What did Jesus do between His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the day we call Palm Sunday and His going to the cross on what we call Good Friday?
A few years ago, I got to thinking that I’d never seen a commentary directly discussing this, so went to the Scriptures to find out exactly what the disciples reported on the subject. In case you missed when I first posted on this page in 2008, here are the nine distinct actions I found:
- Jesus predicted his forthcoming death – John 12:23 … Jesus replied, the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
- He clears the temple – Matthew 21:12 … Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
- He answers the charges brought by the Pharisees as they attempt to trap Him – Matthew 22:21 & 22 … He said to them, give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s. When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.
- He celebrates Passover (Last Supper) – Matthew 26:17-20 … On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover? He replied, Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.
- He washes His disciples feet – John 13:4 & 5 … he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
- He predicts His betrayal – Matthew 26:21 … And while they were eating, Jesus said, I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.
- He predicts Peter’s denial – John 13:38 … Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
- He promises the Holy Spirit – John 14: 16 & 17 … And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be with you.
- He then goes to Gethsemane to pray – Matthew 26:36 … Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, Sit here while I go over there and pray.
Less than a full day would pass before our Lord Jesus Christ would be hanging on a cross between two thieves!
As written in Matthew 27:45 & 46 … From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice,“Eli, Eli,lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
All Scripture from the New International Version.
Marlin
