The Parable of the Fig Tree

²⁹ Then He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰ As soon as they put out leaves you can see for yourselves and recognize that summer is already near. ³¹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, recognize^[a] that the kingdom of God is near. ³² I assure you: This generation will certainly not pass away until all things take place.^{(A) 33} Heaven and earth will pass away,^(B) but My words will never pass away.^(C)

The Need for Watchfulness

³⁴ “Be on your guard,^(D) so that your minds are not dulled^[b] from carousing,^[c] drunkenness,^(E) and worries of life,^(F) or that day will come on you unexpectedly^{(G) 35} like a trap. For it will come on all who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ But be alert at all times,^(H) praying that you may have strength^[d] to escape^(I) all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.”

³⁷ During^(J) the day, He was teaching in the temple complex,^(K) but in the evening He would go out and spend the night on what is called the Mount of Olives.^{(L) 38} Then all the people would come early in the morning to hear Him in the temple complex.^(M)

The Plot to Kill Jesus

22 The^(N) Festival of Unleavened Bread,^(O) which is called Passover,^(P) was drawing near. ² The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Him to death,^(Q) because they were afraid of the people.^(R)

³ Then^(S) Satan entered Judas,^(T) called Iscariot,^(U) who was numbered among the Twelve. ⁴ He went away and discussed with the chief priests and temple police^(V) how he could hand Him over^(W) to them. ⁵ They were glad and agreed to give him silver.^{[e] 6} So he accepted the offer and started looking for a good opportunity to betray Him to them when the crowd was not present.

Preparation for Passover

⁷ Then^(X) the Day of Unleavened Bread came when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.^{(Y) 8} Jesus sent Peter and John,^(Z) saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us, so we can eat it.”

⁹ “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked Him.

¹⁰ “Listen,” He said to them, “when you’ve entered the city, a man carrying a water jug will meet you. Follow him into the house he enters. ¹¹ Tell the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ ¹² Then he will show you a large, furnished room upstairs.^(AA) Make the preparations there.”

¹³ So they went and found it just as He had told them,^(AB) and they prepared the Passover.