Bible Pathways 11/05/04
November 5
Read John 11 - 12
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 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 three disciples 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 were 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 show Yourself to the world. . . . then, Jesus said to 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 and Rome. They came early in order that they might be ceremonially qualified to partake of the feast: The Jews' Passover was near 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 (has) gone after Him (12:19). Now, at the God-appointed time, 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, your King comes to you . . . 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 more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43).
Word Studies:
11:47 council = Sanhedrin, the Jewish prosecuting 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 BP Staff: Rick Hash · Government Officials: Gov. Ted Kulongoski (OR) and Rep. Nick Smith (MI) · Country: Algeria (31 million) in North Africa · Major languages: Arabic and French · Authorities have virtually ended all open mission work · 99% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic/Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Humbly kneel before the Lord with a contrite heart as you pray (Ezra 9:5-6).
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 6:10
