Chapter 14: The Beginning of the End
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And the multitudes that went before and that followed cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Matthew 21.9 My Lord, I know that you have called me to be a great leader amongst your people. As you begin to evaluate my life, give me the perspective and posture of Jesus.

Help me to be confident that I get to reveal that you've called me to greater things. When the weight of leadership tries to get me to shift from my identity, I will stand steadfast like the colt in today's story. I will remain calm in my resolve to unapologetically be me and lead how you've created me. As I move in your presence, help me to recognize my season. Help me to remain faithful.

even when it's time for me to step out and live out the mission for my life. Like Jesus, hide me until it's my time to accelerate and elevate, for it is in the quiet and obscure moments that you are building my character and integrity, so that when I step into my calling and I'm forced to carry my cross, I won't buckle under the weight of the responsibility. As I begin my triumphal entry into my purpose,

I will look to you, Jesus, to see me through. In Jesus' name, amen. Stay tuned to immerse yourself in the greatest stories ever told from Pray.com's podcast, Heroes in the Bible. Hi, I'm Dr. Tony Evans, and I'm excited for you to join me on Heroes in the Bible, Jesus. Please follow this podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the latest episodes so you can continue strengthening your relationship with Jesus.

Welcome to The Greatest Story Ever Told. It is the story of a shepherd's heart for his sheep, a father's love for his children, and a hero's triumph over death and darkness. This is a story that continues to shape and mold the world around us, bringing the divine heart of God right into the hearts of you and me. This episode begins the long week leading up to Golgotha. The Gospels focus heavily on this week, and so will we for our next few episodes.

The last week of Jesus' life before his death on the cross is filled with moments of betrayal, violence, love, and triumph. We will cross the entire spectrum of emotions on the way to Calvary. This episode is the beginning of the end. Jesus will set his gaze on Jerusalem and enter like a king. However, he is not the king anyone expects.

You and I know enough about Jesus by now to understand he is constantly flipping our expectations on their heads. Even though Jesus is living his final days before the crucifixion, he still finds time to minister to the sick, needy, and downtrodden. He also finds time to challenge the Pharisees. You think Jesus would want to lay low after learning there is a bounty on his head, but it doesn't seem to slow him down one bit.

Jesus doesn't hold back his rebukes, nor does he shrink back when danger mounts. Remember, Jesus walks toward danger, not away from it. This episode is one gigantic leap into the belly of the beast. Jesus, being our ultimate hero and redeemer, doesn't turn back from the challenge. The prelude of this story takes place under the shadows of Jerusalem, where the religious leaders plot to kill God himself. Their schemes, as evil as they might be, play into the hand of Jesus perfectly.

I can't wait to join you for this episode. Stay tuned in afterwards as we unpack some of its themes. Here is episode 14, the beginning of the end. Every sandwich has bread. Every burger has a bun. But these warm, golden, smooth steamed buns? These are special. Reserved for the very best. The Filet-O-Fish and you. You can have them too.

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The torchlight flickered, illuminating elaborate tapestries above a large wooden table. Shadows drifted across the cold stone walls as a dozen hooded men entered the room. They all took their places at the table, giving preference to the man in the middle. His face was covered by the shadow as he leaned back in his place, listening to the others speak. What do we do? One man whispered.

We simply cannot allow him to continue. It has gone too far." The torchlight continued to flare as a small draft made its way into the room. "He performs signs nobody has seen since Elijah," another said. "If we let him continue, the Romans will begin to see him as a threat and punish us for it." The men nodded in agreement. "Is it fair for us to be dragged into the streets and killed because one man thinks he's God? They have already asked him to be king.

What if Herod decides to do something? The robed figures were stirred at the thought. Their low whispers created a sinister echo through the temple halls. Caiaphas, what say you? Another said, gesturing to the shrouded figure at the head of the temple. Their eyes darted forward where the high priest sat back stroking his beard. He was a tall, slender man with broad shoulders. His blue robes blended in with the cold stone behind him.

and his breastplate of precious stones reflected the flickering torchlight. He leaned forward on the table, peering at the men in front of him. "You know nothing at all," Caiaphas sneered. "If you did, you would not be debating what you should do. You ought to know what should be done. It is better for one man to die so the rest of the nation can be spared." Caiaphas did not understand the true weight of his words.

He suggested that they kill Jesus to spare the rest of them from the wrath of the Romans. Yet, Jesus' death would accomplish something different. He would indeed die to spare others from wrath. But it was not from the Romans. It would be from the punishment of sin and death. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes looked at one another in agreement. As self-proclaimed men of God, they dare not murder.

So, they spent the night plotting how they would sway the people, and it all began with finding a helper who was close to Jesus. As the torch slowly ran out of light, the true darkness enveloped the room, and the enemy relished in his impending victory. An order was put out in Jerusalem for Jesus to be arrested on sight. However, Jesus had already departed for the wilderness in Ephraim.

There he would stay with his disciples, strengthening them for the battle to come. It was not a battle of bronze and steel. He was preparing them for a battle of the spirit. The ultimate clash of good and evil was about to stir up in the hearts of mankind. Chapter 14 The Beginning of the End Flies buzzed around the muddied streets of the Samaritan village. Streams of waste and excrement flowed through the town.

The homes were built with forsaken clay and Jesus saw the rooftops rotting away. It was a blighted area that stunk of death and decay. The disciples covered their noses as they walked through. For a reason beyond them, Jesus had decided to pass through this village. He visited each home, assessing the needs of the families within them. Sometimes he would heal. Other times he would repair damaged pieces of their homes.

Jesus and his disciples connected with the lowest members of society. The words of Christ resonated in Matthew's head as he carried mud. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew smiled, understanding what Jesus meant. These people had nothing, yet they were stamped with a certain treasure he had not seen in any person of wealth.

they were able to experience the full weight of Jesus' generosity without any pride or shame. The group made its way to the edge of the village, where a seemingly abandoned home leaned against the stone wall. Emerging from the home were ten lepers. Their spots were oozing with dark liquid, and their limbs were seemingly hung in place by their bandages. They stood at a distance, raising their arms to Jesus.

The disciples used to run from lepers, but they had witnessed enough of Jesus' ministry to know they did not need to fear. Jesus and the twelve stepped forward. "Have mercy on us!" the lepers shouted. Jesus reached out his arms and said, "Go to Jerusalem and show yourself to the priest." The lepers turned and did as they were told. The disciples watched as the lepers limped towards the road.

Slowly, their pained howls turned into strides. And before a few minutes passed, they were completely healed. Overwhelmed with joy, nine of them ran towards Jerusalem to show themselves in the temple as Jesus had asked. Yet one remained where he stood. Jesus watched as the figure stood in the distance. He looked at his hands and feet, examining his new body. The disciples could see the man was covering his face.

He fell to his knees and wept. The man rose to his feet and began to run towards them. The man came to Jesus with tattered robes and outstretched arms. His face was beaming with life as tears ran down his full cheeks. My Lord, thank you. As he said this, he fell at Jesus' feet and worshipped him. Thank you, son of David. Jesus smiled and embraced the man.

He looked around and noticed that only one out of the ten returned. "Were not ten of you healed?" Jesus asked. "Where are the other nine?" The man simply shrugged. He did not care to ask. He was too intent on thanking Jesus. "It is your faith that made you well, my friend. Go in peace." Jesus had blessed many people. He had healed many who were sick and cast out many plagued with demons. Yet only a few truly expressed gratitude.

As Jesus ventured closer to Jerusalem, into the outer villages, a small crowd began to form. As was expected, the Pharisees were not too far behind. As Jesus taught, the Pharisees bombarded him with questions and inquiries about the kingdom of God. They asked about its coming, its second coming, and the signs of the age. Jesus answered them honestly, being sure to reassure his disciples in the process.

"Teacher," one of the disciples asked, "does God answer every prayer?" Jesus nodded and began a parable. In a certain city there was a judge who had no regard for God or man. He was a grump and a fiend. In that same city there was a poor widow who had been robbed by a man. In that same city there was a poor widow who had been robbed by a man.

The judge cared not for the woman and disregarded her pleas, yet she was persistent. Day after day she came into his courtroom yelling, "Give me justice!" Although the judge refused her many times, her persistent requests annoyed the judge so much that he granted her her plea. He threw his hands up in the air and shouted, "I fear no one, nor do I respect anyone, yet because you will not cease your laboring, I will grant you your wish." Jesus clapped his hands to get their attention.

Listen to me and pay attention. This is a faithful saying. If even the wicked judge regards the persistent requests of a faithful woman, will not God who loves you bend down and hear you? Will he not give justice to those he has chosen? I tell you, he will give justice to those who ask. Yet when justice comes and the Son of Man enters, will there be anyone with faith to receive?

Surely God does not listen to every prayer, Jesus. A Pharisee shouted. The crowd nodded in agreement. The Samaritan dogs, the prostitutes, and the tax collectors? Would God bend his ear to such wicked people? Surely not. The Pharisee spat in the direction of Matthew. Matthew took a step back and lowered his head. Jesus put his hand on Matthew's shoulder, then walked into the center of the people surrounded him as he spoke.

He turned to the crowd, ensuring he had their undivided attention. Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Jesus raised his left hand to the Pharisee and the right to Matthew. The Pharisee held his head up high with his nose to heaven. He strutted along with assurance of his standing before God.

Jesus mimicked the tone of the tax collector. There was a small chuckle in the crowd, yet the Pharisee was not amused.

Jesus stepped forward closer to the group of Pharisees. Yet the tax collector did not even raise his eyes to heaven. He couldn't. He was too ashamed. He curled into himself, keeping low to the ground. He beat on his chest, holding back tears as he bowed before a righteous God and prayed, Lord, have mercy on me. I am a sinner. Jesus put his arm around Matthew and pointed to the Pharisees. I tell you, this man went back from the temple justified.

He who exalts himself will be humbled by the righteousness of God, and he who humbles himself will be exalted by the righteousness of God. After this, the Pharisees departed. Jesus continued to teach about coming to God as humble children. He spoke about marriage, divorce, and the pursuit of holiness through undying devotion. In everything, he showcased a deep love for the hearts of people.

Day by day, it was shown in contrast to the arrogant lip service of the religious leaders. Listening in the back of the crowd was a young man. His robes were perfectly fit and laced with purple. He listened intently with his heart beating fast as he heard Jesus speak about the eternity of heaven. He was a young ruler with a great and noble house. He was an honest man with honest intentions. He treated his family and household well.

He was generous, and he kept the law of God since his youth. All the riches of earth and the favor of men were available to him. Yet there was a deep longing in him for something, something with purpose. He made his way to the front of the crowd. "Good teacher," he said politely, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus tilted his head at the question. "Why do you call me good?" he asked. "There is only one that is good, and that is God."

The young ruler shrugged at the question. He did not have an answer. If he was being honest, he truly did not fully know who he was speaking to. Many people debated who Jesus was. Yet, it remained a mystery to him. Jesus opened his hands and said, "I am sure you know the commandments: do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and your mother." The young ruler nodded, pleased to hear Jesus mention the commandments.

Eagerly he responded, saying, Yes, yes, all these I have kept from my youth. I strive every day to uphold the law of God and show myself approved. There was a long pause as Jesus looked at the man. His heart broke for him. He knew that for all the man's striving to be good, he still lacked a transformed heart. Jesus sighed, nodded. Yes, I suppose you have. Yet there is still one thing you lack.

"Sell your possessions, sell your estate and your jewels. All that you have, sell and distribute the money to the poor. Then come, follow me. Give your whole heart to the kingdom of God." The young ruler looked at Jesus longingly. His very bones cried out for something greater than money and influence. Yet he did not own his belongings. His belongings owned him.

He shrunk back into the crowd, ashamed that he did not have the courage to truly give all that he had to God. Jesus watched the man depart. He shook his head in compassion. Looking to the crowd, he said, How hard is it to have wealth and still enter the kingdom of God? It would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle. The people chuckled. He then took the twelve with him and departed to the back roads. There they hiked, talked, and laughed.

The time he spent with them was his greatest miracle. Through them, the world would be shaken to its core. They hiked up the mountain to a small ridge overlooking the city of Jerusalem. The sun was setting and an orange hue shone over the temple at the center. Just past the city, on the outskirts, was a sloping hill called, which means, the Place of the Skull, otherwise known as Calvary. Jesus gazed at it intently.

The light wind blew against his hair and the sunset warmed his face as he looked below. "We will be returning to Jerusalem," he said. His disciples turned in surprise. Jesus looked at them and gestured toward the hill in the distance. "Everything that has been prophesied about the Son of Man will soon be accomplished. He will be delivered into the hands of Gentiles, mocked, beaten, and spit upon." The disciples could almost sense a sadness in Jesus' voice.

They could tell this was something he was struggling with. "After torturing him, they will kill him," Jesus said, clearing his throat. "Yet there is a reason to rejoice, my brothers, for he will rise again on the third day." The disciples nodded. However, they did not fully grasp what he was saying. They thought he was speaking in another parable. They marked it in their minds as yet another thing they did not understand.

The twelve turned their eyes toward the horizon with Jesus, content to not understand for now. Jesus seemed at peace, so they chose not to fear. After Jesus calmed the storm, they had learned to not fear anything as long as Jesus was with them. His presence meant their safety. The group watched the sun dive its way into the skyline. Its orange tint disappeared with the light and the stars emerged like splatters of paint on a dark canvas.

They were at peace, like a calm before the storm. "He is leading us to Jerusalem," James said. "I think he is going to take the throne. People are already rushing to Jerusalem to meet him there. It's a revolution!" John explained. Jesus and many of his followers were wading through the marketplace in Jericho, storing up provisions for the road to Jerusalem.

James and John walked in the crowd with their mother, who was regularly in attendance when Jesus taught and performed his miracles. She listened as her two sons shared their experiences with Jesus and their hopes for the future. Well, when he does take the throne, what will your roles be? She asked. The two of them shrugged.

Jesus had not shared his plans to become King of Israel, but they knew it was bound to happen. "Well, I am sure Jesus knows that my boys are well prepared for any responsibility He gives them," she said, patting their cheeks. The boys blushed. They followed Jesus through the marketplace for a while. Jesus examined the dried figs and bought some for the journey.

As he was doing this, the mother of James and John brought her sons up and bowed at his feet. "My lord and king," she greeted in a regal tongue. Jesus raised an eyebrow at her, then looked at James and John. The two of them were embarrassed and had already regretted speaking to their mother. However, perhaps she could persuade Jesus. It was worth a try. "How can I help you?" Jesus asked. The mother stood to her feet and flattened her garment.

Well, my lord, we know that your kingdom is only a few weeks away. We are traveling to Jerusalem, after all. When you take your throne, you will need help. Might I suggest my two boys? James is faithful, wise, and always up for a challenge. John is passionate, young, and filled with the fire of heaven. Will you consider my boys to sit at your right hand and your left?

Jesus secured the figs in his pack and looked at the three of them intently. The other disciples were behind them, listening in on the conversation. Jesus' brow furrowed. He was vexed by the question. He did not address the mother, but looked directly at James and John. Is this what you want? he asked. The two boys looked at one another and nodded. Jesus shook his head. You have no idea what you're asking, do you? Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink in Jerusalem? Jesus asked.

Unsure of the question, but brimming with confidence, James and John nodded. Yes, Lord, we are. We would not be following you if we were not sure. Jesus nodded in agreement. He looked into their eyes for a long moment. They were unable to see their future, but Jesus was. He alone was able to peer into the future of James and John. The kingdom of God would look wildly different than they thought.

For James, it would mean an axe driving through his spine and severing his head. He would be the first disciple to be martyred. For John, it meant enduring the loss of every other disciple and watching them be killed. He would be the last disciple to die. He would be dumped in a vat of boiling oil and then exiled to an island. The cup Jesus would drink in Jerusalem was a cup of suffering.

he would endure it. And although they were filled with pride, he knew James and John would endure it as well. Very well, Jesus said. You will drink my cup. However, sitting at my right hand and my left is not my decision to make. That has been prepared beforehand by my father. After saying these things, Jesus resumed his errands around the marketplace. James and John silently cheered amongst themselves. Their mother kissed their cheeks and went back to the crowd behind them.

When the other ten heard about James and John, they were indignant. They bickered and quarreled with one another about who was greatest among them. They chided one another and measured their qualifications. Jesus walked in front of them, enduring their prideful debate for a long while. They sounded like Pharisees, tallying up their good deeds as if God kept score. Jesus turned back to them. So we want to talk about ruling a kingdom, yes? He said.

The disciples recoiled like children caught breaking the rules. "The rulers of the Gentiles are all about status and authority. The greatest kings and emperors rise above the rest of the people only to press down on them and lord their power over them." Jesus explained. He held out a finger to them saying, "It shall not be this way among you. Not while I'm here and not when I depart.

A large crowd formed as Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho.

They were eager to witness his entry into Jerusalem. They anxiously awaited his rise. They bumped shoulder to shoulder, inching as close as they could to him. Every single one of them had ambition. They saw Jesus as their redemption from the oppressive reign of Caesar. The gates outside of Jericho were massive and thick. Under the shade of the gates, many beggars and vendors sat in anticipation of travelers.

Passover was approaching, and many people were exiting the gates to travel to the temple. Every sandwich has bread, every burger has a bun, but these warm, golden, smooth steam buns? These are special, reserved for the very best. The Filet-O-Fish, and you, you can have them too.

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shower, have breakfast, including some delicious Oscar Mayer bacon, and then drive to work and to think that the bacon would still be smoking. The point is, all of these take at least half a day to complete, and Oscar Mayer takes the best cuts and smokes them over real hardwood chips for a really long time until it tastes really good. So buy some Oscar Mayer thick-cut bacon now and enjoy. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus sat leaning against the walls.

His coat was spread out for people to toss coins. He leaned back and bumped his head against the hard stone. It was another day of him begging in darkness. Another day in anguish over his blindness. He listened to the sporadic tinkling of coins hitting his coat. He could hear a stirring in the crowds beside the gate. It was a larger crowd than he was used to hearing. Men, women and children passed by like a stampede.

Bartimaeus gestured to a few of the men begging beside him. What is the commotion? he asked. What am I missing? It is Jesus of Nazareth, another beggar said. He's leaving Jericho. Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus. He heard of his mighty acts and words. He heard of him healing the sick and making the lame memoir. Most importantly, he had heard rumors that Jesus could restore sight to the blind.

He immediately stood to his feet, resting his hand against the stone wall for balance. He could not see anything, but he had to get to Jesus. He could hear the crowds passing through the road like a rushing river. Bartimaeus knew that every second he wasted, his chances of reaching Jesus slimmed. Bartimaeus lived in complete darkness. He had no clue what awaited him in that crowd. His heart raced and his knees trembled.

His entire body urged him not to run forward. Yet his heart cried out for the living God to heal him. The blind man dove into the crowd. He knocked baskets out of people's arms and stumbled several times. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" he shouted. He continued to run, only to trip on a foot in the crowd. He fell on his face, splitting his chin wide open.

blood mixed with the dirt on his face. However, Artemius ignored the pain. Jesus! He shouted again. Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! He shouted into complete darkness, not even sure if Jesus was able to hear him.

Bartimaeus was determined. He burst through the crowd, flailing his arms and stumbling into people. As he drew closer to Jesus, many of the men seized him. "Leave the teacher alone," they said, holding his arms. Bartimaeus threw them off of him. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" He roared again. His desperate cries for Jesus were almost those of a screaming infant longing to be held.

He had been so vulnerable for so long. If there was any hope to see again, he knew it lied in Jesus. Jesus looked back to see the blind man fighting off a group of men. Get away from me! He shouted, swinging his fists. Blood dripped down his mangled chin and his knees were still quivering. I must get to him! You can't stop me! Jesus looked at him and gestured to his disciples. Why are they holding that man back from me? Bring him here.

So the disciples demanded the people release Bartimaeus and bring him forward. Escorted to the feet of Jesus, Bartimaeus beamed with excitement. "What can I do for you?" Jesus asked politely. Bartimaeus had stared into nothingness for much of his life. He was plagued with an unquenchable desire to see the world around him. Yet, as Jesus spoke to him, all bitter and anxious thoughts seemed to melt away.

He turned his head to Jesus and said, Son of David, all I ask for is mercy. I have longed to see the skies again for so long. My heart has ached to watch the sunrise and witness the changing seasons. Yet now, as I speak to you, my greatest desire is that I behold your glory. Jesus helped the man to his feet. Bartimaeus, arise and go your way. Your faith has made you well.

And in that instant, the beggar's sight was restored. Light shone brightly through the cracks in his eyes, and the figure of Jesus' smile slowly came into focus. Bartimaeus did not return to his home. He did not pick up his things and depart for the temple. He followed Jesus and remained at his side. There was no one else he would rather see. Jesus taught there on the roadside as he walked.

A throng gathered around him, making an impenetrable wall of people. Standing outside the crowd was Zacchaeus. He was a short man with fine clothes and sandals. However, despite all his lavishness, he was rejected by the crowd. Nobody allowed him to see Jesus or to get close enough to hear him. Zacchaeus was notorious in the city. He was a chief tax collector.

and best known for making profit off the suffering of his people. Jesus intrigued him. He had heard about his signs and wonders, but he also heard that Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners. No rabbi in the entire country dared even to talk to a tax collector, yet Jesus had one as his disciple. Zacchaeus tried to weave through the solidified crowd, but had no luck. He scanned his surroundings and saw a nearby sycamore tree.

Zacchaeus rolled up his sleeves and removed his sandals. Then, with a swing of his arms, he jumped onto one branch. His dangling legs flailed in the air as he pushed himself up onto a branch. He climbed a tree, shimmying up to the highest point possible. He leaned over to see Jesus. He was not at all what he expected. He was much more unassuming and humble in appearance.

Zacchaeus! How does he know my name?

Zacchaeus felt honored that Jesus would know him. Zacchaeus, get down from there. I must stay at your house today. Jesus shouted again. Yet as he said these words, Zacchaeus felt the branch underneath him give way. As the branch cracked and tipped, Zacchaeus tumbled down every branch below until eventually hitting the ground. A cloud of dust churned up, and Zacchaeus struggled to prop himself up. Out of the dust, Jesus' hand extended to help him up.

Zacchaeus clumsily composed himself and escorted Jesus to his house. He could feel the judgmental glares of people as Jesus followed him. They knew, and he knew, that he did not deserve the presence of Jesus in his home. Questions of doubt filled Zacchaeus' mind as he hosted Jesus and his disciples. He wondered if he was a good enough man to even deserve the favor of Jesus.

He did not understand why he would want to be hosted by a tax collector. Yet there he was, eating and drinking at his table. Jesus had given up his reputation to bless Zacchaeus. He had given up a home and riches so he could travel and heal others. His disciples had given up their livelihoods to follow him. "What have I given?" Zacchaeus thought to himself.

He pondered for a moment, then stood up before Jesus and raised his cup. My lord, Zacchaeus declared, I have decided to give half of my goods to the poor, and if there is anything I took by greed or defrauding, I will restore it to that person fourfold. Jesus raised his cup to Zacchaeus. Today salvation has come to your household, Jesus said.

for the Son of God has come to seek and save those that are lost. Jesus did not need to convince Zacchaeus to be generous. He did not need to preach an elaborate sermon or compel him with an argument. The presence and character of Jesus alone was enough to transform the heart of Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector. Transformation was found in the presence of Jesus. From there, Jesus went to Bethany and stayed in the house of Simon the leper.

The disciples were able to let their guards down and finally enjoy a good meal among one another without the brooding eyes of the Pharisees. The home smelled of freshly baked bread. Andrew, James, and John sat by the fire, exchanging fishing stories. Matthew and Thomas stood facing one another, discussing the upcoming Passover. Thaddeus and Simon reclined beside Jesus, content to sip from their cups and listen.

Jesus could feel an aching pain in his soul. His time was coming. The Son of Man would be delivered soon. The people expected a rebellion. They expected a revolution leading straight into the courts of Rome. The words of Isaiah rang in his head. He was oppressed and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth like a lamb that has led to the slaughter. Jesus knew the suffering that awaited him.

He was ready to endure it. As the men in the room laughed and exchanged stories, a woman entered through the corner of the room. Mary, the sister of Lazarus, came with an alabaster flask of spikenard, an expensive ointment. No doubt it was her life savings and the only financial security she had. Yet she was content to adorn Jesus with it. She poured out the flask and it spilled onto his hair and feet. The fragrance filled the room.

It was an ointment used for burial. No doubt she had used some of it on Lazarus when he died. Judas watched from the corner of the room. What is she doing? he shouted. His outburst caught the attention of everyone. That is expensive ointment. Why not sell it and give the money to the poor? Judas was in charge of the money bag and would often help himself to whatever was put into it. His outcry to sell the ointment was not out of altruism.

greed. Leave her alone, Jesus said. See that she keeps the rest for my burial, for you will always have the poor, but my time here is almost done. Jesus saw through the heart of Judas. Mary was willing to lay down her livelihood to glorify Jesus. Yet Judas, even with all his exposure to the acts of Jesus, was gripped by the love of money.

In a moment of weakness, he would soon learn just how much damage the love of money can do to a man. Jesus arose early in the morning to sit on a hill pointing towards the city of Jerusalem. It was time to enter into the den of lions. Like David once prepared for battle with Goliath, Jesus prepared his thoughts for the week to come. The order of heaven and earth was about to shift.

Chaos was going to be reigned in and darkness was going to be driven out. Jesus set his gaze upon Jerusalem like an archer. Awaiting him were enemies seeking to devour him. Yet he knew who the true enemy was. Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary, beckoning him to fight. He drew a deep breath and looked to heaven. It is time, he whispered. Jesus stood to his feet and walked down the hill.

Peter, James, and John were waiting for him below. My friends, I have a special task for you, Jesus said, greeting them. In the nearby village at the bottom of the hill, you'll find a colt tied up with his mother. It will be unruly and dangerous. I want you to take it from me. If anyone asks why you're taking the donkey, simply say, the Lord has need of it. The three men did as Jesus asked and ventured to the nearby village to find the colt.

Sure enough, as the three men entered the village, a colt was there at the entrance with its mother. The three disciples looked at one another, not surprised that Jesus knew, but also curious as to why. Peter was the first to approach it. Its hind legs kicked back aggressively and its neck whipped from side to side. He leapt to grab the reins, but it quickly retaliated with a blow to Peter's forehead. Peter fell back in the mud.

John went next, approaching the colt slowly. It was fearful and stubborn, a deadly combination. The second John grabbed hold of the reins, the colt lifted its front legs and hit John directly in the chest. Andrew saw it as an opportunity to strike and leapt towards the colt to grab the reins. Success. It took three of them to tame the beast. How will Jesus ever use something so stubborn? Peter thought. He failed to see the irony.

The colt writhed and jolted its head back continually until it approached Jesus. Jesus walked towards it gently, rubbing the front of its nose. "Hush now, be still," he said to the colt. The same authority he had over the wind and waves he used on the colt. He mounted the colt with ease and made his way down the hill towards the gates of Jerusalem. Word had spread that Jesus was coming.

He had healed the lepers, restored sight to the blind, fed thousands of people, raised the dead, and spoke power over demons. The people were ready to coronate him as king, so they gathered in numbers big enough to make an army. They were ready for a coronation, yet Jesus would not be crowned with thorns. Jesus descended the hill towards God's holy city. At the gates, a sea of people awaited him.

They parted away for Jesus to enter in. Cheering, they shouted for joy at the sight of him. "Hosanna!" they cried out. Their cheers shook the earth below. The entire city was rising like a tide to meet the Son of Man. "Blessed be the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" they shouted louder. Women sang a song of hope. Their melodies filled the skies.

People from all different nations and nationalities had come every year to worship God at the temple. Yet this year, they gazed upon the active and moving presence of God. They laid out palm fronds to make a pathway for Jesus. Some of them even removed their own cloaks for him to walk upon. They saw Jesus as the chosen hero that would liberate them from the tight grip of Roman oppression. They gazed upon Jesus as someone worthy to be called king.

They saw him as a wise and noble ruler destined to sit on the throne of David. They wanted him to rule over them and restore Israel to its former glory. They desired a conquering warrior who would defeat the armies of tyranny and bring blessing to the people of God once again. As they sang to Jesus, there was a slight tinge of disappointment. He did not ride on a white stallion with armor glistening in the sun. He came riding on a donkey.

Jesus was not the king they expected. He was powerful, mighty, and able to thwart the corrupt nations of the age. Yet, his mission was not to overthrow a worldly government. His fight was not with Caesar or Herod. There was a greater enemy that had enslaved humanity since the Garden of Eden. Greater than Pharaoh, greater than Goliath and the Philistines, Jesus held his gaze high to the end of the city.

The hill of Golgotha loomed like a dragon's den. The people sang along to their instruments. Their praise filled the air like a sweet aroma. Yet Jesus knew what they would be chanting in just a few days. Blessed is the King! Blessed is the Son of David! They proclaimed. The Pharisees were also there, awaiting the opportunity to strike Jesus down.

Aren't you going to muzzle your disciples, Jesus? They're calling you God. Jesus looked back at them. Even if I did silence them, the stones themselves would cry out. As Jesus said this, he entered the gates of Jerusalem. The entirety of Scripture was leading up to this moment. The crescendo of God's story thus far was about to unfold. It was the beginning of the end.

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Are you ready to have your bacon loving mind blown?

Well, here it is. Oscar Mayer takes 12 hours to smoke some delicious thick-cut bacon. Most other bacon out there is smoked for four to six hours, but Oscar Mayer doubles that time. Let's put that into perspective. You could drive from Detroit to Omaha, and Oscar Mayer thick-cut bacon wouldn't be finished smoking. You could spend the morning and all afternoon watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy in full. You could even go to bed, get a full night's sleep, wake up, shower,

shower, have breakfast, including some delicious Oscar Mayer bacon, and then drive to work and to think that the bacon would still be smoking. The point is, all of these take at least half a day to complete, and Oscar Mayer takes the best cuts and smokes them over real hardwood chips for a really long time until it tastes really good. So buy some Oscar Mayer thick-cut bacon now and enjoy. Here we go. The Passion Week has begun. Jesus entered Jerusalem to take the throne.

but it was not a throne anybody was expecting him to take. His throne was not arrayed in jewels or covered in fine linen. His throne was a rugged and splintered cross. These next few episodes leading up to the crucifixion highlight just how fine-tuned everything had to be in order for Jesus to accomplish God's will. It all began with our prelude, where the religious leaders were plotting to kill Jesus. We got to hear their wicked whispers and providential plotting.

We also got to meet a key character, Caiaphas, the high priest who presided over the trials that sealed Jesus' fate. These men come to the conclusion it is better to kill Jesus than to risk the wrath of the Romans. In their opinion, even if Jesus was innocent, his death would stave off the wrath of the Roman overlords. It is better for one man to die so the rest of the nation can be spared, Caiaphas said.

Do you notice the irony in that statement? Jesus was going to die so the nation could be spared, but not from the Romans. He was going to die to take away the judgment of God. Their plot set everything in motion. The enemy thought he had won. He was wrong.

This episode gave us a big theme to consider, character. Whether it was the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector or the interaction with the rich young ruler, Jesus pressed the theme, it is better to have conviction and character than outward morality and religiosity. The humble and contrite tax collector was more righteous than the pious Pharisee. The rich young ruler had morality but lacked the character to sacrifice his possessions.

The theme of character was also highlighted in the interaction between Jesus and the family of Zebedee. James and John wanted to be in a position of influence so badly that they had their mother ask on their behalf. Spiritual points aside, what grown man allows this to happen? Their mother goes to Jesus in front of all the disciples to ask for special treatment. Not only was this embarrassing to witness, but it also showed ignorance.

Jesus was gentle in putting them in their place, though. He asked them plainly if they were able to drink the cup he was going to drink. They ignorantly said, yes, not understanding the cup meant suffering. Jesus used the uncomfortable situation to teach his disciples a lesson about leadership. The rulers of the Gentiles are all about status and authority. The greatest kings and emperors rise above the rest of the people only to press down on them and lord their power over them.

Jesus explained,

Jesus is inviting you and me to redefine what we think greatness means. While the world is in a mad dash to grasp that power, you and I are invited to humble ourselves and serve. True greatness is measured in the positive impact we have on people's lives, not in positions of authority or promotions.

Greatness in Jesus' eyes also required suffering for the sake of others. This was exemplified in this episode as Jesus turned his face toward Jerusalem. Although there was a warrant out for his arrest, Jesus chose to go to Jerusalem. Isaiah 50 verse 7 prophesied the resolute nature of Jesus facing the cross to obtain the glory set before him. But the Lord God helps me. Therefore I have not been disgraced.

Therefore, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. Don't you love that line? He set his face like a flint, ready to set the world on fire. We worship a God who pursued death like an adversary. He was not a victim of the cross. He actively took steps in pursuit of it. The pursuit began with a triumphant entrant.

Thousands of people rushed the border of the city to welcome Jesus as their king. They shouted praises, calling him the son of David. The crowd meant well, but their cheers were under some false expectations. They thought they were ushering in a king who was going to overthrow Rome and restore autonomy to Israel. Jesus came to do much more than that. His mission was the redemption of men's souls, not political liberation. Nevertheless, this scene was brilliant.

I love the imagery of Jesus getting the praise of the people. When the Pharisees tried to shut them up, Jesus reminded them that if they don't praise him, even the rocks will cry out. Zechariah 9, 9 prophesied that Messiah would ride on a colt. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation as he. Humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

So why was it a donkey? Well, the donkey holds some cultural and biblical significance we would be wise to notice. In the ancient Middle Eastern world, conquerors and warriors rode horses in the war, but they rode donkeys if they came in peace. Solomon rode a donkey on the day he was chosen as the new king of Israel.

Zechariah 9.10 highlighted this idea of peace when it said, I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the war horses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from river to the ends of the earth. This prophecy of Messiah should have been enough of a clue to the people that Jesus did not come to conquer Rome with an iron fist. He came to restore peace between mankind and God.

Jesus' enemy was not a political regime, empire, or nation. His war was not against a group of people, even the Pharisees. Jesus sought to battle sin and death. Death itself was awaiting him at Calvary, beckoning him to fight. Our hero will respond to the call. Join us next time as the tension mounts and Jesus disrupts the religious system from the inside out. Join us for episode 15, Den of Thieves.

Thanks again for listening. For more inspiring stories, daily prayers, and wisdom to last a lifetime, go to Pray.com. And to expand your Heroes in the Bible journey, download the Heroes of the Faith devotional at TonyEvans.org forward slash heroes. Follow the podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the newest episodes right as they come out so you can strengthen your relationship with Jesus. God bless.

Hey, who doesn't love bacon? And did you know Oscar Mayer smokes their delicious bacon for 12 hours over real hardwood? That's a really long time to perfect the smoky flavor and even longer than it takes to go on a long road trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh, stop for food along the way, and still get there while the bacon is smoking. The

The point is, Oscar Mayer takes the best cuts and smokes them over real hardwood chips. There's no wrong way to enjoy it. So buy some Oscar Mayer thick cut bacon now. If you're ready for an epic family vacation, there's no better place than sunny Orlando. Exciting thrills, never-ending food festivals, fresh new dining experiences, outdoor adventures, and Florida's natural springs, and so much more. Orlando has it all. And visit Orlando's vacation planners can help you plan the perfect trip.

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