Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is a foreshadowing of his coming again in glory. But first there must be the Cross.
The humility of Jesus riding a donkey also reminds us of his mother birth in Bethlehem…
Even the song of the crowd reminds us of the angels’ song at Jesus’ nativity –
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
At the Passover meal, Jesus said to his disciples: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you.” Then an argument broke out among them
about which of them should be regarded as the greatest.
The disciples then encouraged Jesus to put up a fight:
“Look, here are two swords!”
Jesus said. “Enough of this!” They had missed his message of mercy completely.
When Jesus asked his disciples to pray, they fell asleep.
When Judas came with the cohort, his disciples asked,
“Lord, shall we strike with a sword?” but before Jesus could answer, one of them struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear.
But Jesus touched the servant’s ear and healed him.
Peter abandons Jesus and warms himself by a lesser light, then he denies he even knew him, then the Lord turned and looked at Peter….
(Pause)
We know how fickle public opinion can be. The same crowds hailing Jesus as the messiah on Palm Sunday, are against him on Good Friday.
Jesus was too political for Rome and too religious for the Jews.
The crowds chanted “away with this man,” release Barabbas!
Pontius Pilate found Jesus innocent, but to placate the crowds allowed him to be crucified anyway.
As they led Jesus away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian; and made him carry the cross behind Jesus. (The chief Apostle Simon-Peter was nowhere to be found)
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. But Jesus comforted them in their grief and sorrow.
As Jesus was crucified he prayed: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” In fact, theologians agree that Jesus likely prayed this prayer over and over, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.”
In his death upon the cross Christ puts an end to all human sacrifice. He does not demand a pound of flesh for our sins! Christ is the final sacrifice that saves us from sin! His task was to save the world, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only Son….”
(pause)
One of the criminals hanging next to our Lord said: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus replied, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
(pause)
The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent beyond doubt.”
Meanwhile all his acquaintances stood at a distance.
(Pause)
Jesus always gives, reassures, heals, and calms others – even in the midst of his own pain and suffering.
Where do we see ourselves in the gospel story today? [pause]
I imagine that all the disciples needed the Sabbath rest to pause and reflect upon such a shocking end to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, but more importantly they needed the Sabbath rest in order to prepare for the greatest shock the world has ever experienced! The empty tomb on the Third Day!
[pause]
What will be our Easter response?
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