John 12:12-15; 18:33-37; 19:1-3, 14-16
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, March 13

My high school football team was playing our biggest county rivals. At the end of a play one of their assistant coaches (Coach Akers) got in my face, yelling at me for the hit I had made on his player. In a foolish moment I took a swing at him, luckily I missed, but he yelled out "I've got your number young man."

During the summer one of our coaches left and a new assistant coach was hired. Yes, you guessed it; it was Coach Akers! Can you imagine my embarrassment as I had to face him? But what about those who foolishly rejected, mistreated, humiliated and killed King Jesus?

 

Receive the King, John 12:12-15

The people gave Jesus the reception of a conquering King! The "Roman Triumph" was given to royalty and conquering generals. Here Jesus enters Jerusalem and is given His triumphal entry on both accounts! He is Messiah, the King of Israel and He is the conquering general who will go to the cross and defeat our greatest enemies - Satan, sin, death and hell! (Cf. Colossians 2:13-15)

His arrival on a donkey was the fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy and distinguished Jesus from other military generals! His victory would not be through killing others, but through His own death on the cross!

However, there were those who did not want Jesus as their King. They were so enamored with the praise of men that it infuriated them for Jesus to be praised. They wanted someone to give them a "ticker-tape parade." Have you received Jesus as your King? He truly has defeated your greatest enemy and longs for you to live in the victory that only He can provide!

 

Understand the King, John 18:33-37

Pilate's question (asked twice in our text) to Jesus - "Are you the King of the Jews?" - is important enough that all of the Gospel writers included it in their gospel. Jesus' first response was a question back to Pilate to help Pilate understand the nature and character of Jesus' Kingdom. Verse 36 makes clear the nature and character of His Kingdom.

Jesus did not say His Kingdom was not IN this world, but that it was not OF this world! Jesus was clarifying that His authority was not from a worldly authority but from God. Pilate repeats the question and Jesus answers - "You say rightly" - which is a clear and resounding YES, I am a King! Pilate used the term "King" four times during Jesus trial (18:39, 19:3, 14-15, 19).

Jesus' statement about "truth" is another important aspect of the nature and character of His Kingdom. Pilate was not a person who was particularly interested in truth. Pilate had enough understanding to have made the right choice, but he didn't.

Many people are like Pilate today. They "understand" but will not act upon the truth. That's why Jesus says, "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Will you hear His voice and respond by making Him your King?

 

Crown the King, John 19:1-3

The horrible mocking that took place in the pre-Crucifixion events should have been expressions of adoration, not shouts of derision. Jesus should have had a crown placed on His head, a crown of sovereign rule and acceptance by His people. Instead He received a crown of thorns in rejection and ridicule.

He should have been clothed in the robe of royalty and treated with respect and love. Instead He was slapped, spit upon, mocked and treated shamefully. They called Him "King of the Jews" and should have for so He is, but they didn't mean it.

I wonder, do we say things that ought to be said, but say them with an insincere heart? Do we proclaim Him King of our lives but then slap His face with our rejection of His rightful rule over us? One day every knee is going to bow and every tongue is going to confess that Jesus is Lord!

On that day there will be no slapping, spitting or mocking, just a rebellious people having to face an offended King!

 

Honor the King, 19:14-16

From a human standpoint Jesus' trial was the greatest travesty of justice in human history. While Pilate says, "Behold your King" he meant no honor or sincerity in the statement. In years gone by Israel had asked for a King and in so doing had rejected God the Father. Here they rejected their King and rejected God the Son.

It has been said that on this day both the nation and Pilate were on trial and that both failed miserably. Are you failing? Are you honoring Christ as King and sovereign of your life? One day we will all come face to face with King Jesus! I pray that we will accept Christ as our King and live for Him in such a way that when that moment comes we will be glad at His appearing!

HOSANNA - means "Lord save" which is a cry for help (Ps. 118:25). Used in our lesson it proclaims Jesus as the Messiah as He is fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy (9:9). The Christian Church uses Hosanna primarily as a shout of praise or a statement of adoration and exaltation in public worship.