John 12:29-30

Jesus has been working miracles and teaching so that the people might come to understand who He is as the Son of God, our Savior, and Lord. Here we see another sign, the voice of God. It is given not for Jesus’ comfort but for those who are there to hear. To some it sound like thunder and to others like an angel, but it was the voice of God. Jesus is God’s answer to the world’s needs. Jesus is God the Son and here is acknowledged as such by the very voice of God. 

Do you know this Jesus? Do you see this Jesus, not a teacher or helpless man on the cross, but as almighty God? He has power, glory, and authority! This is your God! Will you believe in Him and Trust Him with your soul?

A successful tactic in attacking faith is not to destroy it but to weaken it by losing a full picture of who our Savior truly is. Jesus is made to be weak, far, off, less human or less divine. We fail to see Him in all His glory and in all His perfect work for you. Know your savior!

Consider: John 1:1-8

John 12:27-28

We see two of the persons of the Godhead in conversation in these verses. The Father and the Son  are speaking about the coming hour. Jesus’ human soul was troubled. He was going to know the wrath of His Father. He  wants another way, but he acquiesces to the will of God.

Christ set yet another example for us. Even in the midst of this trial He patiently endures the suffering and trusts in the Father’s plan. We are encouraged that this is a short time. It is for a season. Here it is called “this hour”. We may suffer as a part of God’s plan, but it is only for a season.

God glorified Christ’s suffering. We glorify God when we stand in His power during times of suffering, especially when we suffer for the name of Christ. May Christ’s Words encourage us and may we draw strength in Him.

Consider: 1 Peter 2:21-25

John 12:26

 Jesus is speaking a word of warning to the Greeks . It is not enough just to see Him. There are many people who want to have an outward religion. They want to go to church and be counted present, but they never really have their heart engaged in the service or worship of Jesus. If we are to follow Jesus it must be from the heart. We must follow Him and serve Him.

One of the great problems we have is that folks want to treat church like a store. They come to get what they need and then leave. Jesus is saying here that this is not right. You must come to serve. You serve God in Worship. You serve God by participating in the work and ministry of the church. It is about discipleship. You are to be a follower of Jesus Christ and not just a consumer of the things in the church.

There is a great honor connected with this. If you will follow and serve Christ  the Father will honor you. Are you a consumer or are you a follower of Jesus, serving God and others?

Consider: Romans 12:1-2

John 12:25

 Matthew Henry says in his commentary , “The great purpose of His (Christ) religion is to wean us from the world, by setting before us another world.” We sometimes forget that this world is not our final home. We are resident aliens and sojourners in this life. The life that we have now is full of hardship, misery, and death. Though there is much that is attractive to us in our present life, the world to come is our final home, and that is where we should put our hope of true happiness.

We are in the church militant. This means we are at war. Wars are not fun and only a mad man would want to remain there. In the next world we will be in the church triumphant. We will see Jesus and our enemies will be defeated. We will be fully restored to God. There are some that will miss out on that world because they cannot let go of the present world. Becoming a Christian is not easy. It will cost you your life in this world, but Christ will give to those who trust and love Him a better life in the world to come. Where are you to     attached in this world? Where do you need to lose your life that you may gain eternal life?

Consider: Matthew 10:34-39

John 12:23-24

Jesus alludes to His coming death when He says that in order for a grain of wheat to bear fruit it must fall and die to then bring forth a new plant. Jesus is speaking about what His death will accomplish. This is the route He must go if He is to save His people.

Many people want to believe in all roads leading to heaven, or at least more than one way to heaven. But consider this: if there was another way for the lost to be saved, then why did Jesus die? If we could be good enough or follow enough rules, if God could just wipe away our sin without doing violence to His perfect justice, then why did Jesus have to die?

The reality is that there is no hope for salvation outside the grace of Jesus Christ. There is no second way. There is only one way that leads to salvation and that is by Faith in Jesus. Check your own thinking here. Do you believe that there is only one way to salvation?

Consider: Matthew 7:13-14

John 12:20-22

John gives account of these Greeks that are wanting to see Jesus. Here in the midst of this Jewish city and at the time of a Jewish festival we see Greeks who are wanting to see the Jewish Messiah. What is the significance of this? Surely it is a foreshadowing of God’s plan to spread the Gospel not only to the Jews but also to all people. Notice how they come to Jesus not directly but by way of the Apostles. In this case it was Philip. They want to see Jesus!

It would be through the ministry of the apostles that the Gospel would go out into the world. The book of Acts shows this plan. First they were called to Jerusalem and then out to the world. Jesus was in the middle of His passion week. He was on His way to the cross. He was going there not only for the Jews but also for the Greeks.

God is still not seeking out one particular group. Our responsibility is to proclaim the gospel to all people in all lands. We must not make judgements against groups of people. We should proclaim that Jesus died to all people everywhere.

Consider: Galatians 3:27-29

John 12:17-19

We see the plot thicken as the reasons for the triumphal entry are laid out in these verses. Why did the people respond to Jesus with this great entry? It was because those who had witnessed the raising of Lazarus were bearing witness to what Jesus had done. It caused the crowd to cheer Him, but it also caused the Pharisees to strengthen their resolve that something must be done.

There is great power when we bear witness to the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. The Word of God and the Holy Spirit work together in the hearts of people and bring them to faith in Jesus. We also must be aware that when we bear witness to Jesus, those who are opposed to Him will also oppose us. We should not fear them, but trust in the power of God to bless our efforts of telling others about Jesus. Are you trusting in the power of God to do something as you tell others the good news about Jesus Christ?

Consider: Matthew 28:19-20

John 12:16

 Sometimes it is hard to see things as they are happening in real time. They either happen to fast or we do not understand where they are going. Jesus’ disciples did not realize the implications of all that was happening until after  Jesus had arisen from the dead. It was at this time that they saw more fully who Jesus Christ really was. They saw how the Old Testament was testifying to Jesus as the Messiah. He was not going to be a political or military leader as the Jews had hoped. No, He was going to be the one that would take away the sins of the people, send down His Spirit, and save His people.

The Old Testament and the New Testament mesh together perfectly as one story about Jesus Christ. The Old Testament is an important part of the scriptures for us as Christians today.  Make sure you are spending time reading the Old Testament as well as the New. They both point to Jesus Christ.

Consider: Hebrews 12:1-2

John 12:12-15

Jesus is beginning His passion week. He is going into the very teeth of the enemy, personified by the powerful chief priests in Jerusalem. Jesus is glorified in His entrance to the city. A large crowd took palm branches and went out to meet Him. They laid them down to honor Him. They called out Hosanna. This is a shout of jubilation.

The scriptures are being fulfilled. In Zechariah 9:9 a prediction is made and it come to pass with this entry made by Jesus into the city. He comes as the King of the Jews, riding on a donkey’s colt. He comes into the city not as a King to rule politically, but to destroy His people’s greatest enemy, which is sin and death.

Do you understand that Jesus came to earth in His virgin birth to become they propitiation for our sins on the Cross? Jesus’ plan was to die for His people and build His kingdom. He was not tricked or trapped. He came willingly for you.

Consider: Mark 14:32-42

John 12:9-11

 I think we are often amazed when people do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We forget that our eyes have been opened by the Holy Spirit to see the Lord and His truth. We forget just how spiritually blind those in the world are without the Holy Spirit illuminating their eyes.

              

We see it here. The Jews are witnesses to Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead, but they are not changed at all. In fact they actually become harder in their views to Jesus. Not only were they going to kill Jesus, they now wanted to kill Lazarus because he was a living example of the power of Jesus and now many were believing in Jesus because of him.

They should have believed, but they were blind. We must make sure we believe and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to see and understand the truths of God as they have been revealed in the Bible.

Consider: Mark 8:14-21, Luke 16:31

John 12:7-8

 Jesus is about to go to Jerusalem and there die for His people. The next event that is described in the Gospel of John is the Triumphal Entry. His ministry is coming to its great climax. He could have exposed Judas at this time, however, He instructs him to leave Mary alone. The next phrase is confusing to us. What does it mean that “she may keep it for the day of my burial”. Some said that there was some ointment left for that coming day. Others see this as His  being prepared for burial by her actions on this day.

The Poor we will always have and for various reason. We have a continued duty to the poor, yet while Jesus is with them they need to acknowledge Him. We as the church should acknowledge Jesus and worship Him. We should not put service to the poor over worship of Jesus. Some  churches have a practice not having worship on Sunday to go help others. We need to worship Jesus on His day and we need to help others everyday. Are you doing this?

Consider: Deuteronomy 5:12-15

John 12:3-6

Mary pours out expensive ointment at the feet of Jesus and wipes it with her own hair. Here is She bringing glory and honor to the one who is due all   glory and honor. She is glorifying Jesus who is the savior. He has saved her brothers life and in gratitude she performs this act of worship.

 We see that not everyone is happy about her actions. She is criticized by one of the Apostles. Judas complains that the ointment should have been sold for the sake of the poor, but we are told that his motives are not pure. He was a thief and, had it been put in the money bag, he could have helped himself to some of it.

No, it is important that we worship Jesus and glorify Him with the best we have. Frank Kik told us in seminary that the church’s work should go first class. This means that we should do all things with a level of excellence that brings Glory to Christ. Does your life reflect a First-Class commitment to Jesus?

Consider: Psalm 100

John 12:1-2

We have here a great evidence to the truth of Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead. It could not be said that he was just a vision or a ghost. Here we have several weeks later a dinner and Lazarus is there. He is reclining at the table. He is eating food. He is in front of many people. It is not a tall tell or someone’s imagination. Lazarus has arisen from the dead. 

This is very similar to Jesus’s rising from the dead. He appears to his people. He will eat broiled fish and honey. This is a sign that he really is alive. It is not a vision or a spirit, but a true bodily resurrection from the dead. 

  This is our hope for a bodily resurrection from the dead, that Jesus has the power over death. We see it in the resurrection of Lazarus and in his own glorious resurrection from the dead. Know that one day all will be raised and changed in Christ. 

Consider: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

John 11:54-57

Jesus is coming closer to the culmination of His work. He has revealed Himself over and over again, showing greater and greater power each time. Now the Jews are prepared to play the part that God has called them to play. Jesus is no longer walking in the open so that His work  might take place at the proper time and location.

Jesus will come to Jerusalem to the Passover celebration. It will be at this place that He will do the work that will save all His people. He will glorify God and show forth the perfect love of God. He will become the Passover lamb. He will die, and by His blood we will be saved. He will be buried, but on the third day He will arise. He will show Himself to be truly God.

The Jews think they are finally getting rid of Jesus and things are going to go back to normal. However, this is far from the truth. Jesus is about to blow up everything they have known. He is going to transform the world. The nation and their position will go away, but Christ’s people will continue on.

Consider: 1 John 3:1-10

John 11:49-53

We are reminded of the famous response of Joseph to his brothers in Genesis 50. Joseph had been treated horribly by his older brothers. He had been sold into slavery because of their jealousy. Now many years later He is the second in command in Egypt and his brothers are in a position of need. He tells his scared brothers not to fear because what they had meant for evil, God had meant for good.

The Jews now make plans to put Jesus to death to protect themselves and their nation. They are jealous of Jesus and they do not want to lose their worldly position or influence. They do not mean it for good, but God does. Jesus came into the world that He might die for the sins of His people. He came to willingly lay down His life to save us.

The high priest is right. It is better that one man die for the people than the whole nation perish. Christ came to die for His people that they might not perish but have everlasting life in Him.

Consider: Isaiah 53:1-12

John 11:45-48

Jesus is starting to be viewed as a real danger and challenge to the religious and political leaders of Israel. Many of the Jews now believe in Jesus. Some reported this to the leadership and they are not happy. They call a gathering to decided what to do with Jesus. They realize that Jesus must be stopped or everyone will believe in Him. The Romans will come and take away their place and the nation. All that they have is at risk.

They are missing the bigger picture. It is not about their worldly positions or their nation. It is about God, faith, and His kingdom. Jesus says that His kingdom is not of this world. It is not confined to one area or one people. It is not about being a Jew, but about believing in Jesus as the Savior sent by God. Realize that the Jews are not wrong. Jesus was a danger to them and to us. Following Jesus may change your whole life. He may cause you to lose some things that are very important, but it is worth it for what you gain in Christ.

Consider: Galatians 2:15-21

John 11:40-44

Jesus once again reveals who He is and what power is His by the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. We have continued to see the different signs that were given so that the people might recognize Him as being from God and more than a just a prophet. These signs were given that they might believe in Jesus and in the Father. He has turned the water into wine, fed the 5,000, healed the blind, healed the lame, and now brings the dead to life. It will culminate with Jesus bringing Himself  back to life from the dead.

Christians, this is your God! The is who loves you. This is who came to save you and died for you. He brought Himself up from the dead for you and promises to bring you with Him in the great day of the resurrection of the dead. Do you see Jesus as the Son of God? Do you See Him as having power over death and life? Do you see Him in His glory? Is this the Jesus you know and worship?

Consider: Colossians 1:15-23

John 11:38-39

The stage is set and in his account John lays out some key points that we need to take note of as we consider these events. Jesus is deeply moved as He comes to the grave of His friend. We must never think our God is cold in His care for His people. He loves His people. He loves them even to the point of death on the cross. Jesus commanded the stone to be removed. There will be some that say that Lazarus was not dead but only in a coma. However, he had been in the tomb four days without food or water. Martha believed her brother to be dead because of what she says here to Jesus.

We have doubting Jews, an emotional Jesus, and a matter-of-fact grieving sister. What is going to happen? What is God going to do in the midst of this stage He has set for Jesus to work? God is setting the stage to glorify Himself and bless His people. Not only does Jesus have power to heal or keep someone from dying. He also has the power to raise them from the dead. Do you believe that He has this power for you too?

Consider: 1 Corinthians 15:42-49

John 11:36-37

Humans are quick to doubt. We know this from experience. Here is an emotional scene. Jesus is weeping for His friend Lazarus. The crowd watching recognizes the great love that Jesus had for His friend, but it leads to a question. If He could heal the blind, why could He not have saved His friend?

This question comes from a heart of doubt. They refuse to see who Christ is, yet God is about to work a great miracle in the sight of these people to help them see who Jesus Christ really is. Compare this account to  that of the Exodus. There are many similarities. There are hard hearted leaders, signs, and wonders. Jesus shows here that He holds the power of life and death. Christ will go on to be the Lamb foreshadowed in the Exodus, and all who believe will be saved by His blood.

Jesus worked these signs to His glory and so that His people would believe. Do you believe or do you doubt?

Consider: Psalm 78:18-20

Saturday, October 1, 2016- John 11: 28-35

“Jesus wept” is a favorite verse of children in Sunday school because it is so short and easy to learn, however, we should not see this tiny verse as something trivial to our story or our understanding of who Christ is. Mary, knowing that Jesus is near, goes to meet Him. The Jews follow and the stage is set for Christ to do His great miracle. Before we get to it, we see this scene of grief.  Jesus sees this weeping and where Lazarus was laid. What is His                response? He weeps, even though He knows He is going to bring Lazarus back from the dead. The pain of death is real.

In Jesus, we have a Savior who knows us because He is one of us. He knows our pain and grief. Christian, take hope that our God is not far off and distant. He is close to us. He knows our trials. He, as man, knows our pain. He, as God, is powerful to help us.

Consider: Hebrews 4:15-16