Jesus as King (Palm Sunday)
Bible Study Guide
(Verse 12) Imagine for a moment what the scene looked like in Jerusalem. It was the time of the Passover Feast. This feast was the most celebrated and widely recognized Jewish tradition since the time of Moses.
This would’ve meant that the city Jerusalem would’ve been filled to the brim with both Jewish and Gentile pilgrims. They would’ve traveled from all areas of Israel to take part in the festivities at the Jewish Temple.
For many of these pilgrims, they had only heard of this man named Jesus. Some may have heard of the many miracles He had performed. Others may have already got wind of the fact that He raised Lazarus from the dead.
Suddenly, the news of Jesus’ arrival began to spread.
Jesus Enters Jerusalem as King
The day was one week before Jesus would be resurrected. Not a single person in the crowd except Jesus knew what was about to happen. In just seven short days, God would glorify His Son and Himself through the resurrection of Jesus. The glory of God would be seen in a manner that would resonate throughout history. This event would change the world like no other.
The next great event to demonstrate God’s glory would be the one we all anticipate happening any day now. The rapture!
(Verse 13) The enormous crowds in Jerusalem had suddenly heard that this Jesus would be making an entry into His city. Many had only heard of the name Jesus and the miracles that He had performed. Many others might have recently heard about the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus.
At the word of His coming many would be lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the One they heard of. He would be greatly welcomed by those who believed that He was the Messiah. But what was it exactly that they believed.
In reverence of the arrival of their Messiah, the people laid palm branches in anticipation of His triumphal entry into His capital city of Jerusalem.
To get the full story of this incredible event during one of the most celebrated feasts of Jewish tradition, I recommend reading the account of each gospel (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19).
Hosanna, translated from the Hebrew meant, “Lord save us.”
The People Saw Jesus as King. Which King?
The Jews during Jesus’ time lived under the oppression of the Roman ruling party. Many had dispersed and made their way toward Asia Minor. They even settled as far west as Greece and Rome. Many of these were the Hellenistic Jews whose beliefs differed from the traditional Jewish religious traditions in Israel of that time.
The Jews the remained in Israel longed for their Messiah and Savior who would be their king and save them from the oppression of the Romans. What they didn’t realize is that Christ came to remove them from the oppression of their sins. The same sins that enslaved them and kept them apart from God.
The Religious Leaders Didn’t Want a Jesus as King
It’s important to remember, the Jews had sort of an agreement with the Romans. As long as the Jews recognized Caesar as the Roman Emperor and they observed and obeyed Roman rule, they were allowed to operate their religion within the confines of their religious authority. That meant that their religious authority did not overrule Roman authority.
Now that people were calling Jesus their Messiah and king, this threatened the Jewish religious structure that allowed it’s leaders to retain their religious authority, status, wealth and power over the Jews.
In the mind of the Pharisee’s Jesus was a direct threat to them and they had to do something to put it to an end or it would be the end to their little arrangement they had with the Roman government.
Palm Sunday
(Verses 14-15) It was the Sunday before the resurrection of Christ. It was the day we call Palm Sunday. The waving and placing of palm branches was a sign of jubilation and rejoicing. This was the day their king would enter Jerusalem.
They lined the streets and sang a song from Psalm 118:25-26.
John, being familiar with the prophet Zechariah, quotes Zechariah 9:9 showing Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by entering Jerusalem on a donkey.
<< John 12:1-11 “The Anointing of Jesus” | “Jesus Predicts His Death” John 12:16-29 >>