In our journey through Easter Week, we are following the steps of Jesus. These events took place on Palm Sunday and the next day during passion week:
SUNDAY
*Triumphal entry into Jerusalem
The crowd recognizes Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah. Jesus’ decision to come to Jerusalem is clearly determined by his understanding of the Old Testament and his prophecies concerning his own death. Jesus riding on a donkey was significant because it was the animal of a man of peace, while a conquering king would ride a horse. Some of the same people who cheered Jesus on this day would jeer him later in the week.
(Matthews 21: 1-11; Mark 11: 1-10; Luke 19: 29-44; John 12: 12-19)
*Jesus returns to Bethany
Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem, and that’s where Jesus spent Sunday night. He would return to Jerusalem the next morning.
(Mark 11:11)
MONDAY
*Jesus curses the barren fig tree
Jesus acted under the eyes of those he knew would kill him -- the scribes and chief priests. They feared Jesus because all the people were astonished at his teaching.
(Matthews 21:18-19; Mark 11:18)
*Jesus cleanses the temple
The gospel of John recounts Jesus cleansing the temple early in his ministry. Some Biblical scholars conclude that Jesus drove out money changers on two separate occasions, including during his final week.
(Matthew 21: 12-13; Mark 11: 15-18; Luke 19: 45-48)
*Certain Greeks ask to see Jesus
Jesus says in verse 23, “The hour has come,” in contrast to earlier statements that his time had not yet come. This is the first of a number of statements that Christ’s death and resurrection are at hand.
(John 12: 20-36)
*Jesus rebukes unbelief
It says in verses 42-43 that many Jewish leaders believed in Jesus but wouldn’t openly admit it for fear of rejection by the Pharisees, for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
(John 12: 37-50)
Sources: joshbyers.com, New Geneva Study Bible
