The day was a Wednesday about 1,990 years ago, one week before the Passover celebration in Jerusalem when Jesus finalized his life’s ministry with several extraordinary events. In one of those events, Jesus’ answer to a key question from his disciples is arguably the greatest speech ever delivered.

Jesus’ last major public sermon, his final doctrinal teachings to the people, his stunning rebuke of the religious leaders of the day, and his famous Olivet Discourse, which is the longest answer he ever gave to any question, all occur on Wednesday of the week before the Passover. That Wednesday is the focus of this audiobook, but even the days leading up to Passover week were profoundly significant for Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem.

It was on the prior Saturday, six days before the Passover, when Jesus arrived in Bethany at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. In the week before his crucifixion, it’s no surprise that Jesus would seek comfort with his dearest friends who loved him and who had so faithfully tended to his needs for so many years.

If you knew you had only a week to live, with whom would you spend your last days? You would very likely spend them with those who believed in you, who loved you, and who were a source of encouragement and support. Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, and they loved him, and they gave him all the honor due him because they knew who he was. Of course, they didn’t know Jesus only had a week to live, but he knew. Imagine having that knowledge!

Don’t forget that Jesus knew everything that was going to happen to him. No one else around him did, but when you remember that he did, it does give you insight to better understand his words and emotions.