Life of ChristLife of Christ

Part Ten: The Formal Part Ten: The Formal Presentation of Christ to Israel Presentation of Christ to Israel

and the Resulting Conflictand the Resulting Conflict

Overview of Christ’s Public Overview of Christ’s Public MinistryMinistry

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First Year

OPENINGEVENTS

4 months

Joh

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Jesu

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EARLYMINISTRIES

OBSCURITY(VANISHING)

Largely in Judea

8 months

POPULARITY(DECLINING)

Jesu

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G

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Jesu

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4 mos. 10 mos.

Galilee

Second Year

PRIVATEPREPARATION

Around Galilee

6 months

To T

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Sid

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CONCLUDINGMINISTRIES

3 Mos. 3 Mos.

OPPOSITION(INCREASING)

Third Year

Judea Perea

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Ascen

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Death

1.5 Mos.

PUBLICPRESENTATION

Geography of Geography of Life of ChristLife of Christ

Key Regions:

Judea

Galilee

Decapolis

Perea

Samaria

Jerusalem

3 months

. Chorazin. Bethsaida (?)

3 months

City of JerusalemCity of Jerusalem

Overview of Passion WeekOverview of Passion Week SundaySunday

In fulfillment of OT prophecy, Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem on a donkey 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 and is hailed as a king. After healing the blind and lame, He returns to Bethany.Bethany.

MondayMonday On His way to the city, Jesus uses a fruitless fig tree to illustrate Jerusalem’s 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 coming judgment. After entering the city, He cleanses the temple and ignores the request of some Greeks.ignores the request of some Greeks.

TuesdayTuesday Jesus answers the public charges and challenges of all His enemies, Jesus answers the public charges and challenges of all His enemies,

pronouncing the judgment of God upon those who reject Him. Later in the 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 day He teaches His disciples about His second coming in the Olivet Discourse.Discourse.

WednesdayWednesday Judas makes arrangements with the Jewish leaders for the betrayal of Jesus.Judas makes arrangements with the Jewish leaders for the betrayal of Jesus.

ThursdayThursday Jesus observes His last supper with the disciples. Judas leaves to betray Him, 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 after which Jesus instructs the disciples carefully, then heads to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.of Gethsemane to pray.

FridayFriday Jesus is arrested early Friday morning. He is tried by the Sanhedrin in a mock 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 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). 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 Late in the afternoon, His body is removed from the cross and hastily placed in a borrowed tomb.in a borrowed tomb.

SundaySunday He is risen!He is risen!

Triumphal Entry and the Fig Triumphal Entry and the Fig TreeTree

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. Perhaps most thought Jesus would not attend the feast.

The command of the Jewish leaders (11:57) made Jesus’ The command of the Jewish leaders (11:57) made Jesus’ presence in Jerusalem difficult for anyone who knew presence in Jerusalem difficult for anyone who knew Him.Him.

Assuming the Passover occurred on a Friday of this year, Assuming the Passover occurred on a Friday of this year, Jesus arrived in Bethany on the previous Sabbath.Jesus arrived in Bethany on the previous Sabbath.

Mary’s anointing of Jesus for burial (Matt 26:6-13; Mary’s anointing of Jesus for burial (Matt 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11)Mark 14:3-9; John 12:2-11) Mary’s intention was only to anoint the head and feet of Mary’s intention was only to anoint the head and feet of

Jesus. When the disciples objected to the expensive Jesus. When the disciples objected to the expensive perfume, He explained that she was preparing Him for perfume, He explained that she was preparing Him for burial.burial.

The raising of Lazarus played a large part in attracting The raising of Lazarus played a large part in attracting the great crowds that witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry the great crowds that witnessed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The notoriety of Lazarus’ resurrection into Jerusalem. The notoriety of Lazarus’ resurrection also resulted in an official decision to have him also resulted in an official decision to have him executed. executed.

Triumphal Entry and the Fig Triumphal Entry and the Fig TreeTree

Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mat 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark Triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mat 21:1-11, 14-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19)11:1-11; Luke 19:29-44; John 12:12-19) Jesus took great pains to demonstrate His office as King of Israel Jesus took great pains to demonstrate His office as King of Israel

in fulfillment of Zech 9:9, a point which the crowds recognized. in fulfillment of Zech 9:9, a point which the crowds recognized. According to John, these crowds came from 3 sources:According to John, these crowds came from 3 sources:

A pilgrim throng from more distant areas, primarily Galilee (John A pilgrim throng from more distant areas, primarily Galilee (John 12:12)12:12)

A crowd from Bethany who bore witness to Lazarus’ resurrection A crowd from Bethany who bore witness to Lazarus’ resurrection (John 11:57)(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. The people’s understanding of Jesus’ mission was only partial.

They grasped its political significance, but failed to understand They grasped its political significance, but failed to understand the spiritual requirements of Christ’s kingdom. This failure the spiritual requirements of Christ’s kingdom. This failure brought Jesus grief, even in the moment of His greatest public brought Jesus grief, even in the moment of His greatest public triumph.triumph.

Cursing of the fig tree having leaves but no figs (Matt 21:18-Cursing of the fig tree having leaves but no figs (Matt 21:18-19a; Mark 11:12-14)19a; Mark 11:12-14) Jesus used His own hunger and the leafy fig tree as an object 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 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 represents Israel. Jesus’ curse of the fig tree symbolized God’s coming judgment on Jerusalem.coming judgment on Jerusalem.

Second cleansing of the Temple (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-Second cleansing of the Temple (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48)18; Luke 19:45-48) After His dramatic entrance into the city, the King went right to After His dramatic entrance into the city, the King went right to

the heart of the nation’s problem: corruption in worship.the heart of the nation’s problem: corruption in worship.

Triumphal Entry and the Fig Triumphal Entry and the Fig TreeTree

Request of some Greeks and necessity of the Son Request of some Greeks and necessity of the Son of Man’s being lifted up (John 12:30-36a)of Man’s being lifted up (John 12:30-36a) Jesus’ reply totally ignored the Greeks and their request. Jesus’ reply totally ignored the Greeks and their request.

Indirectly, their coming to seek Jesus indicated that the Indirectly, their coming to seek Jesus indicated that the climax of His ministry had come; He must now conclude climax of His ministry had come; He must now conclude His exclusive ministry to the Jews and move out to His exclusive ministry to the Jews and move out to others such as these Greeks. This could only happen others such as these Greeks. This could only happen after His crucifixion, however.after His crucifixion, however.

Departure from the unbelieving multitude and Departure from the unbelieving multitude and Jesus’ response (John 12:36b-50)Jesus’ response (John 12:36b-50) Though there were those among the Jewish leaders who Though there were those among the Jewish leaders who

believed in Jesus, they were afraid to confess Him.believed in Jesus, they were afraid to confess Him. John closes His description of Jesus’ public ministry with John closes His description of Jesus’ public ministry with

a final plea to believe.a final plea to believe. Withered fig tree and the lesson on faith (Matt Withered fig tree and the lesson on faith (Matt

21:19b-22; Mark 11:19-25, [26])21:19b-22; Mark 11:19-25, [26]) The mountain referred to was the Mount of Olives, from The mountain referred to was the Mount of Olives, from

which the Dead Sea is visible. Whether Jesus spoke which the Dead Sea is visible. Whether Jesus spoke figuratively or not cannot be discerned; the important figuratively or not cannot be discerned; the important lesson was to believe God.lesson was to believe God.

Official Challenge of Christ’s Official Challenge of Christ’s AuthorityAuthority

A question by the chief priests, scribes, and elders A question by the chief priests, scribes, and elders (Matt 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8)(Matt 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8) It was probably the gospel of the kingdom to which these It was probably the gospel of the kingdom to which these

leaders objected, as well as the cleansing of the Temple leaders objected, as well as the cleansing of the Temple the previous day. This is the first in a series of verbal the previous day. This is the first in a series of verbal exchanges with various groups of Jewish leaders, all of exchanges with various groups of Jewish leaders, all of which came on Tuesday of Passion Week.which came on Tuesday of Passion Week.

Faithful discharge of responsibility taught by three Faithful discharge of responsibility taught by three parables (Matt 21:28 – 22:14; Mark 12:1-12; Luke parables (Matt 21:28 – 22:14; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)20:9-19) The parables make reference to the Jews’ rejection of The parables make reference to the Jews’ rejection of

John the Baptist and of Christ Himself, and to the coming John the Baptist and of Christ Himself, and to the coming destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence.destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence.

The new “nation” to whom the Kingdom will be given is The new “nation” to whom the Kingdom will be given is either those who respond to the gospel during the either those who respond to the gospel during the present age (whether Jew or Gentile), or that future present age (whether Jew or Gentile), or that future generation of Israel that will respond to His call of generation of Israel that will respond to His call of repentance (Matt 23:39).repentance (Matt 23:39).

Official Challenge of Christ’s Official Challenge of Christ’s AuthorityAuthority

A question by the Pharisees and Herodians (Matt A question by the Pharisees and Herodians (Matt 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26)22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26) Because of their different political loyalties, it was very Because of their different political loyalties, it was very

unusual for the Pharisees and the Herodians to unite in a unusual for the Pharisees and the Herodians to unite in a common cause.common cause.

Their question was a trap; whichever way Jesus answered Their question was a trap; whichever way Jesus answered would violate the tenets of one of the groups. But Jesus’ would violate the tenets of one of the groups. But Jesus’ answer avoided the trap.answer avoided the trap.

A question by the Sadducees (Matt 22:23-33; Mark A question by the Sadducees (Matt 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40)12:18-27; Luke 20:27-40) The Sadducees thought they had a question who could not be The Sadducees thought they had a question who could not be

answered by anyone who believed in resurrection. Jesus answered by anyone who believed in resurrection. Jesus refuted their misconceptions about resurrection life and refuted their misconceptions about resurrection life and showed from Exodus 3 that the Father is the God of the showed from Exodus 3 that the Father is the God of the living, not the dead. living, not the dead.

A question by a Pharisaic scribe (Matt 22:34-40; Mark A question by a Pharisaic scribe (Matt 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-34)12:28-34) Jesus was able to recognize among such vicious opponents Jesus was able to recognize among such vicious opponents

one whose heart was still open to the Gospel.one whose heart was still open to the Gospel.

Christ’s Response to His Christ’s Response to His Enemies’ ChallengesEnemies’ Challenges

Christ’s relationship to David as Son and Lord Christ’s relationship to David as Son and Lord (Matt 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44)(Matt 22:41-46; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44) Having rebuked His opponents, Jesus now took the Having rebuked His opponents, Jesus now took the

initiative. With a single rhetorical question He proved initiative. With a single rhetorical question He proved from the OT Scriptures that the Messiah must be both from the OT Scriptures that the Messiah must be both God and Man.God and Man.

Seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees Seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47)(Matt 23:1-36; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47) Even though Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees Even though Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees

as hypocrites and blind guides, He still recognized their as hypocrites and blind guides, He still recognized their official capacity as propagators of the Law of Moses. To official capacity as propagators of the Law of Moses. To the extent that they taught the Law faithfully, they were the extent that they taught the Law faithfully, they were to be obeyed; when their traditions missed the point of to be obeyed; when their traditions missed the point of the Law or nullified its teaching, they were not.the Law or nullified its teaching, they were not.

The failure of the Jewish leaders to enter the Kingdom of The failure of the Jewish leaders to enter the Kingdom of God was clearly spelled out on this occasion. Jesus is God was clearly spelled out on this occasion. Jesus is throwing down the gauntlet: “It’s either them or me.”throwing down the gauntlet: “It’s either them or me.”

Christ’s Response to His Christ’s Response to His Enemies’ ChallengesEnemies’ Challenges

Lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39)Lament over Jerusalem (Matt 23:37-39) Jesus’ deep concern for Jerusalem was voiced Jesus’ deep concern for Jerusalem was voiced

with similar language about 3 months earlier with similar language about 3 months earlier (Luke 13:34-35), as well as two days before in (Luke 13:34-35), as well as two days before in slightly different language (Luke 19:41-44). slightly different language (Luke 19:41-44). The city represents the whole nation for which The city represents the whole nation for which Jesus was deeply burdened, in light of her Jesus was deeply burdened, in light of her coming judgment. Yet He also spoke of His coming judgment. Yet He also spoke of His second coming, which would bring the proper second coming, which would bring the proper recognition of who He is.recognition of who He is.

A poor widow’s gift of all she had (Mark A poor widow’s gift of all she had (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4) In contrast to the corrupt leadership of the In contrast to the corrupt leadership of the

nation, this woman gave from her heart, as nation, this woman gave from her heart, as evidenced by her self-sacrifice.evidenced by her self-sacrifice.

Next Time:Next Time:Part Eleven: Prophecies in Part Eleven: Prophecies in

Preparation for the Death of Preparation for the Death of ChristChrist