As Jesus was preparing Himself for the cruel torture awaiting Him He said, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, IT WAS FOR THIS VERY REASON I CAME TO THIS HOUR. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I HAVE GLORIFIED IT, AND WILL GLORIFY IT AGAIN.“ The crowd that was there and heard it said IT HAD THUNDERED (brontē: to roar); others said an angel had spoken to Him.” (John 12:27-29)
Everyone in the crowd heard a supernatural sound! “the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb continued to spread the word. Many people, because THEY HAD HEARD THAT HE HAD PERFORMED THIS SIGN (raised Lazarus from the dead), went out to meet him. “…the Pharisees said, “Look how the whole world IS FOLLOWING HIM!” (John 12:17-19) “At the same time Jesus did those miracles, MANY OF THE LEADERS BELIEVED IN HIM. But they were afraid they would be thrown out of the synagogue. They loved PRAISE FROM PEOPLE MORE THAN PRAISE FROM GOD.” (John 12:42-43)
Now the miraculous entry begins, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, YOUR KING COMES TO YOU, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt.” (Zec. 9:9) “They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds shouted, “HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matt. 21:7-9)
All of the above took place at the beginning of the week, this took place just after the middle of the week, Accusations were made toward Jesus, “But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will SEE THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE MIGHTY ONE and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “HE HAS SPOKEN BLASPHEMY! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.” (Matt. 26:63-65)
“When they had crucified Jesus, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” (Matt. 27:35) Then they put Him in a tomb, “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.” (Matt. 27:65-66) As we know, Jesus was raised on the third day, appeared in the room with His disciples gave them instructions and ascended into Heaven…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham