Today’s passage: John 12:9-19
Helpful thoughts:
- When given the opportunity to believe based on objective, undeniable proof or to get rid of the evidence (Lazarus), the Jewish leaders chose to get rid of the evidence. They made plans to put him to death as well.
- “This is not rational behavior, but sin produces irrational action.” (ESV Study Bible)
- Not all shared the same goals. Many believed!
- There are key Old Testament passages referenced or quoted in the Triumphal Entry:
- The people who hailed their King’s entrance into the city had the right person, but they did not yet understand the purpose of His arrival. He had not come to defeat Rome, but to defeat sin.
Questions to consider:
- How did this event cement in the minds of the Jewish leaders what they thought they had to do? How did their response give evidence to their resolve to put Jesus to death?
- There could have been three categories of people at this event: 1) Those who did not believe Jesus was the promised Messiah. 2) People who believed Jesus was the Messiah but were only interested in their political advantage and personal interests. 3) People who believed and were ready to bow the knee to their Lord and Savior. What is the difference between categories 2 and 3? How could these categories be visible still today?
- Even though Jesus would be crucified before the end of the week, why was this entry still “triumphal?” What victory was won through this final journey of His into Jerusalem?