April 7, 2020
Holy Week – Day 3

Good Morning Fellow Believers,

On this the third day of holy week there were many events that took place. However, there are three that stand out in my mind. The Pharisees hotly dispute Jesus’ authority. Later, Jesus leads the disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane and delivers what has become known as the Olivet Discourse. This is also the day most scholars believe Judas conspires to betray Jesus.

The day begins with Jesus teaching in the temple:

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?” 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. 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?’ But if we say, ‘From men’ we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So, they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Matt 21:23-27 (NIV)

Jesus would not let himself be caught; turning the question on them, he exposed their motives and avoided their trap. Jesus’ question seems totally unrelated to the situation at hand, but Jesus knew that the leaders’ attitude about John the Baptist would reveal their true attitude toward him.

Jesus teaches in the Garden:

Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down.” As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Matt 24:1-3 (NIV)

These verses are the beginning of what is known as the Olivet Discourse.

Jesus predicted the destruction of the Jewish temple, He spoke of signs of the end of the age. His teachings include the parable of the ten virgins, used to illustrate the need to be ready at any moment. The parable of the talents was given to show the rewards and judgments that will be experienced at the end of time. And the parable of the sheep and the goats speaks of those who demonstrated their faith through faithful actions. Those who do so will be rewarded; those who do not will go away into eternal punishment. For more information on the Olivet Discourse you can read Matthew chapters 24-25.

Judas conspires to betray:

Then one of the Twelve–the one called Judas Iscariot–went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” So, they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over. Matt 26:14-16 (NIV)

After a tiring day of confrontation and warnings about the future, once again, Jesus and the disciples returned to Bethany to stay the night.

May God richly bless you as you go through your day today, and reflect on Jesus’ work on this day so many years ago.

Pastor Dennis