The last few days of Jesus’ life are commonly referred to as the Passion. This term comes from the Latin word “passio,” which means suffering. The Passion refers to the intense physical and emotional suffering that Jesus endured leading up to his crucifixion.
The Beginning of the Passion
The Passion began on what is now known as Palm Sunday. This was the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds of people laid palm branches and their cloaks on the ground, shouting “Hosanna!” and proclaiming him as their king.
However, this joyous celebration quickly turned sour. Jesus knew that his time was limited, and he spent much of the remaining days teaching his disciples and preparing them for his death. He also had several confrontations with religious leaders who were threatened by his message.
The Last Supper
One of the most significant events in the Passion was the Last Supper. This was a Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples on the night before he was arrested. During this meal, he broke bread and drank wine, telling his disciples that these elements represented his body and blood, which would be given up for them.
It was also during this meal that Jesus identified Judas Iscariot as his betrayer. Judas had agreed to hand Jesus over to the authorities in exchange for money.
The Arrest and Trial
After leaving the Last Supper, Jesus went with his disciples to pray in a garden called Gethsemane. It was here that Judas arrived with a group of soldiers sent by religious leaders to arrest Jesus.
Jesus was taken before several different authorities, including Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman governor at the time. Despite finding no fault in him, Pilate ultimately caved to pressure from religious leaders and sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.
The Crucifixion
The crucifixion was the culmination of the Passion. Jesus was taken to a hill called Golgotha, where he was nailed to a cross and left to die. He endured intense physical pain and suffering, as well as emotional anguish.
However, even in his final moments, Jesus showed love and compassion. He forgave those who had betrayed him and prayed for their forgiveness.
The Resurrection
The Passion doesn’t end with the crucifixion. Three days later, on Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead, proving that he was indeed the Son of God. This event is known as the Resurrection and is celebrated by Christians around the world.
Conclusion
The Passion is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity. It’s a testament to his love and compassion, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. By understanding and reflecting on the events of the Passion, we can deepen our own faith and appreciation for what Jesus did for us.