John 12:14

By choosing a young donkey instead of a warhorse, Jesus calmed the excited crowd that was eager for him to become king. He also fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (see Zechariah 9:9). He made it clear that his kingship was not based on violence. He did not come as a warrior to conquer nations. He came to give life. His rule would bring peace, not military victory.

• In this part of John’s Gospel, two stories move forward at the same time.

  First, more and more people begin to praise Jesus. Their excitement reaches a high point when crowds welcome him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy (12:12–13).

  Second, the religious authorities become more determined to arrest Jesus and put him to death. As public support grows, their opposition grows as well.

• John's Gospel describes three events that happened only days before Passover (12:1–11, 12–19, 20–36). Then he explains why most of the people refused to believe and describes the final public message spoken by Jesus (12:37–50).