Sermons

John 12:12-26 “The King Comes to Die”

2025-03-02
Craig Barnett

 

Christ’s Triumphal Entry and the Purpose of His Death

 

  • Sermon Outline: The King Comes to Die

• The Arrival of the King
    ◦    Proclaimed by Many (John 12:12-13, Psalm 118:25-26)
    ◦    Prophesied Beforehand (Zechariah 9:9, Daniel 9:25)
• The Activity of the King
    ◦    Draws All Men (John 12:32, Romans 3:22-24)
    ◦    Dies for His People (John 12:24, Galatians 2:20)

 

 

The King Comes in Humility


As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (John 12:13). The long-foretold Messiah had arrived, fulfilling prophecies of Israel’s coming King (Zechariah 9:9). Yet, this King did not come to establish an earthly kingdom—He came to give His life as a ransom for many.

 

The Purpose of His Coming

 

The triumphal entry was a moment of praise, but it pointed to a greater purpose: the cross. Jesus declared that unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone—but if it dies, it bears much fruit (John 12:24). His mission was to die so that many might live. True discipleship follows this pattern—dying to self and living for Christ (Luke 9:23-24, Galatians 2:20).

 

Key Verses & Commentary:

 

  1. John 12:13 – The people acknowledged Jesus as King, but their expectations were misguided.
     
  2. Zechariah 9:9 – Prophecy fulfilled: Jesus enters on a donkey, signifying peace.
     
  3. John 12:24 – The necessity of Christ’s death to bring forth new life.
     
  4. Luke 9:23-24 – True discipleship means dying to self and following Christ.
     
  5. Galatians 2:20 – The believer’s identity is in Christ’s death and resurrection.

 

Key Words and Definitions

 

  1. Hosanna – A cry of praise meaning "save us now."
        
  2. Messiah – The Anointed One, prophesied as Israel’s King and Savior.
      
  3. Triumphal Entry – Jesus' public entry into Jerusalem as the prophesied King.
     
  4. Glory – The manifestation of God’s greatness, seen ultimately in Christ’s sacrifice.
     
  5. Self-Denial – The call to abandon self-will and submit fully to Christ.

 

Key People

 

  1. Jesus Christ – The prophesied King who came not to conquer politically, but to die and redeem sinners.
     
  2. The Crowd – Those who hailed Jesus as King, yet many would later reject Him.
     
  3. The Pharisees – Religious leaders who opposed Jesus and sought His death.

 

From Celebration to Commitment


The crowd welcomed Jesus with joyful praise, yet many failed to grasp the true nature of His kingship. He did not come for political power but to lay down His life. His triumph was through the cross, not the throne. Just as the original audience had to confront their expectations, we too must consider what it means to truly follow Christ. Will we merely admire Him, or will we submit to His call?

 

Message to the Original Audience

 

  1. Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy as Israel’s promised King.
     
  2. His kingdom was not of this world; He came to die for the sins of many.
     
  3. Following Christ means more than verbal praise—it requires faith and surrender.

 

Applications for Believers Today

 

  1. Recognize Jesus as King – Not just in word but in true devotion.
     
  2. Understand True Glory – The cross comes before the crown; suffering before exaltation.
     
  3. Die to Self – Just as Christ gave His life, we must take up our cross daily.
     
  4. Live for His Kingdom – Seek first the kingdom of God, not worldly power.
     
  5. Proclaim the Gospel – Just as the crowd proclaimed His coming, we must proclaim His salvation.

 

Conclusion: The Call to Follow the King

 

Jesus’ triumphal entry was not for an earthly throne but for the cross. He calls us to follow His path—dying to self and living for Him. The true King reigns through sacrifice, drawing all who believe into His eternal kingdom.

 

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