Jesus' Journey

Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem on a donkey, showing that he was there for reasons different from those of a ruler. Many threw their coats before him on the road. Others spread leafy palm branches. They shouted the Psalm of triumph. “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming.” They wanted to crown him king, but Jesus knew who he was. He did not need human acclaim. He rode on. As he moved through the week, tension built. Jesus was questioned about the resurrection. “God is not a God of the dead but of the living,” he said. “Love is the fulfillment of the commandments. Always be prepared. God comes unexpectedly. “

A woman anoints him for burial, and the drama moves toward Jesus’ death. They eat the Passover meal. He says the bread and wine symbolize his broken body and his shed blood. The weakness of his disciples becomes obvious. He has washes the feet of all his disciples including the feet of Judas. Jesus is betrayed. and arrested. His life is near its end, yet he loves no matter what is done to him. Peter tries to defend him at his arrest; Jesus demands that he put up his sword. He is forsaken, but he prays for those who leave him. He is mocked and tormented, but he cares about his tormentors. For those who nail him to the cross, he prays, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). When the crowd attacks him with angry, vile words Jesus does not attack in return. A dying thief reaches out to him in hope, and he responds with the promise, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).

We stand in awe as we see what Jesus has done to show his love and pay the price to forgive us and give us life.