Jesus, The King

Devotional

Day 1: The Popular King and the Expectations of the People

A large crowd gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover feast, their numbers swelling the city's population. They had heard of Jesus's arrival and went out to meet him, cutting down palm branches—a national symbol of victory and righteousness. Their shouts of "Hosanna" were both a cry of praise and a desperate plea for deliverance from Roman oppression. They welcomed Jesus as their king, yet their expectations were for an immediate political savior, not a suffering servant. This reveals how our own hopes can sometimes misunderstand God's greater plan. [04:08]

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, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (John 12:12-13 ESV)

Reflection: What are some of the specific hopes or expectations you have placed on Jesus? In what ways might you be asking Him to fulfill your agenda instead of surrendering to His perfect plan for your life?

Day 2: The Humble King Who Rides a Donkey

In stark contrast to worldly power, Jesus entered Jerusalem not on a majestic horse but on a young donkey. This was a deliberate act of humility, a picture of strength under divine control. A king riding a donkey signified peace and approachability, not war and conquest. Jesus, possessing all authority, chose to empty Himself and serve. His humility stands as the ultimate model for how we are to steward the gifts and strengths God has given us, submitting them to His control for His glory. [08:18]

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9 ESV)

Reflection: Considering the strengths and abilities God has given you, how are you actively submitting them to His control so that they are used for His purposes rather than your own recognition?

Day 3: The Prophesied King Fulfilling Scripture

Every detail of Jesus's entry was a direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy, written centuries before His birth. The specific prediction of a king riding on a donkey reveals the precision and reliability of God's Word. These fulfilled prophecies provide a solid foundation for our faith, demonstrating that the Bible is unlike any other book. They confirm that Jesus is the promised Messiah, and we can trust every promise God has made because His Word is true and never fails. [19:17]

But when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. (John 12:16 ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of fulfilled prophecy in Jesus strengthen your personal trust in the promises of God found in Scripture, especially when you face uncertainty?

Day 4: The Testified King and Our Call to Witness

Those who had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead could not stay silent; they became active testifiers, telling others about what they had seen. Their firsthand account drew more people to come and see Jesus for themselves. Our calling is the same: to bear witness to who Jesus is and what He has done in our lives. This testimony isn't always a formal speech but can be a simple invitation, a prayer for someone, or sharing how God has answered prayer. [24:10]

The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. (John 12:17-18 ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear your testimony about what Jesus has done for you, and what is one practical step you can take this week to share it with them?

Day 5: The Rejected King and Our True Acceptance

Despite the popular acclaim, the religious leaders rejected Jesus, feeling threatened by His influence. Their rejection culminated in the crucifixion of the King of the Jews. This reality reminds believers that following Christ does not guarantee worldly acceptance; in fact, it may often bring the opposite. Our identity and acceptance are found not in the approval of others but in God’s love for us through Christ. We are called to seek obedience to God, not popularity with the world. [28:20]

So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.” (John 12:19 ESV)

Reflection: Where are you most tempted to seek the world's approval instead of remaining faithful to Christ, and what would it look like to find your ultimate acceptance in Him alone this week?

Sermon Summary

John 12 presents Jesus as a king whose arrival elicits both adoring praise and stubborn rejection. Crowds gather at Passover, waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna” with hopes shaped by national longing for deliverance; their acclaim mixes genuine wonder at miracles—especially the raising of Lazarus—with an expectation that the Messiah will free Israel from Rome. Yet Jesus deliberately rides a humble donkey, embodying a kingship defined by lowliness rather than spectacle. That humility is not self-abasement but “strength under control”: gifts and power yielded to God’s purposes instead of seized for self-glory.

The narrative also emphasizes fulfilled prophecy. The colt fulfills Zechariah’s words centuries earlier, underscoring the continuity of God’s plan and the Bible’s testable claims about the Messiah. This link between Old Testament promise and New Testament reality invites confident trust in Scripture and urges believers to internalize key verses—especially as practical ammunition for faith and family discipleship. Witness plays a decisive role; those who saw Lazarus raised bore testimony that drew people to Jesus, showing how faithful testimony, both spoken and lived, opens doors for others to encounter the King.

But public acclaim proved fragile. The religious leaders react with fear and finally rejection, revealing how spiritual blindness and pride can refuse even visible grace. That rejection foreshadows the cross: the crowned King is also the crucified King, and his pathway to glory runs through obedience and suffering. This paradox reframes earthly popularity and calls for a sober self-examination of motives, response to correction, and use of gifts. Practical application follows: Christians are urged to choose obedience over approval, to cultivate humility that gives credit to God, to memorize Scripture with families as a means of formation, and to look for everyday opportunities to testify to Christ. The passage culminates in an invitation—repent, trust Jesus as Lord and King, and live under his protection and provision.

Key Takeaways

1. Popularity can be shallow praise Public acclaim often reflects hope or curiosity more than true loyalty; crowds can celebrate signs without submitting to the suffering obedience those signs point to. Distinguishing applause from allegiance matters: applause passes, allegiance shapes life choices and leads to faithful perseverance under cost. Cultivate heart-level devotion rather than chasing public approval. [03:05]
2. True kingship chooses humility Jesus models leadership as strength placed under God’s control rather than ostentation for self-exaltation. Humility is not self-denial that ignores gifts, but the disciplined submission of abilities to God’s purposes. Leaders who yield power to serve mirror the kingdom Jesus brings. [07:57]
3. Scripture’s prophecies authenticate Christ Fulfilled prophecy connects God’s historic promises to the person and work of Jesus, offering a testable rational ground for faith. These anticipations are not vague hopes but specific, time-spanning markers that invite trust in God’s consistent plan. Let prophecy bolster confidence and fuel evangelistic witness. [17:25]
4. Witnesses multiply belief and curiosity Those who saw Lazarus testified, and their witness drew others to see Jesus; testimony turns private encounter into public invitation. Personal testimony is relational and concrete—stories of mercy and answered prayer invite examination more effectively than abstract arguments. Be intentional about sharing what God has done. [23:49]
5. Rejection does not negate kingship Rejection by leaders and crowds revealed the depth of human resistance yet did not undo Jesus’ authority; the crowned King willingly embraced the cross. Suffering for truth does not signal divine defeat but participation in the way of redeeming kingship. Stand for obedience, not worldly acceptance. [26:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Setting: John 12 / Triumphal Entry
[01:12] - Mary Anoints Jesus
[01:34] - Reading: John 12:12–19
[03:05] - Jesus the Popular King
[07:57] - Jesus the Humble King
[17:25] - Fulfilled Prophecy Explained
[21:50] - Challenge: Memorize Scripture
[23:49] - Testimony and Evangelism
[26:26] - The Rejected and Crucified King
[30:40] - Invitation to Respond
[31:12] - Prayer and Application

Bible Study Guide

Based on the sermon summary and transcript, here is a Bible study discussion guide.

Bible Reading
* John 12:12-19 (ESV): 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, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt!” His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
* Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Observation questions

What were the specific actions of the crowd and what were they shouting as Jesus entered Jerusalem?
How does the text describe the animal Jesus chose to ride and what reason is given for this choice?
What was the specific event that the crowd had witnessed, which caused them to testify and draw others to Jesus?
What was the reaction of the Pharisees to the scene, and what did they say to one another?

Interpretation questions

The crowd shouted "Hosanna," which means "save us now." What does their choice of words and the use of palm branches reveal about their expectations for Jesus as a king?
Jesus chose to ride a donkey's colt, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. Why would a humble animal be a more fitting symbol for his first coming than a powerful warhorse?
The text says the disciples did not understand these things at first, but remembered after Jesus was glorified. What does this suggest about how we might understand events in our own lives that are confusing in the moment?
The Pharisees saw the crowd's adoration and concluded, "the world has gone after him." Was this a statement of fact or an expression of their own fears and frustrations? What does their perspective reveal about a heart that is set against Jesus?

Application questions

Public acclaim can be shallow and based on what people hope to get from you rather than true loyalty. [03:05] When have you experienced praise or popularity that felt conditional? How can you cultivate a heart that seeks God's approval over the applause of others?
Humility is defined as strength under God's control, not denying the gifts He has given you. [07:57] In what area of your life (career, skills, family) are you most tempted to take credit for something God has given you? What would it look like this week to yield that strength back to Him for His purposes?
Fulfilled prophecy offers a testable, rational ground for faith. [17:25] How does knowing that events like Jesus' entry were predicted centuries in advance strengthen your confidence when talking to a skeptical friend or family member?
The testimony of those who saw Lazarus raised drew others to Jesus. [23:49] What is a specific story of God's work in your life—an answered prayer, a provision, a change of heart—that you could share with someone this week as a simple witness?
Rejection by the world does not negate the kingship of Christ. [26:26] Where are you feeling pressure to fit in with the world's values at work, school, or even in your family? What is one step you can take to choose obedience to God over seeking acceptance from others?
A challenge was given to memorize Scripture as a family. [20:22] What is one verse that addresses a current struggle or need in your household? How could you creatively work together to hide that word in your hearts?

Sermon Clips

But that horse is controlled by the rider. That horse's strength is under control, not only of itself, but of the one who's riding it. God has given you abilities. He's given you strengths. He's given you gifts to submit to him and use for his glory. To give him the honor. To give him the praise. That's humility. Strength under control. For us under the spiritual control of God, he needs to be in control of them. Yield your strengths to him because then we can only be truly humble because he's at the center of everything. [00:09:59] (41 seconds) #StrengthUnderControl

You know, we may boast about our job, our income, our education, our family, size of our church, etcetera etcetera, but we forget. God has given us the ability to learn, to walk, to think, the skills we have, the job we have, the income we have, this the education that we have, whatever it is. We can't take credit for something God's given to us. And pride says, it's me. I did it all. Look at me. I'm so wonderful. And if you remember what scripture says, God gives grace to the humble and he brings the pride low. [00:11:10] (41 seconds) #GraceToTheHumble

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Jesus, The King — Sermon