The sun shone brightly on the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem. As He entered the city, cheerful townspeople met Him. After hearing of His many miracles, they greeted Him with praise, admiration, and excitement. When He walked past them, they took off their cloaks for Him to walk on. Palm branches in hand, they screamed, “Hosanna!,” praising the One they hoped to be the Messiah. That day, He rode on an uncomfortable donkey, knowing something more painful would occur in just five days.
But He did it anyway.
Days later, tired of the nonsense and the show, one of Jesus’s followers – Judas Iscariot – traveled to see the chief priest, Caiaphas. Judas, just like the temple leaders of the day, had an agenda. When Caiaphas asked what his price would be, Judas greedily accepted 30 pieces of silver. Viewing his “friend” to be worth little more than a common slave, Judas began waiting for the right moment to turn Jesus over. In the meantime, Jesus knew what His friend was scheming.
But He did it anyway.
Longing for one more supper with His closest companions, Jesus arranged a Passover supper. As His disciples gathered, He fed them bread and wine. Breaking the loaf, He told them, “Take and eat; this is my body (Matthew 26:26).” As He poured the wine, He said, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:27-28).” As He looked at the men across the table, He knew what the next hours held.
But He did it anyway.
After supper, they sang a hymn and went into the night. Jesus took them to the Garden of Gethsemane. There, He asked them to stay vigilant and pray. They didn’t. Twice, as Jesus went to speak with His Father, the disciples slept instead of praying for their friend. Anguish filled His voice as He began pleading, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be (Matthew 26:42).” His sweat turned to blood.
But He did it anyway.
With Judas’ kiss, Jesus was arrested. They drug Him in front of the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas and other teachers met Him with various questioning. But they couldn’t find a reason to charge Him – He was innocent. As accusations continued, Jesus remained silent. “Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 26:63),” Caiaphas demanded. “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven (Matthew 26:64).” As those words left His mouth, they charged Him with the only thing they could – blasphemy. He knew the end was near as they handed Him over to Pilate.
But He did it anyway.
Finding no fault in Him, Pilate questioned Jesus. Yet again, Jesus remained silent in front of his accusers. As it was Passover, custom allowed Pilate to release a prisoner. Considering Jesus was up against a convicted murderer, Pilate assumed the crowd would choose the innocent man. But no, the same townspeople who praised Him mere days ago shouted, “Crucify Him!” Pilate washed his hands of it. God’s only Son was sent to be flogged.
But He did it anyway.
Repeatedly, He was whipped until His body was bloody. His skin no longer resembled that of human flesh. As they nailed His hands, the clink of metal resounded from the hillside. He became every sin and shameful thought. Finally, with one loud breath, he screamed, “It is finished!” His father looked away. For three days, hope was lost.
But He did it anyway.
On the morning of the third day, women went to tend to His body for burial. As they walked to the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, His body was gone. Instead, they were met with an angel saying, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay (Matthew 28:5-6).” He defeated death – once and for all.
He did it.
He knew we would betray, deny, and murder Him – but He did it anyway. And now, we get to celebrate the resurrection because of He did at Golgotha. I pray that this Easter, you will take time to remember the reason for such celebration – the cross.
