Meanwhile, Jesus had quietly arrived at Jerusalem. He had chosen an unfrequented route by which to go, in order to avoid the travelers who were making their way to the city from all quarters. In the midst of the feast, when the dispute concerning himself was at its height, Jesus walked calmly into the court of the temple, and stood before the crowd as one possessed of unquestionable authority. The sudden and unexpected appearance of one whom they believed would not dare to show himself among them in the presence of all the chief priests and rulers, astonished the people so that a sudden hush succeeded the excited discussion in which they had been engaged. They were astonished at his dignified and courageous bearing in the midst of many powerful men who were thirsting of his life. {2SP 338.2}

Imidlertid var Jesus ubemærket kommet til Jerusalem. Han havde valgt en afsides vej for at undgå de rejsende, som begav sig til staden fra alle kanter. Midt i højtiden, da folket stred allermest om ham, gik Jesus ganske rolig ind til templets forgård og stod for folkeskaren som en, der har anerkendt myndighed. Folket troede, at Jesus ikke turde vise sig iblandt dem i (339) ypperstepræstens og de øverstes nærværelse. Hans pludselige og uventede fremtræden forbavsede dem derfor meget, så at den heftige strid, som de havde deltaget i, blev afløst af øjeblikkelig tavshed. De forundrede sig over hans frimodige og ærefrygtindgydende adfærd midt iblandt så mange højtstående mænd, som tørstede efter hans blod.