At the time Jesus returned to Jerusalem, the city was in an atmosphere of praise. His presence and power created a dividing line between belief in Him and rejection of Him (12:9-11). The crowd that witnessed Lazarus’s restoration to life plays an active role in this scene. They have eagerly borne witness to the miracle. A larger crowd has heard their witness and they eagerly want to see for themselves both Jesus and Lazarus (12:9).
Meanness of spirit also arises (12:10-11). Pharisees and Sadducees respond with a motive of murder. Morality is swept aside. They thought the death of Jesus alone might not forestall Roman interference. Because such great numbers are responding favorably to the Lazarus miracle, he too must be removed (12:10). Large numbers of Jews were separating themselves from insensitive and rigid control in favor of what life can be in Jesus: “Because of Lazarus, many Jews were leaving their own religion. They were putting their trust in Jesus” (12:11, NLV).
Witnessing for Jesus on this Palm Sunday reached more and more people, whose praise fulfilled Messianic prophecy (12:12-13). The arrival of a prominent person typically was marked by laying palm branches before him. “Hosanna” means “Save now!” The blessing comes from Psalm 118:25-26, a psalm of thanksgiving for salvation from the Lord. “In the name” refers “to the work and with the authority” of God (Barrett). “Name” can stand for the person as well (John 3:18; 17:6; Philippians 2:9-11). John uses “He who comes” as a messianic title, so Jesus fulfills “the king of Israel” (1:49).
There remains much to understand about Jesus’ Messiahship, but the crowd clearly is acknowledging Jesus is the Messiah (12:14-15). John adds a prophecy of universal and eternal peace (Zechariah 9:9-10). Conquerors entered a city on a powerful horse. Traditionally, a king bringing peace would enter on a donkey. Thus, there is no cause for fear.
Witnessing added new believers to Jesus (12:16-18). The disciples do not grasp the significance of these events (12:16). Jesus spent forty days after His resurrection teaching them this significance (Acts 1:3). The crowd at Lazarus’s tomb continued to share the good news. Their witness had a multiplying effect (12:17-18). Always available, He met as a Friend with the crowd (12:18).
A clear division is created between Jesus and the temple authorities (12:19). These authorities have no answer for Him: “Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing?” (KJV).
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
