John 12:12-19 Love: The Power of Change

On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on A donkey’s colt.” These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him. So the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to testify about Him. For this reason also the people went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are not doing any good; look, the world has gone after Him.” John 12:12-19

Background

There would only be five days before Jesus was crucified on the cross. Jesus’ act of riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and accepting the recognition of the people as King was to fulfil Old Testament prophecies of the One who would command the nations through love and long-suffering. It not the military might of God and the angels that could free the people, but the perfect love of God through Jesus’ sacrifice. The power to change our world into a better place is not found in military might or the use of physical force but through the transforming power of the Spirit.

Observation

1.  For this reason also the people went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. Many people having heard of the news of Lazarus’ resurrection gathered to see Lazarus and to believe in Jesus. They took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him shouting, “Hosanna (save us now)! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” Jesus was now recognised by the people as the Messiah and King of Israel. They really expected Jesus to free the nation by military might just as what Moses did. They did not really understand Jesus’ mission; for He came to give His life for the salvation of the world.

2.  “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on A donkey’s colt.” Jesus took a young donkey and rode on it coming into Jerusalem. This is to fulfil the prophecy as written in Zechariah 9:9 concerning the King who would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolising humility and peace. This Messiah unlike those of the Old Testament would come in peace and not in battle riding on a war horse or chariot; for He did not purpose to build a political kingdom for Israel. The powers of Moses, King David and Elijah could not deliver the people from slavery because the issue lies in their hearts for they were rebellious and wicked. Jesus came to turn the hearts of the people towards God so that they may be freed from the bondage of darkness.

3.  “You see that you are not doing any good; look, the world has gone after Him.” After this incident, the Jewish leaders were determined to kill Jesus because they were losing their followers to Him.

Truth

1.  We experience the blessings of God’s Kingdom by making Jesus the King of our life. Unless we allow God to reign over our life directions and value system, we cannot fully experience the abundance of His Kingdom. Many are looking for quick solutions to their life problems; they wanted God to take away their problems without first allowing God to change them. The irony is: when they came to realise that Jesus wasn’t going to liberate Israel from Roman rule, they turned on Him and mocked Him at the cross. What Jesus wanted from the people was not perfect behaviour, but to honour Him as King everyday of our lives. He does not need us to serve Him because He has no needs, but rather to love Him and put Him first in our lives.

2.  The way to change our environment is to first change our heart according to the truth. Having a correct mindset and value system is the key to a prosperous life. People cannot prosper because they were enslaved by their own sinful nature: bitterness, greed, lust and pride. Jesus’ mission is to free the people from slavery by destroying the power of sin through His sacrifice on the cross. And all who believe in Jesus will be freed from the bondage of sin to live righteous and prosperous lives. Bitterness, greed, lust, pride and pessimism are bondages of sin. Forgiveness, generosity, joy, humility and hope are the truths of the Spirit. Hence, we must be constantly aware of the state of our heart.

3.  The power of change: Love. Love is the power of the Spirit that enables believers to live out the truth. Love melts even the hardest of hearts and breaks the bondage of unforgiveness. When our heart is less irritable, being more empathetic, being more considerate, being more patient, and being more at peace; we can then begin to bring real change to the world around us. If we find ourselves speaking ill of others, being negative and easily angered, it is time to fill our heart with His grace and love.

Application

1.  Are there people in your life that you have given up as hopeless? Or those whom you think should be punished? Perhaps God has brought them into your life so that you would love them as Jesus would. Love can melt the hardest of hearts. Just when they think the world has given up on them, you were there for them as always.

2.  Turn your organisation or church around by affirming one another’s worth and accepting them without trying to change them. Change would be easier once they know their worth and felt appreciated for their work. Be more appreciative of their work and less critical of their weaknesses. The greatest power for motivation is not promotion or renumeration but a worthy vision and love.

Dear Lord, You did not deal with me according to my sins but love me unconditionally. Help me live a life that honours You in my worship and to love others as I love myself. I will forgive those who has hurt me and be patient with them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.