The Triumphal Entry And The Cleansing Of The Temple

Overview

Themes from the Four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles:

The topic of 'The Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple' delves into a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to the scriptures (Mt. 21:1-17; Mk. 11:1-19; Lk. 19:29-48), Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, while the crowd welcomed him with great jubilation, laying down palm branches and cloaks on the road before him.

Objective 1: Recounting the Triumphal Entry, we witness the fulfilment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 symbolizing Jesus as the humble King entering the holy city.

Objective 2: Exploring the significance of this event, we understand that Jesus' choice of riding on a donkey rather than a horse signified peace, humility, and servanthood, contrasting earthly kings with the spiritual kingship of Jesus.

Objective 3: Examining how the cleansing of the Temple caused hostility towards Jesus, we find that Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers and sellers, proclaiming, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers." This action challenged the religious authorities and threatened their power, leading to increased animosity towards Jesus.

The cleansing of the Temple not only highlights Jesus' zeal for God's house but also serves as a powerful demonstration of his authority and righteous anger against the corruption that had infiltrated a sacred place. This event underscores the importance of purity in worship and the need for genuine reverence for God.

By studying the Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple, we gain deeper insights into the character of Jesus, his mission on earth, and the challenges he faced from both religious leaders and the society at large. Through these acts, Jesus sets a standard of true worship, humility, and accountability that continue to resonate with believers today.

As we navigate through the accounts in the Gospels, we are invited to reflect on our own reverence for God, our commitment to living a life of integrity and righteousness, and our readiness to confront injustice and uphold the values of the Kingdom of God. The Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple serve as poignant reminders of Jesus' unwavering dedication to God's will and his unwavering love for humanity.

Objectives

  1. Examine How the Cleansing of the Temple Caused Hostility Towards Jesus
  2. Determine the Significance of the Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple
  3. Recount the Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple

Lesson Note

The Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple are two pivotal events in the New Testament that significantly shaped the last days of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry. These events, recorded in the Gospels, offer profound insights into Jesus' mission and the escalating tension between Him and the religious authorities. Understanding these events helps us grasp their historical, theological, and spiritual implications.

Lesson Evaluation

Congratulations on completing the lesson on The Triumphal Entry And The Cleansing Of The Temple. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.

You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

  1. What did Jesus do during the Triumphal Entry? A. He cursed the fig tree B. He healed a blind man C. He cleansed the Temple D. He walked on water Answer: C. He cleansed the Temple
  2. Why did Jesus cleanse the Temple? A. To perform a miracle B. To show His authority C. To hide from his enemies D. To rest before his journey Answer: B. To show His authority
  3. What event marked the beginning of the hostility towards Jesus? A. The Last Supper B. The cleansing of the Temple C. The Baptism of Jesus D. The miraculous catch of fish Answer: B. The cleansing of the Temple
  4. Who was angered by the cleansing of the Temple? A. The Pharisees B. The disciples C. The Roman soldiers D. The tax collectors Answer: A. The Pharisees

Recommended Books

The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God
The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God
Publisher IVP Academic
Year 2004
ISBN 978-0830826354
The Gospel According to Matthew
The Gospel According to Matthew
Publisher Eerdmans
Year 2018
ISBN 978-0802837351
The Parables of Jesus
The Parables of Jesus
Publisher InterVarsity Press
Year 2002
ISBN 978-0830827634

Past Questions

Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about The Triumphal Entry And The Cleansing Of The Temple from previous years

WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 1995 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

(a) Give an account of the division of the kingdom of Israel.

 

(b) What unwise policies of Solomon led to it? 

View Answer
JAMB UTME - Christian Religious Studies - 2023 (Click to take full assessment)

Question 1 Report

Why did the Pharisees criticize Jesus during the triumphal entry?

View Answer
Practice a number of The Triumphal Entry And The Cleansing Of The Temple past questions