Jesus spent Monday night outside the city of Jerusalem (Mark 11:19) most likely in the little village of Bethany. Tuesday morning, we find Jesus wending his way back into the city of Jerusalem (Mark 11:20) that should have welcomed Him as their King but instead would crucify him as a criminal yet their Savior three days hence. As Jesus passed by the fig tree on which he had pronounced a curse the day before on his way into the city of Jerusalem (Matt 21:19), the fig tree was withered which was pointed out by Peter (Mark 11:21). Jesus came into the temple and was accosted by the chief priests, scribes, and elders challenging his authority (Mark 11:27-28). Jesus answered the question about authority (Mark 11:29-33) and then launched into teaching the crowd gathered. Jesus knew his time was short and he desired to teach as much as he could in these last few hours.

Jesus taught the parable of the Wicked Husbandmen (Mark 12:1-12), telling the Jewish religious elite what they themselves would do in three mere days. Jesus gave the teaching on rendering to Caesar what was Caesar’s and to God’s what was God’s (Mark 12:13-17), a lesson he would fulfill in completion in rendering himself to God in three short days. Jesus taught on the Resurrection (Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20: 27-40) which he would fulfill and enable for you and me in five days. Very likely (I cannot verify this with certainty) Jesus taught the parable of the Great Supper (Matthew 22:1-14) on this day in the temple as well. Jesus pronounced the seven woes upon the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-36), in his condemnation extending one last warning for these individuals who used religion for their own personal advantage to turn from their ways.

Finally, Jesus pronounced his final lament upon Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37-39) declaring that the city would not see him again till she should say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 23:39). It is very likely that it was at this time that Jesus predicted the destruction of the temple (Luke 21:5-6) and gave his teaching on the signs of the end times and the persecution that would ensue (Luke 21:7-19). It is very possible that numerous of Jesus’ other parables were taught on this day as well. Having finished his teaching during the day in the temple, and having ended his public ministry of teaching, Jesus then went out into the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37).

Blessing to you as you consider the events of Passion Week and enter into the suffering, crucifixion, and glorious resurrection of Jesus!

Author: Curvin Gordon