Tuesday Is a Long Day or The Game Goes Into Extra Innings

Jesus and the Twelve head out from Bethany to Jerusalem, specifically to the Temple. If the Twelve had known what was coming this day, they may have stayed in Bethany. There is a lot of action in words and deeds today!

I'm working from Mark, as Mark is closer chronologically to the events throughout the week, but including the references from other gospels when applicable. 

The Morning to Mid-afternoon:

The fig tree is withered. Matthew 21:20-22 & Mark 11:20-26

The tree points to something beyond itself as Jesus uses this symbolically, most likely toward the chief priests and elders of Jerusalem, who have not produced fruit in keeping with repentance. Jeremiah 8:1-13 is a good reference. Jesus takes the opportunity to tell the twelve, who are surprised to see the tree withered, to have faith when praying, believing God to do what we've asked with a condition: forgiveness. 

The Question about Authority. Matthew 21:23-27, Mark 11:27-33, Luke 20:1-8

Jesus stays consistent in avoiding the traps laid by the religious leaders by asking his own questions...with a promise to the leaders- If they can answer His questions, He will answer theirs. Of course, up to,this point, they have been unable to match wisdom with the King. The leaders have already declared their intent to destroy Him (v18), they're just looking for some tinder now. Since the leaders are image conscious, they fear looking bad, as do all image conscious people when challenged. Thus they use their authority to avoid challenges. Jesus destroys the carefully held images we have set up. 

The Parables: Two Sons (Only in Mt) , Tenants (appears in Mt, Mk, & Lk), The Wedding Feast (appears in Mt & Lk)

The parable of the tenants was told directly within earshot of the religious leaders but they couldn't act on what they wanted to do. Mark 12:12, And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. Ha! Astute men, they were, as well as frustrated and agitated. 

All three parables have the same message of condemnation against Israel’s religious leaders, as Jesus is taking aim and getting bulls-eyes. 

The Tax Man Cometh (Mt, Mk, Lk) Mark 12:13-17

It's interesting that the leaders praise Jesus for not caring about the very things they're all about: "Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances..."  When this charade was over, all they could do was marvel at Him. 

Sadducees Debate Jesus on the Resurrection and Are Quite Wrong (Mt, Mk, & Lk) Mark 12:18-27

The main point here is one for all of us when we lose our way: "Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?" Most of our problems are the result of no knowledge and no power. Jesus tells the Sadducees that God is the God of the living. 

The Great Commandment (Mt 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28)

An expert in the law asked Jesus about the most important commandment. This expert seems to be the most thoughtful of any of the leaders and appears to be really seeking an answer, although it still has the form of a test, per Luke. However, in Luke, the leader asks about eternal life while in the previous gospels, it's a commandment question. In all cases, Jesus sincerely says, "You have answered well." in some form or fashion. An exchange that had to be refreshing for Jesus- no contention, truth seeking and satisfaction upon answering. Jesus tells him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God". 

The Question about Who is David's Son (Matthew 22:41-46, Mark 12:35-37, Luke 20:41-44)
While Jesus was still in the Temple Courts teaching, another round with the religious leaders begins with a question initiated by Jesus, which is a great starting question with anyone seeking: 

"What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?"

The Judean society believed in a messianic Son of David, so this question cut right to the heart of a belief deeply and passionately held by the scribes. The Psalms were considered highly prophetic and Jesus uses Psalm 110:1 to further deepen the chasm between himself and the religious leaders.

The Seven Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees or All Hell Breaks Loose  (Matthew 23:1-36, Mark 12:37-40, Luke 20:41-44
Interestingly enough, Mark and Luke use just a small portion of the Jesus' warnings to the disciples and people gathered at the temple about the religious leaders. This discourse follows a barrage of attempts by the scribes and Pharisees to publicly discredit His ministry. As Jesus finished, he looked up and saw people putting in their offerings, both the rich and the poor- one in particular- a widow.
She gave all she had while the rich gave out of their abundance, costing them nothing.

Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem ( Matthew 23:37-39, Luke 13:34-35)

According to Matthew, this follows the seventh woe and illustrates Israel's refusal of God's prophets and unwillingness to believe and repent. "Gathering her brood under her wings" is rich with imagery and found in Psalm 17:8, Psalm 36:7, and Isaiah 31:5





Before Jesus and the Twelve leave the temple for the day and head to the Mount of Olives, John records three events not found in any other gospel. In John 12:20-36, some Greeks had made their way to worship at Temple and found Philip to request a meeting with Jesus. Jesus alluded to his death and the benefits from his death for us. He also pointed out his was "troubled and greatly distressed" (v 27) but made sure they knew it was for a purpose. In John 12:37-43, we find that many rulers did believe on Jesus but because they were so image conscious and feared expulsion from the synagogue, they kept quiet. Why? They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Finally, the last recorded event before the Olivet Discourse is John 12:44-50, in which John writes, "Jesus shouted out..." making it clear that all knew if one believed in Him, they believed in God and if you've seen Him, you've seen God. That had to be enough to send those still opposed to Jesus right over the edge.

Afternoon 

Mount of Olives Discourse (Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, Luke 21)
Lots of discourse here and I won't break it down but summarize what Jesus covered. The Mount of Olives overlooks Jerusalem and is east of the Temple.

1. Prediction of Temple's Destruction (as they were leaving the Temple) 
2. Sign before the End: They are now at the Mount of Olives
3. Persecution Predicted/Foretold for the Twelve 
4. Abomination of Desolation (Daniel 8:13- referred to an altar of Zeus erected by Antiochus over the existing altar in 168 B.C.)
5. False Christs & Prophets
6. The Coming of the Son of Man
7. Fig Tree Parable and the Signs. It's interesting he uses the fig tree for fruit to tell if the time has come. 
8. Take Heed and Watch!
9. The Parable of the Flood and relating to "life goes on"
10. The Parable of the Servants and being about our work
11. Sheep & Goats and the Last Judgment

Evening 

Lodged on Mt. Olives (Luke 21:37-39)

There isn't a clear time when Judas Iscariot made the deal with the religious leaders but according to Bible.net, it is Wednesday. Some commentaries point to Tuesday, but for the sake of the timeline from which I'm working, I'm using Wednesday. It was a pretty quiet day and probably for good reason. I'd imaging today was exhausting in all forms- mentally, spiritually, and physically.