“A JOURNEY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JOHN”

St. JOHN 12:12-20

Christ’s  Triumphant Entry in Jerusalem

The incident before us is recorded in all four gospels; therefore its subject matter is of uncommon importance.  The incident referred to is Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, attended by a huge crowd of people.  Jesus’ increasing popularity prompted many people to attend the Passover Feast.  The Passover was the occasion that commemorated the Jews’ deliverance from Egyptian bondage, for they had been in bondage for four hundred thirty years (Exodus 12).  The fame of Jesus, especially with the hearing of Lazarus being raised by Jesus, prompted many people’s interest in attending this celebratory feast.  Many Jews believed in Jesus as a result of Lazarus’ raising; however, the chief priests sought an opportunity wherein they might slay both Jesus and Lazarus (v. 9-11).

The fervent crowd, which consisted of many Galilean followers, had come to the Passover to see Jesus, having witnessed many of His potent miracles.  With excited fervor, they waived palm branches, shouting “Hosanna.”  The word “Hosanna” means “Save now.”  Although the rabid crowd exclaimed a triumphant praise to Jesus, the triumphant praise will soon be transformed to “Crucify Him” (Mark 15:12-13).  In fulfillment of prophecy, our blessed Lord made His entrance into Jerusalem riding upon a young donkey, a beast of peace (v. 14-15).  This act of Jesus fulfilled completely Zechariah 9:9, as He made His grand entrance into Jerusalem during His first advent, for Zechariah 9:9 says – “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee:  He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

As Christ made His grand entrance into the city of Zion (Jerusalem), He came humbly, and not with pomp and fancy.  He came humbly as Israel’s king; however, not to rule as their political Messiah (St. John 6:15), but to die as their sacrificial offering upon a cross of shame and degradation. Thank God that Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption – thereby, granting justification to all who might believe in Christ’s finished work (Romans 3:24, 4:5).  Again, thank God for His Son’s finished work on Calvary, for Jesus paid in full and satisfied God’s wrath against all sinners!

In verse 16, it was obvious and apparent that the disciples did not discern the meaning and significance of what was taking place; for they did not understand because the majesty of the kingdom was the predominate thought in their minds; thus, they repelled the notion that Jesus must die on a cross of shame.  One can remember that on the resurrection morning that Christ said to two disciples – “O fools and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” (St. Luke 24:25-26).  Oh, yes! There must be the cross before the crown; the suffering before the glory! (I Peter 1:11).  These disciples would not understand until Jesus had ascended to heaven, and the blessed Holy Spirit be given to enlighten and guide them into all truth; and at that time, they would remember that “these things were written of Him.”

In verse 17-18, the notable miracle of Christ raising Lazarus brought to light that the glory of the Son of God had been manifested (St. John 11:14).  It was totally inexcusable for the nation of Israel to reject Christ when such a miracle of this magnitude had been manifested.  How could a nation reject Christ whose credentials were so unparalleled?  In verse 19-20, the unusual reception of Jesus hampered the plans of the Pharisees in securing a proper time to arrest Jesus, for they said: “Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? Behold the world is gone after Him” (v. 19).  Our lesson concludes with the arrival of Gentiles in their pursuit to worship at the feast (v. 20).  May God bless!