Today we read of the final events before Jesus’ death. None of this takes him by surprise; it is all part of God’s plan. The religious leaders continue their rejection, and Jesus’ closest followers distance themselves from him. Jesus is about to demonstrate his great love for everyone, but he does it alone, rejected or avoided by even his closest followers.
The story of the entire Bible is humanity’s rejection of God and God’s continual love for humanity. That theme is no better illustrated than in the death of Jesus and the events surrounding it. Each time we do something that is contrary to God’s desire, we demonstrate our rejection of him and Christ’s death covers it.