In the Gospels, there are over 50 specific days that describe the life of Jesus. Sometimes it is only a single incident, but the Tuesday of Holy Week is recorded in detail.
Mark 11:20 tells us that it was on the next day that Jesus explained the cursing of the fig tree that had occurred on Monday. Jesus then spent much of Tuesday in the temple courts (where the day before He had “cleansed” this place; Mark 11:15); when His authority was challenged, He taught a parable concerning the lack of repentance among the leaders of Israel (Matthew 21:28–32) and then a second parable of their desire to rid themselves of the heir – who, of course, is Jesus (21:33–44).
Jesus then gave a third parable, this time of a banquet, illustrating the rejection of Christ’s invitation and His provision for others (Matthew 22:1–14). Then he responded to additional questions by the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees (22:15–40). Jesus finally asked them a couple of key questions: “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” (22:41–46). Then we have the series of “Woe Oracles” that were given to the national leaders (23:1–19).
Jesus then called attention to the widow’s gift of two small copper coins (Luke 21:1–4), and then finally, to the disciples, He predicted the destruction of the temple and end of the world in His well-known Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:1–25:46; Luke 21:5–38).
Now that was a very busy teaching Tuesday! And throughout this day, Jesus was speaking and pointing to what was coming.
On this Tuesday of Holy Week, why not take some time to read the passages noted above and ask yourself these questions:
- What is my response to Jesus?
- Have I responded to His gracious invitation to dine with Him?
- Do I believe what Christ taught, and am I living for Him?
Then when this Friday comes, it will be a Good Friday because you’ll appreciate in a deeper way that Jesus went to the cross for you.