Lecture Notes: Jesus' Entry into Jerusalem and the Cleansing of the Temple

Entry into Jerusalem

Location: Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, arriving at Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives.
Instructions to Disciples:
- Jesus sent two disciples to the village ahead to find a colt.
- Command: "Untie it and bring it here. If questioned, say 'The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.'"
Finding the Colt:
- Disciples found the colt tied at a doorway.
- When questioned, they responded as instructed and were allowed to take the colt.
Triumphal Entry:
- Cloaks were placed on the colt for Jesus.
- People spread cloaks and branches on the road.
- Crowds shouted:
  - "Hosanna!"
  - "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
  - "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David."
  - "Hosanna in the highest heaven."

Initial Visit:
- Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple courts.
- Since it was late, he left for Bethany with the twelve disciples.

The Next Day:
- Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree with leaves.
- Finding no fruit, he cursed the tree: "May no one ever eat fruit from you again."
- Disciples heard the curse.

Actions:
- Jesus drove out buyers and sellers in the temple.
- Overturned tables of money changers and benches of sellers.
- Prevented merchandise from being carried through the temple courts.
Teachings:
- Quoted scripture: "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers."
Reactions:
- Chief priests and teachers of the law plotted to kill Jesus due to fear and amazement of the crowd at his teachings.

Observation:
- The disciples noticed the fig tree had withered from the roots.
- Peter remarked on the withered tree to Jesus.
Jesus' Teachings on Faith:
- Faith in God: Belief without doubt can accomplish extraordinary things.
- Prayer:
  - Whatever is asked for in prayer, if believed to have been received, will be granted.
  - Forgiveness is essential; forgive others so that God may forgive your sins.