Apr 26, 2024

The final journey of Jesus to Jerusalem

Jesus’ Final Journey to Jerusalem

The final journey of Jesus to Jerusalem—often called the Triumphal Entry—marks one of the most sacred and decisive moments in His earthly mission. It is a journey rich with prophecy, symbolism, courage, and divine purpose. It reveals Jesus’s identity as the long-awaited Messiah and the depth of His love, as He willingly walks toward suffering for the salvation of humanity.

1. A Journey With Purpose

As the time approached for Jesus to complete his mission, “he set his face toward Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).

From this moment onward, every teaching, miracle, and movement pointed directly to the cross.

2. The Long Approach From Galilee

Jesus left Galilee for the last time and traveled slowly south toward Judea.

Along this route:

He passed through Samaria and Perea.
He delivered some of his most important teachings:
- The Good Samaritan
- The Prodigal Son
- The Rich Man and Lazarus
- Warnings about wealth
- Teachings on prayer and humility
He sent out seventy-two disciples ahead of him (Luke 10:1–20).

This was months of teaching, healing, and preparing his followers for what was to come.

3. The Raising of Lazarus — A Turning Point

Near the time of Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, just two miles from Jerusalem.

There he raised Lazarus from the dead after four days (John 11).

This miracle:

Drew enormous crowds
Convinced many that Jesus was the Messiah
Led the authorities to decide: “We must kill him” (John 11:53)

Jesus then withdrew temporarily to Ephraim.

4. The Final Week (Passion Week)

Friday Evening – Arrival in Bethany

Jesus dined with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 12:1–11).

Sunday – The Triumphal Entry

Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a young donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.

Crowds shouted “Hosanna!” and spread palm branches before him

(Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12).

Monday – Cleansing of the Temple

Jesus drove out the money-changers again, declaring,

“My house shall be called a house of prayer.”

(Mark 11:15–19)

Tuesday & Wednesday – Final Teachings

These days were filled with:

Public debates with Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes
Parables and warnings
The Olivet Discourse, where Jesus foretold Jerusalem’s fall and his return (Matthew 21–25)

5. Thursday – The Last Supper & Gethsemane

The Last Supper (Passover Meal)

Jesus:

Washed the disciples’ feet
Instituted the Eucharist
Gave the Farewell Discourses (John 13–17)

Gethsemane

Jesus prayed in agony while the disciples slept.

Judas arrived with soldiers and betrayed him with a kiss.

6. Thursday Night to Friday Morning – The Trials

Jesus faced six trials:

Annas
Caiaphas
The Sanhedrin
Pilate
Herod Antipas
Pilate again

He was condemned for claiming to be Son of God and King of the Jews.

7. Friday – Crucifixion (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to the cross.

Darkness covered the land at noon.

At 3 p.m., he cried, “It is finished,” and died.

8. Friday Evening – The Burial

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus placed Jesus in a new tomb before sunset (John 19:38–42).

9. Sunday – The Resurrection

At dawn, the tomb was found empty.

Jesus rose from the dead, appearing first to Mary Magdalene, then to the disciples.

Jesus’ final journey to Jerusalem is the heart of the Gospel:

the humble King on a donkey, the true Passover Lamb entering the city to offer his life for the salvation of all.

Because he completed this journey, the way to God is open for everyone.

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