The Triumphal Entry

Ice breaker: Making an entrance

Think back to some of these occasions:

• Going in to a room full of people you don't know
• Walking into an interview
• Going to your girl/boy friend's house to meet her/his family for the first time.
• Arriving at the student accommodation you've been allocated, and seeing the 3/5 other people you will have to live with for the best part of the next year!

What were you thinking; feeling; trying to convey about yourself?

Could you prepare beforehand?

How easy is it to 'be yourself'?

Study: Read John 12. 1 36

1-8 Preparation
9-11 The plot thickens
12-19 The entry
20-26 The effect

Preparation:

Is Jesus making some sort of preparation for his forth coming death? (Mary certainly is). In this gospel, Mary who anoints him, is the sister of Lazarus and Martha, friends of Jesus from whom he received welcome and hospitality.

In the other gospels her identity varies. Matthew's and Mark's do not name her, but says she anoints Jesus' feet at someone's house. Jesus is so touched that he says she will always be remembered for it. Luke records it happening not close before Jesus' death, but much earlier on, when this unidentified woman is seeking forgiveness. And here, John says it's a preparation for his burial. That's poignant coming from the sister of a man who had dallied with death himself [John 11.38 44]. Mary seems to understand what's coming.

Questions:

Q. What preparations had Jesus made for this last stage of his life? [A: The whole of his life and ministry up to this point!]

Q. What do I do to help myself/others prepare for death?

Q. This Lent, how might I prepare again for the death of Jesus?

Q. Is Judas' response a hint to the preparations going through his head?

Q. v8 Where do we put the balance between devotion to Christ and devotion to care for others in his name?

The plot thickens:

Jesus has been the object of plots against him. Now Lazarus is, too.

Q: How far would I go to be in the same boat as Jesus?

The Entry:

Q. What does the way Jesus entered Jerusalem say about who he believed himself to be? [See Ps 118.25--26 and Zechariah 9.9. By contrast, conquering kings normally rode into the defeated town riding powerful horses or in chariots, exerting their authority in a show of power.]

Q. At last there really is a donkey in this scene! Of what significance is it?

Q. Is this: arrogance concerning his identity, or confidence in his mission from his Heavenly Father?

Q. What does this entry say about the timing of Jesus' 'hour', which he has referred to throughout the gospel account?

Q. What do you imagine his body-language being, as he rode in through the shouting crowd? [e.g. smiling; serious-faced, eyes looking into the distance; waving and turning to acknowledge the crowd; apprehensive and tentative?]

Q. Have you ever felt called by God to a role or a job? Did it make you feel:

• special
• responsible
• humbled/terrified
• honoured
• other - share your feelings?

The effect:

Q. How did all this affect

• Jesus' disciples: v20, new people were attracted to Jesus, but his words to them were about his 'hour' i.e. his death. What did he say about it? [v23--36 He refers back to the story of Moses in Numbers 21.4-9]

• Those that has been at Lazarus' tomb: [they were interested to hear and see more]

• The watching Pharisees saw what was happening as more people followed Jesus. What was their reaction and response?

Actions:

Do I live out, Monday to Saturday, the things I say and sing about Jesus on Sunday? i.e. Is my life consistent? How can I make it more so?

Perhaps I could give more time and effort to Bible study, prayer, and feeding my spiritual life.

What can I do this week, to support someone I know who is dying; or their loved ones going through the sadness? Perhaps a phone call; card; gift of food left on their door step - as well as well as praying for them.

Can we look for an opportunity to say out-loud to someone, what Jesus means to me - who I believe he really is?

Perhaps close in prayer for:

• Those approaching death; or suffering the loss of a loved one.

• Those facing a difficult situation of self-declaration and self-identity.

• Those finding it hard to follow Jesus after a buoyant beginning