The Passion Week Timeline

Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey to the shouts of the crowd, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.

On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus curses a fig tree that bears no fruit — a prophetic act.

Jesus drives out the merchants and money-changers from the temple courts for the second time.

The disciples notice the fig tree has withered from its roots overnight.

The chief priests and elders challenge Jesus's authority in the temple courts.

Jesus tells the parable of two sons sent to work in a vineyard — one who says yes but doesn't go, one who says no but does.

The parable of the wicked tenants who kill the landowner's son — the leaders recognize it is about them.

The parable of the king's wedding banquet: those invited refuse, and the poor and outcast are welcomed in.

Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes; he answers with a denarius.

Sadducees question Jesus about marriage at the resurrection; he exposes their error about God's power.

A lawyer asks which commandment is greatest; Jesus answers: love God, and love your neighbor.

Jesus asks how the Messiah can be both David's son and David's Lord, silencing his opponents.

Jesus delivers the seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy.

Jesus observes a poor widow giving two small coins — more, he says, than all the wealthy gave.

On the Mount of Olives, Jesus describes the signs of the end of the age and the destruction of the temple.

Jesus urges readiness and watchfulness: no one knows the day or hour, so be prepared.

The parable of the ten virgins warns that half were unprepared when the bridegroom arrived at midnight.

Three servants are each given talents; those who invest theirs are rewarded, the one who hides his is rebuked.

Jesus describes the final judgment: nations are separated as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.

A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume; he defends her act as preparing him for burial.

Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Jesus sends Peter and John into the city to prepare the Passover meal in an upper room.

At supper, Jesus takes a towel and basin and washes each disciple's feet, modeling servant leadership.

Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper with bread and cup, announces the betrayer, and predicts Peter's denial.

Jesus gives his extended farewell discourse (John 13–16): the vine and branches, the promise of the Spirit, and words of peace.

Jesus prays for himself, for his disciples, and for all who will believe through their message.

In the garden, Jesus prays in agony — "not my will, but yours" — while the disciples sleep.

Judas leads a crowd of soldiers and officials to Gethsemane; Jesus is arrested and the disciples flee.

Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin; the high priest accuses him of blasphemy for claiming to be the Son of God.

In the courtyard of the high priest, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crows.

Overcome by remorse, Judas returns the thirty coins and hangs himself.

Pilate finds no guilt in Jesus but yields to the crowd's pressure; he hands Jesus over to be crucified.

Jesus is crucified at Golgotha; darkness falls over the land from noon to 3pm; he cries out and gives up his spirit.

Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body; Jesus is wrapped in linen and laid in a new tomb before sunset.

The chief priests ask Pilate to secure the tomb; a guard is posted and the stone is sealed.

The women arrive at the tomb at first light and find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty.

Mary Magdalene lingers at the tomb weeping; the risen Jesus appears to her and she becomes the first witness.

Jesus meets the other women on their way from the tomb and they worship him.

Jesus walks with two disciples on the road to Emmaus; they recognize him in the breaking of bread.

Jesus appears to the gathered disciples behind locked doors, showing his hands and side.