Greeks, a voice from heaven and more…

Today’s reading is varied in content and application.

John 12:20-36

Greeks who want to see Jesus (v. 20-23)

• Asking Philip
• In what way does Greeks/Gentiles seeking Jesus indicate that his hour has come?

The dying seed brings forth fruit (v. 24)

• A seed sitting on the shelf has life within it; and is, and always will be, alone.
• But plant that seed and it dies, but it brings forth abundant life.
• So also, Jesus must die that multitude others shall live.

Serving Jesus (v. 25-26)

• To serve Jesus is to follow him.
• To serve Jesus is to be honored by God.

A voice from heaven in answer to Jesus’ prayer (v. 27-30)

• Jesus was torn between his purpose in life and the troubles ahead.
• As we should, he prayed that the Father be glorified in his life.
• The Father assured him, audibly from heaven, that glory would come.
• The people who heard the sound from heaven we uncertain about its origin, some saying it was thunder, other supposing it was the voice of an angel. We know it was the voice of the Father.
• The voice was for the benefit of the people and not for Jesus’ sake.

Jesus will die and Satan will be cast out (v. 31-34)

• By his death and atonement for sin, Jesus destroyed the devil (Hebrews 2:14).
• Jesus spoke of being lifted up, not just a public announcement, but death by crucifixion.
• The people were confused by his death notice.  They passed over verses on the death of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:1-12; Daniel 9:24-27), and remembered only those about his eternal reign (Psalm 89:4; 110:4; Isaiah 9:7; Ezekiel 37:25; Daniel 7:14).

Walk in the light and believe in the light (v. 35-36).

• Jesus is the light.
• He will soon be taken from them.
• They should live accordingly.

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Cleansing The Temple

Not four years earlier Jesus had chased away the money-changers; and now, at the end of his ministry and life, he does it again.

Matthew 21:12-19

• The temple should be a place of prayer, not a place of business (v. 12-13).
• Needy people sought out Jesus (v. 14). Are you needy? Have you sought Jesus?
• Children praised him; priest and scribes hated him (v. 15).
• Jesus reprimanded the religious leaders for their ignorance of Psalm 8:2 . (v. 16).
• The hypocritical fig tree looked like it should have fruit, but it didn’t (v. 17-19).

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Palm Sunday

Long known for the spreading of palm branches  in the path of Jesus, this day, less than one week before the crucifixion, is oft remembered.

John 12:12-19

• Masses, knowing that Jesus was coming, ran out to meet him. Consider the spreading of palm branches to be like our “rolling out the red carpet” (v. 12-13).
• Did the people understand the significance of their reciting Psalm 118:26 (v. 13).
• Certainly the disciples did not, at first, understand the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 (v. 14-16).
• Many people came to welcome Jesus because they had heard of the raising of Lazarus (v. 17-18).
• Pharisees, however, were distraught, realizing that they had lost control (v. 19).

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The Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem

Mentioned in all four gospels, the coming of the King into His city is  significant event in the life of Jesus.

Luke 19:29-44

• An unusual request, obeyed implicitly (v. 29-35).
• Crowds of praise (at least for now, v. 36-38).
• When the Pharisees object to jubilant crowds, Jesus defends them (v. 39-40).
• And then Jesus weeps over the city of Jerusalem, knowing its missed opportunity and its certain future (v. 41-44).

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