Today, we are searching the Scriptures to determine what Jesus and the disciples did on Tuesday (Monday sundown to Tuesday sundown) of Holy Week. Here are the relevant Scripture passages:
Matthew 21:23-24:51 and 26:14-16, Mark 11:20-13:37, Luke 20:1-21:36 and John 12:20-38
It's obvious already, isn't it, that Tuesday was a busy day! It was also a day in which the Enemy ratcheted up his forces against God. We've already seen (the two previous blog posts) that every day of this Holy Week Jesus made an appearance at the Temple. On Sunday, he stopped by briefly (presenting Himself). On Monday, he debated the priests, healed the sick and purged the Temple. He also stopped the animal sacrifices by not allowing vessels to be carried through the Temple, pre-figuring His atoning sacrifice to come. Now, it is Tuesday and we find Him in the Temple again, where the chief priests questioned His authority (Matt. 21:23-27). Interestingly, Scripture records in great detail Jesus' teachings on this occasion. These include:
- the parable of the two sons (Matt. 21:28-32)
- the parable of the householder (Matt. 21:33-46) and vineyard owner (Mark 12:1-12)
- the parable of the marriage feast (Matt. 22:1-14)
- discussion with the Herodians about loyalty/tribute to Caesar --- relationship between God and our government (Matt. 22:15-22)
- setting the Sadducees straight about the resurrection from the dead (Matt. 22:-23-33)
- the two greatest commandments (Matt. 22:37-40)
- declaration of the characteristics of a Pharisee and His denunciation of their wickedness - - the seven "woes" (Matt. 23:1-36)
- the Jerusalem lament (Matt. 23:37-39)
- the widow's paltry little "offering check" (Mark 12:41-44)
After these teachings, Jesus went out and left the Temple, proceeding to the Mount of Olives, where He gave to His closest friends what is famously known as The Olivet Discourse (or the Sermon from the Mount of Olives). So, this was not like the Sermon on the Mount, that earlier sermon recorded in Matthew 5 and 6, which was given to thousands. No, this was an intimate conversation, and we find it recorded in Matthew 24:1-26:2.
What is amazing to me is that in 26:1-2, He plainly told them that he'd be crucified in two days. Clearly, they did not believe Him. The best illustration ever of "we see what we want to see and believe what we choose to believe". (Ever been there?) :)
Some theologians1 place John 12:20-38 on Tuesday of Passion Week. John does not record the teachings the other three gospel writers did, instead recording others, equally important of course. John's perspective overall is quite different, though not contradictory. Beautiful how the gospels complement each other!
It's also believed that it was on Tuesday that Judas Iscariot met with the chief priests to betray Jesus. (See Matthew 26:14-16 and Mark 14:1-2.)
So, here's our updated timeline/chart:
Thursday
sundown to
Friday
sundown
|
Nisan 8
|
Jesus arrives at M,M&L's house in
Bethany earlier in the day.
|
Friday
sundown to
Saturday
sundown
|
Nisan 9
|
Weekly Sabbath; no work or travel.
|
Saturday
sundown to
Sunday
sundown
|
Nisan 10
|
Palm Sunday; Triumphal Entry into
Jerusalem
Jesus presents Himself at Temple;
Passover Lambs are Selected (Lamb Selection Day)
|
Sunday
sundown to
Monday
sundown
|
Nisan 11
|
Day 2 of Lamb with family
Jesus curses the fig tree
Jesus cleanses the Temple
Jesus heals and teaches in the Temple
Jesus and the 12 return to Bethany.
|
Monday
sundown to
Tuesday
sundown
|
Nisan 12
|
Day 3 of Lamb with family
Jesus teaches extensively in the Temple
Olivet
Discourse (Mount of Olives) to disciples
Judas
makes contact with Temple priests
|
Tuesday
sundown to
Wednesday
sundown
|
Nisan 13
|
|
Wednesday
sundown to
Thursday
sundown
|
Nisan 14
|
Garden
of Gethsemane late Wed. night; Jesus's mock trial; sentencing Thursday
morning. Passover
Lambs sacrificed in late afternoon. Day of Jesus'
crucifixion (begins late morning) and death (late afternoon)
|
Thursday
sundown to
Friday
sundown
|
Nisan 15
|
|
Friday
sundown to
Saturday
sundown
|
Nisan 16
|
|
Saturday
sundown to
Sunday
sundown
|
Nisan 17
|
Since they had been staying with Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, it is reasonable to assume that Jesus and the Twelve returned there for the night.
Sources:
1 http://christianity.about.com/od/easter/ss/Holy-Week-Timeline.htm#step3
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