In this sermon we look at the triumphal entry from the vantage point of the apostle John. We see that the apostle’s purpose is to highlight the ignorance of the people present at the triumphal entry, that despite the shouts of “Hosanna” the people's faith in Jesus was insincere. Similarly, many Christians today have a misconception of who Jesus is and what His kingship entails, thus placing unwarranted expectations on the Saviour. It is for this purpose that we examine who King Jesus truly is so that we render to Him what His kingship truly deserves.

We begin our study in John chapter 12 with the story of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus and the significance behind the act. Similar to the accounts of the other Gospels, this act of anointing Jesus is meant to convey His Kingship; just like the kings of old were anointed for office, Jesus was anointed as well. The act also demonstrated how much Mary valued the Saviour, willing to give up something precious to communicate His worth. Finally, this act of devotion also communicated Mary’s repentance, an outward expression of her inward conviction of who Christ was. This story in the twelfth chapter of John gives us an example of how we should value Christ, a template for our devotion.

To what degree do unbelievers fall into God’s purposes? Can evil men be used to carry out God’s plans? Continuing our study in the Gospel of John, we look at the plot to kill Jesus and how God used the plotting of evil men, to carry out the redemption of the Elect. From this passage, we were reminded of God’s sovereignty and how even what men intended for evil, God uses for His glory and our good.

In our study of John 11 we finally get to Christ's miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. From this example of Christ's divinity, we were reminded that God will affirm our faith in times of hardship just as Jesus does with the faith of Mary and Martha. We also see how Lazarus's resurrection is symbolic of our own salvation; being dead in sin and being raised to new life only by the call of God. Ultimately, the resurrection of Lazarus affirms Christ's claims as the resurrection and the life.

As we continue our study in the Gospel of John, we look at the death of Lazarus and the grief that the Savior demonstrates. We see how this grief is not merely to sympathise with the bereaved but also an indignation towards unbelief and death itself. The funeral of Lazarus brings to light God’s heart towards sin, death and the sorrow of His people. Ultimately, it depicts a Saviour who is near to the brokenhearted and who can relate to our sorrows.

We continue our study in the Gospel of John and look at the fifth “I am” statement of Christ–I am the resurrection and the life. We see how this declaration of Christ is not simply a promise for eternal life for those who believe, but also a proclamation that Jesus is Lord over life and death itself. Even the coming judgement prophesied from the Old Testament is not to be feared because Christ will be the judge that presides over both the living and dead. Ultimately, this declaration of Christ is hope for those who believe and live for Him.

Coming back to our study in the Gospel of John, we pick up our study in chapter 11 and the resurrection of Lazarus. The chapter opens with Jesus’ delay despite knowing that Lazarus is ill. This narrative gives us insight into comforting truths about God’s timing in that God is never truly delayed, but that He is working everything for His glory and our ultimate good. The encouragement we get from this passage is that no matter the suffering we may experience while waiting on God’s timing, we can trust that His timing will bring about His glory and our good.