“The Next Day…” Palm Sunday Message

John 12:12 – The Next Day.

Scripture: John 12:12 (ESV) – “The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.”

I. Introduction: The Road to the Cross

• Jesus’ triumphal entry marked the beginning of His final journey to Good Friday.
• The crowd welcomed Him as King, yet days later, they cried, “Crucify Him!” (John 19:15).
• His mission was not political victory but salvation through the cross.

II. The Cross Behind the Celebration

1. Passover and the True Lamb

• The people came for Passover, remembering deliverance from Egypt.
• Jesus, the true Passover Lamb (John 1:29), came to deliver from sin.

2. The Misunderstood King

• The crowd expected a warrior, but Jesus entered humbly on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9).
• His kingdom was not earthly but spiritual and eternal (John 18:36).

3. From Hosanna to Crucify Him

• The same crowd that praised Him later rejected Him.
• Jesus rode into Jerusalem knowing He was going to suffer and die (John 12:23-24).

III. Application: Our Response to the Cross

• Do we follow Jesus for who He is, or just for what we want?
• Do we recognize that His greatest victory was through the cross, not worldly power?
• As Good Friday nears, let us truly surrender to the King who saves through His sacrifice.

IV. Conclusion: The Cross Leads to Victory

• Jesus’ entry led to the cross, but the cross led to resurrection and salvation.
• May we follow Christ not just in celebration but in faith, obedience, and surrender.