Many scholars believe that Wednesday (or Tuesday?) was one of the most important days during this final week of Jesus. Why? Because it contains many conversations with the Jewish leaders, parables, and discourses on His impending doom, the unbelieving Jewish leaders, signs of the end times, and judgment day.
The final activity of the Tuesday/Wednesday period is the plot against Jesus by the Jewish leaders to have Jesus arrested.
We are going to spend some time here reading the three discourses of Jesus: unbelief (John 12:37-50); signs and coming events (Matthew, Mark & Luke); and Judgment Day (Matthew 25:31-46).
The Discourse of Unbelief (John 12:37-50)
- John tells us in verse thirty-seven that even after all the miraculous signs, they would not believe. He refers to Isaiah’s prophesy. Go back to Isaiah 53:1-4
- Verse one begins with the questions: “who believed in the message?” And to whom was it revealed? What is the answer?
- Isaiah’s vision looks forward to the Messiah. How does he describe Him? (Note: Often referred to as “The Suffering Servant”)
- John tells us “they could not believe.” He quotes another Isaiah passage in verse forty. How difficult is it to believe that they “could” not believe as opposed to “would” not believe? How does that speak about a loving God?
- John also tells us that many believed but chose not to disclose their belief for fear of being ostracized. What was their underlying reason for hiding their faith?
- At this, Jesus cries out, Jesus uses the “light and darkness” analogy about faith. Jesus reminds us that He did not come to judge but to save. Go back to John 3:17 to see God’s purpose for His Son.
- According to verse forty-eight, when will the unbelieving be judged? Go to Romans 2:5, what will be the cause of their damnation?
The Discourse of Signs and Coming Events (Matthew 24:15-35; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38)
- Read Mark 13. Jesus and His disciples are leaving Jerusalem for the Mt. of Olives. The disciples are marveling at the massive Temple structure. What does Jesus tell them will happen?
- The disciple ask Jesus for signs of the end of times. What was His first instruction in verse five?
- Jesus reminded the disciples that strife will come, but don’t be alarmed. Wars, earthquakes, and pains of birth point to suffering. Go to Romans 5:3. How does St. Paul use the “birth pains” mentioned in Mark and relate to our suffering?
- Verses 9-11 are directed at the disciples and their future suffering. How do you suppose they received the message?
- Verse fourteen quotes the prophet Daniel. “The abomination that causes desolation” refers to the antichrist. Jesus warns us that false prophets will come among us. What does Jesus tell us in verse twenty-three?
- Verse twenty-four tells us some of the signs of the end times. What are they?
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- How will the Lord appear on His second coming? According to verse thirty-one, what will last and what will not?
The Discourse on Judgment Day (Matthew 25:31ff)
- Now Jesus will come as the Judge. What terms does Jesus use here to distinguish believers and unbelievers?
- Verses 35-36 is a sort of report card of the believer. How do these examples tell you and me what’s important in this life?
- Those on the left are cursed to the eternal fire. Who is this place prepared for?
- Verse thirty-four is very gospel oriented. “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” What motivates a Christian to service? How can we show our love for Jesus to our fellow man?
Matthew 26 tells us that when Jesus had finished saying all these things, they sought ways to arrest Him.