Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 12:12-19
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 12:12-19 to reveal the significance of Jesus' triumphal entry as the fulfillment of prophecy and a call to genuine faith.
In this expository sermon on John 12:12-19, J.C. Ryle explores the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, highlighting its fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and its profound spiritual significance. Ryle emphasizes the crowd's recognition of Jesus as the promised King and the growing tension with religious leaders. This sermon invites listeners to reflect on their own response to Jesus’ kingship and the call to genuine faith.
Text
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. They began to shout, "Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, "Do not be afraid, people of Zion; look, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt!" (His disciples did not understand these things when they first happened, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him and that these things had happened to him.)
So the crowd who had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead were continuing to testify about it. Because they had heard that Jesus had performed this miraculous sign, the crowd went out to meet him. Thus the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that this is getting us nowhere. Look, the world has gone after him!"
A careful reader of the Gospels can hardly fail to observe that our Lord Jesus Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Crowd’s Reception of Jesus
- Large crowd gathers to meet Jesus
- Use of palm branches and shouts of 'Hosanna!'
- Recognition of Jesus as King of Israel
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II. Fulfillment of Prophecy
- Jesus rides on a young donkey as foretold
- Disciples’ initial lack of understanding
- Prophetic scriptures recalled after Jesus’ glorification
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III. The Significance of the Miracle of Lazarus
- Crowd’s testimony about Lazarus’ resurrection
- Miraculous sign draws people to Jesus
- Pharisees’ concern over growing following
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IV. The World’s Response to Jesus
- Mixed reactions from crowds and religious leaders
- The world ‘going after’ Jesus
- Implications for faith and witness
Key Quotes
“Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 'Do not be afraid, people of Zion; look, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt!'” — J.C. Ryle
“The crowd who had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead were continuing to testify about it.” — J.C. Ryle
“You see that this is getting us nowhere. Look, the world has gone after him!” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Recognize Jesus as the promised King and respond with heartfelt worship.
- Trust in God’s prophetic word as a foundation for faith.
- Bear witness to Jesus’ power and grace in your daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jesus ride on a donkey?
Jesus rode on a donkey to fulfill the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing his peaceful kingship.
What does 'Hosanna' mean?
'Hosanna' is a Hebrew expression meaning 'Save now' or 'Please save,' used here to praise Jesus as the Messiah.
Why were the disciples initially confused about the event?
The disciples did not fully understand the significance of Jesus’ entry until after his resurrection and glorification.
How did the miracle of raising Lazarus impact the crowd?
The miracle confirmed Jesus’ divine authority and drew many people to believe in him.
What was the Pharisees’ reaction to Jesus’ growing popularity?
The Pharisees were alarmed and recognized that Jesus’ influence was increasing, which threatened their authority.