Friends For The Journey

Much of the gospel accounts of Jesus’ ministry come from the final week of his life. It is referred to as Holy Week and makes up:

• 25% of Luke’s gospel.
• 33% of Matthew and Mark’s gospels.
• 50% of John’s gospel.

Each day is listed below with a summary of events and a scripture reference.

Sunday
The triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus presents himself as the Passover Lamb.

• Zechariah 9:9-10
• Luke 19:37-44

Monday
Cleansing of the temple. The whip is a sign of God’s judgment. After Jesus clears the temple, the sick and needy come to him for healing: God’s judgment is for the self-righteous, but mercy for those who seek him.

• Matthew 21:12-15

Tuesday
Jesus curses the fig tree on his way to Jerusalem from Bethany; gives the parable of the wicked vinedressers. Jesus leaves the temple—ending his public ministry.

• Matthew 21:33-44

Wednesday
Jesus spends a quiet day at Bethany. At some point (not necessarily on Wednesday, at least by Luke’s account) Mary annoints him with oil for his burial.

• Matthew 26:6-13

Thursday
The last supper. Through his death, Jesus institutes the New Covenant. Through his memorial service—the communion meal—we become participants. He and the disciples go to the Garden. Jesus is arrested.

• Matthew 26:26-30

Friday
Trial, beating, crucifixion (Luke 23:44-49)

• Psalm 22 (Through the psalm, God shows us the crucifixion from Jesus’ point of view).
• Isaiah 53 (Messiah’s sufferings—for a fresh reading use The Message).

Saturday
Jewish Sabbath (Luke 23:54-56)

Sunday
Jesus rises from the dead! (Luke 24:1-12)

Themes
Holy Week represents a “Kairos” moment—when one thing is dying while another is being birthed (Bob Mumford, 10-26-06).

• The kingdom is extracted from Judaism.
• Moses church dies—Jesus’ church is birthed.
• The Old Covenant is being fulfilled in the New Covenant.