Jerusalem’s Welcome

All of Jerusalem were told about a special visitor who was on the way to the city . This visitor was like a King in their eyes . Jesus for most people was a hero . They had heard his teachings and were told about some of the miracles he had performed .

It was an exciting time in Jerusalem as the city prepared to meet a very special man .

Scribes and musicians were composing words and music to play and sing as he entered the gates of the city . Dancers and acrobats were already in full flight with their own way of welcoming a King in their midst .

Crowds of people were gathering and making ready for the visit .
Streets were swept clean and palm leaves were strewn out along the way Jesus would come .
Food and drinks were prepared in many houses just in case he might visit that household .

Girls made clothes just in case he might be in need of a new garment after his long journey . Sandals were made and left hanging on makeshift lines around the streets in a open gesture of welcome .

Signs that were made had bwwn left out on display .

Jacho was one of the popular kids on the block . He was a little unsure about this carry on . He didn’t like the idea of losing the limelight . For him Jerusalem was his turf . He was not in a very welcome state of mind for Jesus and the more he saw everyone making a fuss the more jealous he became .

On the evening before the arrival of Jesus , the streets were buzzing with people . Jacho was not happy at all and wanted to interfere with the cities big welcome .

He decided to go outside the city gates and prepare his own welcome for this so called hero .

As he walked out of the city some people called him.

“Hey Jacho are you ready for the big parade tomorrow ?”

He replied with a grunt or just ignored anyone who spoke to him .
Jacho was so full of himself that he could not see the man who was following him .

When Jacho was clear of the city he made his way up into hills . He came to a high place and looked down at the city that was bathed in moonlight , Jerusalem shone like a jewel in the darkness of night .

As he sat there thinking of how he would ambush or prevent the visitor from entering the city the silence was broken by a harsh voice .

“So Jacho . How are you doing ?”

Jacho turned around and said ,

“What , who’s that ?”

“It doesn’t matter who I am . What matter most is your identity here Jacho .“

Jacho stepped back and took a hard look at the person before him and said ,

“How do you know my name ?”

‘I know a lot about everything . Lets say I am a part of history that no one knows . I am a prince of this world and know many things .”

Jacho answered

“What do you mean . What kind of things ?”

“Well I know you’re not happy about this man Jesus who is on his way to Jerusalem . Am I right ?”
Said the stranger .

“ I don’t know why everyone is making such a big thing about this man . what has he ever done for Jerusalem anyway ?”
Jacho replied .

The stranger continued ,

”Tell you what Jacho ,how would you like to create havoc tomorrow . How would you their new hero ?”

“Do you think that’s possible ?”
Jacho replied .

Then the stranger , put his arm around Jacho and said ,

“Listen to me Jacho I can help you to become a king . Join me and we will prepare our own little welcome for this visitor to Jerusalem .“

Jacho nodded his head

“I agree . Lets put an end to this party tomorrow . What do you suggest we do and when do we start ?”

“Lets prepare a passage for him before he reaches the gates of the city and show him who is in charge . because this very night I know where he sleeps and have here the solution for your troubles .“

The stranger took out a large knife from inside his cloak . The blade glistened in the moonlight . Jacho’s eyes were set firmly on the knife .

“If you do this for me . I will make you a hero in the eyes of Jerusalem . You shall be their King Jacho .”

All Jacho could think of was fame and fortune and becoming a leader for all the people in Jerusalem . Fuelled with a jealous rage , Jacho took the knife from the hand of the dark stranger who smiled and said . .

“Good . Now follow me Jacho and I will bring you to the place where he sleeps .“

They walked for miles in the night . The stranger filled Jacho’s head with promises of wealth and a place in history . When they eventually came to a clearing in the bushes , a campfire flickered in the night . The stranger said to Jacho .

“Now is your chance , the man that you seek will be asleep beside a donkey . Be as silent as a serpent and quick when you strike . Let your blade sink deep into his heart . When you do this I will reward you with untold wealth . So go and do what I have asked . I will watch your back .“

Jacho nodded and began to creep over to the campfire in the dark .
As Jacho drew nearer to the fire he could not see a wolf in the shadows on the prowl . The wolf who stalked the donkey suddenly saw Jacho instead and pounced just as Jacho was about to strike .

The dawn arrived early and in through the gates of Jerusalem Jesus arrived on the back of a donkey . Standing by the gates was the stranger who had spoke to Jacho . He was standing beside a tree holding a rope talking to Judas who was a friend and companion of Jesus .

The streets of Jerusalem were buzzing with excitement .
People danced and sang and welcomed the King in their midst .

The End

By Paul McCann