The Week Before The Death Of Jesus

The Week Before the Death of Jesus

The week began with the arrival of Jesus in Bethany. Lazarus was there; he had been brought back to life by Jesus earlier. Martha served Jesus dinner, and Lazarus dined with him. Afterwards, Mary used her hair to anoint Jesus’ feet with a pound of spikenard, which is oil that was very expensive. The house was filled with the fragrance of this ointment. Shortly after, Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon that would later betray Jesus, asked Jesus why the ointment was not sold for three hundred pence and the proceeds given to the poor. He pointed out that the oil was worth a year’s wages. He did not ask this because he was concerned for the poor. The reason he asked was because he was a thief. He was the disciple that kept the money bag and he would often steal money out of it for his own use. Jesus told Judas to leave Martha alone and then explained that this oil had been kept just for this occasion. Jesus then said something that completely trumped Judas’ argument and pointed out Judas’ lack of regard for the death of Jesus. He pointed out that there will always be poor people forever, but he will not be there much longer. Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews that had found out that Jesus was in Bethany had come. Not only had they come to see Jesus, but also Lazarus who had been raised from the dead by Jesus. Because so many people were putting their faith in Jesus for raising Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests constructed plans to kill Lazarus. (John 12:1-11)

The next day, as Jesus and the disciples were approaching Jerusalem, they came to Bethpage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives. Jesus told two of the disciples to go to the village up ahead. He told them that they would find a colt tied up there. They were supposed to bring that colt to Jesus. If the owner were to ask them why they were taking the colt, they were to tell him that this colt was for the Lord, and it would be returned shortly. While they were untying the coal, the owner asked them what they were doing. The disciples told the owners what Jesus had instructed them and the owner let them take the colt. When the disciples brought the colt to Jesus, they put some cloth over it so Jesus could sit on it. After that, many people were spreading their cloaks and other people were spreading branches of leaves for the colt to walk on. At this point, the followers of Jesus shouted, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.” Because of this public display, some of the Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke his disciples. Jesus responded that if the people did not praise him, the stones would praise him. At this point the Pharisees remarked to each other about how they cannot accomplish anything because Jesus had so many followers. Then Jesus warned the city about what would happen in the city. (Luke 19:29-44) After all this, Jesus returned to Bethany with the disciples. (Mark 11:11)

On the third day, Jesus was returning to Jerusalem in the morning. He was hungry, and he found a fig tree. There was no fruit on this tree, so he cursed it so that it would never bear fruit again, and the tree withered immediately. When Jesus arrived at the temple, he cast out everyone that sold and bought. He also drove out all of the money changers. Jesus said to all of them, “My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” When the chief priests and teachers of the law heard this, they wanted to kill him, but they could not because all of the people were amazed by what Jesus had to say, and they would not let them. Later, some Greeks, who were at the Feast to worship, approached Philip and asked if they could see Jesus. Philip went and got Andrew, and the two of them went to get Jesus. Jesus then explained that a man that loves his life will lose it, while a man that hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Jesus then asked his Father to glorify His name. A voice that came from the heavens said, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Some people thought it was thunder, while other people thought it was an angel. Jesus explained that voice was for their benefit, not his own. Jesus also said that when he is lifted up from the earth, all men will be drawn to him. He said this to show what kind if death he would die. Some people challenged him and said that heard from the law that Christ will remain forever, so they questioned how He could say that the Son of Man will be lifted up. They asked who this “Son of Man” is. Jesus explained that they will only have the Light for just a little