Palm Sunday reveals the true character of all involved in the Passion of the Lord even to this day.  The first revelation of character is about Jesus.  In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus set his sight resolutely in entering Jerusalem to face his passion.  There is no turning back.  In the Gospel of John, Jesus comes and goes several times to Jerusalem.  In this Gospel, Jesus goes only once to the city to fulfill his mission. Jesus set his sight on the goal, but it didn't mean it was easy. Jesus knew precisely what was going to happen there. All the suffering, all the maltreatment, the degradation and the pain but He continue his way forward.  He knew in many ways he would have to climb a steep slope of agony but went anyways because he had determination.  It wasn't going to be easy. This is demonstrated on the agony of the garden.  He sweated blood, which is not common.  This only happens when a person is enduring extreme stress and anxiety.  Jesus could have turned back even then before arrested but he endured, strengthen by the angels. The true character of a person is revealed under pressure.  The other person to look for at the Passion is Peter.  Poor Peter always used as an example of what not to do but he also is a person who demonstrates how a person's character collapses under pressure.  He was all-talk before the arrest.  He even mentioned to Jesus they had swords to defend themselves.  But once arrested he denied the Lord three times.  At least he did not run completely but when questioned he collapsed under pressure.  His true character was revealed.  He would do everything to save his skin even betraying the Master he had sworn loyalty amid adversity.  The true character of Peter is revealed within the Passion leaving him at the other side of the spectrum. Then there is Simon of Cyrene. Added at this Gospel by name. It could be said he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  But he was in the right place at the right time. Just in time to help Jesus carry the cross but he was forced to do so.  It is not known if he complained but it was obvious he was dragged into doing this under pressure. His character was revealed as well as a person who under pressure will do what they are told but without conviction. The Passion continues today and the test of character as well. Where will we be in the test of character? How do we live faith when under pressure? It is our everyday actions both positive and negative that revealed where we stand with God in the hour of need. Let us pray we will endure the test and true character may emerge.