A Triumphal Entry (John 12:12–19)
Like most good Jewish men, Jesus had already been to the city of Jerusalem on numerous occasions. It was at that time the custom for Jews in that area of the world to make a pilgrimage from their own homes to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.
But there was something different this time as Jesus entered the city. This time he was greeted by a throng of Passover visitors who welcomed him with these words of praise: “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” (John 12:13).
This scene — which is also recorded in Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, and Luke 19:29–44 — was one of near pandemonium as Jesus entered the Holy City. But it was also one with some serious undertones. It was in Jerusalem that the Jewish religious leaders of that time had been plotting and planning to put an end to what Jesus had been doing for the past three years.
If you want a good overview of some of the other things Jesus did and said during that last week prior to the Crucifixion, read Luke chapters 19–22. That will give you a more complete perspective of what Jesus was up against during that week and why it would end the way it did.
If you';ve read through the entire Gospel of John prior to doing this exercise, then you know that the teaching and deeds of Jesus were often very much in conflict with the religious establishment of that time and place. And while Jesus';s arrival into Jerusalem looked like a huge party, it would only be a matter of time before the religious leaders would find a reason to do away with Jesus.
Study Questions
Read John 12:17.–18. Why were many of the people coming out to greet Jesus as he entered Jerusalem?
Look at John 12:19, then Luke 19:39–4:0. How did the Pharisees — the Jewish religious leaders — respond to Jesus';s arrival?
