Bible Pathways - November 5, 2005

November 5

In Today's Reading:

Raising of Lazarus; Pharisees' plot to kill Jesus; Mary's anointing of Jesus' feet; triumphal entry; Jesus' answer to the Greeks

Throughout the years of Jesus' ministry, we often see Him withdrawing 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 three disciples who had accompanied Him that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of Man were risen from the dead (9:9). His reason for this can be easily understood. When the 5,000 who had been miraculously fed by two fish and five loaves of bread attempted 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. . . . then, Jesus said to them: My time is not yet come (7:4,6).

Now at this time, Jerusalem was crowded with worshipers who had come from Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and as far away as Greece and Rome. 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 as well as to see Jesus (11:55-56).

As Jesus made His public entry into Jerusalem, the religious leaders were overwhelmed by the immense crowd that followed Him, and the Pharisees were heard to say: Behold, the world is gone after Him (12:19). But this was the God-appointed time, and Jesus openly and rightly accepted the acclaim of the multitude that He was their 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, who came to bring peace, 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).

Word Studies:

11:47 council = Sanhedrin, the Jewish judicial body for both civil and religious crimes; 12:46 I am come a light = 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 Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Government Official: Gov. Ted Kulongoski (OR) · Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa · Major languages: French and several African languages · Limited religious freedom · 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Cry out to God in humility (Psalm 9:12).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 3:15