The Events of the Passion week Notes

This was the only “public demonstration” that our Lord allowed while He was ministering on earth. His purpose was to fulfill the Old Testament prophecy (Zech. 9:9).

There were three different groups in the crowd that day: (1) the Passover visitors from outside Judea (John 12:12, 18); (2) the local people who had witnessed the raising of Lazarus (John 12:17); and (3) the religious leaders who were greatly concerned about what Jesus might do at the feast (John 12:19)

The pilgrims welcomed Jesus, spread their garments before Him, and waved palm branches as symbols of peace and victory (Rev. 7:9). They quoted from Psalm 118:26, which is a messianic psalm; and they proclaimed Him the “King of Israel.” But while they were doing this, Jesus was weeping! (Luke 19:37–44)

He uttered a loud lamentation like one mourning over the dead. In this, He was like the Prophet Jeremiah who wept bitterly over the destruction of Jerusalem

Jesus looked at Jerusalem and wept because it had destroyed itself.

No matter where Jesus looked, He found cause for weeping. If He looked back, He saw how the nation had wasted its opportunities and been ignorant of their “time of visitation.” If He looked within, He saw spiritual ignorance and blindness in the hearts of the people. They should have known who He was, for God had given them His Word and sent His messengers to prepare the way.

As He looked around, Jesus saw religious activity that accomplished very little. The temple had become a den of thieves, and the religious leaders were out to kill Him. The city was filled with pilgrims celebrating a festival, but the hearts of the people were heavy with sin and life’s burdens.

As Jesus looked ahead, He wept as He saw the terrible judgment that was coming to the nation, the city, and the temple. In a.d. 70, the Romans would come and, after a siege of 143 days, kill 600,000 Jews, take thousands more captive, and then destroy the temple and the city. Why did all of this happen? Because the people did not know that God had visited them! “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not

Entry into the TempleMark 11:11

Jesus investigated the temple.

What began as a service to foreign Jews (who needed to change money or purchase sacrifices) had become a business that had no place in the house of God.

It was not the selling sacrifices or even exchanging money, but it was the way they did it. Dishonest trade. (Roy Lucas) THEY were in the court of the Gentiles!

Monday

Two illustrations of the sad spiritual condition of the nation of Israel. In spite of its many privileges and opportunities, Israel was outwardly fruitless (the tree) and inwardly corrupt (the temple). It was unusual for Jesus to act in judgment (John 3:17), yet there comes a time when this is the only thing God can do (John 12:35–41).

Jesus curses the Fig TreeMark 11:12-13

Lesson on failure: Israel had failed to be fruitful for God

lesson on faith. The next morning, when the disciples noticed the dead tree, Jesus said, “Have faith in God,” meaning, “Constantly be trusting God; live in an attitude of dependence on Him.”

Jesus Cleanses the TempleLuke 19:45-46

The religious leaders permitted the money changers and the merchants to return. The priests received their share of the profits, and, after all, these services were a convenience to the Jews who traveled to Jerusalem to worship.

But the profits made were extremely generous, they were making a great deal of money in the name of God.

Gentile Court, instead of missionary work they were making unfair gain. This could turn off anyone interested in the God of salvation.

Den of Robbers. A hide out for bandits. Both Isaiah (Isa. 1:10–17) and Jeremiah (Jer. 7:1–16) had warned the people of their day that the presence of the physical temple was no guarantee of blessing from God. The Leaders were using the temple and its religious services to “cover up” their sin and hypocrisy

Tuesday

Jesus teaches in the Temple (His authority is questioned) Luke 20:1-19

The chief priests, scribes, and elders attack, using His cleansing of the temple as their weapon. What authority did He have to do such a thing, and who gave Him this authority? When Jesus took them back three years to the ministry of John the Baptist, He was not evading the question; He was bringing them face-to-face with the basic issue of authority. Where did John get his authority? These religious leaders had rejected the authority of John’s ministry, so why should they ask about the authority of Jesus’ ministry? If they had accepted John, they would have accepted Jesus.

Jesus predicts the destruction of temple and His return Luke 21:5-36

When it comes to our giving, God sees more than the portion; He also sees the proportion. Men see what is given, but God sees what is left, and by that He measures the gift and the condition of our hearts.

The temple was a beautiful structure, embellished with many costly decorations that a poor widow could never give, and the disciples mentioned this to Jesus. But our Lord was not impressed. He told them that the day would come when the beautiful Jewish temple would be demolished (Luke 21:5–6). He had already announced that the city would be destroyed (Luke 19:41–44), but now He specifically mentioned the destruction of the temple.

Weds

Judas agrees to betray Jesus Mark 14:10-11

It seems like Judas decided to betray Jesus over a bottle of costly perfume (300 Denari)

It’s interesting that Jesus concealed the Identity of His betrayer. Perhaps He wanted to give Judas every opportunity to turn from sin. He even washed Judas’ feet! Had Peter known the truth about Judas, he might have been tempted to kill him.

(John 13:2 says the devil had already put it in his heart – some say this was Judas’ attempt to make Jesus take the Kingdom?????)

Thursday

Jesus eats the Last SupperJohn 13:1-17, 26

The emphasis in John 13:1–3 is on what our Lord knew, and in John 13:4–5 on what our Lord did.

What He knew (1-3)

What He did (4-5)

Jesus knew that “His hour was come.” More than any of the Gospel writers, John emphasized the fact that Jesus lived on a “heavenly timetable” as He did the Father’s will. Note the development of this theme:

2:4—“Mine hour is not yet come.”

7:30—“His hour was not yet come.”

8:20—“His hour was not yet come.”

12:23—“The hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified.”

13:1—“Jesus knew that His hour was come.”

17:1—“Father, the hour is come.”

Jesus is arrestedJohn 18:1-12

Judas had lived with the Lord Jesus for perhaps three years, and had listened to Him teach; yet he knew very little about Him. The traitor actually brought a company of temple guards, armed with swords and clubs! (Matt. 26:55) Just think of the privileges Judas despised and the opportunities he wasted! The word band in John 18:3 could be translated “cohort.” A Roman cohort was a tenth of a legion, and this would be 600 men! It is not likely that Judas brought that many to the Garden, but apparently a full cohort was made available to him had he needed it. Did he not realize that the Lamb of God would meekly submit and that there would be no need to battle?

When people today pretend to know and love the Lord, they are committing the sin of Judas. It is bad enough to betray Christ, but to do it with a kiss, a sign of affection, is the basest treachery of all. It was born in the pit of hell.

Friday

Jesus is questioned by Annas John 18:13 – 23

Father in Law of Caiaphas -Had been high priest

Jesus is condemned by CaiaphasMark 15:1 John 18:24, 28

Caiaphas sent Jesus to Pilate

Pilate questions JesusJohn 18:28-40

Jesus appears before Herod Antipas Luke 23:7-12

Pilate condemns Jesus to deathJohn 19: 12-16

Jesus is crucified John 19:18-30

Jesus is buriedJohn 19:39-42

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