Pastor Tom Grieb continues our Lenten/Easter series "In His Steps."

Every year pilgrims from all around the known world flooded into Jerusalem for the Passover.  It was thought that every righteous Jew needed to celebrate the Passover at least once in the Holy City.  The year of Christ’s Triumphant Entry was no different.  There was always a lot going on in Jerusalem during Passover.  People not only took in the sights and sounds but looked to engage however they could in whatever was going on.

As Christ entered Jerusalem at the beginning of Passover Week people were all astir to catch a glimpse.  Many had heard about him.  Some had even seen him work his great signs and wonders.  Others had heard him teach and their hearts were warmed.  Still others were simply caught up in the crowd.

As Jesus entered the Holy City he rode on the back of a young donkey, fulfilling a prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9.  People waved palm branches as an expression of praise.  Others went so far as to proclaim him “King of Israel.”  Along the periphery were the Pharisees who were witnessing their power base eroding away.  In their minds, something had to be done, which set in motion the events that took place later that week.  Very quickly, things moved from celebration to the cross, which is the very rhythm of the Holy Week.