The last week of the earthly ministry of Jesus was of great importance. So much so that Matthew gave eight of twenty-eight chapters to it. Mark used six of sixteen chapters. Luke took four and a half chapters. John, almost half the Book; ten chapters. So, of the chapters given to the actual ministry of Jesus, almost forty percent involve the experiences in these closing days.
SUNDAY was his Triumphal Entry day into Jerusalem. It is called "Palm Sunday". It was a day when Jesus was fulfilling prophesy found in the Book of Zechariah. The people were excited and actually hailed him as Messiah. However they didn't have a clue as to the real picture. He would finish the day in Bethany, a couple of miles away, with his disciples.
MONDAY Jesus and the disciples go back to Jerusalem. On the way he saw the fig tree with leaves, but no fruit. He saw the tree as a symbol of Israel. The tree had been cultivated but produced nothing. He said to it: "Let there be no fruit from thee henceforth forever."
Going to the temple He saw the moneychangers at work. He drove them out and cleansed the temple. John's gospel tells of his visit with Greeks who were there. They were courteous to him and Jesus was moved by their invitation. He made a statement of great significance. "Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone, but if it die it beareth much fruit...." The crisis of the week was upon Him. The hope of the world lay on His shoulders....(Mark 11:12-18; Matthew 21:18,19,12,13; Luke 19:45-48;John 12:20-50) This information from "The Heart Of The New Testament" - H. I. Hester. By all means read the account in John 12:20-50. Tomorrow....Tuesday's events.