Today is the beginning of what we know as Holy Week, the last week of the earthly life of Jesus.  It is filled with very difficult scenes for someone who is the Savior of the world.  It includes sitting at the table with friends knowing that one will deny your very existence and another has been paid a tidy little sum to turn you into the authorities whose plan is to kill you.  Standing in front of those in “authority” only to be mocked and questioned about your existence. Then it is followed by the darkest day of all when this Savior of the world is crucified on a cross like a common criminal.  Talk about a week of agony and despair!!!! 

So the week starts out a bit different than it ends up but with a strong message for those of us who live in this Post-Resurrection time period – TIME’S UP!!!  The Gospel of John talks about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the crowds that began to gather.  And as soon as members of the crowd begin to inquire, Jesus responds…”Time’s Up!”  Have you ever gone seeking for an answer to a dilemma in your life only to receive the response…”TIME’S UP”?  It could be very discouraging.  But if we look closer, we might hear a different message….one of hope and courage.  Let’s see which one we choose on Sunday.