John 12
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you ." 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 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!"
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written, 15 "Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?" 35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
"Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 "He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them."
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him. 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human glory more than the glory of God.
44 Then Jesus cried out, "Those who believe in me do not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When they look at me, they see the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47 "As for those who hear my words but do not keep them, I do not judge them. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for those who reject me and do not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you ." 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the Festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 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!"
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written, 15 "Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." 16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him. 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"
20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Festival. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?" 35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
"Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 "He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them."
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about him. 42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human glory more than the glory of God.
44 Then Jesus cried out, "Those who believe in me do not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 When they look at me, they see the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47 "As for those who hear my words but do not keep them, I do not judge them. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for those who reject me and do not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
John 12: 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor (This probably happened at Simon the Leper’s house - Mt 26:6/Mk 14:3). Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume (Nard was used in small amounts for cosmetic purposes, but it was also used for burial rites, which makes sense that Mary had some, due to the death of Lazarus – this is how Jesus interprets her act. There are many symbolic attributes to this story: first, as we read in John 2 Jesus’ earthly ministry is began at a feast, now we read of his earthly ministry coming to an end at a dinner. Due to the type of oil, nard specifically, we have something different than Luke talks about in 7:46, what we have seems to be an anointing that would symbolize one being glorified in death, where as in Mark 14, the way Jesus is anointed is much like the Jewish tradition would expect a king to be anointed, so what we see is the different focus of both Mark and John, the truth is the Amount of Nard used was enough to anoint the entire body, but John was intent on pointing to the death of a King...); she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair (Jewish women did not let down their hair in public. This is an expression of devotion that would have come across as extremely improper, as indeed it would in most cultures. The most obvious reason for Mary doing this was due to her sheer gratitude for what Jesus had done for her brother and the revelation it brought to her of Jesus' identity, power, authority and grace, which causes her faith to deepen and she recognizes her unworthiness. This is probably another very good example of God’s predetermined plan, in that there is no reason to assume that Mary really knew what she was doing much like the High Priest Caiaphas back in 11:49-51). And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
SIDE NOTE: In the later rabbinic literature, Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7.1.1 states “The fragrance of good oil is diffused from the bedroom to the dining hall, but a good name is diffused from one end of the world to the other.” If this saying was known in the 1st century, this might be the author’s way of indicating that Mary’s act of devotion would be spoken of throughout the entire world—compare this to Mark 14:9
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it (Once again we have a very clear example of what happens as a response to God’s grace – Mary who knew Jesus, saw miracles, heard his teachings, and even watched her brother raise from the dead – this lead her to spend her most precious possessions on Jesus; to go against the cultural norm as a woman and set at his feet in the place of a disciple, which is not the place of a woman back then; and put herself in the position of a lowly servant because of her exaltation of Him – Where as Judas who had seen way more than Mary, was chosen as one of the disciples despite his own brokenness and character flaws; but became hardened when Jesus received worship, exalted himself to the point of being judge of what Jesus deserved and didn't, along with acting as if he was very concerned about the poor – although, it is possible Mary herself was poor – so she was giving more than she really had, this is not his concern, due to the fact that he is irritated at Jesus and in need of money, he sales off Jesus).
7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you (First, lets establish one thing, this is not to be taken as an excuse to avoid helping the poor simply because the problem of poverty seems to be insurmountable and everlasting. What Jesus is actually talking about is a matter of priorities. While he was still with his disciples, for only a short while, such extravagant gestures of devotion were not out of order, even though Jesus was very concerned for the plight of the poor [Matthew 25:31-46]), but you will not always have me (It is important, understand that the objection was, "Why waste that stuff on Jesus? We could be feeding the poor!" Jesus points out that worship and reverence to the Son of God ought to be first, and everything else should flow and follow from that)." 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
12 The next day the great crowd (To give you an idea of the amount of people who may have came to this: Josephus records that just 30 years after this feast 2.7 million pilgrims came not including ‘foreigners’ or the ‘ritually unclean persons’ who were probably present. Even if this is an exaggeration, this still gives us a picture of why the religious rulers become paranoid. If this one man can cause many to follow him, think of the influence the many can have on the crowd, and think of what an army of 2.7 million people can do who no longer believe in the way of the pharisaic Judaism, which we actually see happening down in verse 17-19) that had come for the Festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches (the Mosaic Law stated [Lev 23:40] that branches of palm trees were to be used to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles, 1st and 2nd Maccabees lets us know that they were later used to celebrate other festivals as well, because at this point palm branches had come to be associated with the triumphs of the Macabees and their triumphal entry into Jerusalem, signifying to the Phaisees that the people saw Jesus as the same kind of Military leader as Simon or Judas Maccabeus) and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!" (Back then this word was used as an expression of praise like we may say, “Haill to the king.” However the Hebrew meaning was used more often, as “Lord Save Us” which is what they expected from their Messiah – to be saved from their Roman offenders and set up as the world power, so this is probably what the people had in mind, “Jesus if you are really you say you are then we will praise you because you are going to free us from Rome!” Then add this with the fact that the people kind of saw him as king, re-look at John 6, as at one point they tried to force him to that king)
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" – Psalm 118:25-26
"Blessed is the king of Israel!"
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written (Zech 9:9):
15 "Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt." – it is clear that if Zechariah 9:9 was the text in point, then the rest of this verse proves that even in prophecy Jesus was not going to be the kind of Messiah that the people were hoping for
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him (I think it is unique that John brings this out, as to say that it wasn’t till after the death, burial, and resurrection that the Disciples correlated these OT prophesies to the life of Jesus – look back on John 2:2). 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him (refer to notes in verse 12). 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"
20 Now there were some Greeks (Gentiles who are god-fearers or perhaps proselytes – one has to wonder if these Greeks were willing to ask of Jesus for the reason of the miracles they had heard about, and the driving out of the money changers from the temples, since it was the ‘Greek/Gentile’ area of the temple that Jesus cleansed of Jewish materialism) among those who went up to worship at the Festival. 21 They came to Philip (they possibly came to him because he was one of two out the disciples who had a Greek name, and possibly because of the city that he came from probably had a lot of Greek-speaking, God-fearers. Even if this wasn’t the reason we know according to Eusebius that Philip became involved in missionary work with the Gentiles in Asia Minor.), who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (Jesus is the kernel who falls to the ground at Calvary and dies, and awakens a world wide movement, in the production of seeds [apostles and disciples] that are spread throughout the entire world.) 25 Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life (This is probably a version of the saying found in Mark 8:35. Jesus is beginning to speak of his followers as his servants who will act as he does, loving their mission more than their own life). 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. – this conversation probably spurred on the thought of Jesus in verses 27-28, due to the fact this has to do with the Greeks, and Jesus knows his death will result in the savings of Greeks, Gentiles, Samaritans, etc, etc…
27 "Now my soul is troubled (Another picture of Jesus’ humanity), and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it (through the miraculous birth and life of Jesus), and will glorify it again (Through the death and resurrection of Jesus)." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world (kosmos – the order of; government; ungodly multitude - what we have being talked about or referred to here is the ‘already-not-yet’ kingdom of God – we read in the Bible of ‘this-age’ and of ‘the-age-to-come.’ The best way to describe this is that in the time called ‘this-age’ satan was apparently the ruler, and was allowed to roam free, the fully manifested ‘age-to-come’ will be seen for all its glory at the Parousia, or Christ’s second coming, there will be no sin for it will have lost its power. However, this, ‘age-to-come’ was inaugurated or put into affect at the resurrection of Christ. So we are currently living in the overlapping period – So, though Satan has been judged, and his power removed or ‘locked up’ we still deal with his affects and the affects of sinful humanity, as the Father holds off on the 'end' so that many may know Him as their Lord [1 Corinthians 15:23-28] this is made possible because of the entering of the age to come through the death and resurrection of Christ, that many will experience the transforming power of this Age-to-Come. The powers of this Kingdom of God has invaded this current age so that men may ‘know’ something of its blessings even while the ‘evil’ age is still present); now the prince of this world will be driven out (as ruler of this world, a role Jesus will take ove as a result of and by means of is glorification – Col. 2:15). 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth (we know the phrase, ‘lifted up’ is a negative thing, based off of the response in verse 34, Jesus is basically saying, I can’t draw all men unto me unless I am first lifted up for all men, then I will and can), will draw all people to myself (Romans 5:18)." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. – based off of the verses I mention after vs. 34, it was believed that Messiah would be an Israeli King over the whole earth, Jesus – the uplifted temple that was destroyed [crucifixion] - was vindicated by his resurrection and the ‘True Israel’, the King of a heavenly Zion and the eternal Temple around which the nations will gather, written by Arthur Glasser
34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever (this is probably something from the 'Oral Torah' - in other words, the Jews believed that the True Torah includes two section; the written Torah and the Oral Torah.), so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?" (Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 9:7; Ezekiel 37:25; Daniel 7:14) 35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
37 (this section summarizes the state of unbelief Jesus found in Judaism and offers an explanation.) Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
"Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed (a Jewish expression for God’s great power)?" – Isaiah 53:1
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 "He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them." – Isaiah 6:9-10 c.f with Mark 4:11-12 and Romans 9-11 – Other similarities are Acts 28:26-27; Isaiah 29:10, Romans 11:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory (death, burial, and resurrection) and spoke about him.
42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders (the word leaders here is in reference to members of the Sanhedrin, the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews – the same word for ‘leader’ here is the same word to describe Nicodemus in 3:1) believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue (i.e. Nicodemus 3:1 and Joseph Arimathea of John 19); 43 for they loved human glory more than the glory of God. – I don’t think you really need an exegetical point on this, we see it everywhere today in our lives. The truth is, many people will not come to have ‘faith’ in Christ, not because there isn’t enough evidence, but simply because of where they get their value from and who sets as god in their life!
44 Then Jesus cried out, "Those who believe in me do not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me (John 1:18 & 14:9). 45 When they look at me, they see the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47 "As for those who hear my words but do not keep them, I do not judge them. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world (John 3:17). 48 There is a judge for those who reject me and do not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day (Humanity will be held accountable for the choices they make, because in accepting Christ, they accept God, but in denying Jesus, God is so merciful, that he will give them exactly what they have chosen – life without Jesus, which is life without God!). 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
SIDE NOTE: In the later rabbinic literature, Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7.1.1 states “The fragrance of good oil is diffused from the bedroom to the dining hall, but a good name is diffused from one end of the world to the other.” If this saying was known in the 1st century, this might be the author’s way of indicating that Mary’s act of devotion would be spoken of throughout the entire world—compare this to Mark 14:9
4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it (Once again we have a very clear example of what happens as a response to God’s grace – Mary who knew Jesus, saw miracles, heard his teachings, and even watched her brother raise from the dead – this lead her to spend her most precious possessions on Jesus; to go against the cultural norm as a woman and set at his feet in the place of a disciple, which is not the place of a woman back then; and put herself in the position of a lowly servant because of her exaltation of Him – Where as Judas who had seen way more than Mary, was chosen as one of the disciples despite his own brokenness and character flaws; but became hardened when Jesus received worship, exalted himself to the point of being judge of what Jesus deserved and didn't, along with acting as if he was very concerned about the poor – although, it is possible Mary herself was poor – so she was giving more than she really had, this is not his concern, due to the fact that he is irritated at Jesus and in need of money, he sales off Jesus).
7 "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "[It was intended] that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you (First, lets establish one thing, this is not to be taken as an excuse to avoid helping the poor simply because the problem of poverty seems to be insurmountable and everlasting. What Jesus is actually talking about is a matter of priorities. While he was still with his disciples, for only a short while, such extravagant gestures of devotion were not out of order, even though Jesus was very concerned for the plight of the poor [Matthew 25:31-46]), but you will not always have me (It is important, understand that the objection was, "Why waste that stuff on Jesus? We could be feeding the poor!" Jesus points out that worship and reverence to the Son of God ought to be first, and everything else should flow and follow from that)." 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.
12 The next day the great crowd (To give you an idea of the amount of people who may have came to this: Josephus records that just 30 years after this feast 2.7 million pilgrims came not including ‘foreigners’ or the ‘ritually unclean persons’ who were probably present. Even if this is an exaggeration, this still gives us a picture of why the religious rulers become paranoid. If this one man can cause many to follow him, think of the influence the many can have on the crowd, and think of what an army of 2.7 million people can do who no longer believe in the way of the pharisaic Judaism, which we actually see happening down in verse 17-19) that had come for the Festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches (the Mosaic Law stated [Lev 23:40] that branches of palm trees were to be used to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles, 1st and 2nd Maccabees lets us know that they were later used to celebrate other festivals as well, because at this point palm branches had come to be associated with the triumphs of the Macabees and their triumphal entry into Jerusalem, signifying to the Phaisees that the people saw Jesus as the same kind of Military leader as Simon or Judas Maccabeus) and went out to meet him, shouting,
"Hosanna!" (Back then this word was used as an expression of praise like we may say, “Haill to the king.” However the Hebrew meaning was used more often, as “Lord Save Us” which is what they expected from their Messiah – to be saved from their Roman offenders and set up as the world power, so this is probably what the people had in mind, “Jesus if you are really you say you are then we will praise you because you are going to free us from Rome!” Then add this with the fact that the people kind of saw him as king, re-look at John 6, as at one point they tried to force him to that king)
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" – Psalm 118:25-26
"Blessed is the king of Israel!"
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written (Zech 9:9):
15 "Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey's colt." – it is clear that if Zechariah 9:9 was the text in point, then the rest of this verse proves that even in prophecy Jesus was not going to be the kind of Messiah that the people were hoping for
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him (I think it is unique that John brings this out, as to say that it wasn’t till after the death, burial, and resurrection that the Disciples correlated these OT prophesies to the life of Jesus – look back on John 2:2). 17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him (refer to notes in verse 12). 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, "See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!"
20 Now there were some Greeks (Gentiles who are god-fearers or perhaps proselytes – one has to wonder if these Greeks were willing to ask of Jesus for the reason of the miracles they had heard about, and the driving out of the money changers from the temples, since it was the ‘Greek/Gentile’ area of the temple that Jesus cleansed of Jewish materialism) among those who went up to worship at the Festival. 21 They came to Philip (they possibly came to him because he was one of two out the disciples who had a Greek name, and possibly because of the city that he came from probably had a lot of Greek-speaking, God-fearers. Even if this wasn’t the reason we know according to Eusebius that Philip became involved in missionary work with the Gentiles in Asia Minor.), who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (Jesus is the kernel who falls to the ground at Calvary and dies, and awakens a world wide movement, in the production of seeds [apostles and disciples] that are spread throughout the entire world.) 25 Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life (This is probably a version of the saying found in Mark 8:35. Jesus is beginning to speak of his followers as his servants who will act as he does, loving their mission more than their own life). 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. – this conversation probably spurred on the thought of Jesus in verses 27-28, due to the fact this has to do with the Greeks, and Jesus knows his death will result in the savings of Greeks, Gentiles, Samaritans, etc, etc…
27 "Now my soul is troubled (Another picture of Jesus’ humanity), and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it (through the miraculous birth and life of Jesus), and will glorify it again (Through the death and resurrection of Jesus)." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world (kosmos – the order of; government; ungodly multitude - what we have being talked about or referred to here is the ‘already-not-yet’ kingdom of God – we read in the Bible of ‘this-age’ and of ‘the-age-to-come.’ The best way to describe this is that in the time called ‘this-age’ satan was apparently the ruler, and was allowed to roam free, the fully manifested ‘age-to-come’ will be seen for all its glory at the Parousia, or Christ’s second coming, there will be no sin for it will have lost its power. However, this, ‘age-to-come’ was inaugurated or put into affect at the resurrection of Christ. So we are currently living in the overlapping period – So, though Satan has been judged, and his power removed or ‘locked up’ we still deal with his affects and the affects of sinful humanity, as the Father holds off on the 'end' so that many may know Him as their Lord [1 Corinthians 15:23-28] this is made possible because of the entering of the age to come through the death and resurrection of Christ, that many will experience the transforming power of this Age-to-Come. The powers of this Kingdom of God has invaded this current age so that men may ‘know’ something of its blessings even while the ‘evil’ age is still present); now the prince of this world will be driven out (as ruler of this world, a role Jesus will take ove as a result of and by means of is glorification – Col. 2:15). 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth (we know the phrase, ‘lifted up’ is a negative thing, based off of the response in verse 34, Jesus is basically saying, I can’t draw all men unto me unless I am first lifted up for all men, then I will and can), will draw all people to myself (Romans 5:18)." 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. – based off of the verses I mention after vs. 34, it was believed that Messiah would be an Israeli King over the whole earth, Jesus – the uplifted temple that was destroyed [crucifixion] - was vindicated by his resurrection and the ‘True Israel’, the King of a heavenly Zion and the eternal Temple around which the nations will gather, written by Arthur Glasser
34 The crowd spoke up, "We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever (this is probably something from the 'Oral Torah' - in other words, the Jews believed that the True Torah includes two section; the written Torah and the Oral Torah.), so how can you say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this 'Son of Man'?" (Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 9:7; Ezekiel 37:25; Daniel 7:14) 35 Then Jesus told them, "You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light." When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
37 (this section summarizes the state of unbelief Jesus found in Judaism and offers an explanation.) Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
"Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed (a Jewish expression for God’s great power)?" – Isaiah 53:1
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 "He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them." – Isaiah 6:9-10 c.f with Mark 4:11-12 and Romans 9-11 – Other similarities are Acts 28:26-27; Isaiah 29:10, Romans 11:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory (death, burial, and resurrection) and spoke about him.
42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders (the word leaders here is in reference to members of the Sanhedrin, the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews – the same word for ‘leader’ here is the same word to describe Nicodemus in 3:1) believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue (i.e. Nicodemus 3:1 and Joseph Arimathea of John 19); 43 for they loved human glory more than the glory of God. – I don’t think you really need an exegetical point on this, we see it everywhere today in our lives. The truth is, many people will not come to have ‘faith’ in Christ, not because there isn’t enough evidence, but simply because of where they get their value from and who sets as god in their life!
44 Then Jesus cried out, "Those who believe in me do not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me (John 1:18 & 14:9). 45 When they look at me, they see the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
47 "As for those who hear my words but do not keep them, I do not judge them. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world (John 3:17). 48 There is a judge for those who reject me and do not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day (Humanity will be held accountable for the choices they make, because in accepting Christ, they accept God, but in denying Jesus, God is so merciful, that he will give them exactly what they have chosen – life without Jesus, which is life without God!). 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
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