Bible Pathways 11/5/2000
November 5
John 11 -- 12
Throughout the years of Jesus' ministry, we see Him withdrawing Himself from public notice, often into the wilderness, and often charging His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ (Matthew 16:20). When He raised the daughter of Jairus, He charged them that no man should know it (Mark 5:43). When they came down from the Mount of Transfiguration, He gave orders to His disciples that they should tell no man about the things they had seen (9:9).
When the 5,000 who were miraculously fed by two fish and five loaves of bread were desirous to make Him king, He departed . . . into a mountain . . . alone (John 6:15). When His unbelieving brethren urged: Show Yourself to the world, He answered: My time has not yet come (7:4,6).
During the week preceding the Passover, His time had come. Jesus entered the Holy City of Jerusalem to be proclaimed the Messiah as prophesied throughout the Scriptures. Jerusalem was crowded with worshipers who had come from every section of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee, and from 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 before the Passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for 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 were heard to say: Behold, the world has gone after Him (12:19). Even among the chief rulers, 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 (12:42-43). Jesus accepted the acclaim of the multitude.
The prophet had foretold almost 500 years earlier: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, Your King comes unto 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 foretold.
Jesus knew that in a few days the hosannas from the multitudes would give place to the crowd that would rally around the hostile religious leaders and would shout: Away with Him, crucify Him (John 19:15). While the religious leaders were seeking to kill Jesus, the Greeks were desirous to find Him. Certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast . . . came to Philip . . . and desired Him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus (12:20-21). It was to these Greeks that Jesus said: He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor (12:24-26).
Cross References:
For John 12:13: See Psa. 118:26. John 12:15: See Zech. 9:9. John 12:38: See Isa. 53:1. John 12:40: See Isa. 6:9-10.
Government Officials: Rep. Bob Barr (GA), Rep. Nick Smith (MI), and Gov. Cecil Underwood (WV) · Pray for Bible Pathway Distributors · Pray for Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast in honor of Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Skiles 50th Wedding Anniversary · Country: Iceland (260,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic · Major language: Icelandic · Religious freedom · 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Confess and repent of any known sin (I John 1:9).
Memory Verse for the Week:
James 1:22
