Highlights:
Inevitably death enters all of our homes, but there is hope because believers in Jesus pass from death unto life eternal (John 11:25-26). Power of the Word and prayer (11:38-44).
Throughout the years of Jesus' ministry, we often see Him withdrawing Himself from public notice and bidding His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ (Messiah) (Matt. 16:20). When He raised the daughter of Jairus, He charged them straitly (strictly) that no man should know it (Mark 5:43). When they came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, He instructed His disciples that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of Man were risen from the dead (9:9). The reason for this can be seen when the 5,000, who were miraculously fed by two fish and five loaves of bread, intended to make Him a king, He departed again into a mountain Himself alone (John 6:15). When His unbelieving brethren urged Him to shew Thyself to the world. . . . Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come (7:4,6).
Now Jerusalem was crowded with worshipers who had come from Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and as far away as Greece. They came several days ahead in order that they might be ceremonially qualified to partake of the feast: The Jews' Passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem . . . to purify (cleanse) themselves (11:55), as well as to see Jesus.
As Jesus made His public entry into Jerusalem, the religious leaders were overwhelmed by the immense crowd that followed Him, and they were heard to say: Behold, the world is (has) gone after Him (12:19). Finally, at the God-appointed time, Jesus openly and rightly accepted the acclaim of the multitude that He was their promised Messiah.
The prophet had foretold almost 500 years earlier: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee . . . having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zech. 9:9). Israel's True King now officially presented Himself to the nation as fulfilling that prophecy. Many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43).
Thought for Today:
Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God (Josh. 23:11).
Word Studies:
12:46 I am come a Light, I have come to reveal the Truth.
Cross References:
For John 12:13: See Ps. 118:26. John 12:15: See Zech. 9:9. John 12:38: See Is. 53:1. John 12:40: See Is. 6:9-10; Ex. 4:21.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Pricilla C. Wilcox • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Official: Gov. Ted Kulongoski (OR) • Country: Greenland (60,000) northeast of Canada • Major languages: Eskimo dialects and Danish • Religious freedom • 98% Protestant; .1% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your prayers to God with your whole heart (Ps. 119:58,145).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33