John 12:12-19
Today we are celebrating Palm Sunday to remember Christ’s triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem during the start of the Jewish Passover festival. It was on this important occasion that Jesus officially presented himself both as the King of Israel and the Passover lamb. This was also one of the few occasions that has been mentioned in all four Gospels writings.
1. The crowd gathered to see the King of the Jews.
“12 On the next day, when the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem…” John 12:12.
· Many Jews in the crowd lack the spiritual insight regarding Jesus.
· Miracle seekers who “18 went to meet Him [Jesus], because they heard that He had performed this sign.” John 12:18.
· Some were looking for sensational, outstanding or unbelievable news.
· Those who expected to see a political king to free them from Roman oppression.
· The religious leaders who sneered at Jesus and was unimpressed of him. See John 12:10-11.
· The excited crowd.
· The worshippers of God who shouted, Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, indeed, the King of Israel!”
Have you ever wondered, if we live in that day and age, and in that city, on that occasion, where do we see ourselves in that crowd? What do you expect to see in Jesus?
2. The significance of the King’s coming to the Jews.
“14 Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: 15 “Do not fear, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”
· It was the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy from Zech. 9:9.
“9 Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
Five important characteristics of the King in the prophecy of Zechariah.
· A descendant of King David.
· Live d in righteousness.
· Savior of God’s people.
· Humble.
· Source of peace.
Let’s say, your heart represents the city of Jerusalem. Would you be like some in the crowd, who laid down their red carpet before Him, and wave their palm branches to welcome Jesus as your King of your life?
3. The disciples did not understand everything at once.
“16 These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things for Him.” John 12:16.
· The disciples lacked the perspective of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection even as the Lord repeatedly gave them a big picture of why He came.
· It was hard for them to comprehend everything at once, but the Lord did not expect them to.
· But the important thing is that they believe in Him as the Son of God and in His promises.
4. The disciples’ faith defined.
“Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.
· Biblical hope is built on one’s faith in God.
· Biblical hope is pinned on the belief that God’s word is absolutely true.
· Biblical hope is the confident expectations of things to happen.
· Biblical hope builds trust in God’s plan.
Proverbs 3:5, “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And do not lean on your own understanding.”
· Trust in the Lord enables you to see God bigger than your problems.
· It gives you strength to overcome challenges, loneliness, and depression.
· It lifts the burden off your chest and enables you to think straight, to maintain the right biblical perspectives.
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