Holy Week Tuesday: Learning from the Lord
Scripture reading: Matthew 21:20-39, Matthew 24:1-25:46; Mark 11:20-12:44, Mark 13:1-37; Luke 20:1-36
If you had the opportunity to sit by Jesus’ feet and learn, what would you like to hear about and learn? I’m sure that we would be happy with almost anything. The last week of Jesus’ life allows us to hear many vital teachings from Christ. May we take this day to reflect on these truths for our lives as well.
Tuesday starts off like any normal day. Although, is there ever a “normal” day with Jesus?
Jesus uses the example of the dried up fig tree to encourage his disciples to have the kind of faith
in God that believes that God can remove any obstacles that hinders them from bearing fruit. His
followers can trust that God will grant them everything they need to bear fruit.
Where are you at? Do you believe that God can help you through any obstacles you face in bearing fruit for him?
When Jesus arrives at the temple, the crowds are gathered there to hear Him again. They
are probably hoping for another epic day to top the last 2 days. The religious leaders aren’t going
to give Jesus an easy opportunity. They immediately confront him, demanding to know who
gave Jesus the authority to do what He has done. But Jesus will not be outwitted by anyone. He
turns the question around, leaving the religious leaders speechless, and tells several parables that
everyone can see are clearly against these religious leaders. The crowds love the message of
Jesus and continue to support Him (not that Jesus wants or needs that though). The support of the
people means that the leaders can’t arrest and try Jesus very easily. If they simply go and arrest
Him, the crowds will riot, leaving these leaders to explain what happened to the less sympathetic
Romans. So, the religious leaders will have to try another trick.
The religious leaders pick 2 people, each from a separate group. One group is known for
keeping the Jewish law, the other for their loyalty to Herod (one of the political leaders). Their
plan is to ask Jesus another question, one in which He most certainly will be trapped in. Jesus will
either be a failure to the people as a Messiah, or He will be a threat to the Romans (and thus be
killed). But once again, Jesus answers in such a way that his opponents have no words. The
challenges to Jesus continue to come, but Jesus continues to silence all who would attempt to trip
Him up. Then, Jesus goes on the offensive, asking questions of His opponents.
At this point it becomes crystal clear to all what Jesus wants to see happen. Jesus’ rule
and authority is in direct opposition to the religious leaders. Jesus is seeking to overthrow their
authority, and replace it with his own. There is no doubt now that there will only be 1 winner at
the end of this fight. Jesus will either win and assume his authority, or die and lose. That is,
unless there is a 3rd option.
As the disciples prepare to leave and head back to rest on Tuesday night, they marvel at
the grand temple. They are stunned when Jesus tells them that the day is quickly coming when it
will be destroyed. When they get back to the Mount of Olives, they ask Him when these things
will be. Jesus finishes the day by describing some of the events that will take place. This picture
of the destruction of the temple serves as a warning of the destruction the world will eventually
face. Jesus’ point is this: that His followers must be ready at all times for His return.
At this point in the week, the events are beginning to unfold for the climax. Jesus has
brought his kingdom and kingship, and He is up against a religious and political system that will
oppose any challenge. As we have said earlier, it seems as if there are only 2 options: either Jesus
wins and establishes His kingdom, or dies and loses. As we read later in the story, Jesus’ death
did not mean he was defeated. God’s victory was accomplished through the death of His Son. But
you’ll have to keep reading to find this out.
Where does this leave us on this Tuesday? I’ll leave you with these questions:
- How does Christ’s kingdom and rule challenge any of your desires to rule and control your life?
- Jesus challenges people about looking good on the outside, but forsaking the wickedness in their own hearts. Is there anything inside of you that Jesus would want to change?