Jesus is fast approaching His last days on earth. In the beginning crowds followed Him. Disciples flocked around Him. Now that is changed. A few people still gather around Him. Some of His disciples say of His teaching "This is a hard saying" and left Him. One of His own apostles is scheming to betray Him. The forces of His enemies are growing. He is a threat to their prestige and power.

He must be done away with. Many rebel leaders had come and gone in the Palestine of that day. Those in charge probably feel Jesus is just one more of these and could easily be dispensed with.

Jesus is now a man pursued, on the run. He avoids Jerusalem and other towns and villages where He might be captured. He seeks out border towns, close to the desert. He may even go off into the desert occasionally with His faithful Apostles.

People are asking themselves if He will risk coming to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover as He always did. But Jesus decides to go to Jerusalem, knowing what will happen. He will freely deliver Himself into the hands of His enemies. He will die - for us.