John 12 - Jesus Makes His Entrance into Jerusalem

Joh 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. Six days before the Passover Jesus arrived in Bethany at the home of Lazarus. (i.e. on the ninth day of Nisan; our Thursday sunset to Friday sunset).

Joh 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. A dinner was prepared in honor of Jesus. Martha served, and Lazarus was there. (This was the first of three suppers, it was on Saturday evening, at the close of the Sabbath, on the tenth day of Nisan).

Joh 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume. (Spikenard is a highly romantic plant growing in India, whence was made a very valuable unguent or perfume, used at the ancient baths and feasts). Three anointings are recorded in the Gospels. (Keep in mind that the number "three" means divine perfection).

Joh 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Judas Iscariot questions the use of the expensive ointment.

Joh 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? The perfume was worth a year's wages Judas argues, it should have been sold and the money given to the poor.

Joh 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Judas didn't really care for the poor, he was a thief. (He was also in charge of the disciples money which he often stole some for himself). Judas' problems started with his greed. (1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Joh 12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. Leave her alone Jesus replies; "She did this in preparation for My burial." (Matthew 26:13). This woman will always be remembered for what she has done throughout the whole world, wherever the the Good News is preached. You can bet that this woman was guided by the "Holy Spirit" for this anointing. She was the only one who came forward at that moment to do what needed to be done.

Joh 12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always. The poor will always be among you, but you will not always have Me Christ would say. He was not saying that He did not care for the poor, or that we should not help them. (He was explaining why Mary's worship was so important). "He would be crucified within a few weeks."

Joh 12:9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. When the people heard that Jesus had arrived, they flocked to see Him and Lazarus who He raised from the dead. (Did these people really come to seek Jesus, or to see the end result of the miracle)? We are to be led to Jesus, not the miracles. (Put your faith in the source).

Joh 12:10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death; Since there was so much attention on Jesus and Lazarus, they wanted to kill Lazarus too.

Joh 12:11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus. They wanted to kill Lazarus because many of the people deserted and believed in Jesus. Why? Because Jesus raised him from the dead, and that was an awesome miracle that got the peoples attention. (God used Lazarus as a witness to lead many to Christ). God uses whom ever He wills to get His message across. (He may be using you).

Joh 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, There were crowds of people from all over who went to the annual Passover feast when they heard that Jesus was attending. (i.e. the forth day before Passover, the 11th day of Nisan). "Our Saturday sunset to Sunday sunset."

Joh 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. The people took palm branches and went down the road to meet Him. They shouted "Hosanna," "Blessed is the King of Israel." "The One who comes in the name of the Lord." (Psalm 118:25-26, Matthew 21:9-11, Mark 11:8-10, Luke 19:35-38). 

Joh 12:14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Jesus sat upon the donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy of (Zechariah 9:9), the first advent. The second advent won't be so humble. (Zechariah 9:10, Revelation 19:11-16), Christ's second advent and His return. His army is coming! The horses represent the vehicles the army of Christ will arrive upon. His mouth is a two edge sword. (Revelation 1:16). Striking down the nations with power and He will rule them with an iron grip. This wrath is only against His enemies, not His people. The one and only "King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's."

Joh 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. "Fear not people of Jerusalem, your King is coming, riding on a donkey's colt."

Joh 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. At the time the disciples did not understand that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But, after Jesus entered into His glory (at the crucifixion and resurrection), they remembered what had happened and realized that these things were written about Him. (It wasn't till after the fact that the disciples finally got it).

Joh 12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. The word was around that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and people were telling others about it. 

Joh 12:18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. That was the reason so many went out to meet Jesus, because they heard of this miraculous sign.  

Joh 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him. Now that so many of the people were following Jesus, they knew that they had a problem on their hands. (After all, they were leaving the churches to follow the truth). "You know what happens when you follow the truth." It sets you free! (Maybe it is time for you to take a good look at your church and make a change). If you have a good church and Pastor that teaches the full Gospel truth, leaving out all the traditions of men, then stick with them. But, if they follow traditions of men, church doctrines, and rules that keep you in bondage, you might want to search for another church and teacher. (If you really believe in God and work at the Word, He will lead you to the truth).

Joh 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: (This was the third day before the Passover, 12th of Nisan, our Sunday sunset to Monday sunset). These were "Hellenes." i.e. Gentiles, not Greek-speaking Jews, or Grecians. (Acts 6:1, Acts 9:29). They would worship in the outer court of the Temple, called the Court of the Gentiles. (Revelation 11:2). They would not be allowed to eat the Passover, unless they were proselytes. (Converts to the Jewish religion). (Exodus 12:48).

Joh 12:21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. They paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. "Can we meet Jesus they asked?"

Joh 12:22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. Philip told Andrew what they had requested, and they went together to ask Jesus.

Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. It was getting close to the crucifixion, when Jesus would enter into His glory. That "special hour" is why Jesus had come. (Matthew 25:31). We as Christians have a special hour of our own in the near future. (Matthew 10:19-20). But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. (Matthew 10:19). We are speaking about the hour of temptation. (Revelation 17:12). Spoken of in (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21). Christians have a purpose to be a testimony for Christ and against Satan. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:20). At the right time the "Holy Spirit" will speak through you. (Mark 13:11). Will you stand for Christ when the hour comes?

Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. Here is a truth from Jesus. Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But because it dies, it becomes a new sprout through germination and will produce many grains of wheat. (A plentiful harvest of new lives). It may appear that Jesus is giving us a principle that only applies to Himself, but as we read on we will find that this same principle applies to all of us.

Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 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. (Matthew 10:39, 16:25). Life here is your soul or self. Your security should be in the doctrine, not in the world. Are you priorities with God, or of the world? In other words, we need to be careful that we do not cling to things in this world that are going to affect our eternal life with Christ in the world to come. (A good example of this would be Lot in the book of Genesis). The city of Sodom was kind of a booming metropolis that had every sort of sinful pleasure a person could want. (Kind of like Las Vegas today). Lot first lived close to Sodom, then he moved to Sodom. God warned Lot to flee from Sodom because of the judgment that was coming, but Lot was a bit reluctant. Finally he left when the angels dragged him out. However, when Lot and his family were leaving, Lot's wife had a hard time with letting go of the Sodom life style and turned back for a final look. Big mistake! "She was turned to a pillar of salt." (Luke 17:32-33). Cling to your life in the ways of this world and you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. (Matthew 16:25, Mark 8:35-37, John 12:25, Revelation 2:10). Make a stand against antichrist and the ways of the world. "This is Satan's party for now, but not for long."

Joh 12:26 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 honour. To be a true disciple of Christ you must follow Him and His ways. "Not the ways of the world." (If you serve Christ, you will be honored by the Heavenly Father). 

Joh 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. My souls is deeply troubled. Should I pray to save Me from this hour? This is the very reason I came. But, what hour is He speaking of here? (Mark 14:35-36). There will be an hour of temptation, when the cup of wrath of God will be poured out. Christ did not want to prevent the crucifixion like many believe. He wanted to know if there was some other way. (Isaiah 51:17-22). "A one time event never to take place again."

Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. "Father, bring glory to your name." Then a voice came form heaven, "I have already brought glory to My name, and I will do it again." The Father's name was glorified in the wilderness by the Son's victory over the "tempter." (Luke 4:1-13). The Father's name was about to be glorified again by the final victory over Satan, in the contest beginning in Gethsemane and ending at the empty tomb. 

Joh 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. The crowd heard the voice and some thought it was thunder, while others thought it was an angel who spoke to Him. "They heard the sound, but could not distinguish what it was or where it came from."

Joh 12:30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. The sound of thunder was for the benefit of the people. (A warning sign if you will).

Joh 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. At this moment is the crisis of this world: i.e. the crisis reached when the world pronounced judgment against Christ and His claims. Now the ruler of this world (Satan), be thrust outside: i.e. Satan as prince of this world (kosmos, appendix 129.1) three times, here, (John 14:30, 16:11), as prince of the demons in (Matthew 12:24, Mark 3:22), and is the prince of the power of the air in (Ephesians 2:2). The same word used in (Revelation 1:5), of the Lord. The prince of this world was a well known Rabbinical term (Sar-ha-olam, prince of the age) for Satan, "the angel" as they say, "into whose hands the whole world is delivered." Even though Satan is still the "prince of this world" at this time, he meets his final destiny in (Revelation 20:10). However, the actual victory over Satan took place at the cross when Christ defeated death. (Hebrews 2:14-15). Just as God's children are human beings, Christ came in the flesh like us humans so He could die and break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. (Isaiah 25:8, Hosea 13:14, 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, 2 Timothy 1:10).     

Joh 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. "When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to Me." (Salvation open to all peoples). "Lifted up" is "hupsoo" Strong's G5312 meaning to elevate, exalt, lift up. (Occurs twenty times and always refers to the cross).

Joh 12:33 This he said, signifying what death he should die. He said this to indicate how He was going to die.

Joh 12:34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? The people are saying here that they understood from the scriptures that the Messiah would live forever. But, Christ is saying that He is going to die. They were a little confused at this.

Joh 12:35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. Jesus told them, "My light will shine for you a little longer." (John 7:33). Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness (Satan), will not overtake you. (Ephesians 5:8, 5:14-15). Those who live in darkness (ways of the world under control of Satan), cannot see where they are going. (John 11:10, Proverbs 4:19, 1 John 2:8-11). Also, if you follow Satan and his ways, the true light will blind you of the truth. God will let you believe the lies. (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

Joh 12:36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. "Put your trust in the Light while there is still time; believe in the light, then you become children of the light." (After Jesus spoke these things He departed, and this would be the last time that He would be out in the public).

Joh 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: Despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in Him. (John 1:11). Even His own people rejected Him and would not believe. (So, don't be so surprised or upset when friends and family do not listen to you).

Joh 12:38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet predicted. Quoted from (Isaiah 53:1).

Joh 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, But, the people could not believe. Why?

Joh 12:40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. There eyes would be blinded and their hearts hardened that they should not see or understand. Quoted from (Isaiah 6:9-10). Also written in (Matthew 13:14, Acts 28:26-27, Romans 11:8). Here it is, the spirit of slumber, written here and in the old testament. (Isaiah 29:10). "To this day He has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear." (Do not let some man or woman close your eyes and ears to the truth with a bunch of nonsense).

Joh 12:41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he said this, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah's glory. (Isaiah 6:1-5).

Joh 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: Many of the people believed in Him, including some of the Jewish leaders. But, they would not admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. "To be a true believer, you must confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead." (Romans 10:9-10). "We must also share our relationship with others." (Luke 6:45). However, we must be really carful not to deny Christ in front of people. (Matthew 10:32-33). Plant the seed and bring forth the testimony of Jesus Christ and you will do fine. But, those teaching false religion and traditions of men will not do so well. (Christ will deny them before the Father). He will say to them: "I never knew you!" (Matthew 7:23).

Joh 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Those who deny Christ, teaching false religion and traditions of men, love human praise more than the praise form God.

Joh 12:44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. Jesus shouted to the crowds, "If you trust Me, you are trusting also in the Father who sent Me." (Matthew 10:40, Mark 9:37, 1 Peter 1:21). "Christ is the manifestation of the Father." (Materialized form of the Spirit).

Joh 12:45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. When you see Christ, you see the Heavenly Father. (Colossians 1:15). Christ being in the exact likeness of God. Christ was before any other creature. "Emmanuel," God with us.

Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. Christ is the light of the world. Put your trust in Jesus and you will not walk in darkness. (John 8:12).

Joh 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. i.e. Jesus did not come to judge people and send them to hell, His purpose was to come and save people from hell. (John 3:17, Luke 19:10, 1 John 4:14). 

Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. But, all who reject Jesus and His message will be judged on the day of judgment. (Romans 2:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8). What day? The Lords day; when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life. "You can't hide anything from God and we will all stand before Him at judgment day." (Revelation 20:11-15).

Joh 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. This was not spoken by the authority of Christ, but rather from the Heavenly Father who has commanded Christ what to say and how to say it. (His very words were what the Father had given Him to speak). (John 3:34, 7:16-18, 8:28, 8:47, 14:10, 14:24, 17:8, 17:14).

Joh 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. "Christ is saying that the Fathers commands lead to eternal life; so He says whatever the Father tells Him to say." (1 John 3:23, 5:11). Through the Word of God (His record), God has given us eternal life through Christ. "Study to show yourself approved, and without shame, eternal life will be yours." (2 Timothy 2:15).

Keep the faith,
Barton