Luke/Acts for Beginners
Jesus Enters Jerusalem
Part 1
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the teachings and actions of Jesus as He arrives at Jerusalem. Of note is His determination to fulfill His role as our Savior. Teachers and students should review the relevant materials before class.
Due to the complexity and scope of this material, teachers should consider teaching it in two sections. Section 1 covers Jesus’ teachings and actions at His initial arrival to Jerusalem (Luke 18:31-19:27). Section 2 covers Jesus’ teachings and actions in Jerusalem (Acts 19:28 – 48).
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: State the lesson and importance of key events as Jesus enters Jerusalem.
- Feel: Recognize the determination of Jesus to fulfill His role as our Savior.
- Do: Grow spiritually by following the teachings of Jesus and help others learn of Him.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
He is entering the final period of His earthly ministry and opportunity to teach the apostles before His death and resurrection. He must now bring their focus to what and why these events will happen. Jesus has been letting them know all along the cost of discipleship. He has warned them that it would require total commitment to Him. He knows that their faith will be severely tested during this time. He may also want them to not get caught up in all the events of the upcoming Passover period.
By fulfilling these prophesies, He is the Messiah as foretold. His disciples may not necessarily understand that in the moment but will recall these as they go forward in their ministry.
It once again shows the compassion of Jesus to those demonstrating faith. Bartimaeus was persistent in his plea (prayer) to Jesus to cure his blindness. Furthermore, this shows Jesus' Deity once again. Ultimately, as stated in verse 43, God is glorified by the actions of Jesus.
There are many possible answers. If not stated by the students remind them of the following. As Jesus enters the region of Jerusalem, and later as He enters the city the crowds will be waiting for Him. They welcomed the Messiah at that time, although later He would be rejected. Nevertheless, it shows that Jesus is the savior of humanity, but more importantly, Jesus must be our personal savior.
Jesus demonstrated this many times in His one-on-one interactions with those seeking Him. Here we find a man, like Matthew, that was despised by the Jews. Jesus may even have felt some kinship in that rejection knowing the rejection He had already received and that awaited Him. Zacchaeus' true repentance is shown in his statement of returning not just what he had unjustly taken from others, but to restore it fourfold. Unlike the Rich Young Ruler in the previous lesson, Zacchaeus was willing to give all to follow Jesus. Jesus would never refuse one who shows that level of commitment and faith. Therein lies a valuable lesson for us as well.
Responses will vary but it seems that since this is directed at the Jewish leadership, they had misused the responsibilities and opportunities they had to teach and lead the Jewish nation to God.
Answers will vary but look for responses that focus on Jesus fulfilling prophesies. Also recognize that the people knew who He was, yet they still allowed Jesus to be taken by the Jewish leaders and put to death.
Jerusalem has always played an important role in God's interaction with man. The Jews had become so blinded by their view of themselves that they failed to see that the Messiah they had longed for was in their midst. This blindness would not only lead them to reject Jesus, but later they would even reject God Himself during the trial of Jesus. This rejection, in spite of all God had done for His people and was wanting to do through Jesus. As a result, God would reject them. The final rejection by God would be seen approximately 40 years later when Jerusalem and its temple along with all the genealogical records would be destroyed by an invading Roman army.
Jesus is exercising His authority. He boldly drives out those that fail to see the reason and sacredness of the Temple. It was an act of purification as He now took His place as a teacher of the Jewish people. He could not tolerate blatant disregard shown at the very seat of God's earthly throne. We would say today, "Enough is enough!"
Look for specific responses related to greater commitment to our Lord because of our love for Him because of what He has done for us, and recognition as His role as our Savior. We learn of these events and their significance and then teach them to others as we reveal the person of Jesus and His true identity as the Son of God to them.