Holy Week Tuesday

On Tuesday, following Palm Sunday, Jesus returns to Jerusalem and again returns to the Temple. On this day, Jesus' authority is challenged as he teaches. Jesus, in a common rabbinical style, answers their question with a question.

23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?” 24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John’s baptism–where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men’–we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” 27 So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Matthew 21:23-27 (NIV)

If you can imagine Christ with the events of the end of the week clearly in sight, he continues to do what he came to do, namely to teach and to preach "Let us then go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out." Mark 1:38

So now he teaches in the temple and answered various questions and challenges from the religious leaders, such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians. He exposed their hypocrisy, ignorance, and wickedness with his wisdom and authority. On this day, Jesus delivered some of his most important teachings, such as the parable of the tenants, the greatest commandment, the signs of the end times, and what has become known as the Olivet discourse.

He warned his disciples and followers about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and urged them to be ready for his return. He prophesied about his betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. He also took time for a great teaching moment when a widow arrives at the temple with her gift, and he commended her for her faith and generosity.

As you can see, Jesus had a lot to do and say on that Tuesday. He was preparing himself and his followers for what was about to happen. He was fulfilling his role as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the King of kings.

I hope this ponder helps you reflect on this Holy week and encourages you in your journey to the Cross and Tomb. I encourage you to read the Gospel accounts for yourself and see how they reveal more about who Jesus is and what he came to do. For more on the events of Tuesday, read Matthew 21:28-23:39 and Matthew 26:6-13.

Come back tomorrow for our post on Holy Wednesday! - Please share this journey with a friend as we draw near to Christ and His Cross and Tomb.

Feel free to leave your comments or questions below. God bless you!

<>< Pastor Craig