October 24, 2025 -Jesus Puts Jesus on the Cross

JOHN 12:37-50

MARK 11:12-14

MATTHEW 21:18-22

MARK 11:15-19

MATTHEW 21:12-17

LUKE 19:45-48

MARK 11:20-33

MATTHEW 21:23-27

LUKE 20:1-8

Chronological Bible Readings

Mark 11:15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

I don't think it's possible to read about these last days leading up to the cross and think that it was not all part of the plan. There is a definite difference in what Jesus does and how He does things. This is clearly another step on the path to the cross. Everything Jesus did had a purpose and at this point it is clear that these big events that I have referenced as leading to the cross are intentional. It is clear that He knew what the response was going to be. Jesus is allowing Himself to be put on the cross. Lazarus was the only person that Jesus brought back from the dead after so many days. There could be no doubt that Lazarus was really dead. Not only that when He had brought others back from the dead it was private quiet. He often told people to keep their miracles to themselves. But this was the greatest miracle to date, and He didn't hide it. In fact He made sure that is was well witnessed. Then we have Jesus, riding into Jerusalem with all His disciples without any attempt to be quiet or to keep it a secret. He is being hailed as king, and He does nothing to discourage it. Other times He had moved about quietly. Going off alone to pray. Letting His disciples go about and He would meet them later.

Today He is at the temple. His practice prior to this was to teach and preach and when the Jewish leaders would confront Him or criticize Him, He would have a parable or question for them that would shut them down. Here He creates a big scene destroying things and yelling. He as not speaking directly to the chief priests and teachers of the law but His words and actions very publicly denounced them and the practices that they had condoned which was an insult in front of a city filled with people. Jews and gentiles.

If catching their attention with a great miracle that made many people come to believe in Him wasn't enough to send Him to His death. And His triumphal entry into Jerusalem where the people who were supposed to admire and look up to their leaders, were singing praise to Him instead didn't anger them enough for them to act. Then this display and attack on their character and the practices of the temple would surely be the final straw.

No one who has studied the bible can say that Jesus didn't know what He was doing.