John 12:12–13

Followeth to v. 20. the second part of the Chapter, wherein is recorded, Christs triumphant entry into Jerusalem according as was fore prophesied. Wherein, being now about to die, he will first be publickly honoured (after the manner of receiving Kings into Cities) and proclaimed King of Israel, and Davids successour, in such a manner as became his spiritual Kingdome, and that in despite of all his enemies. This triumph, as it is recorded by this Evangelist, may be taken up in these. 1. The multitudes part in it, verse 12, 13. 2. Christs own part and action in it, verse 14, 15. 3. The Disciples not understanding of all this at present, verse 16.4. The seen cause moving the multitude to act thus, verse 17, 18. 5. The Pharisees part in all this solemnity, verse 19. As for what is further, and more amply recorded of this by the other Evangelists, I remit to its proper place.

In these verses is recorded the carriage of the multitude who are come to the Feast; who, (the next day after that many had been with Christ at Bethany) hearing that he was coming to the City, do solemnly meet him, carrying branches of Palm-trees, and, with loud acclamations, do proclaime him King of Israel, who is blessed, and cometh in the Name of the Lord. As for their action, of carrying branches of Palm trees (with some whereof they shewed the way, Matth. 21.8. and others, it would seem, they carried in their hands) we finde, indeed, use made thereof at the feast of Tabernacles Lev. 23.40. Neh. 8.15. Now they carry them before him at this feast of the Passeover, to testifie that he is the substance of all the feasts; And by this act, beside what was signified by the feast of Tabernacles, is pointed out, that he is a triumphant and victorious King, which is elsewhere signified by carrying of palms, Rev. 7 9. As for their acclamations, they do thereby acknowledge that they see him to be the blessed Messiah and King of Israel, authorized and sent by the father to performe this glorious work; And as for their Hosanna, (borrowed from Psalme 118.25. as appeareth from the following words, Blessed is he who cometh in the Name of the Lord, taken from v. 26. of that Psalm) it signifieth, save now we beseech thee, as it is rendred in that Psalme. And albeit it we take it as directed to Christ, by way of prayer that he would save them, it doth import, that it is a special way of honouring Christ in his Kingdome, when we seek and expect salvation from him, and in him only; yet that seemes not to be their scope here, for, Matth 21.9. it is, Hosanna the Son of David, or, make safe now, or, bring safety now to the sonne of David; And so it imports their hearty wish that his Kingdom may prosper. Doct. 1. If Christ saw it meet, he could get himself glory, not only among spiritual observers; but even in the view of the world; for, by this solemn triumph he discovers how easily he could open the eyes of men to discern what he is, and incline their hearts to flock unto him, and proclaime his glory. So that it is not for want of power that Christ doth so often obscure his glory under a vaile. 2. As Christ can let out his glory when he pleaseth; so, in particular, he delights to appear most glorious in and about his sufferings; for, here he, who oftentimes entred Jerusalem privately, will now at this last time, when he is going to the crosse, enter in state. He will go triumphing to it, as well as he triumphs on it, Col. 2, 15. and after it, Psalme 68.18. 3. When Christs enemies are raging at him and his successe, he can vex them yet more, by spreading his glory more and and more; for, when they are vexed with hearing of the confluence at Bethany, verse 20, 11. even the next day, they see him more glorified, coming to Jerusalem. 4. When men of great eminency in the Church do slight Christ, he can raise up others, even the meanest, to honour him, and set out his praise, for, it is not the Rulers, nay nor inhabitants of Jerusalem, who do this, but much people that were come to the feast, See Mat. 21.15, 16. 1 Cor. 1.27. 5. As it is the duty of the Lords people, to attend all the Ordinances appointed by him; So their chief care should be to meet with Christ, and to be most taken up with him in them; for, albeit they were come to the feast, yet, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they went forth to meet him. 6. In Christ is to be found the substance of all the festivities and solemnities that were among the Jews; for, before him they carry Palmes, at the Passeover, which were used at another feast to testifie that the stance of all trysted in him. 7. Christ is a triumphant and victorious conquerour, who triumphs over all his enemies, and makes his people alwayes to triumph in him, 2 Cor. 2.14. Therefore also is he met with branches of palm-trees 8. It is the duty and commendtion of the members of the visible Church, that they be well acquainted with Scripture; for, here the multitude do not only know, but can apply passages in the Psalmes, and concerning Davids off-spring, very fitly to Christ; And if they understood so much in these declining times, how much will this aggravate their guilt, who are grossely ignorant in a time of clear light? 9. Christ is the true King of Israel and of his Church, to rule, subdue, protect, and defend them; and they who get open eyes, will see this, and embrace him as such; for they acknowledge him, the King of Israel. This he will have proclaimed in the world, oppose who will, Ps. 2.7. compare, ch 1.49. 10. It doth commend Christ unto his people, that he comes with his Fathers power and authority, being approved and upheld by him in his Kingdome; So that all who embrace him, will finde the Father well-pleased in him, for this addeth to the joy and acclamation, He is the King of Israel, that cometh in the Name of the Lord, and upon this followeth, peace in heaven, or betwixt God in heaven, and us, Luke 19.38. 11. Christ is a King perfectly blessed in himself, and a fountaine of blessing to all his subjects, and he is to be proclaimed and commended as such; for, blessed is the King of Israel &c. So Ps. 72 15. and 118.26 It is he in whom all families of the earth are blessed, Gen. 12.3. and in whom they should blesse themselves, Gen. 22.18. as it is in the original. 12. It is the duty of all such as love Christ, heartily to wish and pray for the prosperity of his Kingdom; for, they cried Hosanna, as wishing safety and successe to him and his Kingdome.