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Sermon Introduction

Mary wiped Jesus's feet with her hair using her expensive perfume. This was during a dinner held in honor of Jesus. Martha served, and Lazarus was with Jesus at the table. Judas reacted in false piety, saying the perfume could have been sold and given to the poor. However, the narrator clearly stated that Judas was a thief and the one who would betray Him. Jesus told Jesus to leave Mary alone because she was preparing Jesus for burial. Now, those who witnessed the raising of Lazarus spread the word, which led to a large crowd who wanted to see Him.

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

John 12:12-19

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 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!”. 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” 16 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. 17 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. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him”.

Notes

Mary wiped Jesus's feet with her hair using her expensive perfume. This was during a dinner held in honor of Jesus. Martha served, and Lazarus was with Jesus at the table. Judas reacted in false piety, saying the perfume could have been sold and given to the poor. However, the narrator clearly stated that Judas was a thief and the one who would betray Him. Jesus told Jesus to leave Mary alone because she was preparing Jesus for burial. Now, those who witnessed the raising of Lazarus spread the word, which led to a large crowd who wanted to see Him.

1. King of Israel

   A large crowd came to Jerusalem, and they went to meet Jesus in a special manner. They welcomed Him like a king. It seemed that the concern of the chief priests that the Romans might view the crowd as a possible revolt might be valid.

   
   12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 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!” (John 12:12-13).

   Application: People may shout His name as King, but they do not truly know Him unless they know Him spiritually. We acknowledge the work of the Father in bringing us to Jesus Christ. How? Through the Spirit and the Word of God.

2. Prophetic Fulfillment

   Jesus rode a donkey to fulfill a prophecy. However, the disciples did not immediately understand the significance of the donkey. They realized it after all had taken place, including His suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

   14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,
   
   15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
   behold, your king is coming,
   sitting on a donkey's colt!”
   
   16 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 (John 12:14-16).

   Application: God ordains specific events to happen. Even though we do not understand all that transpires in the world, we believe that God will fulfill His purpose in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that He has chosen us for His purpose.

3. Pharisees’ Assessment

   Those who witnessed the raising of Lazarus continued to spread the word of what happened. As a result, a crowd went to meet Him. Thus, the Pharisees continued to take note with much concern. The size of the crowd is reflected in their own exaggeration that the world has followed Him.

   
   17 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. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him” (John 12:17-19).

   Application: When more people believe, expect opposition, but rest assured that God is at work in everything. No one could deny or stop what He purposed and ordained. His decree will overshadow all the intents of men, including the evil.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why did the crowd gather

2. What did the crowd chant?

3. What is the similarity between the act of Mary and the chant of the crowd?