John 12:12-19


"The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!' And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 'Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!' His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, 'You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.'" (John 12:12-19 ESV)


The Arrival of the King

John 12:12-19 presents Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowd, having heard of His miraculous works, especially the raising of Lazarus from the dead, welcomed Him with great enthusiasm. They waved palm branches and cried out "Hosanna," recognizing Him as the anticipated Messiah, the "King of Israel." However, Jesus' entry was not marked by grandiose display or military strength but by humility, as He rode on a donkey's colt. This act fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing the arrival of a peaceful and humble king.

In this scene, the contrast between the expectations of the crowd and the reality of Jesus' mission becomes evident. The people desired a political savior to deliver them from Roman oppression. However, Jesus came not to establish an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual one, bringing salvation from sin and death. His entrance on a donkey underlined the nature of His kingdom—one not of force, but of peace and grace. In discipleship, recognizing Jesus as King means surrendering our expectations and trusting in the kind of kingdom He is establishing in our hearts and lives.

Scriptures to Study:

Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 118:25-26, Matthew 21:1-9, Luke 19:28-40


Understanding His Mission

The disciples did not fully understand the significance of what was happening at that moment. It wasn’t until after Jesus' resurrection and glorification that they grasped the fulfillment of Scripture in these events. This illustrates how often we, too, may miss the full significance of what God is doing in our lives. It is through the Holy Spirit's work, after Jesus' glorification, that believers are led into deeper understanding of God's purposes.

The Word of God reveals the truth of Jesus’ mission, but it is the Spirit who brings that truth to life in our hearts. As we walk with Christ, we grow in our understanding of who He is and what He came to accomplish—not through human wisdom, but through the Spirit’s illumination of Scripture. This process of spiritual revelation continues as we study the Word and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Scriptures to Study:

John 16:13-14, Luke 24:44-45, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Ephesians 1:17-18


Bearing Witness to the King

The crowd that witnessed the raising of Lazarus continued to spread the word about Jesus, drawing more people to witness His entry into Jerusalem. Their testimony played a crucial role in the spread of Jesus' fame at this time. Similarly, as disciples, we are called to bear witness to the work of Christ in our own lives. Our testimony of Jesus' transforming power has the potential to draw others to Him, just as the news of Lazarus’ resurrection did.

The Pharisees’ reaction in verse 19 reveals their frustration: "The world has gone after him." While their statement was exaggerated, it points to the growing influence of Jesus. Today, as we faithfully share the gospel and bear witness to Jesus, His influence continues to spread. We are part of a mission that began with these early witnesses and continues to this day—proclaiming Christ as the King who brings life to all who believe.

Scriptures to Study:

Acts 1:8, 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Peter 3:15, Romans 10:14-15


Summary of Key Points


Life Application Questions