Jesus moves from discussing the destruction of Jerusalem to His final return. However, when He returns there will be mixed response with some falling in terror and others worshiping. We should not be caught off guard, though, for like trees when these events happen we should know the end is near. Thus, we should constantly stay alert and ready for His return.

As Jesus and the disciples leave the temple (after a day of teaching and confronting the religious leaders), the disciples marvel at the beauty of the temple. Jesus then uses this to warn of the coming judgment upon Israel and teach three important things about that time and the future.

Jesus goes on the offensive, and warns of the Fake spirituality/religion of the religious leaders. Specifically, true spirituality believes Jesus' unique nature. It focuses not on one’s self, but on how one can give themselves in the service of others and God.

Jesus gets attacked with questions two more times. The first revolves around whether they should pay taxes to Caesar, but Jesus turns it around to say that really we owe God our lives. Then they ask about the resurrection, and Jesus shows our greatest hope is nothing here but what is to come.

The week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion is filled with conflict, teaching, and warning. It begins with Jesus cleansing the temple. This then leads the religious leaders to question what gives Him the right to do this, and Jesus then warning of their rejection. This will not alter God’s plan, but it will mean their destruction.

Jesus knows that as He approaches Jerusalem they are expecting Him to restore the Kingdom, and thus He gives this parable to let them know He will leave and come back. During the time in-between, they must continue to work as His servants and stewards.

Jesus tells the disciples (3rd time explicitly) that He will suffer, die, and rise again. However, they are confused because their expectations are for a military, conquering hero. Jesus then cures a man of blindness, but it seems He has more sight than the disciples and the rich young ruler (only called Jesus “Good Teacher” and would not follow His teaching). Finally, Jesus seeks sinners and changes them (IE: Zacchaeus).

I jumped ahead a little in Luke so that we could look at this story on Palm Sunday. It shows Jesus the King coming humbly and in fulfillment of various prophecies about the Messiah, God, and the King in David’s descent. However, there are mixed reactions as the crowds rejoice, but the religious leaders reject Jesus the King. Then in shock and surprise, Jesus responds to all this by bursting into tears. Not tears (yet) for what He will go through, but what will happen to them since they rejected Him.