Life of Christ Part Ten: The Formal Presentation of Christ to Israel and the Resulting Conflict

Overview of Christ’s Public Ministry Birth First Year OPENING EVENTS 4 months John introduces Jesus EARLY MINISTRIES OBSCURITY (VANISHING) Largely in Judea 8 months POPULARITY (DECLINING) Jesus returns to Galilee Jesus appoints the Twelve 4 mos. 10 mos. Galilee Second Year PRIVATE PREPARATION Around Galilee 6 months To Tyre and Sidon CONCLUDING MINISTRIES 3 Mos. OPPOSITION (INCREASING) Third Year Judea Perea Tabernacles Triumphal Entry AscensionResurrectionDeath 1.5 Mos. PUBLIC PRESENTATION

Geography of Life of Christ Key Regions: Judea Galilee Decapolis Perea Samaria Jerusalem 3 months. Chorazin. Bethsaida (?) 3 months

City of Jerusalem

Overview of Passion Week Sunday Sunday In fulfillment of OT prophecy, Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem on a donkey and is hailed as a king. After healing the blind and lame, He returns to Bethany. In fulfillment of OT prophecy, Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem on a donkey and is hailed as a king. After healing the blind and lame, He returns to Bethany. Monday Monday On His way to the city, Jesus uses a fruitless fig tree to illustrate Jerusalem’s coming judgment. After entering the city, He cleanses the temple and ignores the request of some Greeks. On His way to the city, Jesus uses a fruitless fig tree to illustrate Jerusalem’s coming judgment. After entering the city, He cleanses the temple and ignores the request of some Greeks. Tuesday Tuesday Jesus answers the public charges and challenges of all His enemies, pronouncing the judgment of God upon those who reject Him. Later in the day He teaches His disciples about His second coming in the Olivet Discourse. Jesus answers the public charges and challenges of all His enemies, pronouncing the judgment of God upon those who reject Him. Later in the day He teaches His disciples about His second coming in the Olivet Discourse. Wednesday Wednesday Judas makes arrangements with the Jewish leaders for the betrayal of Jesus. Judas makes arrangements with the Jewish leaders for the betrayal of Jesus. Thursday Thursday Jesus observes His last supper with the disciples. Judas leaves to betray Him, after which Jesus instructs the disciples carefully, then heads to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus observes His last supper with the disciples. Judas leaves to betray Him, after which Jesus instructs the disciples carefully, then heads to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Friday Friday Jesus is arrested early Friday morning. He is tried by the Sanhedrin in a mock trial, the verdict being “legitimized” after sun-up. After appearing before Pontius Pilate, Jesus is crucified between two criminals (9:00 am – 3:00 pm). Late in the afternoon, His body is removed from the cross and hastily placed in a borrowed tomb. Jesus is arrested early Friday morning. He is tried by the Sanhedrin in a mock trial, the verdict being “legitimized” after sun-up. After appearing before Pontius Pilate, Jesus is crucified between two criminals (9:00 am – 3:00 pm). Late in the afternoon, His body is removed from the cross and hastily placed in a borrowed tomb. Sunday Sunday He is risen! He is risen!

Triumphal Entry and the Fig Tree Arrival at Bethany (John 11:55 – 12:1) Arrival at Bethany (John 11:55 – 12:1) Perhaps most thought Jesus would not attend the feast. The command of the Jewish leaders (11:57) made Jesus’ presence in Jerusalem difficult for anyone who knew Him. Perhaps most thought Jesus would not attend the feast. The command of the Jewish leaders (11:57) made Jesus’ presence in Jerusalem difficult for anyone who knew Him. Assuming the Passover occurred on a Friday of this year, Jesus arrived in Bethany on the previous Sabbath. Assuming the Passover occurred on a Friday of this year, Jesus arrived in Bethany on the previous Sabbath. Mary’s anointing of Jesus for burial (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11) Mary’s anointing of Jesus for burial (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11) Mary’s intention was only to anoint the head and feet of Jesus. When the disciples objected to the expensive perfume, He explained that she was preparing Him for burial. Mary’s intention was only to anoint the head and feet of Jesus. When the disciples objected to the expensive perfume, He explained that she was preparing Him for burial. The raising of Lazarus played a large part in attracting the great crowds that witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The notoriety of Lazarus’ resurrection also resulted in an official decision to have him executed. The raising of Lazarus played a large part in attracting the great crowds that witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The notoriety of Lazarus’ resurrection also resulted in an official decision to have him executed.

Triumphal Entry and the Fig Tree Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mat 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19) Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mat 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19) Jesus took great pains to demonstrate His office as King of Israel in fulfillment of Zech 9:9, a point which the crowds recognized. According to John, these crowds came from 3 sources: Jesus took great pains to demonstrate His office as King of Israel in fulfillment of Zech 9:9, a point which the crowds recognized. According to John, these crowds came from 3 sources: A pilgrim throng from more distant areas, primarily Galilee (John 12:12) A pilgrim throng from more distant areas, primarily Galilee (John 12:12) A crowd from Bethany who bore witness to Lazarus’ resurrection (John 11:57) A crowd from Bethany who bore witness to Lazarus’ resurrection (John 11:57) A large crowd from Jerusalem itself (John 12:18) A large crowd from Jerusalem itself (John 12:18) The people’s understanding of Jesus’ mission was only partial. They grasped its political significance, but failed to understand the spiritual requirements of Christ’s kingdom. This failure brought Jesus grief, even in the moment of His greatest public triumph. The people’s understanding of Jesus’ mission was only partial. They grasped its political significance, but failed to understand the spiritual requirements of Christ’s kingdom. This failure brought Jesus grief, even in the moment of His greatest public triumph. Cursing of the fig tree having leaves but no figs (Matt 21:18-19a; Mark 11:12-14) Cursing of the fig tree having leaves but no figs (Matt 21:18-19a; Mark 11:12-14) Jesus used His own hunger and the leafy fig tree as an object lesson to the disciples. As it is often in the OT, the fig tree represents Israel. Jesus’ curse of the fig tree symbolized God’s coming judgment on Jerusalem. Jesus used His own hunger and the leafy fig tree as an object lesson to the disciples. As it is often in the OT, the fig tree represents Israel. Jesus’ curse of the fig tree symbolized God’s coming judgment on Jerusalem. Second cleansing of the Temple (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48) Second cleansing of the Temple (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48) After His dramatic entrance into the city, the King went right to the heart of the nation’s problem: corruption in worship. After His dramatic entrance into the city, the King went right to the heart of the nation’s problem: corruption in worship.

Triumphal Entry and the Fig Tree Request of some Greeks and necessity of the Son of Man’s being lifted up (John 12:30-36a) Request of some Greeks and necessity of the Son of Man’s being lifted up (John 12:30-36a) Jesus’ reply totally ignored the Greeks and their request. Indirectly, their coming to seek Jesus indicated that the climax of His ministry had come; He must now conclude His exclusive ministry to the Jews and move out to others such as these Greeks. This could only happen after His crucifixion, however. Jesus’ reply totally ignored the Greeks and their request. Indirectly, their coming to seek Jesus indicated that the climax of His ministry had come; He must now conclude His exclusive ministry to the Jews and move out to others such as these Greeks. This could only happen after His crucifixion, however. Departure from the unbelieving multitude and Jesus’ response (John 12:36b-50) Departure from the unbelieving multitude and Jesus’ response (John 12:36b-50) Though there were those among the Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus, they were afraid to confess Him. Though there were those among the Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus, they were afraid to confess Him. John closes His description of Jesus’ public ministry with a final plea to believe. John closes His description of Jesus’ public ministry with a final plea to believe. Withered fig tree and the lesson on faith (Matt 21:19b- 22; Mark 11:19-25, [26]) Withered fig tree and the lesson on faith (Matt 21:19b- 22; Mark 11:19-25, [26]) The mountain referred to was the Mount of Olives, from which the Dead Sea is visible. Whether Jesus spoke figuratively or not cannot be discerned; the important lesson was to believe God. The mountain referred to was the Mount of Olives, from which the Dead Sea is visible. Whether Jesus spoke figuratively or not cannot be discerned; the important lesson was to believe God.

Official Challenge of Christ’s Authority A question by the chief priests, scribes, and elders (Matt 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8) A question by the chief priests, scribes, and elders (Matt 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8) It was probably the gospel of the kingdom to which these leaders objected, as well as the cleansing of the Temple the previous day. This is the first in a series of verbal exchanges with various groups of Jewish leaders, all of which came on Tuesday of Passion Week. It was probably the gospel of the kingdom to which these leaders objected, as well as the cleansing of the Temple the previous day. This is the first in a series of verbal exchanges with various groups of Jewish leaders, all of which came on Tuesday of Passion Week. Faithful discharge of responsibility taught by three parables (Matt 21:28 – 22:14; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9- 19) Faithful discharge of responsibility taught by three parables (Matt 21:28 – 22:14; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9- 19) The parables make reference to the Jews’ rejection of John the Baptist and of Christ Himself, and to the coming destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence. The parables make reference to the Jews’ rejection of John the Baptist and of Christ Himself, and to the coming destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence. The new “nation” to whom the Kingdom will be given is either those who respond to the gospel during the present age (whether Jew or Gentile), or that future generation of Israel that will respond to His call of repentance (Matt 23:39). The new “nation” to whom the Kingdom will be given is either those who respond to the gospel during the present age (whether Jew or Gentile), or that future generation of Israel that will respond to His call of repentance (Matt 23:39).

Official Challenge of Christ’s Authority A question by the Pharisees and Herodians (Matt 22:15- 22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26) A question by the Pharisees and Herodians (Matt 22:15- 22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26) Because of their different political loyalties, it was very unusual for the Pharisees and the Herodians to unite in a common cause. Because of their different political loyalties, it was very unusual for the Pharisees and the Herodians to unite in a common cause. Their question was a trap; whichever way Jesus answered would violate the tenets of one of the groups. But Jesus’ answer avoided the trap. Their question was a trap; whichever way Jesus answered would violate the tenets of one of the groups. But Jesus’ answer avoided the trap. A question by the Sadducees (Matt 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40) A question by the Sadducees (Matt 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40) The Sadducees thought they had a question who could not be answered by anyone who believed in resurrection. Jesus refuted their misconceptions about resurrection life and showed from Exodus 3 that the Father is the God of the living, not the dead. The Sadducees thought they had a question who could not be answered by anyone who believed in resurrection. Jesus refuted their misconceptions about resurrection life and showed from Exodus 3 that the Father is the God of the living, not the dead. A question by a Pharisaic scribe (Matt 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34) A question by a Pharisaic scribe (Matt 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34) Jesus was able to recognize among such vicious opponents one whose heart was still open to the Gospel. Jesus was able to recognize among such vicious opponents one whose heart was still open to the Gospel.

Christ’s Response to His Enemies’ Challenges Christ’s relationship to David as Son and Lord (Matt 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44) Christ’s relationship to David as Son and Lord (Matt 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44) Having rebuked His opponents, Jesus now took the initiative. With a single rhetorical question He proved from the OT Scriptures that the Messiah must be both God and Man. Having rebuked His opponents, Jesus now took the initiative. With a single rhetorical question He proved from the OT Scriptures that the Messiah must be both God and Man. Seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47) Seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47) Even though Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites and blind guides, He still recognized their official capacity as propagators of the Law of Moses. To the extent that they taught the Law faithfully, they were to be obeyed; when their traditions missed the point of the Law or nullified its teaching, they were not. Even though Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites and blind guides, He still recognized their official capacity as propagators of the Law of Moses. To the extent that they taught the Law faithfully, they were to be obeyed; when their traditions missed the point of the Law or nullified its teaching, they were not. The failure of the Jewish leaders to enter the Kingdom of God was clearly spelled out on this occasion. Jesus is throwing down the gauntlet: “It’s either them or me.” The failure of the Jewish leaders to enter the Kingdom of God was clearly spelled out on this occasion. Jesus is throwing down the gauntlet: “It’s either them or me.”

Christ’s Response to His Enemies’ Challenges Lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39) Lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39) Jesus’ deep concern for Jerusalem was voiced with similar language about 3 months earlier (Luke 13:34- 35), as well as two days before in slightly different language (Luke 19:41-44). The city represents the whole nation for which Jesus was deeply burdened, in light of her coming judgment. Yet He also spoke of His second coming, which would bring the proper recognition of who He is. Jesus’ deep concern for Jerusalem was voiced with similar language about 3 months earlier (Luke 13:34- 35), as well as two days before in slightly different language (Luke 19:41-44). The city represents the whole nation for which Jesus was deeply burdened, in light of her coming judgment. Yet He also spoke of His second coming, which would bring the proper recognition of who He is. A poor widow’s gift of all she had (Mark 12:41- 44; Luke 21:1-4) A poor widow’s gift of all she had (Mark 12:41- 44; Luke 21:1-4) In contrast to the corrupt leadership of the nation, this woman gave from her heart, as evidenced by her self-sacrifice. In contrast to the corrupt leadership of the nation, this woman gave from her heart, as evidenced by her self-sacrifice.

Next Time: Part Eleven: Prophecies in Preparation for the Death of Christ