The Hunger to Leave a Legacy

“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’” (John 12:13)

The Hunger to Leave a Legacy

What Will Jesus Pursue as He Enters Jerusalem? (John 12:12-19)

• The acclamation of the great crowd as Jesus’ enters Jerusalem (vss 12-13)
• Jesus’ subtle action and John’s explanation (vss 14-15)
• The disciples’ delay in understanding (vs 16)
• The circus fascination of many people (vss 17-18)
• The Pharisees’ intensified resistance (vs 19)

Relearning Legacy with Jesus

• Letting go of false legacies
• Getting ahold of an unchanging center in God
• Living from the unchanging center in God throughout life’s changes

1. What do you think it means to leave a legacy? Who is someone who has left a legacy that has been a gift in your life?
2. This week we conclude our “Hungry for God” series as we enter into Holy Week and the celebration of Jesus’ journey to the Cross. Begin today’s study by reading Psalm 63:1 aloud, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Be still for a minute, and then read that verse one more time. Next, ask God to speak to you as you begin this study.
3. Read John 12:12-19. Since the passage begins with “the next day,” what is it that has happened before this episode in Jesus’ life and ministry?
4. The word “hosanna” literally means “save!” or “help – please!” By Jesus’ time it was often used as a word of praise to God or acclamation for kings. The crowd quotes from the Old Testament: Psalm 118:25-26, Zephaniah 3:15-16, and Zechariah 9:9. Why do you think the crowd is now acclaiming Jesus with these words?
5. Step back and consider what it would have been like as a participant in the crowd when Jesus entered Jerusalem. What emotions would you experience? What do you think the tone around you would be like? Do you think that you would have understood or not?
6. In a brief time, the crowd turns from acclaiming Jesus to accusing Jesus. The only way that they enthrone Him as king is on a Cross (John 19). You may want to read how the crowd turned away from Him. Why did the crowd change their attitude toward Jesus so quickly and decisively?
7. What sort of a legacy do you think Jesus was trying to establish? Look at His teaching and actions earlier in John’s Gospels. Consider the following passages: Zechariah 9:9-12; John 12:19, 20, & 32; and Revelation 7:9-10.
8. What is God speaking to you personally through these verses about the hunger to know? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week.

• Memorize Psalm 63:1-5 this week.
• Take Off: Fast from social media, or some other place where you seek recognition from others, during this week. Choose not to post to your social media accounts this week or check your feeds.
• Put On: Replace your time spent on social media with time listening to God. Ask Him to point out someone you can serve in secret this week. Plan a way to bless them in some tangible way. Use the space below to take note of your experience this week.