36. He rode along the road toward Jerusalem. The followers spread their coats on the road before him.
37. Jesus was coming close to Jerusalem. He was already near the bottom of the Mount of Olives. The whole group of followers was happy. They were very excited and praised God. They thanked God for all the powerful things they had seen.
38. They said, “‘Welcome! God bless the king who comes in the name of the Lord.’ Psalm 118:26 Peace in heaven and glory to God!”
39. Some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell your followers not to say these things.”
40. But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if my followers didn’t say them, these stones would shout them.”
41. Jesus came near Jerusalem. Looking at the city, he began to cry for it
42. and said, “I wish you knew today what would bring you peace. But it is hidden from you now.
43. A time is coming when your enemies will build a wall around you and hold you in on all sides.
44. They will destroy you and all your people. Not one stone of your buildings will stay on top of another. All this will happen because you did not know the time when God came to save you.”
45. Jesus went into the Temple area. He began to throw out the people who were selling things there.
46. He said, “The Scriptures say, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer.’ But you have changed it into a ‘hiding place for thieves.’”
47. Jesus taught the people in the Temple area every day. The leading priests, the teachers of the law, and some of the leaders of the people wanted to kill him.
48. But they did not know how they could do it, because everyone was listening to him. The people were very interested in what Jesus said.