“Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. 

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” 

Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” 

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. 

Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!””

John 12:9-19

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The triumphal entry into Jerusalem, recorded in John 12, reveals a beautiful paradox: the King of Kings riding on a donkey, fulfilling ancient prophecies. This image challenges our expectations and reminds us that God's ways often defy human logic. We're called to recognize Jesus as our sovereign ruler, not just in grand moments, but in the everyday aspects of our lives. This Palm Sunday in Brooklyn, Pastor Kathryn Myers urges us to surrender our hearts fully to Christ's governance, trusting that His seemingly paradoxical approach, strength through humility, victory through sacrifice, is the path to true peace and transformation in our lives.

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What is the context?

• When Jesus enters Jerusalem it is the week of Passover, meaning that the city was bursting with people who have made their pilgrimage to the holy city to sacrifice their lambs in the temple and celebrate the Passover feast as outlined in the Law. 
• Among this massive gathering of people, the word has spread about the miraculous raising of Lazarus (see John 11) and it sends the crowds into a joyous frenzy to hear that Jesus is indeed coming into the city.
• The people clearly are ready for a change in power, believing Jesus to be the messianic hope they have waited for - to become the King of Israel that restores the Davidic throne and rule of righteousness.

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Jesus’ goodness outweighs and encompasses our confusion, uncertainty, and imperfections. We see this because he comes to Jerusalem even when no one understands him, and he comes to us before we ever understand a thing.

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Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

• The people wanted a king and the religious leaders wanted order. Jesus provides both outcomes, but not in the way they imagined.
• Humbly and lowly, righteous and victorious, Jesus boldly declares he is our king who comes in peace.
• Jesus knew that the praises of the people would soon turn to curses and his death—and he chose to come anyway.

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The Nature of God’s Kingdom

• Jesus is ushering in a kingdom that would not only establish dominion temporarily over one nation, but one that would overthrow the very powers and principalities of darkness, uniting the whole world into a spiritual nation, a kingdom of priests.
• Jesus rode on an unbroken donkey. In any other situation, an unbroken donkey would have been erratic and difficult to ride amidst the noise and chaos of the crowd. But under Jesus, the donkey is peaceful. 
  
  • Jesus is Lord not just over the wind and the waves, but the animals too—all creation is under his Lordship. 

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Responding to Jesus

• Because God desires the free will offering of our hearts, he’s not going to rule us by force. 

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“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice and be glad.” 

Psalm 118: 22-24

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• The corner stone would have to have perfect inside strength and measurements on every side because it would be the guiding stone from which every other stone will be measured.
  
  • Jesus is referring to himself as the cornerstone, something you can build your life upon.

• Jesus came for you, and he is coming for you. May we be empowered by His governance over our lives, giving us purpose and peace, establishing his Kingdom on the earth.