We know the story well. Jesus was journeying toward Jerusalem. When he arrived in the capital city, he would be welcomed with a great parade. The crowd along the main street would cheer, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matthew 13:35). A few days after that, the crowd would turn on Jesus. He would face a trial, crucifixion, death, and burial. Then, on the third day, Christ would be raised from the dead. On the third day, there would be new life. As Amos Wilder, a distinguished Harvard New Testament scholar wrote:

Retell, renew the event
In these planetary years,
For we were there and He is here;
It is always the third day.1

Treasure that assurance in the front of your mind. It is always the third day. As Jesus and the apostles walked toward Jerusalem, the group sto…