Grams Writes

An endless stream of worshipers poured through the gates; the rich and poor came from lands near and far and Jerusalem welcomed them. The cool, crisp air of an early spring crackled with the squawk of merchants; men, women, children, and animals jostled each other as they made their way through the narrow streets. A sense of expectancy enveloped the city.

It was time. It was time to remember the steadfast love of a holy God, the Maker of all mankind. It was time to pay homage to the God of all the earth for it was He who had redeemed His people from Egyptian slavery so many years in the past. Because of blood applied to the doorposts of Jewish households, the firstborn in that house lived. Since that time each year God’s chosen people celebrated the Passover, Israel’s most holy week.

It was time. God’s plan for His Son was near its completion. Underneath the excitement of Passover week, forces gathered for its climax. Envy and jealousy consumed the hearts of the Jewish religious leaders and they had decided upon a course that would forever doom their souls, yet at the same time bring deliverance to the entire human race. Jesus of Nazareth, who claimed to be the Son of God, must die for He had turned the hearts of the people. The scribes and Pharisees did not intend to lose their position with the people or with the Romans.

It was time. At the end of the Psssover week, evil forces were defeated. The plan designed to retain control worked to bring total and complete freedom for all who believed Jesus was truly the Son of God. The crucifixion was past. Hell’s smug shout of victory remained only a whimper.

It was time. Jesus stood on the Mount of Olives. It was the last time He would be with His trusted disciples here on earth. He looked them in the eye, gave them a job to do, prayed blessings upon them, and said all that needed to be said. Slowly He ascended back to His Father. It was time.

Grams