TODAY’S SERMON: NOVEMBER 30, 2025
Studies in John: 30 The Triumphal Entry - John 12:9-19
As we teach through different books of the bible verse by verse, there will be times when the stories we read do not align with the season we are in. For example, we are studying the Gospel of John, and we are reading about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which is a Palm Sunday story, which is the week before Easter. Look around the room and you will see Christmas decorations in the auditorium. The story in John’s gospel may not align with the season of Christmas, but I can promise you the story aligns with the potential posture of our heart.
I want to draw your attention to UNMET EXPECTATIONS – we all have them. Think about how many times you expected one thing but something else happened; that is an unmet expectation.
In Jesus’ story, He finally shows Himself in public again. Remember, the pressure has increased since Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, and the Pharisees are plotting to kill Jesus. Knowing this, Jesus goes to Jerusalem and is met with a welcoming party of believers – People waiving palm branches in the air (a symbol of the Messianic Hope) and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel” (John 12:13). HOSANNA means “save us now.”
The people expected Jesus to save them from the tyranny of Rome. They hoped for national freedom. They prayed for resistance against their enemies. However, Jesus didn’t come to deliver them from the Roman Empire; Jesus came to deliver them from the chains of sin – UNMET EXPECTATIONS that went from singing Jesus’ praises on Sunday to crying out for His execution on Friday.
Question: What do you do when God doesn’t do what you think He should do?
I’m praying for you!
Bro. Joey
I want to draw your attention to UNMET EXPECTATIONS – we all have them. Think about how many times you expected one thing but something else happened; that is an unmet expectation.
In Jesus’ story, He finally shows Himself in public again. Remember, the pressure has increased since Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, and the Pharisees are plotting to kill Jesus. Knowing this, Jesus goes to Jerusalem and is met with a welcoming party of believers – People waiving palm branches in the air (a symbol of the Messianic Hope) and shouting “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel” (John 12:13). HOSANNA means “save us now.”
The people expected Jesus to save them from the tyranny of Rome. They hoped for national freedom. They prayed for resistance against their enemies. However, Jesus didn’t come to deliver them from the Roman Empire; Jesus came to deliver them from the chains of sin – UNMET EXPECTATIONS that went from singing Jesus’ praises on Sunday to crying out for His execution on Friday.
Question: What do you do when God doesn’t do what you think He should do?
I’m praying for you!
Bro. Joey