The day began in Bethany.
The previous day, Jesus came to the home of Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. The family gave a dinner for him. Lazarus was at table. During the meal Mary anointed Jesus feet with precious perfume. John 12:1-8
The following day he set out for Jerusalem. When the crowds heard that he was coming they went out to meet him carrying palm branches and singing: “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
As they drew near to Jerusalem they came to Bethphage. Jesus sent two of his disciples into the village to get a colt. They brought the colt, threw garments on its back, while others spread garments and branches on the ground.
As they reached the brow of the Mount of Olives and began the descent, the city lay spread out before them.
The chapel commemorating where Jesus wept.
As he beheld the city in all its splendour, the Temple brilliant in the morning light, Jesus burst into tears. “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace… “ Luke 19:42
Entering the City
On reaching the city Jesus entered the Temple.
Model of the Temple built by Herod the Great.
Some Greeks approached Philip and asked: “”Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” John 12: 21. Philip told Andrew, together they told Jesus. The meeting probably took place in the Court of the Gentiles. “Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.” John 12:23-36
Herod’s Temple: The Temple area was large, three hundred yards wide, five hundred yards long.
At the end of the day: “He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.” Matthew 21:17
