Luke 23 records the details of Christ’s trial and crucifixion. It was the climax of a week filled with activity and emotions, especially for Christ’s followers. His miracles and teachings had gained the attention of both the people and the religious leaders.
The week began with Jesus entering Jerusalem to the greeting of the cheering crowd. The same crowd that in a few short days would be cursing and jeering Him.
The religious leaders were unhappy with Christ’s challenge to their authority. He didn’t follow their rules. He didn’t fit their ideal of the Messiah. He taught with authority that they didn’t have. In the end they would conspire for Christ’s destruction.
This was confusing time for Christ’s followers especially the Disciples. The Jews envisioned a Messiah that would reliever them from the oppressive Roman rule. A Messiah that would establish and earthly kingdom. A king who would enter on a white horse not a humble donkey. Instead of taking charge of things Jesus taught about persecution, his death and the betrayal and abandonment by his own followers.
Jesus knew his purpose. He Jerusalem with determination that week. He spent time teaching and praying for his follower. Especially the 12 men he had spent the past 3 years teaching and training.
The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard
Sung by Guy Penrod
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
To bear it to dark Calvary.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
Such a wonderful beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
To the old rugged cross I will ever be true,
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.