Wednesday, April 8
This means my body. . . . This means my “blood of the covenant.”—Matt. 26:26-28.
In introducing the Memorial of his death, Jesus used only the Passover bread and the wine that were already on hand. Jesus told his apostles that those two basic items symbolized his perfect body and blood, which he would soon offer up in their behalf. The apostles may not have been surprised at the simplicity of this important new meal. Why not? Months earlier, at the home of his close friends—Lazarus, Martha, and Mary—Jesus began teaching. Martha was present, but she was distracted with preparing a large meal for her honored guest. Observing this, Jesus kindly corrected Martha, helping her to see that an elaborate meal was not always necessary. (Luke 10:40-42) Later, with just hours remaining before his sacrificial death, Jesus applied his own counsel. He kept the Memorial meal simple. w19.01 20-21 ¶3-4
Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 14) Mark 15:1-47
April 6-12
Tuesday, April 7, 2020—The Memorial of Christ’s Death
During the Memorial season each year, many Christians meditate on the two greatest expressions of love ever shown—those of Jehovah God and of his Son, Jesus Christ. (Joh 3:16; 15:13) Using this chart, you can compare the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ final ministry in Jerusalem. These events are discussed in section 6 of the book Jesus—The Way, the Truth, the Life. How will the love of God and of Christ motivate you?—2Co 5:14, 15; 1Jo 4:16, 19.
JESUS’ FINAL MINISTRY IN JERUSALEM
Time |
Place |
Event |
Matthew |
Mark |
Luke |
John |
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33, Nisan 8 (April 1-2, 2020) |
Bethany |
Jesus arrives six days before Passover |
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Nisan 9 (April 2-3, 2020) |
Bethany |
Mary pours oil on his head and feet |
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Bethany-Bethphage-Jerusalem |
Enters Jerusalem triumphantly, riding on a donkey |
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Nisan 10 (April 3-4, 2020) |
Bethany-Jerusalem |
Curses fig tree; cleanses temple again |
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Jerusalem |
Chief priests and scribes scheme to destroy Jesus |
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Jehovah speaks; Jesus foretells his death; disbelief of Jews fulfills prophecy of Isaiah |
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Nisan 11 (April 4-5, 2020) |
Bethany-Jerusalem |
Withered fig tree lesson |
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Jerusalem, temple |
His authority challenged; illustration of two sons |
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Illustrations: murderous cultivators, marriage feast |
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Answers questions on God and Caesar, resurrection, greatest commandment |
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Asks crowd if Christ is David’s son |
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Woes to scribes and Pharisees |
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Observes widow’s contribution |
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Mount of Olives |
Gives sign of future presence |
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Illustrations: ten virgins, talents, sheep and goats |
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Nisan 12 (April 5-6, 2020) |
Jerusalem |
Jewish leaders plot to kill him |
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Judas arranges betrayal |
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Nisan 13 (April 6-7, 2020) |
Near and in Jerusalem |
Prepares for last Passover |
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Nisan 14 (April 7-8, 2020) |
Jerusalem |
Eats Passover with apostles |
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Washes feet of apostles |
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Jesus identifies Judas as traitor and dismisses him |
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Institutes the Lord’s Evening Meal (1Co 11:23-25) |
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Foretells Peter’s denials and scattering of apostles |
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Promises helper; illustration of true vine; gives command to love; last prayer with apostles |
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Gethsemane |
Agony in the garden; Jesus’ betrayal and arrest |
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Jerusalem |
Questioned by Annas; trial by Caiaphas, Sanhedrin; Peter denies him |
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Judas the betrayer hangs himself (Ac 1:18, 19) |
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Before Pilate, then Herod, and back to Pilate |
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Pilate seeks his release but Jews ask for Barabbas; sentenced to death on the torture stake |
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(c. 3:00 p.m.) |
Golgotha |
Dies on torture stake |
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Jerusalem |
Body taken from the stake and placed in tomb |
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Nisan 15 (April 8-9, 2020) |
Jerusalem |
Priests and Pharisees get guard for tomb and seal it |
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Nisan 16 (April 9-10, 2020) |
Jerusalem and vicinity; Emmaus |
Jesus resurrected; appears five times to disciples |
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After Nisan 16 |
Jerusalem; Galilee |
Makes more appearances to disciples (1Co 15:5-7; Ac 1:3-8); instructs; commissions disciple-making |