Failing Jesus (Matthew 26:14-27:66)
Judas is hardly the only one who lets Jesus down.
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The contrast between the joy of Palm Sunday and the sorrow of the Passion is breathtaking. Jesus’ triumphal entry turns quickly into a full-fledged battle. (It’s a pity the lectionary doesn’t include any of Jesus’ head-to-head scuffle with the scribes and Pharisees, the money-changers and the chief priests!) We know who wins the skirmishes: by the time Passover arrives, Judas has agreed to betray Jesus.
