My purpose for this series is to sort of connect the dots of the last 10 days of Jesus’ life.
For me personally, I know the events, but have never looked at them from a one day to the next perspective.
It has been very eye-opening for me to compare the 4 gospels, and weave the story together.
There were a few things, that although I had read them several times, have been “a-ha” moments for me.
I’m going to do my best to bring this story to life, as well as teach a few things along the way.
Y’all ready?
Another thing we are going to do differently this Sunday, is in our observance of The Lord’s Supper, which we will do in just a few minutes.
Pre-Passion Week
The Journey begins...
8th of Nisan- Jewish calendar the beginning of a day is at darkness. As a consistent figure, you could use 6pm. (Friday night)
As we go through this timeline, I’ll ask you not to get hung up on the “days” but rather focus on the events instead.
However, as a reference I will give you this:
Genesis 1:5 “God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.” (So the evening and the morning were the first day)
You don’t have to raise you hand, I’ll raise it for you. Did you know it said that in the bible, and was it a shift for you? It was for me.
John 12:1–4 “Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said,”
John 12:5 ““Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?””
Passover:
PASSOVER (????????, pischa'; ??????, pesach; ??s?a, Pascha). A sacred observance in Judaism that commemorates the climactic 10th plague in the book of Exodus, when Yahweh punishes Egypt by killing all the firstborn, but “passes over” (??????, pasach) the firstborn of Israel (Exod 12:12–13), resulting in the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Exod 12:14–17).
The Institution of Passover
Passover is celebrated on the 14th day of the first month Abib (later called Nisan). (Exod 1–12).
The 10th and final plague was the death of all the firstborn—human and animal—in Egypt (Exod 11:4–6). God punished Egypt but spared the firstborn of Israel,
On the night of the plague, the Israelites were instructed to stay in their homes after slaughtering a lamb and placing its blood on the lintel and doorposts of their houses (Exod 12:7, 21–22). The blood was to be a sign that distinguished the Israelites and separated them from the intended … victims of the plague.
Jesus predicts His death
John 12:6-8“This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.””
Matthews recording of this event adds:
Matthew 26:13 “Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.””
Spikenard- fragrance filled the room (I think the Greek transliteration for spikenard is “Smells of dirty feet...”)
v5 NLT That perfume was worth a years wages.
So I did a thang. I researched what a pound of spikenard would cost today, based on today’s minimum wage:
7.25/hour x 12 hours=$87/day
that would make 100 denarii=$8700
which would make 300= $26,100
When the disciples saw her pour $26,000 on Jesus’ feet, they became indignant!
But Jesus replied:
“Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial.
“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.””
Here’s a quick recap of 8th of Nisan, or the first day of our journey today:
Six days before Passover
They have supper that Martha prepared
Mary anointed Jesus' feet (and/or head if you look at Mark 14:3 “And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured it on His head.”)
Judas is identified as a betrayer and thief
Jesus predicts His death
Busy day for sure!
The importance of this day is that Jesus is anointed for and predicts His death.
9th of Nisan (day 2) (Saturday night to Sunday morning)
Nothing recorded in scripture. It was Sabbath.
I found it curious that nothing happened.
We know for a fact because scripture tells us, that Jesus wasn’t scared of “working” on the Sabbath!
Probably because He knew, He and the disciples had a spectacular week ahead of them, that He rested on His last Sabbath before the Crucifixion.
10th Nisan (day 3) Palm Sunday & The Triumphal Entry
Matthew 21:1–5 “Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
Mark 11:4-6 “So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?” And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go.”
All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”” Zech 9:9-10
Mark 14:12 “Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?”” (read Exodus 12:3 “Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying: ‘On the tenth of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his father, a lamb for a household.”
Mark 14:13 “And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water; follow him.”
Mark 14:14 “Wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” ’”
Mark 14:15 “Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared; there make ready for us.”
Mark 14:16 “So His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it just as He had said to them; and they prepared the Passover.”
Luke 19:41 “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,”
He knew Jerusalem would again be destroyed, and indeed it was in 70 AD.
Triumphal Entry
All 4 gospels give a similar account of Jesus’ triumphal entry.
The following is recap from all 4:
Mark 11:7–8 “Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”
Matthew 21:8 “And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road.”
Luke 19:37 “Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen,”
John 12:13 “took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!””
Luke 19:38b ...’ Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!””
Matthew 21:12 “Then Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.”
Luke Chapters 19 and 20 The religious leaders again try to trick him, but He didn’t have any of it.
He again spoke in parables.
Matthew 21:17 “Then He left them and went out of the city (Jerusalem) to Bethany, and He lodged there.”
Another action packed day:
The disciples find a donkey, as directed by Jesus
Jesus directs other disciples find a room to celebrate Passover, and they do
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, to praises of Hosanna
He cleanses the temple
The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes try to trick Him (again)
Jesus heals, teaches in parables to the disciples and those around Him in the temple
Importance of Palm Sunday:
Prophesy fulfilled
Zechariah 9:9–10 ““Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; The battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.’”
Riding in a a donkey, signifies peace.
The timeline of 11th-13th of Nisan is a little muddy, with each gospel having emphasis on certain events and timelines.
There is no contradiction of events, but rather the order in which that happened are recorded slightly differently.
Jesus gives another discourse to the disciples that is recorded in 13th Chapter of Mark, 21 chapter of Luke, and the 24th Chapter of Matthew.
It is His last big teaching before the crucifixion, and you can feel the intensity and urgency!
During these days, we see the religious leaders plot to kill Jesus, and how they will get the Romans involved, and that His arrest is inevitable.
Judas agrees to betray Jesus
14th of Nisan-Thursday
In the evening, we are told of the Last Supper
Mark 14:17–18 “In the evening He came with the twelve. Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me.””
>>>>Call up the ones to present the elements<<<<<
Mark 14:22 “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.””
Luke 22:15–16 “Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.””
Ask someone to pray over the body
Church, let us take together the bread that represents Jesus’ body who was given for us.
Matthew 26:27–29 “Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.””
Ask someone to pray over the blood
>>>>Church, let us take the juice that represents the blood of Jesus that was shed for many<<<<
Mark 14:26 “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.”
>>>Ask Crystal to lead us in Amazing Grace<<<
Jesus washes the disciples feet
John 13:1–5 “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.”
Jesus predicts the sheep will scatter, and that Peter will deny Him 3 times.
Matthew 26:31 “Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” Use this in part 2 Zech 13:7
Luke 22:31–33 “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.””
Mark 14:30 “Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.””
Matthew 26:35 “Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.”
Jesus and the disciples go to the garden of Gethsemane.
Mark 14:32–36 “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.””
Luke 22:43–44 “Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Mark 14:37–42 “Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. And when He returned, He found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him. Then He came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.””
Next, we see the betrayal and arrest of Jesus
Mark 14:43 “And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.”
Mark 14:44 “Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely.””
Matthew 26:50 “But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.”
John 18:10 “Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.”
John 18:11 “So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?””
John 18:12 “Then the detachment of troops and the captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.”
John 18:15–16 “And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in.”
John 18:17 “Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.””
John 18:25 “Now Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “You are not also one of His disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not!””
Matthew 26:74 “Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.”
Again we see an action packed night:
Passover meal
Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper
Jesus washes the disciples feet
Jesus and disciples go to Gethsemane
Jesus is betrayed
Jesus is arrested
and denied by Peter
Hopefully you have seen these events in a slightly differently way. Ideally, to make you eager to go back and read for yourself this amazing time in Jesus’ life.
Next week,
The Veil was torn!
