3/24/24 - Uncommon King - John 12:12-19 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday which marks the time when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The crowds waved palm branches as a sign of respect as he passed by. They shouted, “Hosanna!” which means, save us! This is the action displayed by those who are receiving their king. However, by the end of the week, some of these same people will be shouting, “Crucify him!” What happened? Well, Jesus was not the king they wanted him to be, but rather he was the king they needed him to be. You see, they did not understand the ultimate purpose for which he arrived. If Jesus came riding a white horse and wielding a sword to cut down the Romans - what ultimate good for mankind does that accomplish? He would not come in human power but in divine humility. As a result, his kingdom had greater impact than anyone could imagine. Jesus was different. He is the King of love and strength. Unlike the kings of this world who crave power, Jesus came to serve and to die for his people. There’s an old hymn that confronts our response to the truth of who Jesus is... Crown Him or Crucify Him Mary Brainerd Smith Today you have come to the valley of choice, Today to your heart speaks the Saviour’s own voice, “Tis your hand must lay the wreathed crown on my brow, Or drive cruel nails thro’ my pleading hands now.” Crown Him or crucify Him, which shall it be? This is the choice from which you cannot flee; Crown Him your King, or most surely ‘tis true, You crucify Jesus, your Saviour anew. Do you say with the Christ you have nothing to do, That the crown and the cross have no meaning for you? Yet the choice you have made, and your Saviour nailed then To a cross of neglect where He suffers again. Crown Him or crucify Him, which shall it be? This is the choice from which you cannot flee; Crown Him your King, or most surely ‘tis true, You crucify Jesus, your Saviour anew. Your job can’t die for your sins why would you worship the career path? Your politics can’t die for your sins so keep them in their proper place. Your wealth can’t die for your sins so stop bowing to your stuff. Your family can’t die for your sins so don’t make them your king. Only Jesus did what no other could do. Let’s keep the crown in its proper place!