Spiritually Speaking

Events leading to crucifixion

What a week followed Christ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Matthew 21:1-9 tells how Jesus riding on a colt, as has passed through the crowd; the people spread their garments and cut down branches and strowed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosana to the son of David; blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosana in the highest (KJV).

Jesus continued teaching and healing that week. He also told of the future events to come in Matthew 24. Matthew 26 tells about the preparation of the Passover, and events surrounding the Passover. Jesus also told of His betrayal by Judas.

And the Lord’s supper was instituted in verses 26-29. Verse 30 states, “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives.”

Verses 30, 36-46 tells of the Saviors grief at Gethsemane. Our Lord prayed as the disciples slept. Three times; after time spend in prayer, Jesus came and asked the disciples, could you not watch with me on hour? How touching, our Lord was in agony and his followers slept. Could we apply this to our commitment today?

There is much variance in the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. All the accounts are true, but none could state all the details. I love the stories of the miraculous events surrounding the arrest of Jesus, yet He went peaceably as a lamb.

You seldom hear John’s account of Christ being arrested in John 18:1-8, read it for yourself. Judas came with a band of men (600) plus officers, chief priest and the Pharisees. They had lanterns, torches and weapons. Jesus asked them, whom see ye? As soon as he said unto them I am (he) they went backward and fell to the ground. That is exciting to me, 600 plus men fell backwards at these powerful words. He is the great I am!

They led Jesus to Annas who sent him to Caiaphas then they took him to Pilate who sent him to Herod, and Herod sent him back to Pilate. During their long night Peter denied knowing Jesus. Jesus was mocked, spit upon, beaten, they put a crown of thorns upon His head they bowed and mocked him saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

They could find no fault with Jesus, they broke many of their laws in order to crucify Him. They nailed him to the cross, we could not imagine the pain and suffering he endured for you and me.

Read Matthew 27:51-54, Jesus death wasn’t done quietly. The veil of the temple was rent (torn) in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent. And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose. The centurion and many that watched said, “truly this was the Son of God.”

Jesus was taken down from the cross and buried in a tomb. There was placed a guard of four soldiers which changed every three hours, so no one could steal the body of Jesus. His followers could not yet comprehend, this wasn’t the final act. Nest week, the best part, hope for all generations.

God Bless.