Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. As we gather together, whether in person or virtually, we are united in our shared faith and our shared purpose. We are here to worship, to learn, to grow, and to be inspired by the Word of God.

Today, we are going to be looking at a passage of scripture that is rich with meaning, full of drama, and brimming with lessons for our lives. It's a passage that takes us to the heart of the Christian faith, to the city of Jerusalem and the final week of Jesus' life on earth.

Our text for today is John 12:1-19. Let's read it together: "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

“Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Journey to Jerusalem

In the heart of this passage, we find Jesus making His way to the city of Jerusalem. This is no ordinary trip. It's a significant move, filled with purpose and destiny. His steps are not random; they are calculated, deliberate, and intentional. He is heading towards the culmination of His earthly mission.

Jesus' decision to go to Jerusalem is not without risk. He is well aware of the danger that awaits Him there. The religious leaders are plotting against Him, looking for an opportunity to arrest Him. Yet, He chooses to go anyway. This is a clear demonstration of His courage and His commitment to fulfilling His mission.

The first aspect we need to consider is the significance of Jerusalem in this context. Jerusalem is not just any city. It's the city of David, the city of the great King. It's the place where the temple is located, the dwelling place of God on earth. It's the religious, political, and cultural center of the Jewish people. By heading to Jerusalem, Jesus is making a bold statement. He is claiming His rightful place as the Messiah, the King of the Jews.

Secondly, we need to consider the timing of Jesus' trip to Jerusalem. He goes there six days before the Passover. The Passover is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It's a time of celebration, a time of remembering God's faithfulness and deliverance. By choosing to go to Jerusalem at this time, Jesus is aligning Himself with the history and the destiny of His people.

Thirdly, we need to look at the manner in which Jesus enters Jerusalem. He doesn't come as a conquering hero, riding on a warhorse. He comes riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which says, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a declaration of His kingship, but it's a different kind of kingship. It's a kingship characterized by humility, peace, and servanthood.

Lastly, we need to consider the reaction of the crowd to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. They welcome Him with shouts of "Hosanna!" which means "Save us!" They acknowledge Him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord. They recognize Him as the King of Israel. However, as we will see later in the story, their understanding of who Jesus is and what He has come to do is limited. They are looking for a political savior, someone who will free them from Roman oppression. They fail to realize that Jesus has come to bring a much greater salvation, a salvation that transcends political and earthly boundaries.

Judgment of the Crowds

As we continue to examine this passage, we find ourselves amidst the thronging crowds in Jerusalem ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO