‘– NEW ADDITION–
43-page booklet – Last week of Jesus’ earthly life
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. This study has proved to be a blessing as as Christians prepare for the annual Memorial of Jesus’ death.
Weight: 2.7 oz
Dimensions: 8.5 × 7 × .125 in
NEW ADDITION:
Published March, 2022
Heart Communion with Jesus is a deeply contemplative and scripturally integrated devotional guide published by the Bible Students Congregation of New Brunswick. It presents a harmonized and dramatized narrative of the final week of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry, carefully weaving together events from all four Gospels while eliminating repetition. The booklet's intent is to foster emotional intimacy and spiritual reflection—what it calls a “heart communion”—with Jesus through His final experiences of love, teaching, suffering, and sacrifice.
Jesus arrives in Bethany six days before Passover. He is honored at a dinner hosted by Simon the Leper, where Mary anoints Him with expensive spikenard perfume. Judas criticizes the act, but Jesus defends Mary, interpreting the act as preparation for His burial. This event foreshadows both Jesus' death and the betrayal by Judas.
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy. The crowd praises Him, waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna." This public proclamation of His messiahship incites tension with religious leaders, who are concerned about His growing influence. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, lamenting their spiritual blindness.
Jesus curses a barren fig tree, symbolizing Israel's spiritual fruitlessness. He then enters the temple and drives out the money changers, calling it a "house of prayer" turned into a "den of thieves." He heals the blind and lame, drawing admiration from the people but outrage from the chief priests and scribes.
This is a day of intense theological debates between Jesus and the religious authorities (Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes). He teaches in the temple, rebukes the leaders through parables (e.g., the two sons, wicked tenants, wedding feast), and reaffirms the greatest commandments—loving God and neighbor. Jesus publicly exposes the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees in a series of “woes,” lamenting over Jerusalem’s rejection of truth.
Though the Gospels are less detailed about this day, the booklet places Jesus in quiet retreat in Bethany, likely preparing for the Passover. Meanwhile, Judas arranges the betrayal, negotiating with the chief priests to hand over Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
Jesus and His disciples celebrate the Passover meal. He institutes the Memorial Supper (Communion), washing the disciples’ feet to model humility. Judas is identified as the betrayer and leaves the room. Jesus teaches extensively (John 13–17), offering comfort, promising the Holy Spirit, and praying fervently for unity and spiritual strength for His followers.
After the Last Supper, Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray in agony. He submits to God’s will while His disciples fall asleep. Judas arrives with soldiers and betrays Him with a kiss. Jesus is arrested after a brief scuffle, where Peter cuts off a servant’s ear, which Jesus heals.
Before Annas – Jesus is questioned and struck.
Before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin (at night) – He is falsely accused and declared guilty of blasphemy.
Before the full Sanhedrin at dawn – The council confirms the death sentence.
Before Pilate – Jesus is interrogated but found innocent.
Before Herod – Jesus remains silent; He is mocked and sent back.
Back to Pilate – Despite declaring Jesus faultless, Pilate succumbs to mob pressure. Jesus is scourged and mocked with a crown of thorns. The people demand Barabbas be released instead. Pilate symbolically washes his hands and delivers Jesus to be crucified.
Jesus carries His cross to Golgotha, aided by Simon of Cyrene. He is crucified between two thieves. His garments are divided by lot. The religious leaders and the crowd mock Him. One of the thieves asks to be remembered; Jesus promises him paradise.
Jesus speaks several final statements, including:
"My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?"
"It is finished."
"Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit."
At His death, the veil of the temple is torn, an earthquake occurs, and graves are opened. A Roman centurion declares, “Truly this was the Son of God.”
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus claim Jesus’ body, wrap it in linen, and lay it in a tomb carved from rock. Roman guards are placed at the tomb’s entrance.
The booklet emphasizes that walking through this narrative isn’t just an intellectual exercise—it’s a heart experience. Readers are invited to identify with Jesus, meditate on His sacrifice, and strengthen their faith through empathy, worship, and love.
By blending all four Gospel accounts into one coherent narrative, the booklet provides a more comprehensive and emotionally immersive picture of the events. Scripture references are cited throughout, and textual nuances (like substitutions for “hell” or “damnation”) are addressed for clarity and consistency.
Jesus’ obedience to the Father and His sacrificial love are recurring motifs. The story illustrates not only Jesus’ physical suffering but also His emotional and spiritual anguish—and His triumph through resurrection and glorification.
Heart Communion with Jesus is not just a retelling of events; it's a spiritual journey of reflection, discipleship, and devotion. It presents Jesus not only as a historical figure, but as a living Savior, inviting readers into communion with Him through meditating on His love, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice. It’s ideal for use during Holy Week, Communion preparation, or personal devotional study.
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