Raised to Life: The Resurrecting King

I had made up my mind that I wanted to try out for the 7th-grade basketball team. I stood up in class in response to the directions heard over the intercom that all who were interested were to meet in the gym. A guy in my class, I’ll call him “Tom”, pointed his finger at me and laughed saying, “You think you are good enough to make the team?” I was embarrassed. I went to tryouts but afterwards, I never checked to see if I was chosen for the team. I was certain that they wouldn’t call my name. 

In John 12, Jesus enters Jerusalem with much celebration from the crowds that had gathered for the Passover festival. Recent events had stirred them into a frenzy. Jesus has just called dead Lazarus from the grave. The scene was typical for when a city would welcome a returning king from the triumph of battle.

Jesus was not just a returning a king. He was the Resurrecting King. Jerusalem was shouting for him to save! They laid out Palm branches as a symbol of their national pride.

It was a jubilant celebration but one under false pretenses. “Jesus resurrect the kingdom and overthrow our captors. Bring us peace through force.”

They had a misguided view of what would bring them salvation because of what they believed about the means of their salvation. At one point in Jesus’ ministry, the crowds tried to make him king by force but Jesus knew what was in their hearts and escaped their grasp.

Do you have any misguided views about Jesus? What are some ways in which people today celebrate Jesus under false pretenses?

I had a misguided view of my basketball abilities as a 7th-grader because of what I chose to believe about myself. I listened to the voice of “Tom” more than my own or of those who affirmed me. I actually made the team but didn’t bother to check if I did.

Do you have any misguided views about yourself?

I made the team but didn’t attend any practices during winter break. I even missed the first game. This went on until the coach finally called me out one day and asked why I never chose to join the team.

I was surprised and told him that I didn’t choose to come to practice because I didn’t know I was chosen.

The whole world came out to meet Jesus according to the religious leaders. But Jesus wasn’t looking to resurrect the kingdom through an insurrection but through his resurrection. Much like he called Lazarus from the grave God would call his only begotten son from the grave. Instead of Rome being defeated, death would be defeated.

The miracle of Lazarus alluded to the ultimate miracle. Jesus would be given the glory he had before he came to earth. The ultimate miracle of Jesus’ resurrection would bring glory to all those who put their faith and trust in Jesus as savior.

In John 12, Jesus is drawing closer to the cross. He has been ministering to the Jewish people and now his ministry will widen. Greeks come to meet him after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the hour of the cross has drawn near. Jesus is the self-described good shepherd and there are other sheep that he must bring into his fold.

The cross and the resurrection call to you today. Do hear his call? Like Lazarus, Jesus calls your name. He chooses you.

Jesus is the one who saves. He is the world’s resurrecting King. Don’t be misguided.

He calls you because he loves you. And he will not abandon those whom he loves to the grave.

This Easter, celebrate the Resurrecting King.

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Jovan preaches for the Littleton Church of Christ near Denver, Colorado. Visit here to listen to sermons preached at the Littleton Church.