Bible Pathways - Nov. 5, 2007
In Today's Scripture Reading:
Raising of Lazarus; Pharisees' plot to kill Jesus; Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet; His triumphal entry into Jerusalem; Jesus' answer to the Greeks by prophesying His own death
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) (Matthew 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, planned 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 early 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 (11:55-56), 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 . . . lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zechariah 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 even more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43).
Word Studies:
12:46 I am come a light =b> I have come to reveal the truth.
Cross References:
For John 12:13: See Psalm 118:26. John 12:15: See Zechariah 9:9. John 12:38: See Isaiah 53:1. John 12:40: See Isaiah 6:9-10; Exodus 4:21.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Jennola Harkus • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Gov. Ted Kulongoski (OR) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be sensitive to give God the praise for everything you do (Psalm 40:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:11
