Passion Week - Holy Tuesday

"For many are invited, but few are chosen."  -Matthew 22:14

Early Tuesday morning, Jesus returned to Jerusalem. He was met there by a large assembly who had come to the Temple to hear him speak (Luke 21:38). But they weren't the only ones who showed up. A delegation of priests and scribes arrived, as well.

The Jewish authorities were not there to commend Jesus. They demanded to know by what authority had he taken lordship over the Temple (Matthew 21:23; Mark 11:28; Luke 20:2).

Catching them off guard, Jesus countered their question with one of his own. They realized that no matter their reply, it would lead to either their entrapment or ridicule, so they played ignorant instead (Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:29-33; Luke 20:3-8).

Even though He had dismissed their question, He was not quite finished with them, yet. Jesus proceeded to deliver a stinging indictment of their rejection of God's Son in the manner of some parables:

The Parable of the Two Sons: (Matthew 21:28-32)

The Parable of the Bad Tenants: (Matthew 21:33-46; Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)

The Parable of the Wedding Feast: (Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:12-24)

Realizing that Jesus was speaking against them, the priests and scribes became even more intent on luring Him into saying something that could get Him arrested and tried. They were very complimentary to Him at first, but then came their sharp inquiries and Jesus' response:

Paying Taxes to Caesar: (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26)

The Sadducees Ask About the Resurrection: (Matthew 22:23-33; Mark 12: 18-27; Luke 20:27-40)

The Great Commandment: (Matthew 12:28-34; Mark 12:28-34)

Thus, Jesus had met the interrogators with so much wisdom and thoughtfulness that no one else dared to approach Him with any further questions (Mark 12:34; Luke 20:40).

Then, while they were still in amazement at His skillful answers, Jesus posed another question to them (Matthew 20:41-44- Mark 12: 35-37; Luke 20:41). To this they had no reply because Jesus Himself was the answer.

He was from the lineage of David as Son of Man, still He was David's Creator, but they were unable to see this. He followed their silence with a discussion about the hypocrisy of the Jewish leaders (Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47).

As Jesus and his disciples passed through the Court of Women, where the treasure chests were, he saw and praised a widow's devotion as He saw drop two mites (a few cents), which was all that she had, into the Temple treasury (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4).

Also, it is mentioned in John 12:20-26 that there were some Greeks, who had traveled to worship at the Passover feast, that requested to meet with Jesus while there (John 12:20-26).

After leaving the city for the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sat with His disciples and looked back upon the city in the bright, radiance of the setting sun. There He pronounced His prophecy of Jerusalem's destruction and the many events to follow.

Scripture: John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; Colossians 2:9; 1 John 4:9 

Prayer: Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Amen.  - Psalm 150: 2, 6

Be blessed!

Naomi