Palm branches are waived, the declarations shouted, the popularity is immense.  Jesus, the One Who usually quiets the crowd from such open statements of His authority, allows the crowds to continue. Romans and Pharisees know full well that in these actions, Jesus is being lifted up as the reigning, victorious Messiah.  The waiving of the palms hearken back to the Maccabean revolt which resulted in 100 years of liberty for the Jews;  everyone knows their history and what they are doing now. 

Jesus allows the crowd their cheers because their statements are true—He IS the Messiah. But He came to do the will of the Father; soon enough all this adulation and jubilation comes crashing down. Jesus isn’t concerned for Himself; He is concerned for their hearts and lives—for souls needing to be set free from the devastating destruction of sin. Jesus knows the goal of His mission is far more than freedom from Rome.

Within a week the crowd’s cheers become jeers; their cries become “Crucify Him, Crucify Him.” Though Pilate attempts to free Him, the crowds are coerced into calling out for an insurrectionist named Barabbas to be released and for Jesus to die.  All the while, the plan of God is unfolding.

Pre-tortured beyond human recognition, made to carry a nearly 100 pound stake of wood to the place of finality, and then impaled on a cross in an excruciating agony the Roman’s call crucifixion, Jesus becomes the final sacrifice for sin—the Lamb of God who takes upon Himself the sins of the entire world.

Many content themselves today to casually hear the story and then feel satisfied that they didn’t cause it and they certainly don’t need it. What an insidious and treacherous lie. The Bible declares that Adam’s sin passed the death sentence on to us—that we all sin and fall short of God’s purpose and glory. That sin demands death and the shedding of blood to be removed. Jesus took your punishment and mine--Jesus died for you and for me.

After He dies, Joseph begs for His body; Jesus is buried in a rock-hewn chamber reserved for the rich; guards are set in place to watch lest anyone steal His body.  And people still content themselves with feeble efforts to box Jesus in to a cave where He can be controlled. He’s fine as a historical figure still wrapped in burial clothes. But God has different plans. Jesus simply won’t cooperate and stay in the grave!

All that is stolen from this place is death. All that is removed from here is the sting of condemnation, shame, the curse of satan, and the death sentence on sin. Jesus carried it all upon Himself.  On the third day Father God responded to Jesus saying “It is enough” with His own declaration: “It is DONE.” Jesus split the grave and rose from the dead. Jesus gloriously proved all of His claims were true. And He did it for you and for me.

If you haven’t done so yet, I urge you to surrender your life to Jesus. To receive all that He did, ask Him to come into your heart, to forgive you from sin, to wash you clean by His blood shed, and to be your personal Savior and Lord. Easter—Resurrection Sunday—is all about new beginnings. Be sure you enjoy your new beginnings. Enjoy a very Happy Easter!

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