What Happened the Last Week of Jesus’ Life
As we approach the season of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice, it’s important to walk through the key events leading up to His resurrection. Each moment holds deep significance, showing God’s plan for redemption. Let’s explore these events step by step.
Passover Preparation
Before His arrest, Jesus and His disciples prepared for the Passover meal. Jesus sent Peter and John ahead, instructing them to find a man carrying a water jar who would lead them to a furnished upper room (Luke 22:8-12). This was no ordinary Passover—it would be the setting for Jesus’ final meal with His disciples and the beginning of the New Covenant.
The Last Supper
During the meal, Jesus did some unexpected things. He took bread, blessed it, and said, “This is My body, given for you.” Then He took the cup, saying, “This is My blood, poured out for many” (Luke 22:19-20). He also washed His disciples’ feet, demonstrating humility and servant-hearted love (John 13:5). This meal wasn’t just about remembering Israel’s deliverance from Egypt; it was about the ultimate deliverance Jesus would bring through His death.
In Gethsemane
After the meal, Jesus led His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane. Here, He prayed in deep distress, knowing what was ahead. He asked the Father, “If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). His sweat became like drops of blood, a sign of His agony (Luke 22:44). Even as His disciples slept, Jesus prepared for what was to come.
The Betrayal
Judas, one of the twelve, arrived with a crowd armed with swords and clubs. He betrayed Jesus with a kiss, signaling to the authorities whom to arrest (Matthew 26:47-50). Jesus was taken to the former high priest’s house, where He was falsely accused. Then He was dragged to the current high priest’s home where Jesus was questions before being beaten and mocked. Peter, despite his earlier boldness, denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed (Luke 22:61-62).
The Trials of Jesus
Before His crucifixion, Jesus faced trials before both religious leaders and civil authorities. His last religious trial was before the Sanhedrin, where He was falsely accused and condemned for blasphemy (Matthew 26:59-66). Then, He was taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who found no fault in Him but succumbed to pressure from the crowd (Luke 23:1-25). Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, who mocked Him and sent Him back. Eventually, Pilate sentenced Jesus to be crucified, washing his hands to symbolize his attempt to avoid responsibility.
The Cross
After a night of trials, Jesus was sentenced to death. He was beaten, forced to carry His cross, and nailed to it outside the city gates at a place called Golgotha. Darkness covered the land for three hours as Jesus bore the weight of the world’s sin. With His final breath, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
Miracles at Jesus’ Death
As Jesus died, the Temple veil tore in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:51). The earth shook, rocks split, and tombs opened, with some of the dead rising to life (Matthew 27:52-53). Even a Roman centurion witnessing these events declared, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
Jesus’ Burial
A wealthy follower and member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea, asked for Jesus’ body and placed it in his own new tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). A stone was rolled in front of it, and Roman guards were stationed there to prevent any tampering. It seemed like the end, but in just three days, everything would change!
Why This Matters
Each of these events points to the incredible love of Jesus and His willingness to suffer for us. As we reflect on His journey from Passover to the cross, let’s remember that His sacrifice was not the end of the story—it was the beginning of our redemption.
Take time this season to read these passages and reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love. His journey to the cross was for you, and His resurrection brings the hope of eternal life!
