John 12

Hosanna

John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

This would be the last trip to Jerusalem, the last Passover, for Jesus would become the Passover Lamb. He comes to visit his friends at the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.

John 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

No doubt Jesus was an honored guest and not just any kind of a friend, but the life giving savior. Both Martha and Mary had professed belief in him, they were the intercessors for their brother Lazarus.

John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Apparently his twelve disciples were with him, for we hear from Judas.

John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,
John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Judas put money high up, as his god, he was more concerned with money, though he covered this with false sentiments. Jesus rebuked this accuser and gave honor to Mary.

John 12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
John 12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

The precious ointment including spices used to wrap a body for burial. These same spices were presented to Jesus as a babe in Bethlehem by the wise men.

Mat 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Mat 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Mat 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

The gold could be used for moving expenses. The precious burial herbs also were valuable. Gold was a symbolic gift for Jesus the king and the spices were symbols for his death which would take away our sins.

John 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

It is the same today, some come to see Jesus, others only to see miracles. Jesus, the Word is above all.

The chief priests, were envious of Jesus' power and wanted to kill Him. He was a threat to their preeminence. They wished to be held in high esteem before the people, in pretense representing the God of Israel.

John 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
John 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

They would kill Jesus and his miracle friend, Lazarus.

John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.

Jesus has a time of being honored by the people, which was a fulfillment of prophecy.

John 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
John 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Wow, at this time they blessed him and honored him, calling him his title, king of Israel. He is king of spiritual Israel, all those who know him and receive him. Soon after this, many others would be shouting, crucify him, crucify him! The praise of a crowd is easily swayed by those who oppose Christ. The public opinion is often manipulated by wicked men. Now, it was time to shout praises. It was foreordained.

Is your faith from above, or from a crowd? Jesus earlier had praised Simon, because he heard from God and believed in Jesus.

Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Luke 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luke 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

John 12:14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
John 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

Isa 40:5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isa 40:6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
Isa 40:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
Isa 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
Isa 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

John 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
John 12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
John 12:18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

These were the people of faith, who had believed on Jesus after the resurrection of Lazarus. Many more would believe on him after Jesus himself is resurrected, including his family.

The reaction of the Pharisees; who were they serving?

John 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

They considered Jesus a problem, a problem to destroy, so they could remain as the supreme religious leaders before this religious people.

What was Jesus' reaction, knowing the hearts of the people?

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

Here is an example of God allowing men free will; he came calling his own people to himself "but ye would not!" Is he calling you now? What is in place of Jesus in your heart? Is the Spirit of God burning in your heart? Are you ready for his return in glory?

Luke 13:35 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

John 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

Perhaps these had seen or heard the miracle of the Greek woman.

Mark 7:26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
Mark 7:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.
Mark 7:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter.
Mark 7:30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Jesus had spoken to the Samaritan woman, and she had led many Gentiles to him. His own people mostly refused him, but there were others in other nations who would come to him, especially after the cross and the resurrection. We are to go to all the world and tell them about the grace that is in Jesus.

John 12:21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
John 12:22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

People are in need to receive Jesus, or to be received by Jesus. These Greeks asked to see him, the disciples relayed their need to the master. We are those who bring people who are needy to our Lord Jesus Christ. Our focus is on Jesus. He is King, the Son of God, the second personality of the Trinity. We dare not seek other interests, other gods, other idols, including ourselves. Jesus is to be praised, we are to give him our best and magnify him, not ourselves. We are to worship him and obey him. As we worship the Father, we point others to Jesus. He is the one we must go to be received by God the Father. Hosanna to our king! As Mary gave her best ointment, we should give him our best.

Facing the Cross

He responds to the news that certain Greeks wished to see him, by speaking of what was about to happen.

John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Jesus was soon to be crucified. He would go to the cross for the sins of His people and the sins of the world. For this purpose came he into the world.

1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

By obeying the Father, even unto the cross, he would be glorified, and his purpose would be fulfilled. The way to God the Father, would be available to all people from all nations. The way is through believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Phil 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Phil 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

This natural seed, represents Jesus, the seed from God. The first fruits of a new creation. Once Jesus has died and risen from the dead, many would be saved and those saved would even bring forth a greater harvest

John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Which is the greater work, raising the dead or bringing a person into everlasting life? Healing bodies or healing hearts?

Are we greater than Jesus?

John 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Let us not forget, that it is Jesus that shall build his church. We are laborers with him, but Salvation is of God.

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Remember this, the unsaved person can only sin, for he is under the dominion of the god of the world, the devil.

Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

We are to follow Jesus, we can do nothing of lasting value, of ourselves.

John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Jesus the man, reacted as a man, his soul was troubled as he looked ahead to the intense torture and death on the cross. But, for this purpose came he into this world. Satan was not going to make it easy. Jesus would take all our sins, the curses, the demonic opposition, mocking and torn flesh, the humiliation of his body. He would do this for us, so how can we not give him our lives in return?

John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

This is the third time the Father spoke out loud from heaven. Each time he was reassuring the Son and pointing others to him. Do you remember the other times? (Mat 3:17 and Mat 17:5)

John 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
John 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

It was for all present who could hear. Some only heard an indistinct sound, like thunder. Others thought it was a voice of an angel. Perhaps the sound of many waters.

Psa 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psa 29:3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters.
Psa 29:4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

Ezek 43:2 And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

The vision of Jesus by John in Revelation, also speaks of a voice as many waters.

Rev 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
Rev 1:14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

The world system and values would be judged. The work of satan, the prince. He himself shall be cast out of his position of power. Jesus would take back the dominion of the earth, which was originally given to Adam. He would be the second Adam, restoring dominion to mankind. He had to become as a man, to rightfully retake that which was intended for man. Satan still would rule through deception many people, but power and life and dominion is restored to us, who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.

The cross

1 Cor 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Without the cross, we would perish in our sins. There is no other way.

Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

His hour had come to give his life a ransom for all who would receive him by faith. As a seed falls into the ground and is planted so Jesus would be planted in the grave. As a seed springs forth out of the ground producing new life and many new seeds, so it is when Jesus would rise from the grave, springing forth into new eternal life. From this planting would come a spiritual harvest of many souls saved from hell. Jesus saves us from sins punishment, brings us a more abundant life now and forever with him always. Lift up the name of Jesus and all will be drawn to him. We will reach more together than he did alone in his short time on earth.

Believe in the Light

John 12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

They thought that they knew the scriptures, but what is Jesus saying? We have heard the traditions and teachings, that Messiah lives forever.

Dan 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

2 Sam 7:16 And thine house (King David) and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
2 Sam 7:17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.

Jesus was Son of God and Son of man. He was the one who would be after David, having an everlasting kingdom.

John 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

Listen to Jesus, he is truth and light. God spoke out loud to those on the Mt. of transfiguration:

Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

John 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

He spoke to us, that he is the light and that we are to be children of truth. Now we know the light is the truth of God, so we are to be the children of Gods word. What kind of fruit does a child of God have? The fruit of the Spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

The Spirit does not always continue with evil. What good would it do to cast the devils out of these men? They would only be taken over by seven times more devils, if they did not repent.

Why did he hide himself from them? Because even as today, they sought to kill him and destroy his truth. Satan is the adversary

John 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

His hour had come to give his life a ransom for all who would receive him by faith. As a seed falls in the grounded and is planted so Jesus would be planted in the grave. As a seed springs forth out of the ground producing new life and many new seeds, so it is when Jesus would rise from the grave, springing forth into new eternal life. From this planting would come a spiritual harvest of many souls saved from hell. Jesus saves us from sins punishment, brings us a more abundant life now and forever with him always. Lift up the name of Jesus and all will be drawn to him. We will reach more together than he did alone in his short time on earth.

John 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
John 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
John 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
John 12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Many today do not hear or see God's message. They do not want to see. They make light of death as a place of rest and no memory. They joke that they will be "pushing up daisies from the grave." The grave apart from the Lord Jesus Christ is not a joke. It is a terrible place for all eternity. Satan has blinded those who will not see.

John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Afraid to speak out for Christ? This is a dangerous place to be. They wanted their positions of authority in the temple, but were afraid to speak the truth. Woe to a church whose leaders are afraid to speak the truth and to lift up Jesus. They do not wish to offend, so perhaps they do not speak of the blood of Jesus.

2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Tim 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

The Jewish traditions are with fables, seeking to disprove that Jesus was the Messiah.

John 12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

He pointed people to God the Father The words he was saying came from the Father. For those who only saw a man, this should have reassured them about the messages from Jesus. To those of us who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus, we believe on Jesus and the Father.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

This is to believe on the person and the works of Jesus, our redeemer. While on earth He spoke the word of God, the Father. We see him as the Living Word, the light and the truth.

John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

John 12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

Jesus was faithful to speak the Father's word. We also must be faithful to speak the word of God. Then we can also say this, he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
John 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Jesus said that he did not come to judge, so we should not judge. He said he came to save the world. This is our job, to reach the lost in sin and darkness and to bring them to the light and truth of God. We bring them to Jesus, for their salvation.

Jesus said the word that he had spoken would judge the sinner at the last day. We need to speak his word, warning the lost and leading some to Jesus. His word will condemn in the last day, but now his word will save from God's wrath.

Rev 1:16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.

John 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
John 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

We also shall speak, whatsoever the Holy Spirit gives us to speak, we shall speak. The end is everlasting life for those who believe. We are given his word to assure that they are forgiven of sins. For those who will not receive forgiveness, we must warn and tell them their sins remain and that the wrath of God shall abide on them, unless they repent.

Come to the light, while the light is here.

Superragman@aol.com

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