of the crowds to proclaim him king, we must see this in its historical context. Expectations abounded in Israel. Hidden agendas were rife. Many in Israel wanted a king who would help to overthrow Roman rule. Jesus refused to comply with these wishes. His path was to lead to the cross, not to violent insurrection. Such a route was unacceptable to the masses for the curse of the law lay on anyone who died on a tree (Dt. 21:22–23). Hence, Jesus refused to follow the current clamour. Yet he acknowledged
Page 22