700 years before the time of Jesus, Isaiah finished his book. It was a collection of the prophesies he had made over 40 years of those things God had told him, and warned him about; and God had given him the tongue of a teacher to tell the people what God wanted them to know; how God wanted them to live. He was faithful in his commitment and had no fear because he understood that he and God stood together. Isaiah said, “It is the Lord God who helps me; who will declare me guilty?” Jesus, preparing for his entry into Jerusalem, also knew God stood with him.

All preparations had been made, even to the place where the animal he would be seated upon would be found, a foal of an ass. Jesus, like Isaiah, knew. As he road along, the people kept putting their cloaks, and palm branches on the road before him. The whole multitude, with a loud voice began saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in Heaven, and glory in the Highest Heaven!” A Pharisee ordered Jesus to stop them, but Jesus simply answered, “I tell you if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” And they entered Jerusalem, triumphantly.         

Joy soon ended as difficulties arose. First among his own disciples as they quarreled about who was the greatest, and then as those in the politic and power brought charges against him of sedition. He was even betrayed by one of his own, Judas Iscariot, who pointed him out to the soldiers sent to arrest him.

Taken to the governor, Pontius Pilate noted he was a Galilean and sent him instead to Herod, a King of local and titular power. Herod and his soldiers treated Jesus with contempt, mocked him, put a robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate.

Pilate again questioned and found no guilt. He was about to release Jesus when the people cried out, “Release Barabbas to us.” Then they cried even louder, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Crying out that Jesus should be put to death; and Pilate relented, condemning Jesus.

With beating and scourging, and finally a heavy cross placed on his shoulder, Jesus was led away to a place called the skull. Simon of Cyrene helped carry the cross for a time. Jesus mother, Mary, and Mary Magdalene were there and watched as he was nailed to the wooden timber; ... and darkness fell over the Earth.

The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.