A study of John 12:12-19 reveals Jesus’ triumphant entry, a messianic rather than military procession, and desperation when power is threatened.
A study of John 12:12-19 reveals Jesus’ triumphant entry.
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel! (ESV, John 12:12-13)
After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and the two shared a dinner together, excitement stirred among the people. But groups were still divided in their response. Many were eager to see and consider following Jesus, but the Jewish leaders rejected him. They were full of jealousy, hatred, and feared for their positions of power. And they wanted to kill him.
When it became known Jesus was heading to Jerusalem, an excited crowd went out to meet him carrying palm branches. Matthew 21:8 describes it this way. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. In addition, the people cried, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
The significance of palm branches
Palm branches had an Old Testament history too. They were used in Israel’s worship as recorded in Leviticus 23:40
And you shall take on the first day the fruit of splendid trees, branches of palm trees and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. (ESV, Leviticus 23:40)
Palm branches were used as an expression of joy before God and celebrated his provision and deliverance. And they further symbolized a theme of salvation, not just politics.
A study of John 12:12-19 reveals a messianic rather than military procession.
Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” (ESV, John 12:15)
Following victorius battles, Roman generals often entered cities in a military procession displaying their spoils of war. Usually riding in a chariot or on a war horse to project dominance and power. As the people of the city watched, they often joined in with shouts of celebration. But John descibes Jesus as entering in a different manner as prophesied by Zechariah.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (ESV, Zechariah 9:9)
In contrast to Roman generals who projected dominating power, Jesus’ entrance was marked by righteousness and salvation. And his manner demonstrated humility. He projected both his godly character and spiritual intentions.
Furthermore, the proclamation of the crowd recorded by John is also found in Old Testament scripture.
O LORD, save us, we pray…Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. (ESV, Psalm 118:25–26)
The psalm was sung during pilgrimage feasts like the Passover. And it includes the imagery of a procession toward the temple in anticipation of a coming deliverer and sacrifice. In other words, the crowd unknowingly participated in a messianic procession symbolizing the savior’s sacrifice. But missed it because they expected a savior that delivered them from Roman oppression, not sin. And a physical, earthly king rather than a spiritual, heavenly one.
A study of John 12:12-19 reveals desperation when power is threatened.
The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.” (ESV, John 12:18-19)
The news about Lazarus spread rapidly among the people for a simple reason. As John records, the people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the grave continued to bear witness to the event. The excitement, enthusiasm, and curiosity it sparked attracted a large crowd of people to meet Jesus on his way into Jerusalem. In similar fashion, the testimony of believers today continues to draw people to Jesus. But sharing often takes courage.
Because now like then, a hostile crowd seeks to silence voices that proclaim Jesus. And see him as a threat to their lifestyle rather than savior from their sin. The Pharisees exemplify closed minds and hard hearts as they declare in V.19, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
The Pharisees’ determination to protect their power would result in desperate measures as future events demonstrate. But then, many of the crowd that goes out to meet him quickly turns on him too when he fails to meet their expectations.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
A study of John 12:1-11 reveals honoring Jesus and extravagant love, an altruistic guise and spiritual vision, and seeking spectacle over substance.
A study of John 12:1-11 reveals honoring Jesus and extravagant love.
So they gave a dinner for him there.Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pintof pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. (ESV, John 12: 2-3)
This story is similarly recorded in Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, and Luke 7:36-50. A woman annoints Jesus with a jar full of expensive perfume. But there are variations among the authors. So how do we make sense of it? The account in Luke has several differences in time, location, and story characters and is therefore a separate event. But Matthew, Mark, and John can be explained as different writer viewpoints and perspectives of the same event. Like the story variations between different eyewitnesses describing the same incident.
In this account, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary host a dinner for Jesus who recently raised Lazarus from the dead in a dramatic fashion before a crowd of eyewitnesses. And the dinner both honors Jesus and celebrates Lazarus who participates in the occasion as a living testimony to the power of God. Martha works as a server. And in the middle of dinner, Mary expresses her devotion to Jesus in a dramatic, emotional act of extravagance. She pours a jar of expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus and dries his feet with her hair.
It was a selfless expression of humility, devotion, and love. But of course, there are always people who judge the actions of others out of the sinful desires in their own hearts. And in this case, it was Judas Iscariot.
A study of John 12:1-11 reveals an altruistic guise and spiritual vision.
Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.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. (ESV, John 12: 5-6)
Proper stewardship of God’s resources is a legitimate concern for every organization in Christian ministry. And those responsible for the finances must decide how to best disperse money towards benevolence, ministry, missions, and facilities. Who gets what, when, and why? The ultimate goal is to both honor God and support ministry. But sin has a way of spoiling things.
And sinful motives are easily hidden under the guise of altruism as demonstrated by Judas Iscariot. Although he raises a good point. The perfume Mary just poured over Jesus’ feet could have helped many poor people. Especially since it represented a year of income for the average worker of that day. But Judas didn’t really care about the poor. He was thinking about himself. Specifically, how he might help himself to it since he handled the ministry money purse.
But to our surprise and Judas’ disappointment, Jesus sides with Mary.
Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” (ESV, John 12:7-8)
Mary demonstrates spiritual vision
Spiritual vision requires humility, submission, and faith. And Mary demonstrated it in washing Jesus’ feet. Of course, caring for the poor was important. But the work of Christ was essential. For without his sacrifice for sin, mankind was doomed. Mary didn’t have it all figured out. But she confessed Jesus for who he was–the Son of God. And though her understanding was probably limited, she saw that at this particular moment he was the most significant person who deserved her full devotion.
And that is what spiritual vision involves. People of God who prayerfully seek and prioritize actions by looking beyond human reasoning and acting on faith to perform God’s work. Ideally, a church congregation collectively and prayerfully seeks God’s will and exercises faith to pursue a Spirit led direction.
A study of John 12:1-11 reveals seeking spectacle over substance.
Certainly, it was a dramatic sight when Lazarus emerged alive from the tomb in burial wrappings. And Mary’s display was impressive too, enhanced by a sweet aroma that filled the home. As John notes, the spectacle attracted a large crowd of people who wanted to see both Jesus and Lazarus. The two stars in a miracle show beyond all others.
But there was substance too for those looking with spiritual eyes. The mighty power of God. A Savior who was the resurrection and the life. And an opportunity for eternal life. The problem, however, is when spectacle overshadows substance.
So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as wellbecause on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. (ESV, John 12:10-11)
Spectacle impresses us with the WOW factor. But substance sustains us in following Jesus Christ. And the spectacle of raising Lazarus caused many Jews to believe in Jesus. John makes no other comment so we must assume they were sincere decisions of faith. But the religious leaders grew even more determined to eliminate Jesus and kill Lazarus too since his resurrection was drawing more people to Jesus.
Today we are also surrounded with Christian spectacle. Worship services and church programs that attract consumers rather than spiritually form followers. And the question we must individually consider: Am I attending worship as a spectator or a follower of the living Lord?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals a divide between belief and unbelief, prophecy from a non-believer, and a cautious Savior as he completes his mission.
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals a divide between belief and unbelief.
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. (ESV, John 11:45-46)
After Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead the people who witnessed the miracle are spiritually divided. Some believe in Jesus but others go to the Pharisees to report the event. They knew the religious establishment wanted to arrest him and would want to know about such a spectacular miracle.
The Greek word for “believed” is pistĕuō, which means to put trust in, have faith in, entrust one’s spiritual well-being, commit to. John doesn’t comment on the genuineness of these believers in their faith. But the way he positions thems against those who reported to the Pharisees suggests the reporters are delivering intel on the enemy. Raising Lazarus from the dead was an awesome disply of God’s power. And yet, people hardened their hearts toward Jesus.
We see the same divide between belief and unbelief today. Along with the hostility toward Jesus and his followers. It’s why Jesus warns us to beware of a sinful and often hostile world.
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (ESV, Matthew 10:16)
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals prophecy from a non-believer
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked.(ESV, John 11:47)
The Sanhedrin was the Jewish ruling council during the time of Jesus. It operated as a religious, judicial, and political authority under Roman rule. It included 70 members made up of chief priests, pharisees, and scribes led by the high priest. And they met to discuss the problem posed by Jesus. The first thing to note is they don’t deny that Jesus performed miracles.
Here is this man performing many signs.
They acknowledged the power of God in his miracles, but they hardened their hearts against Jesus as the Son of God.
The motive for seeking Jesus’ death.
If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.
Jesus’ popularity was growing and their influence declining. And the religious leaders worried Jesus might spark a messianic movement. In that case Rome would certainly crush it, but they might be replaced in the process. Then Caiphas, the high priest, prophesizes on two levels.
You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish. (ESV, John 11:49-50)
Humanly speaking, Caiphas makes a cold, calculated statement. Jesus must die to protect the people of Israel and preserve their power. But his words also proclaim the gospel.
And not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. (ESV, John 11:52)
John points out that Caiphas prophesied without realizing the spiritual depth to his words. Jesus would die for the nation of Israel and the entire world. But not because the Sanhedrin conspired to bring it about. He was obeying the father and sacrificing himself for the sins of the world.
A study of John 11:45-57 reveals a cautious savior as he completes his mission.
So from that day on they plotted to take his life.Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. (ESV, John 11:53-54)
The Greek word for “plotted” is ebouleusanto and actually means resolved. In other words, the Sanhedrin agreed Jesus must die. Now to formulate a plan and execute it. And like cutting to the next scene in a movie, the biblical text jumps to where Jesus makes a decision. Rather than appearing openly in Judea he moves to the remote village of Ephraim with his disciples to make sure all goes according to the father’s will.
The Passover celebration was approaching. And the Jewish religious leaders anticipated Jesus making a public appearance. So they ordered the people to alert them if they saw him.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
A study of John 11:32-44 reveals an expression of emotion and affirmation of faith, the Jesus who knows and loves us, and his power over death.
A study of John 11:32-44 reveals an expression of emotion and affirmation of faith.
Now when Mary came to where Jesus was she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (ESV, John 11:32)
After the death of her brother Lazarus, Mary was at home mourning with friends who gathered as a support group. But when her sister Martha says Jesus is outside asking for her, she goes to him immediately followed by the group. She falls at Jesus’ feet in an act of submission and repeats what Martha said. Jesus could have healed Lazarus had he been there. Her voice, perhaps, carries a tone of reproach. but also affirms her faith. Jesus reacts emotionally to Mary’s weeping and the other mourners with her.
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. (ESV, John 11:33)
Mary’s Weeping
The Greek word for “weeping” is klaiō, which means to sob, wail aloud, bewail, and weep. In other words, a visible, demonstrative expression of sorrow.
The word translated “deeply moved” is the Greek embrimaomai and used only a few times in the New Testament. It refers to snorting like a horse and suggests anger, outrage, and emotional indignation. It’s also used in Matthew 9:30 and Mark 1:43 to rebuke and give a stern warning. The Greek word for “troubled” is tarassō, which means to stir, agitate, and trouble.
Certainly, Jesus felt compassion for Mary in the loss of her brother, but why anger and agitation?
Some scholars suggest Jesus was grieved and angry with the sin, sickness, and death in a fallen world that caused so much sorrow. Others say he was angry at unbelief and that the mourners grieved like pagans without hope. Of course, even as Christ-followers, we experience sorrow when loved ones die. At the same time, we also have reason for hope, joy, and even celebration for a saint entering eternal life.
A study of John 11:32-44 reveals the Jesus who knows and loves us.
Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying? (ESV, John 11:37)
It’s the shortest sentence in the Bible. Jesus wept. (V.35) The Greek word for “wept” is dakryō, which means to shed tears and weep. But to do so silently. John distinguishes between the weeping of Mary, other mourners, and Jesus by using klaiō to describe Mary’s weeping and dakryō for Jesus. Mary’s grief was genuine, but was she maybe slightly playing to the crowd?
Jesus likely didn’t cry over the death of Lazarus since he was about raise him back to life. And yet, his genuine expression of human sorrow reminds us he was both fully God and man. And not just a God who loves us. But who also understands our human experience as expressed by the writer of Hebrews.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. (ESV, Hebrews 4:15)
The crowd of mourners was emotionally touched when they saw Jesus weep. And for the third time expressed the belief Jesus could have healed Lazarus. They even specifically mentioned the man born blind that Jesus healed in Jerusalem. Still, no one considered what Jesus could do in the present.
A study of John 11:32-44 reveals Jesus’ power over death.
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (ESV, John 11:40)
Martha objects when Jesus asks to have the stone blocking the grave entrance moved. Four days after Lazarus’ death meant there would be a foul odor by now. But Jesus reminds her to believe in order to see the glory of God.
After praying to his father, Jesus commands, “Lazarus come out!”
Lazarus exits the tomb still wearing his burial wrappings. It confirms he was raised in his former body that would eventually die again. But it does not negate the spectacular miracle that clearly demonstrates Jesus claim. He IS the resurrection and life. Calling Lazarus from the grave foreshadows another future event when the dead in Christ are all called to resurrected life.
Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. (ESV, John 5:28-28)
More importantly, raising Lazarus from the dead paved the way for the resurrection of Jesus. Because he defeated death we can too. But unlike Lazarus, Jesus left his grave clothes behind and assumed a new, resurrected body. And so will we.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Christian Detective Novel
Jack Sterling, a former Navy SEAL, is hired as a bounty hunter to track down a war veteran who skipped out on bail. But at the same time, must resolve his own spiritual crisis. With grit, wit, and unexpected grace, Soul Pursuit proves that the hardest chase is for something deeper. A soul worth saving.
Three Whys of Easter. Non-Christians often wonder why Easter is such a big deal to followers of Jesus Christ. Here are three answers that explain the main beliefs of Christianity.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus come to earth?
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV, John 3:16)
Jesus entered the world to save us from sin. It is our primary moral problem and thoroughly addressed in scripture. But carefully avoided in modern culture. It’s seldom acknowledged in entertainment, news media, public schools, and universities. And generally an awkward topic for non-Christians.
However, when Adam and Eve ate forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden, sin entered the world. And that one disobedient act has spread and infected the entire world like a cancer. Although most people admit they aren’t perfect and make mistakes, sin goes beyond that. And the problem? We’re all guilty of it.
Because unlike mistakes that are unintentional, sin is willful disobedience. Both in our acts and thoughts, we knowingly break God’s law. As a result we’re separated from God, and, as imperfect people, can’t atone for our sin. But Jesus came as the Son of God and lived a perfect life, which qualified him to atone for our sin.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus die on a cross?
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Why? Because God’s justice demands punishment for sin. And since we can’t atone for ourselves, Jesus took the punishment on our behalf. God’s wrath toward sin was poured out on him instead of us as he hung on the cross.
It is not accidental that the cross is called a tree. Sin entered the world through a tree in the Garden of Eden. And it was Jesus’ sacrificial death on a tree formed into a cross that now offers salvation through forgiveness. Adam took from a tree resulting in death. Jesus gave himself on a tree bringing life through forgiveness.
Through Jesus we can trade eternal death for eternal life.
Three Whys of Easter. Why did Jesus rise from the dead?
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures. And he was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
The resurrection of Jesus Christ validates and completes his redemptive work. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. Told his disciples he would die and rise again on the third day. And even the religious leaders seeking his death knew it. So they asked the Roman authorities to post guards at the entrance to his grave. But it didn’t stop the resurrection.
Therefore, those who believe in Jesus and his resurrection, ask him to forgive their sin, and follow him are spiritually transformed. Following his resurrection Jesus appeared to his disciples and over 500 witnesses before ascending to heaven. And he promised to return. This is the hope that fills Christ-followers today. And why on resurrection Sunday we say with confidence. He has risen. He has risen indeed!
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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