The preacher invites the church to journey with Jesus along His final, “dark and scary road” toward Easter.
Luke 9:51 marks the hinge of the gospel narrative: Jesus “set His face” toward Jerusalem–language of iron-willed resolve and fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
Historical backdrop: Passover week swells Jerusalem to ~2 million pilgrims; Rome dispatches extra troops; political tension is electric.
Two contrasting parades will converge: Pilate from the west with war-horses; Jesus from the east on a donkey portraying humility and true power.