The celebration of the King of the Jews (and Gentiles) ended almost before it started. The crowd that had once cheered Jesus on suddenly turned on Him and began to cry out for His crucifixion. But why? Didn’t they remember Jesus’ triumph? Didn't they believe Jesus was the Son of God?
In the time before Jesus’ crucifixion, He explained to a group of Gentiles and His disciples why He must die.
“Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified, I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
“Now my heart 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, others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die,” (John 12:23-33 NIV).
Dear Father: As we move through this Holy Week of lows and highs, help us keep our focus on Jesus and His purpose here on earth. Let us know in our hearts that when we believe, Jesus has saved us from our sins by taking them with Him to the cross. We believe in Your Son and we honor You as we walk through this humble week. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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