The city swarms with holiday crowds. Every good Israelite has made their best effort to migrate to the
City of David for Passover. The joy allied with this notable evening of worship-filled festivities and the Pascal meal is suddenly truncated by the bellicose chant of Pharisees spoiling for a fight. The pompous Sanhedrin quickly fills the streets of Jerusalem with inciting words of accusation, stirring the fears of Rome and the prejudice of the Jews.
Soon, these loud-mouth accusers find occasion to leverage a false charge against Jesus of Nazareth. They charge Him with blasphemy and treason. They said, “He is guilty of death” and yet, Pilate was persuaded that there was “no fault in Him.” So, while Pilate washed his hands before the multitude of the innocent blood of this man Jesus, the Jews shouted together, “release to us Barabbas.” Choosing a maniacal murderer over a majestic Mysterion, the Jews missed the miraculous moment of God standing among them in flesh! They were looking for a King who would deliver them from the oppression of Rome, while the King of Glory stood among them in the midst of their oppression. They desired a peace, but they wanted it to come through conflict. Jesus was offering them peace in conflict.
The cheers of Palm Sunday have now been turned to jeers on Maundy Thursday! The cheering has stopped. Get ready Jerusalem, you are about to witness a maniac go free because Obedience will stay on His tree! Welcome to weekend at Calvary!
Let me encourage you – Do not miss Good Friday at the Church of Champions! It all begins Friday, April 2nd at 7:30PM. Also, our Easter weekend continues with dramatic worship on Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 10:00AM.
Bring your friends and share in the exaltation of Jesus of Nazareth! He’s Alive!
