Today is Wednesday, and we are now at the mid-point of what has traditionally been called the “Passion week” or “Holy week” of Christ. Have you ever read the gospels and wondered how all the events of this critical week fit together? Below is a chronology of events that might be helpful:
“Palm” Sunday – Jesus' Triumphal Entry
Monday – Jesus cleanses and controls the temple; fig tree is cursed
Tuesday – Jesus confronts His enemies, pronounces woes against the religious leaders, and delivers the Olivet Discourse regarding
“Silent” Wednesday – no record in any of the four Gospels
"Good" Friday – Jewish and Roman trials, crucifixion, darkness, death, and burial
Saturday – Jesus’ body lays in the tomb
“Easter” Sunday – Jesus rises from the dead early in the morning; Jesus makes five appearances: to Mary Magdalene, other women, two disciples on road to Emmaus, Simon Peter, and 10 disciples (Thomas absent)
It’s amazing how Jesus orchestrated every tiny detail in order to arrive on the cross by Friday afternoon. He would die for our sin at "twilight" - the very time the Jews slaughtered their Passover lambs (Exodus 12:4; Deuteronomy 16:6; Luke 23:44-46). Truly, He is "Christ our Passover" (1 Corinthians 5:7). And to think all this took place while we were still in rebellion against Him as His enemies (Romans 5:8-10). What wondrous love is this!
For a closer look at the passion week story recorded in the four gospels, I recommend A Harmony of the Gospels by Robert Thomas.
by Robert Thomas.Update: Here's a satellite image showing the relative location of these events in Google Maps. Thanks to Justin Taylor for pointing out this link.
1 comment:
Wow, thanks for that cronology. Tuesday struck me. That was the day he spoke of the end of the world. Three days later his life would come to an end, only for him to take it up again.
I never realized his prophecy of this world's end was quite so close to his redemptive act (death/Resurrection).
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