WHOLE WORLD GOING AFTER HIM

People often do the opposite of what you try to get them to do.  Kids often do—adults also often do.  Part of that is our nature as sinners—part of that is rebelling against authority.  In our Palm Sunday passage, we find that doing the opposite was the best thing to occur.

John 12:9-21; Psalm 118:22-27

Lazarus had been raised from the dead by Jesus.  Jewish religious leaders were upset and even plotted killing Lazarus because he was evidence that Jesus had done miracles. 

Passover time—one of the three great Jewish feasts when everyone who could was to come to Jerusalem to worship and celebrate God’s goodness.  The city swelled to thousands during this Passover event. 

Many on the road to Jerusalem.  To pass time, they sang songs—often hymns from the Psalms.  Especially Psalms of Ascent (120-134) because when you went to Jerusalem—because of its elevation—you went up.  And this was a good time to praise God for His goodness. 

Certain psalms were used at the Passover Seder—the meal and ceremony of remembering freedom from slavery in Egypt—and God’s passing over the Hebrew children by the death angel.

“Hosanna”—(repeat and have them repeat)—“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Repeat and have them)—Words heard at this time of celebration—but this year—especially referring to Jesus. 

Waving branches and putting clothes on the road—just as they would hail a conquering king or hero—even though Jesus came in on a donkey rather than a great white horse. 

Was this Messiah—Chosen One of God—the Anointed One Jews had waited for all these years?  Was He one like David—throwing off Roman oppression and freeing them once again? 

Hosanna—literally, “Save us, save us now.”  A cry for freedom from oppression. 

Blessed is he—Blessed is the King of Israel—words of Scripture from Psalm 118, describing this ideal leader, king, conquering hero.  Interesting the context—a hymn about deliverance from enemies.  Note especially vv. 22-27. 

“Stone the builders rejected has become the capstone”—prophecy about Jesus they did not realize. 

“O Lord save us.  O Lord, give us success. (Hosanna) 

“With bough in hand, join in the festal procession to” (the Temple). 

Do you hear what they were saying as Jesus came into the city that Sunday?  Save us—mighty conquering Davidic king—Messiah—may you have success—we praise you with palms waved and laid down in submission to you. 

Yet in the passage from Ps. 118 as well, “The stone the builders rejected”—He would not be accepted by religious leaders—and would not come into His kingdom as they thought He should—donkey not a white horse—crucifixion not a victorious earthly battle. 

But notice also what happened? 

·         V. 11, “many of the Jews were putting their faith in him.”

·          V. 13, Pilgrims to Jerusalem, “took palm branches and went out to meet him.”

·         V. 18  “Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign went out to meet him.”

·         V. 19 Testimony of the Pharisees, “Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

·         Vv. 20-21  “Now there were some Greeks … with a request.  We would like to see Jesus.” 

The religious leaders rejected him—“the stone that the builders rejected”—sought after by common people—Jews and Gentiles both—“has become the chief cornerstone.”  The whole world has gone after him! 

Yet in a few days, when he was arrested/crucified—others would turn away as well—conquering heroes and kings don’t get killed on a cross when their kingdom is coming in—not the way it’s done politically.  He must not be the Messiah.

Save us—save us now—salvation was to be a spiritual thing—not a political thing—brought to us through His death on a cross for our sin. 

He is the “blessed King”—but coming into His kingdom as none would expect—a baby born in a poor family—a crucifixion despite being a miracle worker. 

Despised—rejected—by religious and others alike who did not understand. 

Yet, “the whole world has gone after him”—since his resurrection and ascension. 

This past week—inauguration of Pope Francis—large world-wide church.  There for the event—people from all over the world—flags waving from all nations. 

But even more—believers from all nations—celebrating Easter next week—crucifixion on our behalf—for our sin—resurrecting and overcoming death—ascending to be with God and hearing our prayers—taking us with Him to heaven one day. 

“The stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone”—and “the whole world has gone after Him.” 

Yes, Hosanna—save us now.  Yes, blessed is the King of Israel and the whole world—the One who comes in the name of the Lord.  Wave your banners high to that One—Jesus!