This Sunday we resume our journey through the Gospel of John, picking things up in Chapter 12:12. This passage is well known because it records the triumphal entry of Jesus on Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of the passion of Christ. The crucifixion of Jesus doesn’t happen until chapter 19 which tells us John devotes a significant portion of his Gospel to the last few days of Jesus’ life.

The nation of Israel was under Roman occupation: they were not free people. One of the common beliefs about the prophesied messiah was that He would deliver Israel from all their oppressors. On a side note – devout Jews today have stopped looking for the messiah as a person to come, rather for the “spirit of the messiah” to come and deliver Israel from their oppressors. This helps explain the tenacity with which Israel is fighting Hamas in Gaza today. The orthodox Jews believe God is on their side. After 70 years of what can only be described as miraculous victories in war, it is hard to reason against their position.

On Palm Sunday Jesus presents himself as the messiah in one of the primary ways he would fulfill that role; as a King. He would come to deliver Israel, as well as Gentiles, from the greatest of oppressors. That oppressor was not Rome, nor is it Hamas, it is none other than Satan himself and the rule of sin over people’s lives. John’s narrative on these events are careful to reveal not only that Jesus is King, but what kind of King he would be and what kind of Kingdom he would lead. Join me this Sunday as we look at King Jesus and His kingdom.