The Road to the Cross

One of the most poignant scenes in the life of Christ, occurred at this very time of year, Passover. As Jesus and his disciples approached the holy city of Jerusalem, the enthusiastic crowds, eagerly anticipating their Messiah, welcomed him with waving palms and loud Hosannas, which means Save Us!!  “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38. In their understanding of the ancient prophecies, Jesus would come not only as their savior, but liberator as well. Looking back on this scene, we see that they focused in on the all-powerful, butt-kicking Messiah, who will come one day, and overlooked the humble, suffering servant, the Lamb of God that he embodied.

History tells us that this emotional high was soon to crash, and Jesus, above all, was keenly aware of what lay ahead. “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19:41-44. In his three-year ministry, Jesus repeatedly told of his death, but let’s face it, as humans the idea of a victorious King trumps crucified victim every time!

From Palm Sunday to Easter was only one week, but what a week it was.  The Pharisees hounded him with questions, last minute details had to be arranged, those closest to him betrayed him, and  the once adoring throngs turned into an angry mob.  The Son of the Living God wept, not only over the city he loved, but the people who couldn’t or wouldn’t accept the truth. It’s easy for us, centuries later, to chastise those people, but be honest, what would your reaction have been then; what is it today?