It is that fateful final week of the earthly ministry of Jesus. On Sunday the people of Jerusalem welcome the Lord and his entourage with a parade. A crowd lines the main street. They cheer and spread their cloaks on the dusty road. Jesus rides a borrowed donkey. He comes down the Mount of Olives, across the Kidron Valley, through an ancient gate, and into the city. The crowd chants as he rides passed, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" (Luke 19:38). It is a grand celebration.

There is, however, little opportunity to savor the excitement. Before the parade concludes, the Pharisees shout for Jesus to stop the noisy demonstration. The Pharisees are upset. Visiting teachers from the rural hillsides of Galilee are not sup…