Summary

Book III: If You Are the Son of God, Take Yourself Off This Cross, begins with Chapter 12, set outside Jerusalem on the afternoon of Sunday, April 2 AD 30, as pilgrims make the annual journey to Jerusalem, but this year's Passover will be the most memorable in history. Informing his disciples that they are going to Jerusalem, Jesus also warns them that he will be betrayed, crucified and raised to life on the third day.

On the way into the city, the disciples argue about their positions in Jesus's new regime, but with no plans of war or government, Jesus encourages them to serve others rather than fight for worldly status "for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (page 184).

Lazarus of Bethany hosts Jesus and his disciples during...