The King Has Come: Will You Welcome or Reject Him?

You know that moment—when everything builds to a tipping point. Whether it’s the hush before kickoff in a packed stadium, the breathless pause before a proposal, or the last few seconds before your child is born—those are moments thick with tension and anticipation.

That’s exactly what we find in John 12:12-50 . The air in Jerusalem was electric. Jesus had just raised Lazarus from the dead. The crowd was swelling. Passover was approaching. And now, Jesus—the supposed miracle worker—was entering the city.

But He didn’t come like a warrior on a horse.

He came on a donkey.

He didn’t come to conquer.

He came to save.

The question in John 12 is the same one we all face: What will you do with Jesus?

1. A Crowd Heralds Jesus, But Misses the Point (vv.12–19)

The people cried “Hosanna!” and waved palm branches. It looked like they got it—they were ready to crown Jesus King. But their understanding was shallow. They wanted a political savior, not a suffering servant. They expected national revival, not personal repentance.

We often want Jesus to fix our external problems, but He came to fix our hearts.

Like the crowd, we can cheer for Jesus on Sunday and deny Him by Friday. We must move from shallow admiration to deep submission—recognizing Jesus not just as King of the world, but King of our lives.

2. Outsiders Seek Jesus—and That’s Good News (vv.20–26)

Some Greeks (non-Jews) came to the disciples and said something simple but profound: “We wish to see Jesus.” These men weren’t insiders. They weren’t born into the religious system. But they were drawn to Jesus.

Anyone—regardless of background—can become a follower of Jesus.

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider at church or wondered if God could really accept someone like you, the answer is yes. Jesus draws people from every walk of life. That includes you.

3. A Voice Confirms Jesus, But People Still Don’t Understand (vv.27–36)

In a dramatic moment, God speaks audibly: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” Jesus was about to go to the cross, and even as His soul was troubled, He resolved to obey the Father. Yet the crowd misinterpreted God’s voice—some thought it thundered, others assumed it was an angel.

You must embrace Jesus while there is still time.

Jesus warns, “Walk while you have the light… believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”Salvation is not something you can postpone forever. You may not get another opportunity. Now is the time to believe.

4. Some Hearts are Softened—and Others Hardened (vv.37–43)

Despite Jesus’ signs, many still refused to believe. John quotes Isaiah: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart.” Some religious leaders even secretly believed, but stayed silent out of fear—afraid of what others would think.

You must fear God, not people.

One of the greatest barriers to faith isn’t intellectual—it’s social. We fear judgment, loss of status, rejection. But, God’s opinion matters more than anyone else’s.

5. The Final Decision: Believe or Reject (vv.44–50)

Jesus makes it clear: believing in Him is the same as believing in God. Rejecting Him is rejecting the very Word of God—and it comes with eternal consequences.

You must trust Jesus to receive eternal life.

Jesus said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” Your eternity hinges on what you do with Jesus. Will you walk with Him in the light? Will you believe—not just intellectually, but wholeheartedly?

The Tension We All Feel

The events in John 12 are rich with drama and urgency. Jesus is about to begin His journey to the cross. Some celebrate Him, others fear Him, and many misunderstand Him.

The gospel writer John wants you to feel that tension—and make a choice.

“...these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

The question still stands: What will you do with Jesus?

Will you welcome Him as your King? Will you follow Him—even if the crowd turns away?Will you believe, while there’s still time?