(1) v.12-19
At first John described a large crowd of people welcoming Jesus. "At this point every messianic expectation is now at the point of realization (NET)" v.12-16.
[palm tree]= (NET) The Mosaic law stated (Lev 23:40) that branches of palm trees were to be used to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles. Later on they came to be used to celebrate other feasts as well (1 Macc. 13:51, 2 Macc. 10:7).
Then John explained these large crowds went out because they heard the testimonies for those who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus v.17-18. The event led to the death of Jesus in v.19.
(NET) The words the time has come recall all the previous references to “the hour” throughout the Fourth Gospel (see the note on time in 2:4). There is no doubt, in light of the following verse, that Jesus refers to his death here. On his pathway to glorification lies the cross, and it is just ahead.
12:19 Thus the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you can do nothing. Look, the world has run off after him!”
(2) v.20-36
12:21 So these approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” 12:22 Philip went and told Andrew, and they both went and told Jesus. 12:23 Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.(2) v.20-36
(NET) The words the time has come recall all the previous references to “the hour” throughout the Fourth Gospel (see the note on time in 2:4). There is no doubt, in light of the following verse, that Jesus refers to his death here. On his pathway to glorification lies the cross, and it is just ahead.
There was a seem-like ignorance of Jesus to His Greek visitors. He went on to talk about His glorification when they came to Him. Why?
12:32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 12:33 (Now he said this to indicate clearly what kind of death he was going to die.)
The testimonies about the resurrection of Lazarus drew people to Jesus. The crowds probably drew more people to Him, but Jesus said His death, actually, would draw all people to Him.
The testimonies about the resurrection of Lazarus drew people to Jesus. The crowds probably drew more people to Him, but Jesus said His death, actually, would draw all people to Him.
(3) Why is dying a part of the "glorification?"
v.24b But if it dies, it produces much grain.12:25 The one who loves his life destroys it, and the one who hates his life in this world guards it for eternal life. 12:26 If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be too. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
(BKC) In the case of a disciple of Jesus, the principle is similar. A disciple must hate his life in this world. To “hate his life” means to be so committed to Christ that he has no self-centeredness, no concern for himself. On the other hand the man who loves his life will lose it. Anything in life can become an idol including goals, interests, and loves (cf. Luke 12:16–21; 18:18–30). A believer should undergo a spiritual death to self (Rom. 6:1–14; 2 Cor. 5:14–15; Gal. 6:14).
Reflection: I always pray that I will not get sick, and my family will not get sick. I dont think God wants us to get sick, but is that all? Having a safe life is the way to live? Perhaps so if the meaning of life is to live, but it is not.
Jesus said, "The one who loves his life destroys it. " Are we the lover of our lives? Do we make "life" our idol? Or we make things/people in our life our idols? We will not be a fool if we hate our lives in this world and Jesus will preserve our lives to eternal life.
If raising Lazarus from death brought some "glory" to Jesus by the large crowd, then dying on the Cross brought more glory to Him. Jesus invited us to follow Him and the Father will honor us. Are we willing to give up our lives?
Audrey
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