| |
Jesus’ heart swelled with pride at the sight. He had watched from a distance while James walked the streets and alleys, touching the peasants and beggars and urging them to follow him to the Temple. A throng of more than a hundred now followed him, some singing ancient psalms, others cheering the name of Rabbi Jacob, others holding the arms of the lame to help them walk. Both men and women made joyous noise as they walked toward the Royal Portico.
Here indeed, he thought to himself, is the Righteous One leading the poor to the Father!
And now, from his vantage point atop the grand staircase leading to the Temple, Jesus could also see Judas at the center of a group of young men standing in a group at the foot of the stairs. The men were gesturing wildly. Judas appeared to be arguing with them. They continued standing in a group; they did not seem to be moving either up or down the steps.
Jesus turned and walked into the Court of the Gentiles, where a huge crowd had already gathered.
“The King,” someone yelled from the far side of the open expanse. “The King!”