Last Journey To Jerusalem (1953)

For some time, Jesus and his disciples had been traveling in the province of Perea, which was across the river Jordan from Judea. But now, the time of the Passover was close at hand, and they had turned their steps toward Jerusalem. For it was to the holy city that travelers came from near and far to observe. Jericho, the next city on their journey, was not far off, but they had been on the road for some time, and it was a hot day. A short rest would be welcome. This was the major crisis in Jesus' life. He had determined to go to Jerusalem, knowing that his earthly ministry would soon come to an end. Several times before, he had told his disciples that he must one day go to Jerusalem and be put to death. His disciples had been amazed that he would take this journey and they were greatly troubled. They did not understand that it was the will of his father that Jesus should give his life for mankind. They were afraid of what would happen when they reached Jerusalem. And there were Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew, Thaddius and Matthew, Philip Bartholomew and Thomas, James son of Alfus and Simon the Canaanite, James and John the sons of Zebedee, and Judas a Scariot who was soon to betray his master. For almost 3 years now, they had traveled together, and Jesus had patiently taught them by word and example, but how little they had understood. He must tell them again of the events that were coming, events that would test their faith. Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and deliver him to the Gentiles. They will mock him and spit upon him, scourge him and kill him, and after three days he will rise. >> Matt, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you. >> What do you want me to do for you? >> Grant us one to sit at your right hand and one at your left in your glory. >> You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink? Or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized? >> Yes, Lord, we're able. >> The cup that I drink, you will drink. And with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized. But to sit at my right hand or my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared. But the other disciples were angry over this request of James and John. Why had they asked this of Jesus? Did the two brothers think they were more deserving than anyone else? Come here all of you. >> You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you must be your servant. And whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Let us continue our journey. The city of Jericho was situated on the main road from Perea to Jerusalem. And many travelers stopped there to rest and refresh themselves. By the wayside set a blind man named Bartameus, who often came to this place to beg for a few coins from the travelers. Um um um um calm calm. Have mercy on the blind. Um, >> what is it friend? What is happening? >> It is Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth. He is coming here with his disciples. >> Jesus of Nazareth, the son of David. Blessed be the son of David. Have mercy on me. >> Be quiet, Barameus. >> Why do you call out >> Jesus? Son of David, >> have mercy on me. >> Call him and bring him to me. >> Take heart. Rise. Jesus is calling you. What do you want me to do for you, >> master? That I may receive my sight. >> Receive your sight. Your faith has made you well. Blessed be the son of David. Thank you, Lord, for giving me my sight. >> Thus it was that on his last journey to Jerusalem, Jesus stopped by the city of Jericho and showed compassion upon a blind beggar. Again, demonstrating the power of God. As Jesus continued his walk through Jericho, he passed by the house of a chief tax collector named Zakius. Hearing the approaching crowd, he came out to see what was happening. >> What is the cause of all this? Who is it that the people are welcome? >> Jesus of Nazareth. He's going to Jerusalem for the Passover. >> Jesus of Nazareth, the one whom so many believe to be the promised savior. The one who spoke kindly to sinners. He Zakius was a sinner. He had become rich at the expense of others. If only he could catch a glimpse of Jesus or hear a few words from him. But Zakius was a small man and the crowd was close about Jesus. And then he thought of a sycamore tree under which Jesus must pass. If he hurried, he could reach the tree before Jesus did, climb up into its branches, and so be able to see Jesus when he passed under it. So great was his desire to see the Savior who had brought peace to so many sinners that Zakius, even though he was a prominent man of wealth, gave no thought to his unusual act. Zakius, make haste and come down, for I must stay at your house today." >> Zakius made haste and came down. Indeed, the Lord had called him by his name. More than that, Jesus was willing to be the guest of a despised tax collector. He must hurry and make the master welcome. Filled with joy, Zakius did the bidding of the Lord and took him right to his house. But the people did not understand this action of Jesus. They said, "He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." They thought it strange that such a great teacher should enter the house of a despised tax collector. The disciples were quite weary after their long journey [music] and had been glad to accept Zakius's hospitality, for his was a comfortable home. Zakius after being in close contact with Jesus truly desired forgiveness for his sinful past and he wanted to show Jesus that he was ready to live a new life. >> Behold, Lord, half of my goods I will give to the poor and if I have cheated anyone of anything, I will pay it back four-fold. Today salvation has come to this house since he also is a son of Abraham. For the son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. And thus after Jesus had rested in Jericho, he and his followers continued their journey to Jerusalem. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, people were gathering for the Passover. And in the temple court, men were discussing the coming events. And some of them wondered whether Jesus would come or not. >> What do you think? Will Jesus come for the feast? >> Who knows? When he was here before, the Pharisees and chief priests sought to have him arrested. >> Yes. And now they have sent word if he should come here secretly. And anyone knows where he is. He should inform the chief priests so that they can take him. If he does come, there'll be a lot of excitement. For no doubt, he will deply the Pharisees again. >> Now Jesus and his followers were approaching the villages of Bethage and Bethany, two small towns very close to Jerusalem. And when they reached the mount that is called Alvette, Jesus paused to send two of his disciples on an errand. Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if any man should ask you, why are you untying it? You shall say this, the Lord has need of it. We will do so, pastor. As the two disciples went on their errand, they wondered why Jesus would want an animal at this time. Nevertheless, they hastened to do as he had instructed. When the disciples entered the village, they found the colt as they had been told. Although the owner questioned their actions, he readily accepted their explanation and gladly let them lead the animal away. As the group of followers saw the two disciples return with the colt, the significance of the event began to dawn on them and their joy and enthusiasm could not be repressed. All of the king to the king to the king of the king. HAIL TO THE PRINCE OF HEAVEN. To the king. Hail to the great. Oh Jerusalem, would that even today you knew the things that make for peace, but now they are hidden from your eyes. For the day shall come upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank about you and surround you and hem you in on every side and dash you to the ground. You and your children with you and they will not leave one stone upon another in you because you did not know the time of your visitation. >> Peace in heaven glory in the highest. Hand to the king in heaven. Make clear to the king of the Lord. >> The faithful had come to Jerusalem from all over the country to observe the feast of the Passover, which would begin in a few days. Families would gather together to praise God and to give thanks for the time centuries before when the people of Israel had been freed from Egyptian slavery. On this day, they heard a joyful shouting in the distance. What could this mean? Who was coming? >> Who is that? >> Who is it? Who is coming? >> WHAT'S ALL THE EXCITEMENT ABOUT? IT IS A PROPHET JESUS OF NAZARETH from Galilee. >> Yes. Now they welcome him as a king. But in a few short days, many of them would turn against him and join the leaders in clamoring for his death. Jesus went up to the temple and many people brought to him the blind and the lame. And he healed them. But there were also the priests and scribes who resented what Jesus did because they were envious of his popularity with the people. Hana to the son of Davidana to the name of Davidana. >> Do you hear what these children are saying? >> Yes. Have you never read? Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, thou hast brought perfect praise. And so to all his followers, Jesus demonstrated a life of love and humility. He gave sight to the blind Barttous. He transformed the heart of Zakius. And he blessed all others who had faith. But many would not accept him. Many did not understand that the one in their midst was truly God's only son. Man's only savior. >> [music]