The Passion of Christ
Jerusalem is an uneasy city. People are yearning to be set free, as the Israelites
had been from Egypt in times past. People are keeping a look-out for some emissary from God who, according
to the old Messianic beliefs, will restore the splendour of His covenanted people, Israel.
Jesus, whose reputation has raced ahead of him, is regarded by many as the bearer of this hope. The people
greet him with rejoicing when he enters the city riding on a donkey, as foretold by the prophet Zachariah.
Jesus drives the money changers from the temple, much to the jubilation of the ordinary people, but causes great anger among the traders.
The high priest Caiaphas finds Jesus's ideas a threat to his own political ambitions with the Roman Governor Pilate, and starts to plot for Jesus's arrest and execution.
The evening of the Passover arrives, and Jesus and the disciples gather
for the Passover feast.
The disciples are bewildered, disappointed and despondent, especially when Jesus informs them that
one of their number will betray him.
"Whatever you wish to do, do it soon!"
Jesus is arrested . . . .
. . . . and accused of blasphemy.
"Which one do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus called the Messiah?"
They came to a place called Golgotha, which means "The Place of the Skull". There they crucified him.
