Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 7 — The Final Week of Jesus
Season 7 — The Final Week of Jesus: The King enters Jerusalem as God’s plan of redemption unfolds.
Season 7 — The Final Week of Jesus
From Triumph to the Cross
For three years, Jesus taught, healed, performed miracles, and revealed the Kingdom of God.
He called disciples.
He confronted religious hypocrisy.
He welcomed sinners.
He demonstrated God’s love and power.
Now the story enters its most important week.
Jesus arrives in Jerusalem during Passover.
Crowds gather.
The city fills with pilgrims.
Expectations run high.
Many hope Jesus will establish His Kingdom immediately.
Others are determined to stop Him.
Over the course of a single week, Jesus will be welcomed as a King, challenged by religious leaders, share a final meal with His disciples, pray in Gethsemane, stand trial, suffer crucifixion, and be buried in a tomb.
Every event unfolds according to God’s plan.
This season follows the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry and prepares readers for the greatest victory in history—the resurrection.
Scripture References
Matthew 21–27
Mark 11–15
Luke 19–23
John 12–19
Isaiah 53
Psalm 22
Zechariah 9:9
Exodus 12
Understanding the Season
The final week of Jesus’ life is recorded in remarkable detail by all four Gospel writers.
Although Jesus’ ministry lasted approximately three years, a large portion of each Gospel focuses on these final days.
This emphasis reveals their importance.
The events of this week stand at the center of the Christian faith.
The cross was not an accident.
The arrest of Jesus was not a failure.
Everything unfolds according to God’s redemptive plan.
The Lamb of God is moving toward the sacrifice that will provide salvation for the world.
Major Themes
Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
The true King enters Jerusalem.
The Passover Lamb prepares for sacrifice.
Religious leaders increasingly oppose Jesus.
Faithful disciples struggle to understand what is happening.
The love of God is demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice.
The cross becomes the meeting place of God’s justice and mercy.
The resurrection draws near.
Lessons in This Season 7
7.1 — The Triumphal Entry
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey as crowds shout, “Hosanna!”
7.2 — Cleansing the Temple
Jesus drives out those who have turned God’s house into a marketplace.
7.3 — Teaching in the Temple
Jesus teaches, answers challenges, and confronts religious hypocrisy.
7.4 — The Widow’s Offering
A poor widow demonstrates sacrificial faith and generosity.
7.5 — The Mount of Olives Discourse
Jesus teaches about future events, faithfulness, and readiness.
7.6 — The Last Supper
Jesus shares Passover with His disciples and institutes the Lord’s Supper.
7.7 — Gethsemane
Jesus prays in deep anguish while submitting to the Father’s will.
7.8 — Betrayal and Arrest
Judas betrays Jesus and the events leading to the crucifixion begin.
7.9 — Trials Before the Leaders
Jesus stands before religious and Roman authorities.
7.10 — The Crucifixion
The Son of God gives His life for the sins of the world.
7.11 — The Burial of Jesus
Jesus is placed in a tomb while hope seems lost.
Understanding Jesus
The final week brings together many themes developed throughout Jesus’ ministry.
The Messiah.
The Son of David.
The Lamb of God.
The Suffering Servant.
The Good Shepherd.
The Resurrection and the Life.
All of these titles find deeper meaning during these events.
Many Old Testament prophecies that have been building for centuries reach fulfillment during this week.
Old Testament Connections
Passover becomes especially important during this season.
The lamb sacrificed in Egypt pointed forward to Christ.
Isaiah 53 foretold the suffering servant.
Psalm 22 described details remarkably similar to the crucifixion.
Zechariah predicted the King arriving on a donkey.
The final week demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promises.
For deeper study, see the Related Pages section near the bottom of this page.
Missing Context Check
Why Is Passover Important?
Passover celebrated God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
During the final week, Jesus becomes the ultimate Passover Lamb.
Why Did So Many People Come to Jerusalem?
Passover was one of the major pilgrimage festivals.
Jews traveled from across the Roman world to celebrate.
The city became crowded with worshipers.
Why Is This Week So Important?
The death and resurrection of Jesus stand at the center of Christianity.
Everything before this week points toward it.
Everything afterward flows from it.
Key Themes
Jesus Is the Promised King
He fulfills ancient prophecies.
Jesus Is the Passover Lamb
His sacrifice brings salvation.
God’s Plan Is Being Fulfilled
Nothing occurs by accident.
The Cross Is Central
God’s love and justice meet at Calvary.
Resurrection Is Coming
The story is moving toward victory.
Why This Season Matters
The final week explains why Jesus came.
His teachings reveal truth.
His miracles reveal power.
His death reveals love.
His resurrection reveals victory.
Without the events of this week, the Christian faith would be incomplete.
Every believer benefits from understanding what happened and why it matters.
Connecting to Jesus
This season reveals Jesus as:
The King.
The Lamb of God.
The Suffering Servant.
The Savior.
The Redeemer.
The One who willingly gave His life for the world.
Living the Message
As you study this season, slow down and reflect carefully on each event.
Consider the cost of God’s love.
Spend time reading the Gospel accounts.
Prepare your heart for the lessons of the cross and resurrection.
Ask God to deepen your appreciation for what Christ accomplished.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
The final week fulfills God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus fulfilled prophecy, died for sin, and prepared the way for resurrection victory.
Obedience in Action
Spend time reading one Gospel account of the final week.
Walk It Out
Reflect on how Christ’s sacrifice changes the way you live today.
Related Lessons
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
4.9 Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
Related Pages
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Feasts, Festivals, Seasons, and the Jewish Calendar
Heaven, Death, Resurrection, and Eternal Life
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 7: The Final Week of Jesus
The crowds cry, “Hosanna!”
The King enters Jerusalem.
The cross draws near.
And God’s plan to save the world is about to unfold.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
