Spring brought a broadening of Jesus’ ministry from just being a relatively unknown Galilean rabbi to being a national figure. This came with his successful ministry in and around Jerusalem, before and after the Passover.

At some time before Passover, perhaps a week or so, Jesus and his small band, probably still limited to the original six, arrived in Jerusalem. From all indications, he was unknown in Judea. The city would have been filled with rabbis and their followers in that last week of March, 30 A.D. The various teachers would have been publicly discussing the Law and its application. Their views would have covered the spectrum, from the urban liberal school of Hillel to those who followed the conservative Galilean, Shammai. Thus, surely, as various ones engaged Jesus and his small band, they would have been impressed with his wisdom.

Not only was this unknown rabbi an interesting teacher, but he was as courageous as John. The word would have spread that he had challenged the priestly authorities by clearing the Court of the Gentiles of its market. He had demanded that the priests return it to a place of prayer for non-Jews.

Soon, the city would have buzzed over the Galilean rabbi and his fresh authoritative teaching. He was like John the Baptist, not the rabbinic scribes. He taught without any manipulation of the Law. Last, he was a miracle worker like the prophets of old—in fact, the first in some four centuries. Many began to wonder if this could be the Messiah. Eventually, the religiously powerful challenged this newcomer. They ordered him to prove his authority by providing a miracle on demand. He offered them one in a veiled prediction of his death and resurrection, but they missed it. Even his six disciples didn’t catch it until it had been fulfilled.