Of the multitude that followed the Saviour to Calvary, many had attended Him with joyful hosannas and the waving of palm branches as He rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. But not a few who had then shouted His praise, because it was popular to do so, now swelled the cry of "Crucify Him, crucify Him." When Christ rode into Jerusalem, the hopes of the disciples had been raised to the highest pitch. They had pressed close about their Master, feeling that it was a high honor to be connected with Him. Now in His humiliation they followed Him at a distance. They were filled with grief, and bowed down with disappointed hopes. How were the words of Jesus verified: "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad." Matt. 26:31.

I mængden, der fulgte med Frelseren til Golgata, fandtes mange af dem, der havde hilst ham med glade hosiannaråb og viftende palmegrene, da han holdt sit indtog i Jerusalem. Men ikke så få af dem, der dengang havde hyldet og lovprist ham, fordi det hørte sig til at gøre det, var nu med til at råbe: "Korsfæst ham, korsfæst ham!" Da Kristus red ind i Jerusalem, havde disciplenes forhåbninger nået deres højdepunkt. De havde flokkedes tæt om deres Mester og følt, at det var en ære at være knyttet til ham. Nu under hans ydmygelse fulgte de ham i frastand. De var sorgfulde og knugede under deres skuffede forhåbninger. Hvor gik ikke Jesu ord i opfyldelse: "I denne nat skal I alle forarges på mig; thi der står skrevet: Jeg vil slå hyrden, og fårehjorden skal spredes." Matt. 26,31.