Growing in God's grace

Triumphal Entry/Ascension window

Sanctuary

The Triumphal Entry

As JESUS’ and HIS Apostles approach Jerusalem, JESUS instructs two Disciples to go into the village where they will find a donkey and to bring it HIM.

JESUS rides into Jerusalem on the donkey, in fulfillment of ~ Zachariah 9:9.

A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road before HIM and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is he who comes in the name of The LORD”.

In the Old Testament window of David, there is great joy and celebration as the Ark of GOD is brought back to Jerusalem. The wonder and rejoicing is without equal, when The LORD, HIMSELF, The Son of David, makes HIS glorious entrance into the city of Jerusalem.

In the space of about three years, multitudes had heard HIS teaching and had seen HIS miracles, many believed, but many of the religious leaders became more and more jealous of HIS popularity. So much in fact, they began to plot HIS capture.

In the fullness of time, JESUS’ special Disciples, the Apostles go up to an upper room where, they are to partake of The Passover together. During this last meal, JESUS told them that one of them would betray HIM. Eleven could hardly believe their ears. But one knew very well that HE meant.

JESUS looked straight at Judas and said; “What thou doest, do quickly”, and the traitor left the room.

After Judas had left the room, a time of intimate, powerful and prophetic words, poured from JESUS’ lips, which are recorded in ~ John 13: 31-38 and chapters 14,15,16 and 17.

When the meal was over, JESUS and the Apostles went to a garden, which was called Gethsemane, where JESUS prayed. Shortly thereafter, Judas came with a band of men and officers with lanterns, torches and weapons to take JESUS. Judas betrayed HIM with a kiss and JESUS went willingly, for HE knew HIS hour had come.

There was a mock trial by the chief priest and then HE was sent to Pilate, the Roman governor, who tried to let him go, but the religious leaders and the people would not accept it. They chose to release a robber instead of JESUS.

To Pilate, that shouted “Crucify HIM”. So Pilate released Barabbas, JESUS was beaten, whipped and mocked and then HE was made to carry HIS own cross to the place of “the skull”.

They then crucified HIM between two criminals. JESUS in all HIS forgiveness, said “FATHER, forgive them for they know not what they do”. The soldiers tossed dice to part HIS garments.

Gathered close around the foot of the cross, was Mary, JESUS’ mother, Mary Magdalene and the Apostle John. Others standing about, mocked HIM saying, “HE saved others, but, HIMSELF he could not save. If you are The CHRIST, come down from the cross and then we will believe YOU” and “HE trusted in GOD, let us see if GOD will save HIM, if he will have HIM”.

After all these comments were made in an attempt to destroy the heart of JESUS, literal darkness fell on the earth, during which JESUS cried “My GOD, My GOD, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Later, in HIS last breath, HE spoke: “FATHER, into THY hands, I commend MY Spirit”,

And afterward He uttered in HIS dying breath, “It is finished” and died.

The Ascension

After JESUS promised to send The Holy Spirit to comfort, strengthen and lead them, then into all truth, HE led the Disciples out of the city to the little town of Bethany, where HE lifted up HIS hands and blessed them and HE was then taken into the clouds and carried up into Heaven.

While HIS followers watched in awe and reverence, two angels stood by making a promise that;

“The name of JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner, as you have seen HIM go into Heaven”.

This prediction which JESUS made is one that Christians everywhere are waiting faithfully and patiently to see fulfilled.

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