JesusX30 Challenge—Scene 21: THE MARCH ON JERUSALEM
1. Key Texts
• Matthew 21–23 — Entry, Temple actions, debates
• Mark 11–13 — Fig tree, Temple teaching, Olivet discourse
• Luke 19–21 — Entry, Temple cleansing, widow’s offering
• Zechariah 9:9 — Donkey prophecy
2. Date & Place
• Spring 29 AD, Passover Week (Passover 3).
• Bethany → Jerusalem → Temple courts → Mount of Olives.
• Slow-motion narrative: Jesus deliberately enters the center of power knowing conflict is coming.
3. Main Account
A. Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19)
• Jesus rides a donkey—not a war horse—fulfilling Zechariah.
• Crowds cry “Hosanna” (“Save us now”): nationalist expectations swell.
• This is not a coronation parade—it’s a prophetic protest redefining power.
B. Temple Confrontation (Mark 11; Matthew 21)
• Tables overturned; money changers driven out.
• Jesus quotes Isaiah/Jeremiah: “House of prayer… den of thieves.”
• The Temple—the symbol of cosmic order—has become exclusionary; Jesus exposes the corruption.
• Leaders begin plotting his death immediately.
C. The Fig Tree Sign (Mark 11:12–14, 20–21)
• Tree appears healthy but bears no fruit.
• Symbol of Israel’s leadership: impressive externally, barren internally.
• Jesus indicts religious performance without justice.
D. Teaching in the Temple Courts (Matthew 22–23; Mark 12; Luke 20)
• Series of challenges: taxes to Caesar, resurrection puzzles, the greatest commandment.
• Jesus reframes everything:
– Caesar’s image vs. God’s image.
– Love God + love neighbor as the true Torah center.
• Sharp critique of scribes: “devour widows’ houses.”
• The widow’s offering exposes a system that demands everything from those who have nothing.
E. Prophecy of the Temple’s Fall (Mark 13:1–2)
• “Not one stone will be left on another.”
• Collapse of the old order; Kingdom cannot be built on exploitation.
• Olivet discourse: call to spiritual alertness, not fear-based speculation.
F. Anointing at Bethany (Mark 14:1–9)
• A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume.
• Others criticize; Jesus honors her: “She has prepared my body for burial.”
• She sees what others refuse—his mission will pass through suffering, not triumphalism.
4. Main Point
• Jesus marches straight into Jerusalem to expose corrupt power and reveal God’s better way.
• He contrasts two kingdoms:
– One built on control, appearance, and exploitation.
– One built on compassion, truth, and surrender.
• The week reveals the Kingdom’s true shape: confrontation with injustice, integrity under pressure, and devotion expressed in costly love.
5. Exegetical Insight
• “Hosanna” = urgent plea, not praise—crowds seek political liberation.
• “Den of thieves” references Jeremiah 7: critique of a Temple that masks injustice.
• Fig tree = prophetic sign-act (like Ezekiel); judgment on fruitless leadership.
• The widow’s two coins: not a model to imitate, but an indictment of a system that consumes the vulnerable.
6. Reflection Questions
• Where is God calling me to confront—not avoid—broken systems or patterns?
• What “tables” in my life need to be overturned?
• Do I mistake appearance for fruit?
• How can I stay spiritually awake in chaotic seasons?
7. Action Step / Challenge
• Identify one area where you are choosing comfort over conviction; take one step toward courageous truth-telling or justice.
• Practice the widow’s insight: look for systems or habits that burden the vulnerable—then act to ease that burden.
• Hold peace in tension this week—respond with clarity rather than reaction.
Buy the books!
This 30-day challenge is based on my book trilogy entitled Jesus: The Strategic Life and Mission of the Messiah and His Movement (3 Volumes, Hekhal Publishing Co., 2025).
You can buy or borrow the trilogy at:
Hekhal Publishing Co. (look for free samples of each book as well)
Amazon (print or ebook)
Barnes & Noble (print or ebook)
Hoopla (borrow)
Many more booksellers worldwide!
