J. Series: The Servant King
Session 2 - The Triumphal Entry

John 12.20-26

What does a hero look like?  

Go ahead.  Totally cool to open your imagination.  Think through your media-mind.  Marvel.  Disney.  Pixar.  What are the traits of the heroes portrayed here?  The one who saves the president?  The world?  The universe?  Whether they be a Jedi knight, a half-crazed pirate or a galactic Avenger, they are bigger than life.  They yield power and authority and they win!  Predictably, they win!

The thing about heroes is how we often project our own desires and aspirations for them.  We can even cast our own agendas upon them.  The hero should do what we want him or her to do.

So enters Jesus.

Into the throngs of people.  Into the walls of the city.  Jesus enters as King—the hero.  All who lay down their cloaks—who wave their branches and their fists—who cry “Hosanna!” have an idea of what He will do. Of what THEY want Him to do.

He IS bigger than life.  He YIELDS power and authority.  He will predictably win.

But, as we will see this week.  Jesus’ agenda doesn’t align with the people’s. It doesn’t align with ours.  No, His agenda is much broader.  His kingdom is much bigger than anything we could have ever imagined.  Oh HE WILL win.  HE WILL save the universe in a most beautiful, awe-inspiring and glorious way.  Through death He will give life.  Through humiliation will He be glorified. 

He invites us to come with Him to the cross, so that we may live.

SUPPER FOLLOWS OFF-CAMPUS AT:
ZAXBY’S on Ponte North Boulevard