Written April 8, 2017 

As we look forward to Easter next week and what it means for Christians, perhaps many of us are not aware of the happenings in the week before Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday –   Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey and was greeted by crowds of people who laid palm branches in His path and shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” (Matthew 21:9).  Jesus returned to Bethany that evening and perhaps stayed with Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha.

Monday – Jesus returned to Jerusalem and found buying and selling going on in the Temple.  He drove the sellers out, overturned their tables and cleansed the Temple. (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19)

Tuesday – Jesus was confronted by the Temple leadership about what He’d done the day before.  He also taught the people with parables about a vineyard, (Mt. 21:33-46) a wedding, (Mt. 22:1) and paying taxes, (Mt. 22:15).  He also prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem and not one stone being left on another, (Mt. 24).

Wednesday – This is the day Judas made his deal with the Jewish leaders, (Mark 14:10-21).  Jesus stayed in Bethany this day and was anointed by Mary with costly perfume.

Thursday – The disciples made preparations for the Last Supper and participated with Jesus that evening, (Mt. 26:17-30).  After having the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples made the short trip to the Garden of Gethsemane where He asked them to pray and He experiences his agony.  It was near midnight when Judas betrayed Jesus and He was arrested. (Mt. 26:36-46)

Good Friday – Jesus was locked up then, early this morning, was brought before a series of officials ending with Pilate sentencing him to death by crucifixion.  In the late morning, Jesus was taken through the city and up the hill of Golgotha.  By noon, Jesus was nailed to the cross and hung there in agony for about three hours, dying about three that afternoon.  He was taken down and hastily placed in a tomb before sundown. (Mark 15)

Saturday – Jesus’ body lay in the tomb.  The disciples were heartbroken, frightened and confused as they observed the Jewish Sabbath in sorrow..  They had forgotten the promise of Jesus that He would raise from death.  All seemed lost…but Sunday is coming!

Excerpted from: http://www.blog.adw.org