In John 11, Jesus raises Lazarus of Bethany from the dead and the miracle was so obvious to everyone that this became the ultimate challenge to the Jewish leaders who hated Jesus and were threatened by him. “So from that day on, they plotted to take his life.” (John 11:53) It was the beginning of the end. On the other hand, pilgrims had come from all over the country to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Many of them had heard about Jesus and when word got out that he was coming to town, huge crowds gathered to welcome him and proclaim him as Messiah.

Today’s readings: Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-19