What was Jesus doing in His final week before the cross?

Teaching - Mark 12:1 "Then Jesus began teaching with stories..." Jesus was focused on His final sermons, parables and even conversations to impart closing words to the Pharisees, crowds and His disciples.

Healing - Matthew 21:14 ' "The blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and he healed them." Jesus continued to extend grace, mercy and verify His identity by signs and miracles.

Fellowship - Mark 14:3 "And while He was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table..." Jesus spent some special time with Lazarus, Mary, Martha and even Simon who had been a leper (healed?).  I'm sure the fellowship was for their benefit but also a comfort for Jesus in His last days.

Worshiping- Although no scripture that I found specifically mentions Jesus worshiping at the Temple, I assume He came to worship, as well as cleanse the Temple, teach, heal and proclaim the coming of the Kingdom! 

Preparing- Mark 14: 8 "She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time." Jesus was preparing Himself for the cross; and by divine coincidence, Mary pouring out her precious ointment on Jesus' feet was a prophetic preparation for Jesus' imminent death.  

Praying- John 17 is the classic passage of Jesus' prayer for His disciples, and for us, His future followers.  How beautiful to have a record of His actual words of prayer!  And the scene in the Garden of Gethsemane - the poignant pouring out of pain and drops of blood as Jesus wrestled with the cup of suffering.  

Submitting- Mark 14:18 "I tell you the truth, one of you eating with me here will betray me."  Jesus knew and yet submitted to the Father's will that He be betrayed, beaten, mocked and ultimately executed on a Roman cross.  The Good Shepherd laid down His life for the sheep.

***** 

Jesus was doing the Father's will in everything. His intentional approach to every moment during his last days on earth speaks to me.  Am I using every opportunity to reach people, to listen to the heart of my Father, to pray without ceasing, to give my all?  

At the same time, He continued to connect with people.  How tempting it would be to withdraw, to process what He knew were His last days! Jesus continued to preach and teach.  He seemed to ramp up the intensity in confronting the Pharisees and opponents to His mission. 

Jesus also continued to invest in His disciples and spend time with those who loved Him and cared for Him.  Jesus laid aside His own inner turmoil to minister to those close to Him.  Knowing He was leaving them to carry out the biggest mission in history, the Lord Jesus must have felt the intensity and urgency of training the future leaders of His Church.  He made every moment count.

Are you and I follow our Lord's example in making our every moment matter for His cause? 

 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12