John Bible Study - Lesson 34

John Bible Study - Lesson 34

Read the passage below using the 2 different Bible translations:

John 12:37-50 New International Version (NIV)

Belief and Unbelief Among the Jews

³⁷ Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. ³⁸ This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

“Lord, who has believed our message
    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”^[a]

³⁹ For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:

⁴⁰ “He has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
    nor understand with their hearts,
    nor turn—and I would heal them.”^[b]

⁴¹ Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

⁴² Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

⁴⁴ Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. ⁴⁵ The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. ⁴⁶ I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

⁴⁷ “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. ⁴⁸ There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. ⁴⁹ For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. ⁵⁰ I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

John 12:37-50 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Unbelief of the People

³⁷ But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. ³⁸ This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted:

“Lord, who has believed our message?
    To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?”^[a]

³⁹ But the people couldn’t believe, for as Isaiah also said,

⁴⁰ “The Lord has blinded their eyes
    and hardened their hearts—
so that their eyes cannot see,
    and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
    and have me heal them.”^[b]

⁴¹ Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. ⁴² Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. ⁴³ For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.

⁴⁴ Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. ⁴⁵ For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. ⁴⁶ I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. ⁴⁷ I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. ⁴⁸ But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. ⁴⁹ I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. ⁵⁰ And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

Note:

Here are the 3 questions for you to answer. I have given some basic answers below the questions to help you understand the passage. Answer the questions first yourself before you look at my answers. Take a moment before you begin and ask God to help you understand what you are reading.

3 questions to answer:

1.    Content: What is this passage about?

2.    Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

3.    Application: How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

Answers to the questions above and some background:

Content: What is this passage about?

·        Despite all the miraculous signs Jesus performed many still did not believe in Him.

·        The prophet Isaiah predicted many would reject the Messiah.

·        Many people did believe in Jesus and some of those were the Jewish leaders.

·        The Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus would not admit their belief out of fear of being expelled from the synagogue.  The Jewish leaders loved human praise more than the praise of God.

·        Jesus, speaking to the crowds reminded them that those who believed in Him also believed in the Father who sent Him.

·        Jesus again reminds the people that He has come as the light and that whoever believes in Him will no longer live in darkness.

·        Jesus tells the crowd that He has come to save the world and not to judge it. However, Jesus also tells them when He returns He will return to judge the unbelieving world.

·        Jesus has been given authority from the Father to speak about His mission and purpose and what will happen to believers and non-believers.

·        Jesus said that only faith and belief in Him lead to eternal life and that He says whatever the Father commands Him to say. 

Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

·        The Prophets from the Bible like Isaiah foretell what is going to happen with amazing accuracy.

·        God uses prophecy to send a message to His people reminding them that they can trust God and His plan for their lives.

·        God sent Jesus to fulfill His plan of salvation.

·        Jesus used miraculous signs to help people believe in what God had promised about His plan. Even with amount of Jesus’ miraculous signs proving that God had truly sent the Messiah and that Messiah was Jesus, many were still not convinced of this fact.

·        People hardened their hearts due to the fact the Jewish leaders had convinced them the Messiah had not yet come.

·        People’s lives in that day were centered on the synagogue and the Jewish community. That is why people feared believing in Jesus because they knew they would be expelled from the Synagogue and would be scorned by the Jewish community. This same fear exists today in every community. Those that do believe live in fear of persecution.

God’s Word tells us to not be ashamed of the gospel:

Romans 1:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. ¹⁷ This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

God’s Word exhorts us to share the hope we have:

1 Peter 3:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

·        Those who reveal their faith do so with courage and conviction and are willing to be persecuted for the sake of the gospel.

·        Part of the human condition is to seek the praise of men over the praise of God. Many seek to have fame and fortune even at the cost of losing their own soul.

God’s Word explains why it is important not to forfeit ones relationship with God over gaining the things of this world:

Matthew 16:25-26 New Living Translation (NLT)

²⁵ If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ²⁶ And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?

Jesus has authority from God to deliver and carry out His plan of salvation. God sent Jesus the Messiah to save His people:

Luke 9:35 New International Version (NIV)

A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”

John 3:16 New International Version (NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

1 Timothy 2:1-4New International Version (NIV)

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Acts 2:22-24 New International Version (NIV)

²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. ²³ This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,^[a] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. ²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

John 1:12-13 New International Version (NIV)

¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Jesus is the light of the world:

John 8:12 New International Version (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We are to put our trust in God:

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

God has a good purpose and plan for those who love him:

Romans 8:28 New International Version (NIV)

 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Jesus came to save us now. Judgement will come when He returns and we will be judged according to our deeds:

John 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Acts 17:30-31 New Living Translation (NLT)

³⁰ “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. ³¹ For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”

Matthew 16:27 New Living Translation (NLT)

For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds.

Application: How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

·        Take to heart all God has commanded from His people.

·        Two of the greatest commandments are love God and love your neighbor.  

·        Be thankful that God provided a way for people to be saved.

·        Share the hope you have with others.

·        Do not fear persecution as God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Don’t forget:

John’s main purpose in writing this Gospel:

·        To tell the world that Jesus is the Messiah for the Jews and Gentiles

·        The events were recorded so that we might believe and have eternal life

John 20:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Questions to ponder:

·        How are you living set apart to God?

·        What is motivating your fear if any of following Jesus?

·        Do you trust God to provide and equip you to fulfill His purpose in your life?

·        What do you center your life on?

·        What is your foundation?

·        Do you live with an eternal perspective?

Have a great week…………….Dave

John Bible Study - Lesson 33

John Bible Study - Lesson 33

Read the passage below using the 2 different Bible translations:

John 12:19-36 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁹ So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

Jesus Predicts His Death

²⁰ Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. ²¹ They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” ²² Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

²³ Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.²⁴ Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. ²⁵ Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

²⁷ “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” ²⁹ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

³⁰ Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. ³¹ Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. ³² And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ³³ He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

³⁴ The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

³⁵ Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.³⁶ Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

John 12:19-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁹ Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!”

Jesus Predicts His Death

²⁰ Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration²¹ paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” ²² Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.

²³ Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. ²⁴ I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. ²⁵ Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. ²⁶ Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.

²⁷ “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! ²⁸ Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” ²⁹ When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

³⁰ Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine.³¹ The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. ³² And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” ³³ He said this to indicate how he was going to die.

³⁴ The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”

³⁵ Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. ³⁶ Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.

Note:

Here are the 3 questions for you to answer. I have given some basic answers below the questions to help you understand the passage. Answer the questions first yourself before you look at my answers. Take a moment before you begin and ask God to help you understand what you are reading.

3 questions to answer:

1.    Content: What is this passage about?

2.    Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

3.    Application: How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

Answers to the questions above and some background:

Content: What is this passage about?

·    The Pharisees are determined to undermine and kill Jesus due to the fact many people are beginning to follow Him.

·        Greeks who came to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration asked Phillip if they could meet Jesus.

·        Phillip and Andrew tell Jesus about the Greeks who want to meet Him.

·        Jesus then tells Phillip and Andrew the time has come for Him to be glorified and gives the illustration of the kernel of wheat.

·        A voice from Heaven is heard saying “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 

·        Jesus tells them that Satan will be cast out.

·        Jesus tells them how He will die.

·        The crowd responded by saying, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”

·        Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”

·        After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.

Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

·        Jesus is becoming popular with the people and the Pharisees are very concerned about it.

·        Even Greeks, symbolic of all the Gentiles, are interested in getting to know Jesus.

·        Jesus’ gospel is for the entire world.

Romans 1:16 New International Version (NIV)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Followers of Jesus are the Lord’s servants commissioned to bring the Gospel to everyone. Jesus is the light for the Jews and Gentiles:

Isaiah 49:1-6 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord’s Servant Commissioned

Listen to me, all you in distant lands!
    Pay attention, you who are far away!
The Lord called me before my birth;
    from within the womb he called me by name.
² He made my words of judgment as sharp as a sword.
    He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.
    I am like a sharp arrow in his quiver.

³ He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel,
    and you will bring me glory.”

⁴ I replied, “But my work seems so useless!
    I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.
Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand;
    I will trust God for my reward.”

⁵ And now the Lord speaks—
    the one who formed me in my mother’s womb to be his servant,
    who commissioned me to bring Israel back to him.
The Lord has honored me,
    and my God has given me strength.
⁶ He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
    I will make you a light to the Gentiles,
    and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

·        So when Jesus gave His disciples the illustration of the kernels of wheat He was explaining that without the death and burial of the kernels of wheat there would be no new crop.  The death of the kernel of wheat will reproduce new life and in the same way Jesus’ glorification illustrates that His death and resurrection brings about new life for all who believe. Without His death no one would be saved. So one could say Jesus’ death produces a crop of believers who are harvested and brought into the Kingdom of Heaven.

·        Jesus’ death preceded His resurrection which guaranteed eternal life to those who believe in Him and who are considered His followers.

·        A believer’s transformation includes death to their old way of living. Believers are called to share their hope and bring the gospel (Good News) to the world. Also, their lives reflect a transformation from a self-centered life to a God-centered life. This new life in Christ is a big factor in proving that God has the power to make positive changes in those who have faith and follow Him.  When we surrender our lives to Jesus, and become His followers, we begin the process of dying to self, we gain a new eternal perspective and a new purpose, and we have inherited eternal life.

The Bible tells us about the importance of dying to self-interest:

Matthew 16:25 New International Version (NIV)

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

Luke 9:23 ESV  

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Galatians 5:24 ESV 

And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Mark 8:35 ESV  

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.

Ephesians 4:22-24 New International Version (NIV)

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness

God never stops working in a believer’s life:

Philippians 1:6 New International Version (NIV)

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

A follower of Jesus has a renewed mind. The Holy Spirit and God’s Word play an import role in renewing the mind:

Romans 12:2 New International Version (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

·        Jesus was distressed about the results of sin and death in the world. He was even feeling the weight of having to suffer and die on the cross.

·        But Jesus emphasized that His purpose was to rescue people from the consequences of sin and spiritual death and for this He was willing to suffer and die.

·        This work of Jesus would bring Glory to God. And many people heard a thunderous voice from heaven saying: “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” This voice from the Father was a confirmation from God that Jesus’ work on the cross would glorify God. Glorifying God means to acknowledge His greatness and give Him honor by praising and worshiping Him, primarily because He and He alone, deserves to be praised, honored and worshipped. God’s glory is the essence of His nature, and we give glory to Him by recognizing that essence.(excerpt from Got Questions.org)

·        Jesus explains to the people that the voice was for their benefit as it would strengthen their faith in Jesus.

·        Jesus tells the people the hour of judgment has come where Satan, the ruler of this world, would be cast out. Since the fall of man Satan has held power over fallen humanity.

·        Jesus explains that he would be crucified. He used the term lifted up.

·        Jesus also explains that His death would bring salvation to the Jews and the Gentiles.

·        The crowd responded to Jesus’ claims by saying: “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”

·        Jesus tells the crowd to walk in the light and trust in the light so that they may become children of light. Jesus explains His light would shine for them for just a little longer. Jesus was referring to His upcoming death on the cross.

·        When we trust in Jesus and walk by faith in His light we no longer live in darkness.

John 1:1-14 New International Version (NIV)

The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.⁴ In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. ⁸ He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

⁹ The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.¹⁰ He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. ¹¹ He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. ¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

¹⁴ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

·        Because of what Jesus did people who surrender their lives to Him become spiritually alive and inherit eternal life. In God’s kingdom surrender is victory!

God does not want anyone to perish:

2 Peter 3:9 New International Version (NIV)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Application: How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

·        We must put away the old self and live with the power of the Holy Spirit.

·        The Holy Spirit is working constantly to transform believers so they realign their hearts and minds for God’s purpose and glory. We must do everything possible to not interfere with the Holy Spirits work.

·        We must walk in Jesus’ light and do everything to confront any darkness that lingers in us.

·        We must help others to walk in the light of Christ.

Don’t forget:

John’s main purpose in writing this Gospel:

·        To tell the world that Jesus is the Messiah for the Jews and Gentiles

·        The events were recorded so that we might believe and have eternal life

John 20:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Questions to ponder:

·        What changes do you believe the Holy Spirit wants to make in you?

·        What work has God given you to do?

·        Where in your life do you need to die to self?

Have a great week…………….Dave

John Bible Study - Lesson 32

John Bible Study - Lesson 32

Read the passage below using the 2 different Bible translations:

John 12:1-18 New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. ² Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. ³ Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

⁴ But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, ⁵ “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” ⁶ 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.

⁷ “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. ⁸ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

⁹ Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, ¹¹ for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

¹² The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. ¹³ They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

¹⁴ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:

¹⁵ “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
    see, your king is coming,
    seated on a donkey’s colt.”

¹⁶ At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.

¹⁷ Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word.¹⁸ Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him.

John 12:1-18 New Living Translation (NLT)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead.² A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. ³ Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

⁴ But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said,⁵ “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” ⁶ Not that he cared for the poor—he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples’ money, he often stole some for himself.

⁷ Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. ⁸ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

⁹ When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, ¹¹ for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.

Jesus’ Triumphant Entry

¹² The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors ¹³ took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,

“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hail to the King of Israel!”

¹⁴ Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:

¹⁵ “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem.
Look, your King is coming,
    riding on a donkey’s colt.”

¹⁶ His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.

¹⁷ Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. ¹⁸ That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign.

Note:

Here are the 3 questions for you to answer. I have given some basic answers below the questions to help you understand the passage. Answer the questions first yourself before you look at my answers. Take a moment before you begin and ask God to help you understand what you are reading.

3 questions to answer:

1.    Content: What is this passage about?

2.    Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

3.    Application: How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

Answers to the questions above and some background:

Content: What is this passage about?

·        6 days before the Passover Jesus went to Bethany to the home of Lazarus whom He raised from the dead.

·        A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor.

·        Mary anoints/rubs Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume

·        Judas, the disciple that would betray Jesus, complains that Mary is wasting the perfume which could have been used to help the poor.

·        Jesus rebukes Judas saying “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

·        When people heard that Jesus had arrived in Bethany they flocked to see Him and Lazarus whom He had raised from the dead.

·        The Chief Priests had also decided to kill Lazarus because the miracle that brought Lazarus back to life caused many people to believe and follow Jesus.

·        The Jewish leadership feared they were losing control over the people.

·        A great crowd of people hearing that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem prepared for His entry by gathering up palm branches and then lined the streets waiting to greet Him with praise and honor.

·        The people shouted: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

·      Jesus rode in on a colt which was fulfilled the prophecy:

Zechariah 9:9 New International Version (NIV)

The Coming of Zion’s King

⁹ Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

·        The disciples at the time did not understand how this triumphal entry fulfilled prophecy. Only after Jesus returned to Heaven did they truly understand that many prophecies about the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus.

·        Many who were there to honor Jesus had witnessed the raising of Lazarus were telling others about the miracle Jesus had performed. That is why many people came to greet Him.  

Lesson: What do I learn from this passage?

·        The time is getting closer to the day of Jesus’ arrest, trial and death on the Cross.

·        While Jesus was visiting Lazarus’ home on Bethany Mary anoints Him with expensive oil/perfume showing her reverent love and gratitude for Jesus.

·        Judas’ resentment and bitterness of Mary’s act of worship is an example of how people acknowledge Jesus. Some feel Jesus is worth our deepest devotion. Others say they love Jesus but are not willing to give Him their best for selfish reasons.

·        Jesus comes to Mary’s defense because in light of what was going to happen to Him on the Cross, this one act of love needed to be acknowledged.  This was a moment that meant something to Jesus and represented how much Jesus was valued by Mary and how that value inspired her to worship.  

·        Today we can show Jesus how much we love Him by putting Him first in our lives. The way we speak, act, love and show compassion should reflect a Christ-like heart.

·        Jesus used the raising of Lazarus as well as others signs/miracles to prove to people that He was the Messiah. In the case of Lazarus, people witnessed the power and authority Jesus had to control life and death.

·        When someone comes to believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior they are no longer separated from God, they cross over from death to life.

John 5:24 New Living Translation (NLT)

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.

Not only do we cross over from death to live but we have become a new creation:

2 Corinthians 5:15-19 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

¹⁶ So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We have a new purpose and a new commission and a new way of sharing the hope we have:

Matthew 28:18-20  New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁸ Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

1 Peter 3:15-16 New International Version (NIV)

¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

·        People who are truly followers of Jesus desert their old ways just like the people deserted the Jewish Leaders who were leading them astray.

·        Believing in Jesus and following Him leads to a transformational life experience. A Life connected with Jesus has greater purpose and meaning. You see everything through a different filter as God’s Word and the Holy Spirit enlighten you with an eternal perspective. You live with a new confidence and hope because of what God has already done and will continue to do in order to keep His promises. With an intimate daily connection with God you realize how much people matter to Him and how He will use you to help others in their need.

·        Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees who were more concerned with their power, outward appearance and status rather than really caring for God’s people. Jesus rebuked Judas for His self-centered ambitions and lack of understanding of who Jesus really was. God’s people on the other hand live from the inside out.

The heart and love for one another is a mark of a true follower of Jesus:

John 13:34-35 New International Version (NIV)

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another

·        Jesus was praised when He entered the city of Jerusalem. We are to praise Jesus for who He is and what He has done to save us.

·        A relationship with Jesus does not leave us static and comfortable. We are challenged to grow in our faith and trust in God and to develop Godly character in order to impact the world around us.

We are to be Ambassadors for Christ and do everything for the glory of God:

2 Corinthians 5:20 Living Bible (TLB)

We are Christ’s ambassadors. God is using us to speak to you: we beg you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, receive the love he offers you—be reconciled to God.

1 Peter 4:11 New International Version (NIV)

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Finally, submit to God and trust His leadership:

Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version (NIV)

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Application: How can I apply what I have learned to my life?

·        Praise and thank God every day.

·        Live a life that shows love for God and others.

·        Make time to die to self-interest and see where God takes you.

·        Share your transformational story so others can hear about God’s power, love, compassion and mercy and let that reflect in the way you live.

Don’t forget:

John’s main purpose in writing this Gospel:

·        To tell the world that Jesus is the Messiah for the Jews and Gentiles

·        The events were recorded so that we might believe and have eternal life

John 20:30-31 New International Version (NIV)

The Purpose of John’s Gospel

³⁰ Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Questions to ponder:

·        What areas of your life do you need to follow Jesus and die to self-interest?

·        What are you doing each day to praise God?

·        Are you more concerned with what you get out of life or do you find you want to give back in the same ways God has cared and provided for you?

·        Are those you admire and look up to represent good character and integrity?

·        Who will you follow?

Have a great week…………….Dave