[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 12
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” (John 12: 26)
“Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light” (John 12: 36)
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46)
JESUS ANOINTED AT BETHANY (vs. 1-11)
Jesus was at the house of Lazarus while Martha served. Mary took a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume, poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair. When Judas Iscariot saw it, he objected saying: “Why not sold the perfume and give the money to the poor?” (v. 5). Jesus replied: “Leave her alone. It was intended, that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me” (v. 7-8). Because many Jews were going over to Jesus due to his miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well. (v. 10)
THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY (vs. 12-19)
While Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, the crowd took palm branches and welcome Jesus shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel (v. 13). Jesus sat on a donkey fulfilling the prophesy in Zechariah 9:9.
JESUS PREDICTS HIS DEATH (vs. 20-36)
There were Greeks who went to worship at the Feast. They approached Philip and requested him that they want to see Jesus. Philip went to tell Andrew and they introduced Jesus to them.
Jesus said that His death will glorify His Father, and He will be lifted up. He told them to trust Him because He is the light.
THE JEWS CONITNUE IN THEIR UNBELIEF (vs. 37-50)
Despite of the many miracles and signs that they saw, the Jews still would not believe Him. This fulfilled the word of Isaiah in Isaiah 53:1-4. Many believe, but for fear of being put out of the synagogue, they would not confess their faith. They loved praise from men more than praise from God (vs. 42-43).
A man who believes in Jesus also believes in the Father who sends Him (v. 44)., Whatever Jesus says is what the Father has told him to say (v. 50).
THINGS TO PONDER:
- Christ was with Martha, Mary and Lazarus at their house. Martha represents service to God. Mary speaks of worship while Lazarus was a witness to the Jews. Are you serving God? Are you worshipping Him? Are you a good witness to the world?
- Mary showed her love by anointing Him with the precious and expensive perfume. How do you show your love to Christ?
- During His triumphal entry, the crowd were praising Him. Do you praise God for who He is and for what He has done for you?
- Philip and Andrew led the Greeks to see Jesus. Have you led someone to know Christ?
- Jesus wants us to trust in the light so that we will not walk in darkness. Have you put your trust in the Lord?
- People believed in Jesus but were afraid to confess for fear of men. Will you stand firm in you faith and acknowledge Him despite of pressures from men? Which is more important to you – praise from men or praise from God?
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