John 12:1-35 // Driven

John description of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem reveals three distinct types of people in their feelings toward Jesus the messiah. By observing the hearts of those surrounding Jesus, we see how sinful motivations result in the rejection of our savior and we are challenged to observe our own hearts as we also come to Christ during this Easter season.

Mary (Lazarus’ sister)

John 12:1 ESV

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

John describes the place so we can understand the scene.

Six days before the Passover.

This wasn’t just any Passover

John give extra detail, so we understand the scene.

We are in Bethany were Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave.

John 12:3 ESV

Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

People were always coming to Jesus for many different reasons

Here we see Mary come to worship in the most unorthodox and unreserved way.

Imagine someone today busting into a dinner party and complete disturbing the scene like this.

The gift was sacrificial.

Actions were one of a servant.

Although she wasn’t trying to get attention, Mary’s worship could not be ignored by anyone.

Mary’s worship would not be described as “pretty” or even socially acceptable.

Today worship has become domesticated

That kind of authentic worship makes people uncomfortable.

Mary is not making a scene to get attention.

Judas – “What is this woman doing?! She is being ridiculous”

If we are honest we might be a little like Judas, although not for the same reason.

Jesus – leave her alone.

Mary’s response to Jesus: Jesus is my everything and I give everything to worship Him.

The Crowd

John 12:12 (ESV) The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

The large crowd that had come to the feast…”

“The same crowd that saw Jesus’ miracle (verse 9)

John is making a connection for us.

A multitude of people came to Jesus (initially) out of hype.

The Triumphal Entry:

John 12:13 ESV

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!”

also read Mt 21:7-11; Mk 11:7-11; Lk 19:35-38

“Hosanna” – Greek means “come save us”

“Blessed is He who comes” – giving Messianic titles to Jesus

“The King of Israel” – Shows their expectation of what Jesus is doing there.

This was a huge commotion.

Luke records that Jesus was asked by Pharisees asked Jesus to “Rebuke” his disciples.

Not just silence them but “REBUKE” them.

Why? - Because the crowd is proclaiming Jesus as the promised messiah.

Within a week this same crowd would demand the Jesus be crucified!

How could this crowd change so much in a week?

Although their words changed their hearts actually didn’t.

John 12:31–33 ESV

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

The next verse gives us a hint into the hearts of the multitude of people.

John 12:34 ESV

So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”

the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”

In other words – We thought you were going to come establish an everlasting kingdom.

We were thinking you would take us out of Roman rule

The crowds response to Jesus: Jesus will make my life better.

The Pharisees

John gives traces along the way of the heart this group.

After Lazarus is raised from the grave: (John 11:47-48)

John 11:47–48 ESV

So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

What are we to do…this man performs signs!

Everyone will believe in Him

The Romans will take OUR place and OUR nation.

In response to Triumphal entry: (John 12:19)

John 12:19 ESV

So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

“Look, the whole world has gone after him.”

Overstatement is pretty telling of their jealous desperation.

Almost tantrum-like

The overall description of the heart of this group. (John 12:42-43)

John 12:42–43 ESV

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

John use of the word believe is significant.

They came to know that Jesus was truly the messaiah

They still chose to reject Him.

The Pharisees response to Jesus: I love the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

The heart of Jesus.

John 12:27–28 ESV

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

Mary is revealing the glory of Jesus who is revealing the glory of the Father.

As we draw near to Easter can I challenge you to examine yourselves?

Are you a pharisee ?

Trade the Glory of God found in Christ for the glory that comes from this life.

Are you like the multitude of people?

Run ti Jesus because you think He will make your life better but reject Him when you realize He is your Lord and not your servant.

Are you like Mary?

Humbly come to Christ and everything to give your authentic unbridled worship.