Triumphal Entry, Last Supper and Arrest

Topic 13: Triumphal Entry, Last Supper and Arrest of Jesus

Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28–40)

Background

Timing

Occurred during final week of Jesus’ life.
Took place shortly before Passover.
Large crowds had gathered in Jerusalem.

Importance

Marks beginning of Passion Week.
Public declaration of Jesus’ Messianic identity.
Leads directly towards crucifixion.

Journey Towards Jerusalem

Jesus’ Actions

Approached Bethphage and Bethany.
Near Mount of Olives.
Sent two disciples ahead.

Instructions

Disciples were told to:

Find a colt.
Untie it.
Bring it to Jesus.

Significance

Demonstrates:

Jesus’ authority.
Jesus’ knowledge.
Fulfilment of prophecy.

The Colt

Why Did Jesus Ride a Colt?

Fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9

Prophecy described:

King arriving on a donkey.

Characteristics:

Humble.
Peaceful.
Righteous.

Significance

Jesus deliberately presents himself as Messiah.

However:

Not military Messiah.
Not warrior king.

Instead:

Peaceful king.
Spiritual Messiah.

Crowd’s Response

Actions

People:

Spread cloaks on road.
Welcomed Jesus.
Celebrated arrival.

Meaning of Cloaks

Symbolised:

Honour.
Respect.
Submission to king.

Praise of the Crowd

Words Spoken

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Significance

Crowd recognised:

Royal authority.
Messianic significance.

Expectations

Many hoped:

Liberation from Rome.
Political restoration.

Problem

Many misunderstood Jesus’ mission.

Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia (AYLOTI), World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 11 World Records and 7 Distinctions, O Level and IGCSE Biblical Studies Full Scale Course, Educate A Change

Pharisees’ Reaction

Complaint

Pharisees asked Jesus:

Rebuke the crowd.

Reason

Concerned about:

Messianic claims.
Public excitement.
Political consequences.

Jesus’ Response

“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Significance

Truth cannot be hidden.
Jesus accepts Messianic identity.
Creation itself recognises him.

Significance of the Triumphal Entry

Jesus as Messiah

Public declaration of identity.

Jesus as King

Fulfilment of prophecy.

Jesus as Peaceful Ruler

Arrives on donkey rather than war horse.

Beginning of Final Week

Leads directly to crucifixion.

The Last Supper (Luke 22:7–38)

Background

Passover

Meal took place during:

Jewish Passover festival.

Importance of Passover

Remembered:

Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
God’s saving power.

Significance

Jesus connects Passover with his own death.

Preparation

Jesus’ Instructions

Disciples sent to prepare meal.

Importance

Demonstrates:

Jesus’ authority.
Divine planning.
Control over events.

Institution of the Lord’s Supper

Bread

Jesus took bread.

Actions:

Blessed it.
Broke it.
Gave it to disciples.

Meaning

“This is my body.”

Significance

Represents:

Sacrifice.
Self-giving.
Coming death.

Cup of Wine

Jesus took cup.

Meaning:

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”

Significance

Represents:

Sacrifice.
Forgiveness.
New relationship with God.

New Covenant

Meaning

New agreement between:

God.
Humanity.

Based Upon

Jesus’ sacrifice.
Jesus’ death.

Importance

Central Christian belief.

Betrayal Predicted

Jesus’ Announcement

One disciple would betray him.

Reaction

Disciples asked:

“Is it I?”

Significance

Shows:

Human weakness.
Fulfilment of God’s plan.

Judas Iscariot

Role

One of Twelve disciples.

Action

Agreed to betray Jesus.

Importance

Demonstrates:

Rejection from within closest circle.
Human sinfulness.

Dispute Among Disciples

Argument

Disciples debated:

Who was greatest.

Jesus’ Teaching

True greatness means:

Service.
Humility.
Self-sacrifice.

Importance

Reflects Jesus’ model of leadership.

Prediction of Peter’s Denial

Warning

Jesus predicts:

Peter will deny him.

Peter’s Response

Claims:

Complete loyalty.

Significance

Foreshadows later events.

Gethsemane (Luke 22:39–46)

Journey to Mount of Olives

Purpose

Prayer.
Preparation.

Importance

Demonstrates Jesus’ humanity.

Jesus’ Prayer

Request

“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.”

Meaning of Cup

Represents:

Suffering.
Crucifixion.
God’s judgement.

Submission

Jesus continues:

“Not my will, but yours be done.”

Significance

Perfect obedience.
Complete submission.
Acceptance of God’s plan.

Disciples Sleeping

What Happened?

Disciples repeatedly slept.

Importance

Demonstrates:

Human weakness.
Failure of disciples.

Arrest of Jesus (Luke 22:47–53)

Arrival of Judas

Action

Judas approached Jesus.

Signal

Used a kiss.

Significance

Normally sign of friendship.

Here becomes:

Sign of betrayal.

Jesus’ Response

“Betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Importance

Highlights:

Treachery.
Irony.
Human sinfulness.

Attempted Resistance

Disciple’s Action

One disciple struck servant.

Result

Servant’s ear cut off.

Jesus’ Response

Stopped violence.
Healed servant.

Significance

Demonstrates:

Peace.
Compassion.
Rejection of violence.

Jesus’ Arrest

Authorities Involved

Chief priests.
Temple guards.
Religious leaders.

Jesus’ Observation

They came:

Under cover of darkness.

Significance

Represents:

Opposition.
Rejection.
Fulfilment of prophecy.

Significance of the Arrest

Demonstrates Human Rejection

Betrayed by disciple.
Abandoned by followers.
Arrested by authorities.

Demonstrates Obedience

Jesus does not resist.
Accepts God’s plan.

Demonstrates Love

Chooses sacrifice.
Chooses suffering for humanity.

Begins Final Stage

Leads directly to:

Trials.
Crucifixion.
Resurrection.

Examination Focus

Why Is The Triumphal Entry Important?

Public declaration of Messiahship.
Fulfilment of prophecy.
Beginning of final week.

Why Is The Last Supper Important?

Institution of Lord’s Supper.
New Covenant established.
Preparation for crucifixion.

Why Is Gethsemane Important?

Reveals Jesus’ humanity.
Reveals obedience to God.

Why Is The Arrest Important?

Demonstrates betrayal.
Demonstrates rejection.
Demonstrates acceptance of God’s plan.

What Do These Events Reveal About Jesus?

Triumphal Entry

Messiah.
King.

Last Supper

Saviour.
Sacrificial servant.

Gethsemane

Obedient Son.

Arrest

Willing sufferer.

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