I had a conversation with a buddy of mine in church in regards to the Chronology of the passion narrative: specifically when the Lord’s Supper occurred in light of John’s seemingly odd chronology (cf. John 19 where Christ’s crucifixion is said to be happening on the Day of Preparation for the Passover).
On a hill outside of Jerusalem they crucified Him. Not satisfied with His death, some one even complain about the words on Jesus’ cross “This is Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews”. Others would stand by sneering that “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” (Luke 23:35). The soldiers would mock Him. Even the criminals on the crosses next to Him would taunt Him. But the Lord didn’t respond to the taunts of men.
Last week, we listened in on some of the Lord’s upper room teaching. We witnessed His hands washing the disciples feet then dipping into the sop and offering Judas another chance to turn from what He planned. I want to look back into that same evening and see those hands breaking bread.
Jesus returned to Jerusalem on Monday. Yesterday’s events still reverberated throughout Jerusalem. He had wept as he approached Jerusalem and now, as He approached the very heart of the city of God’s chosen people, His heart was filled with a zealous anger again (John 2:17).
The people rejoicing caught up in the rush of it all while the disciples shouted loudly, praising God. People took off their coats and lay it on the floor while others rushed to Palm trees, took branches and lay them on the dirt. Now they praised Him; in a few days they would reject Him.