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A short commentary on the life of Jesus

Text: John 12 : 9 - 22

A SHORT COMMENTARY ON THE LIFE OF JESUS

Jesus had come to a critical point of His life and ministry on earth. John had recorded some seven miracles in his Gospel, the last of which was the most spectacular of all. He raised Lazarus from the dead. John made an important comment about Jesus at this juncture. He offered a reason as to why the multitudes thronged the streets to greet Jesus with palms!

“Therefore the people, who were with Him
when He called Lazarus out of his tomb
and raised him from the dead, bore witness.
For this reason the people also met Him,
because they heard that He had done this sign.”
John 12:17-18

News had spread that Jesus could even raise the dead! That was startling news in any era! Those who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead were among the crowds that cried ‘Hosanna’. Others had been influenced and impacted by the witness or testimony of those who had seen this miracle! Surely this miracle was a sign from God!

THE IMPOTENT FURY OF THE JEWS

The Jews who had planned and plotted the death of Jesus stood among the crowds with impotent fury! Their best-laid plans to arrest Jesus when He came to Jerusalem had gone awry! John noted how the Jews felt.

“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves,
‘You see that you are accomplishing nothing.
Look, the world has gone after Him!'”
John 12:19

The words of the Pharisees were intended hyperbole. They were expressing great exasperation as they witnessed the success of Jesus! They had lost the support of the masses. A good number of their fellow Jews had become followers of Jesus too! Their ranks had dwindled significantly. They hadn’t the faintest idea as to how they could stop the ministry of Jesus!

THE INTEREST OF “THE GREEKS”

The Passover Feast was a major religious event. Those who lived in the vicinity tried their very best to be in the city of Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Jesus and His family had made this yearly trip to Jerusalem. Jesus Himself had kept up this tradition of spending time in Jerusalem for the Passover. He would walk from Galilee to Jerusalem to keep the Passover!

Among the many thousands who flocked to Jerusalem would be Gentiles. There were Gentiles who were drawn to the faith of the Jews. The teachings of the Scriptures were great truths indeed. John recorded that some of these Gentile proselytes actually asked for an audience with Jesus!

“Now there were certain Greeks among those
who came up to worship at the feast.
Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida
of Galilee, and asked him, saying,
‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’
Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn
Andrew and Philip told Jesus.”
John 12:20-22

John could not help but see yet another contrast in this scene. The Pharisees who belonged to the Jewish hierarchy were expressing great anger that “the world had gone after Jesus.” They had access to Jesus. They could speak to Him at any time. But they did not! They had rejected Jesus!

On the other hand, Gentiles, “The Greeks” had made their way into Jerusalem and had seen this wondrous triumphal march of Jesus into Jerusalem! They were intrigued! Who was this Jesus sitting on the colt of a donkey, serenely riding into Jerusalem? What was this that they had heard? Jesus was able to raise the dead? The person who was raised from the dead was among the Disciples of Jesus? They had to know more! They requested for an audience with Jesus! What an eloquent commentary on the powerful life and ministry of Jesus!

The mention of Galilee is not without significance. We are reminded of what the prophet Isaiah said concerning how the Messiah would minister powerfully in that region.

“Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphthali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His Name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom…”
Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7

Miracle after miracle had been performed in the land of Israel. The sign-miracles of Jesus had a far-reaching impact! Some Samaritans were impacted. Now, some Greeks were seeking Jesus! Where was Israel to whom the Messiah was especially sent?