bible-study | philipberry

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.

Part two of Five

When engaging in Bible study to discern God’s will for your life, it’s essential to approach it with a focused and intentional mindset. Here are some more detailed steps to guide you:

Select Relevant Passages: Identify specific areas of your life or situations where you’re seeking guidance.

Look for biblical themes or topics that relate to those areas. For example, if you’re struggling with a decision about your career, you might explore passages related to vocation, stewardship, or trusting in God’s provision.

Read Systematically and Thoroughly: Rather than randomly selecting passages, consider reading through entire books of the Bible that address the themes or topics relevant to your situation. This approach helps you grasp the overarching message and context of Scripture.

Study the Context: Before diving into a specific passage, take time to understand its broader context. Consider the historical background, cultural setting, literary genre, and author’s intended audience. Contextual understanding is crucial for interpreting Scripture accurately.

Analyze the Passage: Once you’ve selected a relevant passage, read it carefully and attentively. Pay close attention to details such as key words, phrases, themes, and literary devices. Take note of any recurring motifs or symbols that might convey deeper meanings.

Use Study Tools: Utilize study tools such as commentaries, concordances, lexicons, and Bible dictionaries to aid your understanding. These resources provide insights into the original languages, cultural context, and theological significance of the passage.

Ask Questions: Engage with the text by asking questions that prompt deeper reflection and understanding. Consider questions such as:
What is the main idea or message of the passage?

How does this passage relate to other biblical themes or teachings?

What principles or truths can I apply to my life?

What implications does this passage have for my beliefs and actions?

Pray for Insight: Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your study and reveal God’s will to you. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and illumination as you engage with Scripture.

Seek Personal Application: As you gain insights from the passage, consider how its message applies to your life. Reflect on how you can align your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors with God’s revealed will.

Reflect and Respond: Take time to meditate on the passage and its implications for your life. Allow God’s Word to challenge, convict, and encourage you. Determine practical steps you can take to align with God’s will in your situation.

Continual Study and Application: Make Bible study a regular practice in your life. Continually seek God’s guidance and wisdom through His Word. Apply what you learn to your daily life and decisions, trusting in God’s faithfulness to lead you according to His will.

By following these detailed steps, you can engage in Bible study effectively to discern God’s will for your life and find insight and guidance for your specific circumstances. Remember that the goal of Bible study is not just intellectual knowledge but transformation and obedience to God’s will revealed in His Word.

Here are some key Scripture references from the (KJV) that emphasize the importance of seeking God’s will and guidance:

Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

James 1:5:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Psalm 119:105:

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Romans 12:2:

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Ephesians 5:17:

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Isaiah 55:8-9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Matthew 6:33:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Philippians 4:6-7:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

These verses highlight the importance of trusting in God, seeking His wisdom, aligning with His Word, and maintaining a attitude of prayer and thanksgiving in discerning and following His will.