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 11:17-31 reveals faith in God while mourning, Jesus’ power over death, the source of eternal life, and a willing response to the Lord’s call.
A study of John 11:17-31 reveals faith in God while mourning.
Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” (ESV, John 11:21-22)
When Jesus arrives at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Martha goes out to meet him. She tells Jesus that Lazarus died four days ago and decay has begun. Why does this matter? Because of a common belief that a departed spirit hovered over the body three days after death hoping to re-enter. But left when decomposition set in. Four days establishes this period had passed and eliminates any natural explanation for Lazarus’ return to life. Raising him from the dead now indisputably demonstrates the power of God.
Despite her grief, Martha expresses confidence in Jesus’ healing power and his unlimited access to the father. Jesus assures her in V.23 that Lazarus will “rise again.” And Martha repeats Jesus in V.24 to affirm the same belief. They both use the Greek word anistēmi for “rise again,” which means to stand up, lift up, raise up and arise. Although Martha links it to the final judgement and resurrection at the last day as foretold by the prophet Daniel.
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. (ESV, Daniel 12:2)
However, Jesus refers to the present. And he follows with his final “I Am” statement in the gospel of John.
A study of John 11:17-31 reveals Jesus’ power over death and the source of eternal life.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (ESV, John 11:25-26)
The Greek words egō eimi translated “I AM” assert Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God. He exercises power over resurrection and life. But his claim here means it is more than an event. But is centered in a person. The Son of God. And egō eimi is a direct echo of Yahweh’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14.
Along with resurrection, those who believe will live even though they die. Another way of saying those who believe in Jesus receive eternal life. And the key to that is believing in Jesus. The Greek word for “believe” is pisteuōn, which means the one believing. It indicates ongoing, continuous faith and means that believing in and following Jesus is not a one time decision but a lifetime committment of discipleship.
Martha affirms her belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Then returns to the house where her sister Mary is inside with a group of people offering grief support. Martha tells Mary that Jesus is outside and asking for her. And it sets up the final scene for this dramatic miracle.
A study of John 11:17-31 reveals a willing response to the Lord’s call.
The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. (ESV, John 11:28-29)
The Jewish cultural practice around death and mourning was different than today. Rather than a private, family matter, death was a community event where people gathered with the family and actively participated in mourning. The fact that Lazarus and his sisters were wealthy and influential likely added to the number of people who were present. Burials were usually immediate followed by seven days of the family mourning along with others who supported them emotionally and with food. And it included professional mourners.
The history of professional mourners goes back to the Old Testament.
Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider, and call for the mourning women to come; send for the skillful women to come; let them make haste and raise a wailing over us, that our eyes may run down with tears and our eyelids flow with water. (ESV, Jeremiah 9:17-20)
We also see it when Jesus raises the daughter of a synagogue leader from the dead.
When they arrived at the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw the commotion and the people weeping and wailing loudly. He went inside and asked, ‘Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep.’ And they laughed at Him. (ESV, Mark 5:38-40)
It was the professional mourners who laughed at Jesus. Why? Because they were paid mourners who weren’t genuinely sorrowful. And as professionals, they knew the difference between sleep and death. Saying the girl was asleep when they knew she was dead was a joke to them. The profession was so established by this time even poor families were expected to hire at least one flute player and mourner.
Mary was more emotional and impulsive than Martha. The one who annointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiped it off with her hair in John 12:1-8. She responds immediately to the Lord’s call and goes out to meet Jesus followed by everyone else in the house. And the crowd of mourners now serves another important purpose. As eyewitnesses to the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
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.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals Jesus’ close friends and God’s covenant love, the difference between working by day and night, and God’s intentional plan to raise Lazarus from the dead.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals Jesus’ close friends and God’s covenant love.
So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (ESV, John 11:3-4)
The word for love in V.3 that Martha uses to express Jesus’ love for Lazarus is the Greek phileō, which means affectionate love and friendship. It denotes personal attachment, sentiment and feeling. The kind of love we have for close friends and family members. And it gives us a glimpse into the personal life of Jesus. That he, like us, had favorite people he enjoyed spending time with. Something we all need.
But where John says Jesus loves Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in V.5, the Greek word is agapaō, which means to love in a social or moral sense. It is the same word used in John 3:35 to express the father’s love for the Son and in John 3:16 for God’s unconditional love for the world. It expresses committed devotion and purposeful care that acts for the good of the other. And it represents Christ’s deliberate, covenantal love. A love that is deeper, unbreakable, and eternal. The two words tell us that Jesus experienced love both as a human and as God, which is exactly who he was.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals the difference between working by day and night.
Are there not twelve hours in a day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (ESV, John 11:9-10)
When Jesus learns Lazarus is sick, he stays put for two more days. Wait. If he loves Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, shouldn’t he leave as soon as possible? Why wait two more days? Jesus answers the question in V.4. Lazarus’ death would be used for the glory of God and the Son of God. But after waiting two more days he tells the disciples it’s time to go back to Judea.
The disciples were incredulous and asked him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
The city of Bethany in Judea where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived was only a couple of miles from Jerusalem. And Jesus had recently encountered a group of Jews in the temple who almost stoned him. It was a big risk to go anywhere near there.
Working by day and night
Jesus answers with a metaphor that distinguishes between working by day and night. What does he mean by it?
The Jewish day was considered from sunrise to sunset, and night from sunset to sunrise. Roughly divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Since they didn’t have artificial lightling for night like today, work was done during the day. Therefore, the twelve hours of daylight represents God’s appointed time for Christ’s work on earth. As John 8:20 reminds us: Yet no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come. In other words, Jesus would continue working in the daylight of his ministry to accomplish his father’s will because no human plans could stop him.
For Christ followers today, daylight also represents walking in the light of God’s will. And night walking in spiritual darkness where we easily stumble without God’s guidance.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals God’s intentional plan to raise Lazarus from the dead.
Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (ESV, John 11:14-15)
Why did Jesus tell his disciples he was glad he wasn’t already at Lazarus’ home? Did he not care Lazarus was seriously ill? No. Had he been there while Lazarus was still alive, Jesus might have prevented him from dying. And stopped the father’s plan to raise Lazarus from the dead. This miracle demonstrating God’s power to raise the dead was an important prelude to his own resurrection.
But why wait two days more after hearing of Lazarus’ illness? Scholars suggest it was probably because there was a common belief that when someone died, their spirit hung around on earth for a few days hoping to get back into the body. But after a few days without success, it went on to eternity. Jesus waited beyond those days so there was no questioning the power of God in raising Lazarus from the dead.
Finally, Jesus says it’s time to leave because Lazarus has fallen asleep. Greek word for “asleep” is kŏimaō, which means to put to sleep, to slumber. But it is often used as a euphemism for death and is what Jesus means. However, the disciples take it to literally mean sleep so Jesus explains Lazarus is dead using the Greek word apŏthnēskō, which means dead, death, die, and slain. And this time his meaning is clear.
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.
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