Nisan 7: Thursday, March 26 at 6PM — Friday, March 27 at 6 PM, 33AD — Jericho to Bethany
Departing from Galilee and moving south with the object of reaching Jerusalem for the Passover, our Lord and his party crossed the Jordan river once they were clear of the Samaritan settlements. Coming from the Jericho side, they would have taken a rigorous uphill climb to Bethany. They were still not in sight of the holy city itself, as Bethany was the next to last station on their route to Jerusalem. They arrived near 6 PM on Friday the close of Nisan 7.
Nisan 8: Friday, March 27 at 6PM — Saturday, March 28 at 6 PM, 33AD — Sabbath in Bethany
Within the city of Jerusalem itself, speculation raged about whether Jesus would come (John 11:55-57). “What think ye?” were the words on everyone’s lips as both the townspeople and the pilgrim multitudes who thronged into Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover wiled away the time debating whether the prophet from Galilee would risk confrontation with the chief priests and Pharisees who had given an order for his arrest (John 11:55-57).
Nisan 9: Saturday, March 28 at 6 PM — Sunday, March 29 at 6 PM, 33AD — Evening dinner and “Palm Sunday”
Evening: Following Jewish calendar reckoning, this day’s activity began with Saturday evening dinner at the house of Simon the Leper. Judas was rebuked for objecting to Mary’s gift of spikenard.
Palm Sunday: Crowds receive Jesus with joy, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. Greeks seek Jesus; “And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the son of man should be glorified” (John 12:23) fulfilling Zechariah 9:10. Jesus looks round about the Temple as a warning (Mark 11:11).
Nisan 10: Sunday, March 29 at 6 PM — Monday, March 30 at 6 PM, 33AD — Behold the Lamb
Arising in the morning, the company departed early, not lingering for breakfast. Jesus hungered (Matthew 21:18). By the side of the road stood a leafy fig tree but with no early fruit, and Jesus cursed it (Mark 11:13). Jesus, the antitypical Paschal Lamb presents himself for examination. In the Temple, Jesus takes action against the moneychangers and those not respecting the sanctity of the Temple. Jesus speaks pointed parables against the Temple authorities.
Nisan 11: Monday, March 30 at 6 PM, 33AD — Tuesday, March 31 at 6 PM, 33AD — Behold the Lamb
Leaving for Jerusalem in the morning, this time apparently having eaten breakfast, the company once again makes their way down the road passing the fig tree that had been so full of leaves the morning before. It now is withered. There is confrontation with the authorities, who meet him as a body to start a battle of wits over taxes, the resurrection, and the greatest commandment. Jesus asks the perplexing question, “How could David call his son Lord?” “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:37-39). Jesus and his followers leave the Temple.
Our Lord’s Great Prophecy: Retiring to the Mount of Olives, Jesus speaks in prophetic detail about the Gospel Age.
Nisan 12: Tuesday, March 31 at 6 PM, 33AD — Wednesday, April 1 at 6 PM, 33AD — Parables for disciples
Possibly, in the evening were the parables specially meant to warn the disciples that are related in Chapter 25 of Matthew’s account the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. Possibly, during the day he spoke the Parable of the Talents and The Parable of the Sheep and Goats.
Possibly, Judas enters into secret murderous counsel with the chief priests. “He promised and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude” (Luke 22:3-6, Matthew 26:14-16).
Nisan 13: Wednesday, April 1 at 6 PM, 33AD — Thursday, April 2 at 6 PM, 33AD — The Lord Rests
Gospel accounts record no activities until the late afternoon departure to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem.
Nisan 14: Thursday, April 2 at 6 PM, 33AD — Friday, April 3 at 6 PM, 33AD — Passover then Suffering
Passover supper, the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayal, trial and condemnation, crucifixion, miraculous darkness, death of the Savior, rapid internment in the Garden tomb.
(Please note that harmonizing the Gospels is challenging. There are some Bible students who believe Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a Monday – not Sunday. This answer is not representing that perspective.)
Additional Resources:
“Heart Communion with Jesus: The Last Week of Jesus” This 43-page booklet traces the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It pieces together the four Gospel accounts endeavoring to offer a sequential order for each day. Also included is the record of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances.
Christian Questions Podcast
Provides the calculations for “Palm Sunday” actually being “Palm Monday”
Episode #1275: “Why Did Jesus Ride Into Jerusalem?”
How prophecy, history and entering Jerusalem revealed Jesus’ purpose
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes