Monday of Holy Week:
Cleansing of the Temple: Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers and drives out those buying and selling in the temple (Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48).
Holy Monday, is the second day of Holy Week, which leads up to Easter Sunday. While it’s not as extensively documented in the Gospels as Palm Sunday or Good Friday, it still holds significance in the Christian tradition. Here are some details about Holy Monday.
1. Cleansing of the Temple
Holy Monday is often associated with Jesus’ actions in the temple, particularly the continuation of the cleansing of the temple that began on Palm Sunday.
According to the Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48), after Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he went to the temple and drove out the money changers and merchants who were exploiting the house of God for profit.
This act symbolized Jesus’ authority and his zeal for the purity and integrity of worship.
2. Teaching in the Temple
Following the cleansing of the temple, Jesus continues to teach and engage with the people in the temple precincts.
The Gospels mention various teachings and interactions that likely occurred during Holy Monday, including parables, debates with religious leaders, and instructions to his disciples.
One notable teaching from this period is found in Matthew 21:18–22 and Mark 11:12–14, 20–25, where Jesus curses a fig tree that bears no fruit, using it as an object lesson about faith and the consequences of spiritual barrenness.
3. Preparation for the Passover
As Passover approaches, Jesus and his disciples make preparations for the Passover meal, which they will share together on Thursday evening (Maundy Thursday).
This likely involves logistical arrangements such as securing a location for the meal, obtaining the necessary elements for the Passover celebration, and making arrangements for their accommodation during the Passover festival.
4. Reflection and Prayer
Holy Monday may have been a day of reflection and preparation for Jesus as he approached the culmination of his earthly ministry. It’s praiseworthy to assume that Jesus spent time in prayer and communion with the Father, seeking strength and guidance for the events that would unfold in the coming days. The Gospels often depict Jesus withdrawing to solitary places to pray, and Holy Monday would have been no exception as he mentally and spiritually prepared himself for the trials ahead.
While the specific events of Holy Monday are not extensively detailed in the Gospel accounts, it is nevertheless recognized as a significant part of Holy Week, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow in the days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ authority, his commitment to true worship, and his preparation for the ultimate sacrifice he would make for humanity’s redemption.
Tuesday of Holy Week
Teaching in the Temple: Jesus engages in debates with religious leaders and delivers parables, including the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:23-23:39, Mark 11:27-12:44, Luke 20:1-21:4). Look them up.
Olivet Discourse: Jesus delivers prophetic teachings about the destruction of Jerusalem and his second coming (Matthew 24:1-25:46, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-38).
Teaching in the Temple refers to Jesus’ activities and interactions within the temple in Jerusalem during the days leading up to his crucifixion. This period of teaching is especially prominent during Holy Week, including Holy Monday. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Context
The Temple in Jerusalem was the central religious and cultural institution for the Jewish people. It was not only a place of worship but also served as a hub for various religious activities, including teaching, sacrifice, and prayer.
During the time of Passover, Jerusalem would have been filled with pilgrims from all over the region, adding to the bustling atmosphere in and around the temple.
Activities and Interaction
Jesus engaged in various activities within the temple, including teaching the people, debating with religious leaders, and responding to questions posed by his disciples and other observers.
His teachings covered a wide range of topics, including the kingdom of God, the nature of true worship, ethics, and the interpretation of Scripture.
Jesus often used parables—stories with spiritual and moral lessons—to convey deeper truths about God’s kingdom and the expectations of discipleship.
He also challenged the religious authorities of the time, critiquing their practices and interpretations of the law while emphasizing the importance of mercy, justice, and genuine faith.
Important teachings and interactions during this time include the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19), the question about paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:15-22, Mark 12:13-17, Luke 20:20-26), and Jesus’ response to the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28).
Significance
Jesus’ teaching in the Temple during Holy Week was a demonstration of his authority as a teacher and a prophet. His words challenged conventional thinking and called people to a deeper understanding of God’s will. It also served as a public declaration of his identity as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Jesus’ teachings and actions in the Temple underscored his role as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
Furthermore, his interactions with religious leaders and ordinary people provided opportunities for reflection, conviction, and decision-making, setting the stage for the events that would follow in the days leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection.
Overall, Jesus’ teaching in the Temple during Holy Week was a pivotal moment in his ministry, highlighting his mission to proclaim the kingdom of God, confront religious hypocrisy, and ultimately, offer salvation to all who would believe in him.
Wednesday of Holy Week
This day is sometimes referred to as “Silent Wednesday” as no specific events are recorded in the Gospels. It’s believed that Jesus spent this day in Bethany, perhaps resting before the events to come.
Phil Berry ThD D.D.
philipberry 