Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).
1. When word spreads that Jesus is coming to Jerusalem, how do the crowds react? See John 12:12-13 (printed below)
The next day a great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. (13) They cut branches from the palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel! (John 12:12-13)
Word quickly spread that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem: He has left the village of Bethany and is making His way toward the holy city of Jerusalem—it is the first Palm Sunday. Upon hearing this report of Jesus’ approach, a great multitude, filled with excitement and expectation, prepare to greet their long-awaited Messiah. They cut off branches from the palm trees, and with palm branches in hand, they run out to meet Jesus: they will form part of His entourage; they will show their support and solidarity; they will unite behind their Messiah. As the multitude goes out to meet Jesus, and as they make way for His triumphal entry, they are heard crying out, “Hosanna!” (which means, “Save now!”) “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (this was the song sung as the Old Testament throngs accompanied the king as he led the festival procession to the temple of the Lord). They hail Him as “the King of Israel!” (these added words reveal the expectation of the crowd: they are welcoming a conquering king).
2. How does Jesus enter the city? See John 12:14-15; also note Zechariah 9:9 (printed below)
Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, (15) Fear not, O daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt. (John 12:14-15)
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout, O daughter of Jerusalem. See, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and is bringing salvation; he is humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt the foal of a donkey. (Zecharaiah 9:9)
If the crowd had been careful to observe the manner of Jesus’ arrival, they would have observed a significant difference between their view of a triumphal entry (and triumphal king) and Christ’s view. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding upon a young donkey; not mounted upon a white charger, commanding a legion of soldiers. The manner in which He entered the city of Jerusalem was in fulfillment of the Old Testament Scripture of Zecharaiah 9:9, “See, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and is bringing salvation; he is humble and riding on a donkey.”
3. What does the way in which Jesus entered Jerusalem tell us about how Jesus would carry out His work as the Messiah? Note John 12:31-33 (printed below)
Now has come the judgment of this world; now the prince of this world shall be cast out. (32) And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (33) He said this to show the kind of death he was about to die. (John 12:31-33)
Yes, Jesus is, indeed, the conquering Messiah; but His conquest is not with a sword. On the contrary, it is with the cross. The testimony was there, but the message was ignored in the frenzy of excitement and misconceived expectations. But when Jesus finally addresses the crowd, He makes clear that the pathway to triumph is the way of the cross: “Now has come the judgment of this world; now the prince of this world shall be cast out. (32) And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (33) He said this to show the kind of death he was about to die. (John 12:31-33)
4. What is the point of Jesus’ illustration taken from the realm of nature (verse 24 printed below?)
I tell you the truth, Unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. (John 12:24)
The Lord Jesus reminds us of the paradoxical, but normal, course of things in the natural world: there is the necessity of death, but by means of death, abundant life is produced. We must appreciate the fact that God’s chosen method of operation is to bring life out of death.
5. What application does Jesus’ illustration have to His own ministry (see verses 32-33 printed below?) What application does it have for those who believe in Him (see verses 25-26 printed below?)
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (33) He said this to show the kind of death he was about to die. (John 12:32-33)
He who loves his life shall lose it; but he who hates his life in this world shall preserve it for eternal life. (26) If any man would serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant also be. If any man serves me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:25-26)
Jesus informs us that what is paradoxical, but normal, in the realm of nature, is also applicable to His own life: “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (33) He said this to show the kind of death he was about to die.” (John 12:32-33) Note: When Jesus speaks about being lifted up from the earth He is referring to His death by crucifixion. Again, paradoxically, whereas there is a natural aversion to death, and especially to the cruel death of the cross, in the case of Jesus “all men” (i.e.; men from all nations) would be drawn to Him, embracing the crucified Savior as their only hope of salvation. Furthermore, the Lord Jesus indicates that what holds true for His own life must also hold true for your life and mine if we would be identified with Him and have a part in His salvation: “He who loves his life shall lose it; but he who hates his life in this world shall preserve it for eternal life. (26) If any man would serve me, let him follow me.” (John 12:25-26a)
