A Very Special Week

 What transpired during Passion Week?

Sunday

Jesus rides a donkey into Jerusalem and is hailed as the Messiah-King.

Monday 

Jesus expels money changers and merchants from the temple courtyards.

Tuesday 

Jesus spends much time in the temple teaching and debating with Jewish religious leaders.  On the way back to Bethany, Jesus gives an extended teaching to his disciples about the temple's coming destruction and the end of the age.

Wednesday 

No activities by Jesus in Jerusalem are reported on this day.  Evidently, he spent the day in Bethany, where a woman anointed him with expensive oil.  Judas made his deal with the Jewish priests to betray Jesus.

Thursday

Jesus celebrates the Passover with his disciples in the upper room; then the group moves to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus agonizes in prayer until the time of his betrayal, arrest, and first trial.

Friday

Jesus is tried, condemned, and crucified to death.  Late in the afternoon his body is removed from the cross and placed in a tomb.

Saturday

Jesus’ body rests in the tomb on the Sabbath.  Jewish leaders demand that guards be posted at the tomb.

Sunday

The tomb is found empty; Jesus has been resurrected.  The risen Lord makes several appearances to a number of his followers.