THE JOURNEY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

The final days of Jesus Christ’s life on Earth, from His entry into Jerusalem, to his resurrection, reveal a story of faith, love and purpose. This was a time when Jesus, God’s Son, showed who He was and why He came. Each day of Jesus’s journey to Jerusalem, and the cross, carries a lesson, a promise kept, and a glimpse of His heart. As He said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

We begin with Palm Sunday, Matthew 21:1-11, when Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, a choice that showed he was a lowly king, meek and humble, and fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy: “Rejoice greatly… behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass.” Zechariah 9:9. A multitude waved palm branches, and “… cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.” Matthew 21:9. But Jesus wept over the city, warning in Luke 19:41-44, “If thou hadst known… the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes,” teaching that rejecting Him would bring ruin.

Jesus drove out those selling in God’s temple, declaring, “Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:19. After that, the scribes and chief priests sought to kill him, because they feared Him, for all the people were astonished at His words. Mark 11:15-18

Later, He faced questions from the Jewish leaders in the temple, who asked about His authority to teach these things, and He answered their question with a question about John the Baptist, which they could not answer, so neither did He answer their question, showing His wisdom and faith in God. He then shared a story with them of a son killed by selfish men, and warned of the consequences. Matthew 21:28-46. He praised a widow’s small gift of two mites in the offering, all that she had, proclaiming that those who give from their lack are more blessed than those who give from their abundance. Mark 12:42-44

“Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper …," a woman anointed Jesus with very expensive oil. Judas Iscariot (the Betrayer) complained about the waste, stating that the oil could have been sold and the money given to the poor, but he really wanted to steal from the profits. Jesus replied that the anointing of the oil prepared Him for His burial, a sign of His coming death and resurrection. Judas Iscariot then betrayed Him by conspiring with the Jewish leaders to turn him in to them for 30 pieces of silver, Matthew 26:6-15, as Jesus warned, “And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!” Luke 22:22

The next day, Jesus ate with His disciples. He took bread and wine, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body… this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission [payment] of sins,” offering the new promise of salvation through His sacrifice. Matthew 26:26-29. He washed their feet, teaching humility, humbleness and love, His purpose shining brightly, as He neared the cross. John 13:5

In deep sorrow, He prayed to the Father, sometimes so intensely that his tears became drops of blood: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt,” Matthew 26:36-44, accepting our punishment, as Old Testament prophecy foretold: “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities …” Isaiah 53:5

He was betrayed and crucified without justification, but not without purpose: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

He rose from the dead, as proclaimed by the angel at His empty grave: “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matthew 28:1-6. He gave His life so we could live, and He leaves a legacy of faith, hope, love, peace, and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Happy Resurrection Day! Happy Easter!