Holy Week, Part 2 The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!” – Matthew 21:9 Tobiah’s lungs burned. Chest heaving, he held the stitch in his side. But none of that mattered. He’d run all the way to Jerusalem to warn Jesus, but how would he find him? Jerusalem was teeming with travelers who’d arrived for the Passover. When his gasping breaths eased until he could hear something other than wheezing, he turned toward the sound of joyous singing. A huge crowd surrounded the Fish Gate. They waved palm branches and sang the song traditionally sung when…

Holy Week, Part 1 The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how they might put Him to death; for they were afraid of the people. – Luke 22:2 In the Advent story “The Tower of the Flock,” Tobiah was among the shepherds who saw the heavenly host praising God and singing, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.” He was among those who saw Jesus, the Savior, the Passover Lamb, on the night he was born. Thirty-three years later . . .   Sunlight glinted off metal, announcing the approach of the Temple Guards. Of Simeon. Tobiah ground his teeth. Most days,…