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Will You Follow the King of Peace... to the Cross? | John 12:12-36
Series: Signs & Glory
Title: Will You Follow the King of Peace…to the Cross?
Subtitle:
Scripture: John 12:12-36
Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
"My wife and I used to tell our children a story to explain the love of Jesus.
A little boy wanted a model sailboat. So he began saving his money until finally he had enough. He went to the toy shop and picked out his kit, making his selection with great care. He spent weeks perfecting that boat, and finally when it was finished, he took it down to the lake. It sailed beautifully - right across the lake and out of sight. Naturally the young boy was distressed and began a frantic search. But despite his efforts he was unable to find his boat.
Several weeks later he was walking past a store window and to his amazement saw his boat with a sizable price tag attached to it. He went in and told the owner, "Sir, I would like to have my boat back." The owner said, "Well, I'm sorry, but I paid good money for it. You will have to pay for it." That poor boy worked and worked until he finally got enough money together, again, and bought his boat back. As he walked out of the store, he said, "Now you are twice mine — once because I made you and once because I bought you." Jesus created us, and he purchased us by his death on the cross, and now we can be twice his. How wonderful is the love of Jesus!" -Kent Hughes, p. 314
Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.
Summary of John 12:12–36: The King of Peace and the Call to Follow
Jesus enters Jerusalem not on a warhorse, but on a donkey’s colt—fulfilling prophecy and announcing Himself as the King of Peace. This is not the triumphant warrior king Israel expected, but the humble, sacrificial king they truly needed.
At last, Jesus declares that His “hour has come”—the time to be glorified by being lifted up (on the cross), like a seed that must be buried to bear much fruit. His death is not a tragic end but the turning point of salvation history. The King of Peace willingly dies so that others may live.
God the Father speaks audibly, affirming that Jesus does not walk this road alone—His mission is divinely appointed, and the cross is the path to glorification, not defeat. In this act of self-giving, sacrificial love, judgment is overcome by mercy, and light overcomes darkness.
Jesus calls His followers not just to celebrate Him, but to imitate Him:
To die to self (as Jesus did)
To live in service of the King (for He is worthy)
To walk in the light while they have the light (an urgent call to believe)
This passage challenges us to ask:
Have I truly received Jesus as my King of Peace?
And am I following Him down the road of self-sacrifice and light-bearing obedience?
OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)
Palm Sunday in Liberia – 1996
During the civil war in Liberia, a group of Christians held a Palm Sunday procession through the streets—singing, waving palm branches, and declaring peace in a time of terror. Bullets were flying, but they walked in faith, believing Jesus was King even in chaos.
Their worship didn’t change the political reality that day, but it did remind everyone that peace isn’t the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of the King.
1. Receive Jesus as the King of Peace
• vv. 12–15 — Jesus enters humbly on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
• He comes to bring peace, not war—salvation, not oppression.
• Application: Don’t just cheer for Jesus; crown Him. Receive Him on His terms.
2. Recognize that His Glory Comes Through Death
• vv. 23–26 — “The hour has come… unless a grain of wheat falls…”
• Jesus embraces the cross to bring fruit—He dies that we might live.
• Application: True life comes from letting go of control, comfort, and self.
3. Trust That God Is in This with Him—and with You
• vv. 27–30 — The voice from heaven reminds us Jesus isn’t alone.
• God affirms this path of suffering and glory.
• Application: You’re not alone either. The Father honors those who serve the Son.
4. Walk in the Light While You Have the Light
• vv. 35–36 — The light won’t always be available. Follow now.
• Application: Walking in the light means obeying Jesus, even when the path includes a cross.
CONCLUSION
CLOSING ILLUSTRATION IDEA (true story):
Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.
Maximilian Kolbe – A Life Given for Another
In Auschwitz during WWII, a man was chosen to die. Another prisoner—Fr. Maximilian Kolbe—stepped forward and offered to take his place. He willingly died so that the other might live.
This sacrificial love changed not only one life, but echoed through history.
Connection: Jesus said, “Unless a seed falls into the ground…” He laid down His life so that many might live. Will we follow Him in dying to self and living for others?
Charles Ross Weed captured the idea of a servant king in his poem "Christ and Alexander."
"Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three, One died in Babylon and one on Calvary.
One gained all for self, and one himself he gave.
One conquered every throne, the other every grave.
When died the Greek, forever fell his throne of swords, But Jesus died to live forever Lord of lords.
Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three.
The Greek made all men slaves, the Jew made all men free.
One built a throne on blood, the other built on love.
The One was born of earth, the other from above.
One won all this earth to lose all earth and Heaven.
The other gave up all that all to him be given.
The Greek forever died, the Jew forever lives.
He loses all who gets and wins all things who gives." -Hughes, p. 309
Moses and the serpents John 3, Numbers 21
INVITATION
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
OUTLINE
See above
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
Claude.ai
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Perplexity.ai
Google Gemini AI
View all episodes
By Grace Christian Fellowship
5
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Series: Signs & Glory
Title: Will You Follow the King of Peace…to the Cross?
Subtitle:
Scripture: John 12:12-36
Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.
INTRODUCTION
CONTEXT
SERMON OUTLINE
CONCLUSION
NOTES
OUTLINES
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
MAIN REFERENCES USED
Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.
INTRODUCTION
"My wife and I used to tell our children a story to explain the love of Jesus.
A little boy wanted a model sailboat. So he began saving his money until finally he had enough. He went to the toy shop and picked out his kit, making his selection with great care. He spent weeks perfecting that boat, and finally when it was finished, he took it down to the lake. It sailed beautifully - right across the lake and out of sight. Naturally the young boy was distressed and began a frantic search. But despite his efforts he was unable to find his boat.
Several weeks later he was walking past a store window and to his amazement saw his boat with a sizable price tag attached to it. He went in and told the owner, "Sir, I would like to have my boat back." The owner said, "Well, I'm sorry, but I paid good money for it. You will have to pay for it." That poor boy worked and worked until he finally got enough money together, again, and bought his boat back. As he walked out of the store, he said, "Now you are twice mine — once because I made you and once because I bought you." Jesus created us, and he purchased us by his death on the cross, and now we can be twice his. How wonderful is the love of Jesus!" -Kent Hughes, p. 314
Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.
Summary of John 12:12–36: The King of Peace and the Call to Follow
Jesus enters Jerusalem not on a warhorse, but on a donkey’s colt—fulfilling prophecy and announcing Himself as the King of Peace. This is not the triumphant warrior king Israel expected, but the humble, sacrificial king they truly needed.
At last, Jesus declares that His “hour has come”—the time to be glorified by being lifted up (on the cross), like a seed that must be buried to bear much fruit. His death is not a tragic end but the turning point of salvation history. The King of Peace willingly dies so that others may live.
God the Father speaks audibly, affirming that Jesus does not walk this road alone—His mission is divinely appointed, and the cross is the path to glorification, not defeat. In this act of self-giving, sacrificial love, judgment is overcome by mercy, and light overcomes darkness.
Jesus calls His followers not just to celebrate Him, but to imitate Him:
To die to self (as Jesus did)
To live in service of the King (for He is worthy)
To walk in the light while they have the light (an urgent call to believe)
This passage challenges us to ask:
Have I truly received Jesus as my King of Peace?
And am I following Him down the road of self-sacrifice and light-bearing obedience?
OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)
Palm Sunday in Liberia – 1996
During the civil war in Liberia, a group of Christians held a Palm Sunday procession through the streets—singing, waving palm branches, and declaring peace in a time of terror. Bullets were flying, but they walked in faith, believing Jesus was King even in chaos.
Their worship didn’t change the political reality that day, but it did remind everyone that peace isn’t the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of the King.
1. Receive Jesus as the King of Peace
• vv. 12–15 — Jesus enters humbly on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy (Zechariah 9:9).
• He comes to bring peace, not war—salvation, not oppression.
• Application: Don’t just cheer for Jesus; crown Him. Receive Him on His terms.
2. Recognize that His Glory Comes Through Death
• vv. 23–26 — “The hour has come… unless a grain of wheat falls…”
• Jesus embraces the cross to bring fruit—He dies that we might live.
• Application: True life comes from letting go of control, comfort, and self.
3. Trust That God Is in This with Him—and with You
• vv. 27–30 — The voice from heaven reminds us Jesus isn’t alone.
• God affirms this path of suffering and glory.
• Application: You’re not alone either. The Father honors those who serve the Son.
4. Walk in the Light While You Have the Light
• vv. 35–36 — The light won’t always be available. Follow now.
• Application: Walking in the light means obeying Jesus, even when the path includes a cross.
CONCLUSION
CLOSING ILLUSTRATION IDEA (true story):
Bottom line: Jesus is the King of Peace who dies to bring life. We follow Him by dying to self and walking in His light.
Maximilian Kolbe – A Life Given for Another
In Auschwitz during WWII, a man was chosen to die. Another prisoner—Fr. Maximilian Kolbe—stepped forward and offered to take his place. He willingly died so that the other might live.
This sacrificial love changed not only one life, but echoed through history.
Connection: Jesus said, “Unless a seed falls into the ground…” He laid down His life so that many might live. Will we follow Him in dying to self and living for others?
Charles Ross Weed captured the idea of a servant king in his poem "Christ and Alexander."
"Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three, One died in Babylon and one on Calvary.
One gained all for self, and one himself he gave.
One conquered every throne, the other every grave.
When died the Greek, forever fell his throne of swords, But Jesus died to live forever Lord of lords.
Jesus and Alexander died at thirty-three.
The Greek made all men slaves, the Jew made all men free.
One built a throne on blood, the other built on love.
The One was born of earth, the other from above.
One won all this earth to lose all earth and Heaven.
The other gave up all that all to him be given.
The Greek forever died, the Jew forever lives.
He loses all who gets and wins all things who gives." -Hughes, p. 309
Moses and the serpents John 3, Numbers 21
INVITATION
What about you?
Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:
““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” Acts 2:36-39 NIV
How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:
Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:
What is God saying to me right now?
What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.
What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.
[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.
Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.
Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.
Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)
Pray
NOTES
OUTLINE
See above
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
What do I want them to know?
Why do I want them to know it?
What do I want them to do?
Why do I want them to do it?
How do they do this?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/
Read the passage together.
Retell the story in your own words.
Discovery the story
What does this story tell me about God?
What does this story tell me about people?
If this is really true, what should I do?
What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)
What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)
Who am I going to tell about this?
Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast
Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:
Who is God?
What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?
Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)
What do I do? (In light of who I am)
How do I do it?
Final Questions (Write this down)
What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?
MAIN REFERENCES USED
“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes
Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg
The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce
John, RC Sproul
John, Köstenberger
The Gospel According to John, DA Carson
Let's Study John, Mark Johnston
The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)
The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)
“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)
“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)
“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)
Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)
NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/
Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)
ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org
The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com
Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion
Claude.ai
ChatGPT AI
Grok AI
Perplexity.ai
Google Gemini AI