Dead Man Walking | Ransom | Pastor Joel Schulz

"That week in Jerusalem was unlike any other. When Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, the crowds erupted with excitement, waving palm branches and shouting praises. They sang, “Hosanna!” and celebrated His arrival, but the truth is, they didn’t fully understand what was happening. By the end of the week, those same crowds changed their tune. They cried out for His crucifixion, shouting for His death. No one truly understood what was happening that week—no one except Jesus. Jesus knew exactly what He was walking into. He knew the betrayal, the suffering, and the cross that awaited Him. But He also knew why He was doing it. Jesus willingly embraced condemnation so that the condemned—us—could go free.Think about that for a moment. Jesus, the innocent one, stood in our place. He took the punishment we deserved so that we could receive the freedom we could never earn. He didn’t have to do it, but He chose to—because He loves us that much.So today, as we reflect on that incredible week, let’s thank God that Jesus understood what no one else did. Let’s thank Him for His willingness to walk the road to the cross, for His sacrifice, and for the freedom He offers to everyone who believes in Him.This is the heart of the Gospel: Jesus was condemned so that the condemned can go free. And because of Him, we’re invited into a freedom that is eternal, unshakable, and filled with hope."