The Gospel of John Lesson 45 (08-25-2013) John 12:20-3, Mark 11:8-11

The Gospel of John Lesson 45 (08-25-2013)

Lesson 45 – John 12:20-3, Mark 11:8-11

In our last lesson we saw Jesus fulfill prophesy riding into Jerusalem on a colt. They welcomed Him as the coming King, but did not understand nor recognize the purpose of His coming on a beast that would convey a message of peace instead of coming on a steed as conquering king. He enters the city late in the day, but upon arrival He went up into the Temple and Mark’s Gospel says that upon entering He looked around. What was He looking at? Or, maybe a better question would be what was He looking for? Was He just looking at the Temple and its activities and its spiritually deficient condition ready to critique or judge it? Or, was He looking for something? Was He possibly looking for Hope … a reason to not eventually judge this nation that He loved so much?

He had come to them in peace, riding on a donkey conveying an offering of peace. But, although many of them had accepted Him as the One that was to come to be Israel’s conquering King, the One that would reestablish David’s Kingdom, they had also rejected His purpose in coming to them at this time. He had come with an offer of peace. From His perspective at this time they were at enmity with Him…as was all mankind.

Rightfully, the nation of Israel had gotten His offer of peace first, and as a nation, although they recognized who He was, they did not receive His offer and its terms. As the angles send by God to inspect the on the ground condition of Sodom (Gen. 18:20-1), God Himself had arrived to see if things were truly as hopeless as it appeared. As He stood in the Temple that afternoon He looked around to see if there was anything worthy of receiving His offer of peace, and seeing none He left that night seeing judgment as their only option.

He had been to the Temple before. This was not the first time He had been there for Passover. But, His work here on earth at this time was almost complete and Israel as a nation was no closer to receiving His offer than when He first began His ministry. He had taught them enough and prepared them for this moment. In reality He could have come a thousand more times to a thousand more Passovers and the response and condition that He found on that day would have been the same…rejection of His offer of forgiveness and peace. If anything, He found the leadership of Israel on that day even more stubborn and resistant than ever. To receive God’s Kingdom they would need to receive His forgiveness.

On that day as He stood there looking around at the activities of the Temple I wonder if He was looking for something that might indeed of God, someone or something worthy of representing the nation of Israel that would receive His offer of peace and forgiveness. Some bible scholars believe that if Israel had accepted His offer of peace and forgiveness for their offences toward their God on that day that Jesus would have had to establish the Davidic Kingdom right then which we know did not happen.

But, if Israel would have responded favorably to Him there would have been a big problem. Jesus knew that even though He had honestly offered them the Kingdom that they would not receive it. (John 12:38-41) It was their choice. But…if they had received His offer then we would have to face a very important question. If they had received His offer would Christ have gone to the Cross?? And, if He had not gone to the Cross, then all men would stand guilty before Him and all would be lost, not one would be saved.

But, God knew that He would be rejected on that day just as He knew that one of His own company would indeed betray Him. His plan included the surety of these events. Even though He knew what their choice would be it was still their choice. They could have chosen otherwise. But, they didn’t. It is also interesting that there was no ‘what if’ plan. Even though His offer to Israel was a valid one He foreknew that He would be rejected on that Day as if it had already happened. God’s plan and our redemption was already secure. The Bible says that God knew what would happen… even before the world was founded. I Peter 1:19-20 and Rev. 13:8 Behold the mystery of God.

Much happens when Jesus returns to Jerusalem. The order of events chronologically is not easily ascertained. Each Gospel writer records details of events as they are moved by the Holy Spirit as seen through their eyes. Not all record the same details. To have a more complete view of what happened we need to take into account the other Gospels also.

In vs. 20 and following in John’s Gospel, we see an interesting request and an even more interesting reply. There were certain Greeks that were at the Passover that saw what was happening and requested a meeting with Jesus. The exact details concerning who these Greeks are are somewhat of a mystery. Most believe that they are not just Greek speaking Jews, not being of Jewish decent at all, but are in all probability Gentile proselytes or non Jews who had become interested in Judaism or had even heard of Jesus and had come to see for themselves the claims that they had heard.

They’re not being Jews may be why Jesus did not meet with them at this time, for at that time the Jews still had opportunity to respond to Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and peace and receive Him as their King. However, they do show an interest in what Jesus was doing and desire to inquire further. It appears that Jesus does not grant their request at this time, however sincere they may be, but instead gives a response to Phillip and Andrew and the others that to some may not fit the request. Or, does it?

These Greeks had come to the Passover joining in the celebration and ceremonies of the Passover. V. 20 tells us that they had come up to the Passover to worship indicating that they had come not just to have a good time. By their request to actually see and meet with Jesus in v. 21 one would assume that they really were serious about this meeting with Him wanting to know more about what He was about and what He had to say.

But, even though their request may have been valid it was not their time. Even thought it was doubtful that the Jews would turn and receive Jesus as Savior, they had not fully rejected Him as yet. The Jews full answer of rejection would be the Cross. Even though the event of the Cross was close it had not happened as yet. Once fully rejected, the offer of peace through the Gospel would be turned toward the Gentiles and Gentile nations.

The Gospel of John Lesson 44 (08-18-2013) John 12:17-9 (Mark 11:11-4)

The Gospel of John Lesson 44 (08-18-2013)

Lesson 44 – John 12:17-9 (Mark 11:11-4)

Those who come out to meet Jesus as He enters into the city during His Triumphal Entry do so because of the witness of those who saw Lazarus’ resurrection, John  12:17-8. In seeing the crowd go out to meet Jesus the Pharisees make remark that even with all their effort, their scheming, their plots and their plans that they are not making any ground in taking care of and discrediting this Jesus. As a matter of fact, no matter how hard they try to discredit Him it just gets worst, Jesus just gains more popularity in the peoples’ eye. Because of this they just become more united in their resolve that their only option will be to kill Him.

Jesus enters the city during His Triumphal Entry…, but it is late in the day. Mark 11:11 tells us that Jesus entered the city on that day and went into the Temple and it says that He looked around at everything that was going on in the Temple and in its courts. While He was looking at all that was going on, to be sure all eyes were also on Him as He was looking at them, watching Him, His face, His eyes and His presence in the Temple. What an interesting moment in history this must have been. There was no doubt that God, their King had arrived.

We can only imagine and wonder what He was thinking at that time. To be sure His heart must have been pondering the present state of Israel at His arrival. They were supposed to be prepared to receive their King, but they were not ready to receive Him and His offer of peace to them at all. The nation that was supposed to represent God to the world and the Temple where He, God, was supposed to reside was far from mirroring God and His righteousness and justice to the earth and its inhabitants.

But, He takes no action at that time. Being late in the day He leaves for the night going to Bethany. We can only speculate what He did that night with His disciples. We will see in John’s Gospel as we progress that at this point in His ministry and being that time was indeed short He spent much of His time in prayer and instructing His followers concerning His Kingdom and on things to come.

The next morning we see Jesus return to Jerusalem. However, as He returns something interesting happens. On His return to Jerusalem that morning He sees a fig tree afar off and the text says in Marks Gospel that being hungry He went over to it to see if it had any fruit to eat. However, even thought the tree appeared green and healthy when He got to it He found that it had no fruit. This displeased Jesus greatly and He ends up cursing the fig tree saying that no man will ever eat of it again.

Some have criticized Jesus for this action saying that He was unfair in His reprimand saying that it was not the season for its fruit. But, the reaction from the others, or actually the lack thereof, would indicate that it was not unreasonable to investigate such a desire expecting that there possibly could be something to eat on this tree. It is true that it was not the right season yet for the presence of the new figs. The text tells us this in Mk. 11:13. But, it is said that it was also the time or season where the fig tree would have no leaves and that a fig tree that still has leaves from the previous season may also still have some of its fruit making it worthy of investigation. Many scholars believe that Jesus may have been more looking for a visual example to impart truth to His followers than He was looking for something to eat.

Seeing Jesus’ reaction here with the fig tree is a good example of Jesus’ reaction to His previous day’s visit to the Jewish nation and the Temple. Most bible scholars believe that the fig tree is symbolic of the nation Israel.  To many the tree of Israel and their religious practices looked green or good, but even thought they were full of activity and the Temple looked beautiful they were baring no real fruit. Jesus gives this assessment of them in Matthew chapter 23.

As Jesus enters the city He enters the Temple showing His displeasure by turning over tables and eventually pronouncing judgment on them telling them that the Temple will be destroyed and the city will lie in ruins passing judgment on them as He did the fig tree. However, unlike the fig tree that withers and dies Israel does not die, but for a season God’s attention will be turned instead toward the Gentile nations till God’s will for the Gentile nations be fulfilled. 

The Gospel of John Lesson 43 (08-04-2013) John 12:9-19

The Gospel of John Lesson 43 (08-04-2013)

Lesson 43 – John 12:9-19

In our last study although Mary’s act of worship was missed by everyone else in the room, it did not go unnoticed by Jesus. So it is with many good works performed with a pure heart that are done as an act of worship in this world. Be encouraged, Jesus does take notice. He does not miss one. Not one. Even though He may not stand up and applaud you right away for it.

As a matter of fact, as we saw in this instance, the recognition that we often receive for acts of worship in good works is ridicule and often persecution. But, it was the Apostle Paul that said it best in I Cor. 15:58 encouraging us to continue in good works being steadfast in performing them telling us that these acts are not in vain. Mary did it just because. But, God took notice and commended her for it.

By this time knowledge of this dinner gathering was getting out. It tells us in Jn. 12:9 that a large number of Jews had heard that Jesus had now come to Bethany and sought Him out. They had already been wondering if He would come. They were not sure of what would happen because the Jewish leaders were now looking for Him, and, not to welcome Him. Some versions tell us that it was many Jews. Other versions even use the word multitude to describe how many came to Bethany looking for Him. John says that it was the common people and not so much religious leaders that had sought Him out, although He was not without a following among the leadership of Israel. It tells us in Jn. 12:42 that some of the Jewish leadership did seek Him out also, but were afraid to go public for fear of being ostracized in their society being put out of the synagogue.

The tide was beginning to turn. The raising of Lazarus had convinced many that Jesus was for real. Now the chief priests had two problems. They could not deny the obvious. No matter what was behind the raising of Lazarus he was now alive when he had just a few days ago laid dead. They were there. They witnessed it. Lazarus was now up and walking around. He was a public display of God’s power and glory and an undeniable witness to what Jesus was saying all along. We can be sure that Lazarus testified to this verbally to those present. Because of Lazarus now many were not just looking for Jesus to watch the show, now they were seeking Him out taking His message seriously deciding to follow Him, and, they brought others with them encouraging them to do the same.

After this dinner and the visible witness of God’s glory through His work concerning Lazarus, on the next day, when those who had come to celebrate the Passover feast heard that Jesus was now coming to Jerusalem, they came out to meet Him now not just heralding Him as one of the great prophets, but had now claimed to recognize Him as the One who was to come as their King in God’s Name, representing and making claim to the Throne of God. This was significant because only One in all of Israel’s history could make this claim. Because of this they initially welcome Him to Jerusalem giving Him a royal welcome laying down palm branches and enthusiastically proclaiming Him as the Promised King.

However, there was only one problem. He did not come as they had expected Him to. V. 14 tells us that Jesus chose an interesting mode of transportation to ride into Jerusalem that day. They had proclaimed Him as King. You would have expected Him, as they did, to come into Jerusalem with a show of power coming into Jerusalem with His entourage sent on before Him proclaiming His coming or riding into the city on a beautiful powerful steed, or the like, matching His claim. After all Jerusalem was occupied by an enemy at this time.

But, this did not happen. Instead He chose an ass, and a young one at that to make His entrance. Not exactly a show of power. I am sure that to most there on that day that this was a curious detail concerning His coming causing many to at least pause for a moment and wonder its meaning only to cast aside that thought and resume the moment of celebration.

However, Jesus’ choice was intentional and contained great and significance. We see recorded in the other Gospel accounts that Jesus had prearranged the use of this colt by Him telling his disciples to go and get this specific colt. They were told when they were sent to get the colt that if the owners asked them any questions when they untied the colt they were to reply that the Master had need of it. That Jesus had a purpose in using this colt was clear.

John quoting here the Old Testament passage found in Isaiah chapter 40 verse 9 is significant, for in coming Jesus was not coming to make a statement to Israel’s captors only, but instead He came to make a statement and presentation first to His own people. The passage found in Isaiah is significant for in coming it says that this King would come with a message and that message was that His people should not fear Him at His coming at this time.

What a strange message for a king to his people. Why should they be afraid of their king? Their king was supposed to protect and rescue them. But, there was an issue between this King and His people. It was an issue that was even more important than freeing them from their captures. He in essence arrives in the city of His people telling them, not their enemies, to not to be afraid of Him. In coming to them He presents Himself not only as their King, but also as their God and comes to them in essence saying that there is an issue that needs to be discussed and resolved, but even though it is a issue that must be dealt with He starts by telling them not to be afraid, that He comes in peace coming with a peace offer.

It was significant how Jesus chose to come to His people in Jerusalem that day. A conquering king if coming to conquer would come presenting in a position of dominance. However, if a king came with an offer of peace they would often come as Jesus did, sitting on a colt or ass. The news of the raising of Lazarus had spread in the region and in Jerusalem and had convinced the people that He was the One. They came out with shouts of praise spreading palm branches giving Jesus a king’s welcome acknowledging that Jesus was not only coming as a king, but was coming in God’s Name representing God Himself to them.

But, there was one problem that they did not yet acknowledge in His coming, one thing that they did not yet admit. They were not on the best of terms with their coming king. Because of this as we will later see this crowd that in the present welcomed Him turns 180 degrees turning against Him instead. In v. 16 John tells us that even His disciples did not understand the dynamics of what went on here until they witnessed the full picture of Jesus’ coming, finally understanding after His crucifixion and resurrection His purpose in coming.

At this point even His disciples saw Jesus as their possible ticket to freedom from Roman tyranny, V. 16 Later they would fully understand that it was not just His earthly greatness that made Him the One, but that He also came fulfilling all of those things concerning the coming Messiah.

The other Gospel writers also record what has been named Jesus’ Triumphant Entry. We now celebrate Jesus’ Triumphant Entry as Palms Sunday because of the laying down of palms before Him as He rode into Jerusalem that day. Each gospel writer records this event. They all essentially record the main details of what happened, but add details specific to their account as moved by God the Holy Spirit. Matt. 21 1-9, Mk. 11:1-10 and Lk. 19:28-44.

Luke records this event in Lk. 19:28-44 adding to his account that Jesus wept over the city. He wept as He beheld the city because its inhabitants did not acknowledge or recognize their offenses toward God as they came out to meet Him. This was the reason for His coming coming on a colt or donkey. In Luke’s Gospel in Lk. 1:76-9 Dr. Luke gives us the details and purpose of His coming presenting Himself to Israel. In v. 77 of chapter one it tells us that He was coming to bring the knowledge of salvation and the forgiveness of their offences. V. 79 of chapter one goes further telling us of their condition saying that those that He was coming to sat in darkness and that He was the Light to light their way to guide their feet and actions into the way of peace.

But, they had refused to listen and acknowledge their need for what He was offering, essentially rejecting His peace offer. They wanted to just join Him for their benefit. He saw no recognition of accountability or obligation for their offenses toward the One they heralded as King. This saddened Him. It saddened Him so much that it broke His heart shedding tears for the people of Jerusalem.

In verses 43 and 44 of Luke 19 we see Jesus pronounce the judgment that will come upon them because they do not receive and except His terms of peace at this time. This judgment was mostly accomplished by the Romans in 70 A.D. the Temple being totally destroyed and brought down level to the ground. It is ironic and descriptive that the Jewish leaders were so concerned with what they perceived would happen if the people ended up following Jesus when it was really their actions and refusal to receive Jesus and His offer of peace that brought destruction on them.

John 12:17-8 To be sure, it was the raising of Lazarus that had convinced the people that Jesus was the Promised One. V. 19 Wow! It was obvious now to the Pharisees as to where this thing was going. The people now began to turn their attention totally away from following their dead doctrines and rituals turning in droves toward Jesus, the one that they had despised. V. 19 indicates that even they could see the trend and handwriting on the wall, seeing that even their captures took notice of Him and that this thing had now become even bigger than them.