Zacchaeus in the Sycamore Tree, by James Tissot

May 15–21

Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12

“Behold, Thy King Cometh”

Before reading the ideas in this outline, read Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; and John 12. Record impressions that you could share with your family or in your Church classes.

Record Your Impressions

The Savior was hungry after traveling from Bethany to Jerusalem, and a fig tree in the distance looked like a source of food. But as Jesus approached the tree, He found that it bore no fruit (see Matthew 21:17–20; Mark 11:12–14, 20). In a way, the fig tree was like the hypocritical religious leaders in Jerusalem: their empty teachings and outward demonstrations of holiness gave no spiritual nourishment. The Pharisees and scribes appeared to keep many commandments yet missed the two greatest commandments: to love God and to love thy neighbor as thyself (see Matthew 22:34–40; 23:23).

In contrast, many people had begun to recognize good fruit in Jesus’s teachings. When He arrived at Jerusalem, they welcomed Him with branches cut from trees to pave His path, rejoicing that at long last, as ancient prophecy said, “Thy King cometh” (Zechariah 9:9). As you read this week, think about the fruits of the Savior’s teachings and atoning sacrifice in your life and how you can bring “forth much fruit” (John 12:24).

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Luke 19:1–10

The Lord judges not by the outward appearance but by the desires of the heart.

In Jesus’s day, many people assumed that the publicans, or tax collectors, were dishonest and stole from the people. So because Zacchaeus, the chief publican, was wealthy, he may have been even more suspect. But Jesus looked on Zacchaeus’s heart. What does Luke 19:1–10 reveal about Zacchaeus’s heart? You might make note of the words in these verses that describe what Zacchaeus did to show his devotion to the Savior. What are the desires of your heart? What are you doing to seek the Savior, as Zacchaeus did?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 137:9.

Matthew 23; Luke 20:45–47

Jesus condemns hypocrisy.

The Savior’s interaction with the scribes and Pharisees forms an interesting contrast to his interaction with Zacchaeus. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf explained, “[Jesus] rose up in righteous anger against hypocrites like the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees—those who tried to appear righteous in order to win the praise, influence, and wealth of the world, all the while oppressing the people they should have been blessing” (“On Being Genuine,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 81).

In Matthew 23, the Savior used several metaphors to describe hypocrisy. Consider marking or listing these metaphors and noting what they teach about hypocrisy. What is the difference between hypocrisy and the human weaknesses we all deal with as we try to live the gospel? What are you inspired to do differently because of the Savior’s teachings?

See also Bible Dictionary, “Hypocrite.”

Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:29–44; John 12:1–8, 12–16

Jesus Christ is my King.

When Jesus arrived at Jerusalem just days before He accomplished His Atonement, those who recognized Him as their King showed their devotion by anointing Him, putting clothes and palm branches along His path into Jerusalem, and shouting praises. Consider how the following resources can deepen your understanding of these events, which began the last week of the Savior’s life.

• An ancient example of anointing a king: 2 Kings 9:1–6, 13

• An ancient prophecy of the triumphal entry: Zechariah 9:9

• The meaning of the word hosanna: “Hosanna” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

• Prophecies about how the Savior will come again: Revelation 7:9–12

How can you honor and receive the Savior as your Lord and King?

See also Gerrit W. Gong, “Hosanna and Hallelujah—The Living Jesus Christ: The Heart of Restoration and Easter,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 52–55; “The Lord’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Matthew 22:34–40

The two great commandments are to love God and love others as myself.

If you ever feel overwhelmed as you strive to follow Jesus Christ, the Savior’s words to the lawyer in Matthew 22 can help you simplify and focus your discipleship. Here’s one way to do this: Make a list of several of the Lord’s commandments. How does each item on your list connect to the two great commandments? How would focusing on the two great commandments help you keep the others?

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Matthew 21:12–14.How do Jesus’s words and actions in Matthew 21:12–14 show how He felt about the temple? How do we show how we feel about the temple? What can we “cast out” (verse 12) of our lives to make our home more like the temple? Consider singing a song about the temple, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95).

Matthew 21:28–32.What lessons from the parable of the man with two sons might help your family? For instance, you could use the story to discuss the importance of sincere obedience and repentance. Perhaps your family could write a script to dramatize the parable and take turns acting out different roles.

Matthew 22:15–22; Luke 20:21–26.Children might enjoy making pretend coins with Jesus’s “image and superscription” on them. They could write on the backs of the coins some of the “things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21) that we can give Him. You might also talk about what it means to have the Savior’s “image and superscription” on us (Matthew 22:20; see also Mosiah 5:8; Alma 5:14).

John 12:1–8.How did Mary show her love for the Savior? How do we show our love for Him?

Washing Jesus’s Feet, by Brian Call

John 12:42–43.What social consequences sometimes discourage us from expressing or defending our belief in Christ? For examples of people who would not give in to social pressure, see Daniel 1:3–20; 3; 6; John 7:45–53; 9:1–38; and Mosiah 17:1–4. How can we show respect to others as they express or defend their religious beliefs?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested hymn: “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!,” Hymns, no. 66.

Improving Our Teaching

Use art to engage family members. “The Gospel Art Book and the Gospel Media Library on ChurchofJesusChrist.org contain many images and videos that can help [your family] visualize concepts or events” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 22).

Triumphal Entry, by Walter Rane