Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

John 12:12–19
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Understanding

The scene now shifts from a quiet dinner in Bethany to a noisy parade in Jerusalem (v. 12). Thousands of Galilean pilgrims had come to the Passover, and they had seen many of Jesus’ mighty works. These people were expecting Christ to establish David’s kingdom. Waving palm branches they were shouting, “Hosanna” (v. 13). Jesus came riding into the city on a young donkey, which fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy (vv. 14-15). The donkey was used in the Old Testament by kings who were bringing peace, while the horse was used when the kings rode into battle. The size of the crowd kept increasing. Many who proclaimed Jesus as King did so because of His miracles.

Even though the disciples were close to Jesus and the participants of these events, they did not understand them (v. 16). It was not until after the ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit, who called these things to their remembrance, that they understood (14:26). A crowd had come to meet Jesus because they had seen him call Lazarus out of the tomb (vv. 17- 18. They kept talking about him and this miracle. But the Pharisees said to each other, “There is nothing that can be done! Everyone in the world is following Jesus.” Because of this mass reception of Jesus by the people, it was impossible for the Pharisees to carry out their plans to arrest Him and kill Him. They knew that if they did it during the feast the people might riot (Mark 14:1-2). Because of the large crowd and excitement these religious rulers concluded that, “The whole world is gone after Him” (v.19). Of course, this was not true, as most of these people did not really believe in Jesus.

Application

It is easy for me to think that a large crowd or a large church is evidence of the Lord’s blessing. This is not necessarily true. I can get caught up in the enthusiastic spirit of a large crowd, but it is only my relationship with Jesus Christ and what He says in His Word that really counts.

John 12:12-19 (English Standard Version)

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