Notes on Prophetic Action and Jesus's Ministry

Prophetic Action

Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem and at the Temple was a statement that the Kingdom of God is coming.
He led his followers into the city, challenging the religious and political powers (Rome) with a figurative army.
This action fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9: "Behold your king is coming to you, a just savior is he. Humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Jesus challenged the wealth and corruption of the Temple and its leaders.
He did not reject the Temple itself but wanted it to be a place of worship, not a place to make money.
Before this event, the leaders were not very aware of Jesus.
Once Jesus challenged the economic life of the Temple, he was targeted to be killed.

Synoptics: The main action is the offering of the bread and wine.
Catholics believe in Transubstantiation: The bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus.
Multiple times in the New Testament, it's mentioned that Jesus becomes present in the breaking of the bread.
The disciples recognize him in the breaking of the bread.

In John's Last Supper, Jesus performs a prophetic action by washing the feet of his disciples.
Feet were considered unclean, and this was typically the job of the lowest servant in the house.
The lesson is about humbleness and serving others.

Historically, the crucifixion takes place on the day of Passover.
John moves the crucifixion to the day before Passover, called "Preparation Day."
In John, Jesus dies at the same time as the Passover Lamb is being sacrificed in the Temple.
Jesus is the new Passover Lamb, whose blood will save the people.
A new covenant is made by the sacrifice of Jesus.
Jesus' sacrifice saves us from death (eternal life) and gives us access to the Tree of Life, which was lost due to the sin of Adam and Eve.
Jesus was killed by the Romans for a political crime, accused of being "King of the Jews."