The Palm Sunday pilgrims had set the scene for the events of this awesome day - "See your king is coming" Jn. 12:15. The words of Pilate's verdict interpret the crucifixion as John depicts it: "Here is your king" (19:14). It is therefore nothing but the simple truth that is placarded over his head as he hangs there: "Jesus ¡K the King ¡K" (19:19).

Only through the revealing Spirit can the victory of the Cross be recognized. Luther understood this when he argued: 'In Christ crucified is the true theology and knowledge of God ¡K as long as a man does not know Christ he does not know the true God, the God hidden in sufferings.'

This hiddenness needs to be acknowledged. There are times when we are called to believe, no 'because of' but 'inspite of'. It is this point the 'health and wealth gospels' of our day stand exposed in their hollowness.

To follow Jesus Christ is to take up a Cross, and that means there may be moments where life's circumstances contradict our claims as surely as they did for Jesus at Calvary. Today, we celebrate the supreme moment of all history when the Father's plan for humanity comes to a triumphant conclusion in the cry of His Son: "It is accomplished" (19:30). We are further enveloped in a loving embrace on the Cross when Jesus voices His dying wish 'Woman behold your son ¡K son behold your mother' (19:26-27).