
Sunday
|
Jesus rises
from the dead
|
Jesus
spent much of this week in the temple with great crowds, which included Jewish
leaders. Jesus spoke with the crowds and Jesus also used the time in the temple
to heal those in need of healing. So what are some of the issues Jesus talked
about and shared with this group?
Jesus
cleared the temple…again. He reminds the merchants that the temple is a house
of prayer, not for buying and selling. (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:12-19; Luke
19:45-48)
Jesus
cursed a fig tree…for not having figs. The lesson He taught was that of faith.
He stressed to the disciples that faith in God leads to great blessings. Faith
leads to answered prayer. (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:20-25; Luke 21:37-38)
Trying
to trap Jesus, the Pharisees sent some of their students to ask Jesus a
question on paying taxes. Jesus, of course sees right through this. I can
almost see Him ask for a coin with disgust. Giving to Caesar what is Caesar’s
and to God what is God’s was His answer. And that answer astonished them…it
also quieted them! (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26)
Jesus
was asked about the greatest commandment given. “Love the Lord your God with all your heat and with all your soul and
with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your
neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Just
another reminder of how we are to live our lives. (Matthew 22:34-40; Mark
12:28-34)
Jesus
was a people watcher! It thrills me because I enjoy watching people too! As the
crowd came into the temple to place their offerings in the treasury, Jesus
watched. He noticed how the rich would throw in large amounts of money. He also
noticed a poor widow, giving all that she had. “Two very small copper coins.” The lesson Jesus shared with the
disciples was that giving from poverty was far better than giving from wealth.
It means giving all there is…sacrificial giving. (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)
This
is just a short list of what Jesus had to say to those in the temple and along
the road. It was the last time He would be able to teach to some in this crowd.
He was intentional in His teachings. He felt a sense of urgency. He knew His
life was coming to an end and Jesus wanted to share as much as possible with
those willing to listen.
Jesus’
final week. There is much to be learned from His behavior during this time.
What have you learned? What are you willing to learn? Why not take the time
this week to read through His final week. You’ll be amazed at all Jesus wants
you to learn.
Tomorrow…be
ready to run through the last six parables that Jesus shared before His
crucifixion. Jesus was certainly busy!
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
No comments:
Post a Comment