Composed by Byron B. Einspahr

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 "JESUS HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE!"

       The citizens of Jerusalem, and visitors from afar have been stirred up by a chain of events that have taken place during the holy week of Passover. Emotions rose and fell repeatedly as tensions arose throughout the city because of the arrival of a Prophet and His twelve followers, the arrest and trial of the Leader, and His sentence to death on a cross outside the city walls last Friday. When it was thought that this particular series of events had come to an end, the city was stirred up once more with the news that the Man, Who had been crucified on a cross and buried in a sealed tomb, had somehow come back to life and had been seen by several individuals throughout the area. Is this a miracle, or is it merely a case of mass hysteria? No doubt there will be a long and intensive investigation of this matter.

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"PALM BRANCHES TO THORNS"

       "For every season there is a time for joy and a time for sorrow..." What a difference a week can make! For a certain Man, a Galilean from Nazareth, His life made a tremendous change in the course of seven days. This reporter witnessed a royal procession from the gate of the city last Sunday, as the Christ, Who is Jesus of Nazareth, entered Jerusalem. As soon as He and His twelve disciples entered the gate, there was a wonderful celebration. People quickly gathered along the street to welcome this Man. Palm branches were used to pay homage to this famous Man, and the people strew their garments on the road to honor the "King."

       The little children were also caught up in the excitement as they ran alongside the "King" and sang sweet praises to Him. What a beautiful sound! Amid the singing the people were shouting "Hosanna! Hosanna to the Son of David!" This Individual, Who is a descendant of our King David, has attracted the attention of a great multitude of people throughout the land. Perhaps, attraction was also caused by the fact that this "King" was riding on a lowly donkey instead of in a royal carriage guided by horses and accompanied by a set of guards.

      How is it that this same Man, the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, became the center of scorn from the same city that praised Him only a week ago? How is it that Jesus was arrested for the crime of insurrection when He was preaching about living in peace? How is it that this "Teacher" was put on trial and was sentenced to death on a cross outside the city walls? How is it that Jesus of Nazareth was whipped, beaten, stripped of His dignity, and forced to carry His cross in a procession to Golgotha (the place of the skull?) How is it that this "King" who entered Jerusalem in glory ends up suffering with a crown of thorns pressing against his head? Is the world aware of this tremendous change of attitude in the city of Jerusalem?

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"TEMPLE ETIQUETTE UNDER REVIEW"

       What seemed to be the typical celebration of Passover at the Temple in Jerusalem, turned out to be just the opposite. A disturbance arose earlier this past week, when the Nazarene by the name of Jesus displayed an outburst of anger in the courtyard of the Temple. Jesus (Who has always been known to be a calm and pleasant individual and Who has taught the multitudes to love each other and live in harmony) reached His tolerance level of what is acceptable behavior at God's House. He expressed His anger by tipping over the tables and crates of sacrificial doves, forcing the businessmen to leave the Temple courtyard, and shouting, "You have turned My Father's House into a den of thieves!"

       It is true that for some time, various booths have been set up in the courtyard of the Temple for the purpose of selling animals for sacrifices at high prices. The Temple officials have become lax in their attitude about the use of the Temple courtyard as a place for worship by allowing the sacred place to be used as a marketplace. Officials will be reviewing what is acceptable practice in the Temple and return to the Laws of Moses that set forth the proper worship practices for the Children of Israel.

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"PASSOVER CELEBRATED THURSDAY EVENING"

       On Thursday evening at sundown, every Jewish household celebrated the Passover Seder. This custom has been practiced annually since the time of Moses. It commemorates the liberation of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. The citizens of Jerusalem review that time when the Angel of Death slew the first-born male of every Egyptian household including the Pharaoh’s household.  The Israelites were spared because they remained inside their homes that had the doorways marked with lamb's blood. Inside their homes, the Israelites ate a dinner of unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and roast lamb, which was cooked over an open fire on a spit made of pomegranate wood.

       One of our reporters learned that Jesus and the Twelve also observed the Passover Seder at an undisclosed location in Jerusalem. At one point during the meal, it was learned that Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, left unexpectedly. The other disciples assumed that Judas was just running a last moment errand.

       The Passover Seder ended differently than most Passover meals. Jesus altered the ceremony. He took some of the bread, broke it, and shared it with the remaining disciples. He said, "Take, eat, this is My body which is broken for you." Then, Jesus took the red Passover wine. He offered thanks and passed the chalice among the dinner guests. Jesus said, "Take and drink of it, all of you. This cup is My blood of the new covenant, shed for many for the remission of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me." The followers of Jesus now refer to this meal as the "Lord's Supper" or "Holy Communion."

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"PRAYER MEETING IN GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE"

       Following their celebration of the Passover and Lord's Supper, Jesus and His eleven disciples went to the Mount of Olives. They gathered together in the Garden of Gethsemane. It was reported that Jesus was feeling very sad and needed to pray. He asked three of the disciples, Peter, James, and John, to walk with Him further into a remote area of the garden. Jesus wanted the disciples to pray and also keep a look out while He prayed. Somehow He knew that the officers would be coming after Him sometime that night.

     This was truly a difficult moment for the Master as He prayed. Though He is the Son of God, He was also man, and He must have felt the intense fear and sorrow for the events that would be transpiring in a matter of hours. He suffered so greatly that drops of blood fell from His forehead as He prayed. Jesus asked His Father if there might be another way for Him to bring salvation for God's people, but He accepted God's will regardless of what it might entail.

       The Nazarene prayed three times and returned to find His friends asleep, but He showed compassion even though they showed weakness. Jesus said, "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

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"MESSIAH TURNS HIMSELF IN TO AUTHORITIES!"

       Judas, who was a disciple of Jesus, sold his friendship with the Messiah. He was paid thirty pieces of silver to find a quiet place, away from the crowds, where Jesus could be captured. This man brought a squadron of temple soldiers and officials to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he kissed Jesus as a greeting. This was a secret signal for the soldiers to identify the arrestee.  Jesus was fully aware of what was happening, and He compassionately gave Judas one more warning. He asked Judas why he betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

       When the soldiers proceeded to arrest Jesus, the Nazarene did not try to escape. Instead, He faced His captors openly, and He bravely identified Himself as the Person for Whom they were searching. An unusual incident happened at that moment -- the entire group of soldiers and officials fell to the ground! Although Jesus could have overcome them because of His great power, He willingly allowed the soldiers to take Him into custody so that God's will would be accomplished.

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"FISHERMAN ASSAULTS SOLDIER"

       The arrest at the Garden of Gethsemane had an air of mystery about it. A source claimed that one of the disciples of Jesus drew his sword, and he cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest as Jesus was being taken into local custody. It is generally known that Jesus taught about living in peace with one another, and He was true to His convictions at this moment also.

       Jesus rebuked His disciple, a fisherman by the name of Simon A.k.a. Peter. Jesus said, "Put away your sword. He who draws the sword shall perish by the sword." Then the Prophet performed another unexpected miracle as he put the ear back on the man and healed it. Such an act cannot be explained naturally. Truly this Man draws His power from God on High. It was reported that before the rest of the friends of Jesus could be arrested, they fled from the scene and were not pursued.

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"'KANGAROO COURT' HELD BY SANHEDRIN"

       What political activity went on behind the scenes in the Sanhedrin? Why was it necessary to have a secret trial in the middle of the night instead of waiting for regular business hours the next day? Why were some of the members of the Sanhedrin not even notified about the important meeting?   Why was the popular Prophet from Nazareth put on trial? What crime had He committed?

       Isn't it very sad that our religious leaders are bent on destroying a Man Who was known for helping people by healing them of their afflictions, removing evil spirits from the possessed and seemingly lost individuals, and teaching people and demonstrating to them that God wants His people to live in real love and compassion for one another. Isn't that the message that our religious leaders should be demonstrating to us themselves? If these men of the Sanhedrin are men of God, and God is love, what happened to that love? The events of late Thursday night and early Friday morning are truly mystifying.

       A reporter, who happened to witness the inquiries of the Prophet, noted that the Sanhedrin had trouble finding plausible witnesses who would indicate that this Jesus was employed by the devil and was committing sorcery. There was a transferal of the arrested Man to Pontius Pilate who was searching for the truth. He became exasperated because Jesus would not defend Himself. Pilate could not find a legal reason to have Jesus sentenced to death at this time, and he sent Jesus to be questioned by King Herod.

       King Herod expressed his pleasure that he would finally get to see this famous Man perform some miracles, but Jesus was not responsive to the king. In his usual manner, the king lost his temper and ridiculed Jesus. Herod had his soldiers place a crown of thorns on the head of Jesus, put a beautiful purple robe on Him, and then he sent Jesus back to Pontius Pilate for further questioning.

       Pilate is known to be quite the politician. He knew that his role as governor was in jeopardy. Somehow he needed to have the approval of the Roman government and also the approval and support of the people of Jerusalem. He decided to let the people decide what to do with Jesus.  The governor had Jesus whipped and beaten. Surely that would be adequate punishment for a common criminal. There was a custom that once a year a prisoner would be set free. Pontius Pilate decided to let the people decide whether Jesus or a murderer and insurrectionist named Barabbas should be set free. He was certain that the contrast of the two prisoners would lead to the freedom for Jesus. However, his perception was wrong. The people shouted for the crucifixion of Jesus, and Pontius Pilate felt compelled to carry out the wishes of the people.

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"FRIDAY MORNING DEATH PROCESSIONAL"

      The week began with a wonderful parade at the gate of Jerusalem with the people singing praises and waving palm branches to honor the Son of David. What a contrast was offered early Friday morning as the people gathered on the streets of Jerusalem for another procession. The center of attention was the same "Son of David," and He was moving along in a humbling fashion, but this time He was carrying His own cross instead of riding on a donkey. This time, instead of receiving praise and adoration, Jesus received booing and insults amidst cries of sorrow and dismay from His loyal followers. Instead of a time of joy, this day was all about hatred, pain, and suffering. How fickle people can become!

    After spending a sleepless night because of being shifted from court to court and being weakened because He was whipped and beaten throughout the night, it is no surprise that at one point of the procession, Jesus collapsed. Soldiers grabbed an individual from the crowd of spectators and forced him to carry the cross for Jesus for the rest of the way to Golgotha. It was learned that the man was a visitor in Jerusalem, by the name of Simon of Cyrene. Truly, this visitor must have been wondering what was going on and how he got involved in such an incident.

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"THREE MEN EXECUTED BY CRUCIFIXION"

       Sheer horror was present as Jesus was nailed to the cross. Spikes were driven through each of His hands and through His feet. The cross of Jesus was erected between two other crosses upon which two criminals were also being crucified. The temple officials were agitated by the sight of a sign attached to the top of the cross of Jesus. The sign proclaimed Jesus to be the "KING OF THE JEWS." They wanted the sign removed, but their request was denied.

       The crucifixion was a slow, agonizing death for the individuals as they gradually suffocated from their own body weight as well as being weakened by the loss of blood. Adding to the suffering and humiliation of Jesus, the soldiers had stripped Him of His garments and gambled for the clothing items.

       During the ordeal, one of the criminals, who hung nearby, began jeering Jesus about being the Christ. The criminal mockingly told Jesus to "Save Yourself and us!"   The criminal on the other side of Jesus responded to the other criminal, "Don't you fear God since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly and are getting what we deserve, but this Man has done nothing wrong."

      Then he said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."

       Even during His own suffering, Jesus showed compassion on the criminal who was repentant and said, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in Paradise."

       Nature seemed to go awry during the crucifixion. Although it was the middle of the day, darkness came over the whole land for about three hours. When Jesus died, an earthquake happened,  The curtain that separated the Holy of Holies room from the rest of the temple was torn from top to bottom.

       At one point we heard Jesus cry out in agony, "My God! My God! Why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Those words were distressing in themselves as the separation from God is true hell. Then Jesus announced, "It is finished!" His final words were "Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit." At that point, Jesus breathed His last and died.

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"THE LAST 'WORDS' OF JESUS ON THE CROSS"

"Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing."

"I tell you the truth, today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise."

"Dear woman, here is thy son."
"Here is thy mother."

"I thirst."

"My God! My God! Why hast Thou forsaken Me?"

"It is finished!"

"Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit."

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"FINAL COMMENT FROM THE EDITOR"

       Though Jesus announced on the cross "It is finished!" and He died that terrible Friday afternoon, this was not the end of the story. We are led back to the opening paragraph about the resurrection of the Son of God. He won the victory over sin, death, and the devil for each and every one of us. We are free! We now have the joy of knowing that God has prepared a place for us in Heaven, and He wants each and every one of us to accept Jesus as our personal Savior so that we may receive that promise of everlasting life. Through it all we know that GOD LOVES US! This most certainly is true!

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 "JESUS OR BARABBAS"
by Signe Hanson
Holyoke, Colorado

Jesus was standing in Pilot's hall
lonely and weary, forsaken by all.
He had come to heal the sick and the blind
but He was rejected by all mankind.
Now He could hear the multitudes cry,
"We want Barabbas, the Lord crucify!"

So they hung the Savior upon the tree;
He carried sin's burdens for you and for me.
They pierced His side, put thorns on His brow;
they heard Him say, "It is finished now."
You wonder how could they such a cruel thing do?
Yet, you in your heart crucify anew.

Barabbas the sinful one was set free.
Christ the sinless was nailed to the tree.
And in this world of sin today
so often we hear the multitudes say,
"We want the world and what money can buy."
They choose Barabbas, the Lord crucify.

Christ Jesus still among us stands,
pleading to all with outstretched hands.
He calls to you as you pass by,
but you, my friend, will not heed His cry.
You choose Barabbas with all his guilt
and deny the blood that for you was spilt.

Christ's heart was heavy when He hung on the tree.
His heart is still burdened for you and for me.
It is true He died to save us from sin,
but we must accept Him and let Him in.
We must be washed in the blood of the lamb
if we want to enter the Promised Land.