Pastor Buddy has put together a series of Bible readings from the Book of Matthew to reflect upon as the week progresses. There are also parallel verses from the other Books of the Gospel for you to read, if you have time. Before you continue, here are some suggestions on how to gain the most from your Bible reading this week.
Helpful Tips for Understanding the Passion Week
1. As you read through the passages, ask yourself the following: What does the passage say about God / Jesus? What does it say about me? What should I do as a response to what I have read in this passage?
2. Read the passages listed. They can all be found in the Gospel of Matthew. If it is too much to read at one time, just read one of the paragraphs and come back to the rest later.
3. The parallel passages tell the story from a different standpoint and with a different emphasis.
4. As you read through the passages remember the steps of rejection, capture, conviction, crucifixion and resurrection.
…and now follow Jesus through His last days in the Passion Week:
Saturday: Jesus arrives in Bethany: Dinner at Simon’s house – Mary Anoints Jesus
Palm Sunday: Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem
Monday: Cleansing the Temple
Monday evening: Fig tree withered and Jesus’ authority challenged
Tuesday: Parables of watchfulness to the nation
Tuesday evening: 3 Questions from Jewish Parties
Wednesday: Jesus’ irrefutable question about Christ and the Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees
Wednesday evening: Widow’s Offering and the Gentiles seek Jesus
Thursday morning: Jesus foretells events to come
Thursday midday: Jesus continues to explain in Parables
Thursday afternoon: Description of the Last Judgment and the chief priests conspire with Judas
Thursday evening: The Last Supper
Thursday night: The last hours of Jesus’ last day – Predictions are proven true
Good Friday morning: Jesus’ Trial, Crucifixion and Burial
Saturday: Sealing of the Tomb
Easter Sunday: Prophecy fulfilled: Jesus’ resurrection and appearances to His disciples