Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. --- Zechariah 9:9

There has been quite a bit of controversy over Mel Gibson's film, The Passion of Christ, in which he shows the last twelve hours of Jesus Christ's life. The Christian community has overwhelmingly supported this film by the grassroots effort of many to promote it. It will be interesting to see the impact and discussion the film will bring in the next few months.

Whether you go to see the film or not, can we take a moment to reflect?

The triumphant entry of Jesus riding into Jerusalem was predicted by the prophet Zechariah more than 500 years before it happened. This and many other prophecies come to life in the New Testament during Christ' last week on earth.

The week before Easter is known as Holy Week and it also brings the Lent season to a close. This was the most intensive week in the life of our Savior Jesus Christ. On Palm Sunday, it began with a marvelous praise-filled entrance into the city of Jerusalem. Jesus ride into the city on a donkey was symbolic of peace. The people spread their coats and palm branches along the road for Jesus and shout "Hosanna." The Jewish people have not had a king in many, many years and they were jubilant about the "Messiah" who entered the city. The people were correct to recognize Jesus as a king, but they failed to recognize that his kingdom was in heaven.

As the week continued, Passover began and Jesus meets with the 12 men who have been by his side for three years. One of these men would betray him in a few hours. During the supper, Jesus talked about a new covenant. He established the first Holy Communion and asked us (believers) to do it often in "remembrance of him."

As His imminent death drew near, Jesus went off to the Garden of Gethsemane. His human side agonized over the task he must endure for humanity. It states his agony was so great that his "sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:43)." Yet the power of the Holy Spirit encouraged him..."Yet not as I will, but as you will."

His betrayer kissed him as he steps from the Garden. Jesus was arrested and taken away by the soldiers. His followers run away and leave him. Peter denied the same man he called the "Son of God" not once, not twice, but three times. Jesus was slandered before the Sanhedrin, beaten, spit upon and a crown of thorns was added to his head. The same people, who praised him as he entered Jerusalem, now demanded his death! The cowardly Pilate did nothing but wash his hands in a bowl of water.

That old rugged cross ... nails through the wrists...nails through the feet...placed between two criminals under the hot rays of the sun...blood drips down his face from the wounds caused by the crowned thorn...he promised the thief beside him entrance into the kingdom... his pain and agony was watched by many...insults were hurled at him.

God has turned his back...

" My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"...He thirsts..."It is finished!"

Don't just wait until Easter Sunday -- spend time reflecting on the most intensive week in Jesus Christ's life now. Do you know He went through this for you and me?

Tyora Moody is a professional web developer who enjoys dabbling in freelance writing. Her company Tywebbin Creations produces such websites as faithwebbin.net, doenetwork.com, kulturezone.com and goodgirlbookclubonline.com. This article is used by permission.