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The Triumphal Entry John 12:12-19

• The hope and euphoria of the crowd.
  • Hosanna- Save now, I pray.
  • Blessed is the one who was sent.
  • Blessed is the King!

• This entry was not understood even by his closest followers until the ascension more than 40 days later when they saw his glory! (16)
• The crowd was large and exuberant over a man who had control over death. (17)
• Imagine their confusion to see and hear that he died on a cross days later.

The raising of Lazarus was key to revealing God’s glory in Jesus.  John 11:1-6

• This tragic sickness will serve a greater purpose. (4)
• The end is not death but the glorification of Jesus as the Son of God.
• So, Jesus waits.
  • Hardship often serves greater purposes.
  • God’s timing and purposes are not always understood.

Why is glory so important?

• Glory- can simply be understood as the revealed splendor of God. 
  • Creation can reveal that glory.
  • His work in and through people does the same.
• Glorifying- is to bring attention to the splendor of God. 

Jesus was about to do something regarding Lazarus that would reveal the true glory of who Jesus is and that God is at work.  It’s God who can do this.  It’s God whose character you see.

This Lazarus moment would cause people to believe in Him and find life! John 11:21-26

• Martha knew Jesus had the power to have kept her brother from dying. (21)
• Martha knew that there was still an opportunity for Jesus to act. (22)
• Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
  • Believe in Him and you will have life. (25)
  • Believe in Him and your death will not be your end. (26)

Jesus has authority over death which could only come from God. John 11:37-44

• Those who believe will see the glory of God. (40)
• This moment was to be for the benefit of people coming to belief in Jesus as the Son of God. (42)

Many people believed, but not all. John 11:45

• Even with the greatest of miracles not all hearts are moved to belief.
• Ironically, connected to a parable involving a man named Lazarus where his master died and asked for Lazarus who had died to come back to life to tell his family and friends about the truth of God post death. In that parable Jesus says that even with someone coming back to life not all will believe.  Luke 16:31

The glory of the moment led to Martha and Mary resuming their positions but with new faith and passion.  John 12:2-3

• Martha still chose hospitality but with a different spirit.
• Mary is still found at the feet of Jesus, but in worship not learning.

Have you beheld the glory of who Jesus is?

• Do you approach him in fear of death?
• Do you worship him or try to impress him and others?
• Our death is not our end IF you believe.

Westminster Confession

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

John 15:8-9 “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”

Glorify Him by drawing attention to Him as the Son of God who changed your life, so that others may believe!