"Jesus Enters Jerusalem"

John 12:9-19 Pastor Chad DeGraff (05/10/09)

1. Reaction of the crowd (John 12:9-11) - People wanted to see Lazarus as a confirmation of whom Jesus claimed Himself to be. Caiaphas and the Jews sought to kill Lazarus in addition to Jesus (John 11:49-50).
Lesson: People still today try to destroy what is "undestroyable" - God's work. You cannot kill what is life. God's love grows stronger in the face of opposition. We also have a Lazarus-like story. We are all "raised" from spiritual death (Romans 6:1-14). Our faith is revealed not just in what we say but also in how we live (Matthew 7:21-22, James 2:18).
2. Entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-15) - The raising of Lazarus brought crowds to Jerusalem. The people bring palm branches to signify the entrance of a ruler. Jesus is exclaimed as King referring to Scripture (Hosanna = "Save Us!" - Psalm 118:25). Jesus came "to deliver" the people at a time where they were celebrating "being delivered" (Exodus 12).
3. John's commentary on the people's position (John 12:16-19) - Jesus was not simply a man entering but the Lord King. Jesus rides a colt and fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). He communicates to the Disciples what will happen to him (Mark 10:32-34) . They needed the Word of God to confirm what they believed. We, too, need the Word in our lives (Matthew 4:4). The priests claim that the people gain nothing in their devotion to Christ (John 12:19). Ironically, we gain everything in our faith.

Questions to consider:
1. Do you have new life with Jesus?
2. How is Jesus revealed in your life?
3. Paul said that he considered his life of no value compared to the work of Holy Spirit in proclaiming the Gospel (Acts 20:22-24). Where does the value of the Gospel rank in your life?