April 25, 2007

Chapter 12, verses 9-11- John traces the awareness of Jesus’ being at the feast from curiosity (11:56) to widespread knowledge –vs 9.  Apparently, word has spread quickly (and naturally) about the restoration of life to Lazarus and he has become an object of intense interest.  We note in passing that John gives us

no information on Lazarus’ remarks about his death & restoration.

  In accordance with this interest in Lazarus, the officials plot Lazarus’ death as well since many have come to believe on Christ through him.

Chapter 12, verses 12-19- brings us to the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, recorded in all gospels- Matt. 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40.

“a great multitude”- estimates on the significant numbers of Jews who arrived in Jerusalem for Passover have been exaggerated, but may safely be thought

to be in excess of a million.

  “palm trees”- no scriptural warrant is known for this practice, but history

(through coins) show the palm tree associated with nationalism  by Israel.  In the fervent expectation of these Jews, it would be appropriate for nationalism.

Their voices cry out affirmation of Jesus as “King of Israel” with expectation

of the overthrow of the Romans and liberation for the nation.  The spiritual

dimensions appropriate for Messiah’s return are ignored.

  It is common to speak of Jesus “offering the kingdom” to Israel—usually that is taken from Matt. 3:1 and 4:17.  What might be more correct is to say that Jesus offered Himself as King (the kingdom being contingent on the king).  But Israel

rejected Him as in Matt. 12:24-37 with the unpardonable sin.  Thus, even when

the people rejoice in the Triumphal Entry, Jesus already speaks of divine judgment upon the city- Lk.19:41-44.  Such rejection of Christ is also seen

(post-resurrection) in Acts 7 and Acts 28.  What is seen in John 11:53 and 12:10 is merely expressive of the rejection of Jesus already having occurred. 

   However, Jesus takes a parabolic action: He rides, not a war horse, but a lowly donkey showing His contrast with the mindset of the people. 

  John modestly explains (vs.16) how spiritually dull he and the other disciples were concerning this arrival of Jesus (2:22).  The public mindset expects imminent changes for Israel thru divine intervention, yet He has taught there will be a delay in the arrival of the kingdom—see Lk. 19:11-27 as well as instructing them that the Son of Man would be crucified—Matt.20:17-19—all before the triumphal entry.

   Vs.17 describes a group separate from the larger number of people hailing His arrival.  Vs.18 “done this sign” refers back to the restoration of Lazarus.  The next verse records the frustration that the Pharisees experienced at His entrance – all these references to those plotting His death express the truth of 1:11.

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Chap.12, verses 20-21- the mention of these Greeks seeking to speak with

Jesus is most interesting.  In view of the failure of Israel, the gospel will eventually go to the Gentiles—this incident is a preview of the appetite seen in the non-Jews of  Acts.  That Greeks attended the Passover is not unusual— such

people are encountered also in Acts as well as Lk.7:2-5.  Earlier in Isaiah 11:10,

Gentiles seeking the Messiah is mentioned.

   With Jesus presented in John as “Savior of the World” (4:42), and God is said to have loved the “world” (3:16), and Jesus is the Light of the World (8:12, 9:5),

we should not be surprised at this passage.