This morning we begin a new series in preparation for Easter called Cross Connections. In it, we will examine the characters who appear in Jesus’ passion story, both his enemies and friends. All these characters appear in the story for a reason, and we’ll attempt to see ourselves in these people. How did they respond to Jesus? Who responded in faith? Who responded in unbelief, and what can we learn? The central theme in this series is that the cross lies at the center of who we are as followers of Jesus. Therefore, each moment, we face a choice: 1) receive Jesus’ work on the cross and grow or 2) resist and shrink back. We begin by looking at the story of three enemies.