Announcement of the King - John 12:12-19

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city was alive with expectation. The great crowd that had gathered for the Passover feast took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” (John 12:13). This was a moment of celebration, but beneath the surface lay a deeper, eternal significance.

I. A Hail to the King

At Passover, Jerusalem was filled with people—historian Josephus estimated that millions may have been present. Among them were key groups: Jesus’ disciples, local Jews, those who had witnessed Lazarus’ resurrection, Jews from outside Jerusalem, Greeks, religious leaders, and even Roman officials. Each one observed this extraordinary event, but not all truly understood its meaning.

A. The Palms for the Savior

Palm branches were a symbol of victory. In Jewish tradition, waving palms was a declaration of triumph. The crowd treated Jesus as a victorious king returning from battle. This imagery is echoed in Revelation 7:9, where a great multitude stands before the throne, clothed in white, holding palm branches in their hands, praising God for salvation.

B. The Plea to Save

The people cried, “Hosanna!”—a plea for immediate salvation. They wanted deliverance from Roman oppression, yet Jesus came not to conquer Rome but to conquer sin. Their expectation was political; His mission was spiritual. Today, we continue to praise Him for the salvation He brings, knowing that our ultimate victory is in Him.

II. The Humbleness of the King

John 12:14-15 tells us that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a young donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy: “Behold, your king is coming…lowly and riding on a donkey.” Unlike earthly kings who enter with displays of power, Jesus came in humility, offering peace.

A. The Perfect Timing of His Ride

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not random. Daniel 9:24-27 prophesied that from the command to rebuild Jerusalem until the arrival of the Messiah, 483 prophetic years would pass—ending precisely on the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry in 32 A.D. His timing was divine, demonstrating God’s sovereign plan for redemption

B. The Plan of Redemption

At the time, even His disciples did not fully grasp the significance of these events. John 12:16 says they only understood later, after Jesus was glorified. Like them, we often fail to see God’s purposes in the moment, but hindsight reveals His perfect plan. Jesus entered Jerusalem to fulfill prophecy, to suffer, and to rise again—offering salvation to all who believe.

III. The Hate for the King

A. The Marveling Crowd

Many had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, especially the raising of Lazarus, and eagerly proclaimed His power. They were testifying to what they had seen and experienced. As believers, we are called to do the same—simply sharing what we know about Jesus and the transformation He has brought into our lives.

B. The Malicious Crowd

However, not all rejoiced. The religious leaders saw Jesus as a threat. Their hearts, hardened by pride, refused to acknowledge Him as the Messiah. The same resistance exists today—many reject Christ, not for lack of evidence, but because of unwillingness to submit to Him.

Conclusion

Are we like those who hailed Jesus as King with temporary excitement, only to turn away when expectations weren’t met? Or are we truly surrendered to Him as Lord and Savior?

A humble missionary in China once described herself as “the Lord’s donkey”—simply carrying Christ wherever she went. This mindset is key for all believers. We are not the object of praise; Jesus is. Like the donkey who bore Jesus into Jerusalem, our greatest purpose is to lift Him high.

Without Jesus, we are nothing. With Him, we carry the King of Glory into a world that desperately needs Him. Will you be His faithful witness today?