John 12

JOHN 12 - Bethany, Jerusalem, prediction

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** The woman who poured perfume on Christ did so out of love and devotion <R1795>

• Mark provides additional eye-witnesses in his account of Jesus visiting in the home of Simon the Leper

• The woman ‘did what she could’ for Jesus as He was about to go to the cross

• Even though pouring perfume on Him was a simple thing, Jesus considered it “beautiful”

• Let’s learn from this incident and be assured that what we can do for the Lord is considered enough

• God knows when our motive is to do our best despite our limited ability

Matthew 26:6-12 NIV

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, [7] a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. [8] When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. [9] “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” [10] Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [11] The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. [12] When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

Mark 14:3-8 NIV

[3] While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. [4] Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? [5] It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. [6] “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [7] The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. [8] She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

Luke 7:36-38 NIV

[36] When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. [37] A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. [38] As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

John 12:1-3 NIV

[1] Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. [2] Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. [3] Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

** Some Christians want to give the bare minimum to God <L120>

• They will read the Bible -- if they find time in their busy schedules, after they’ve visited all the websites they want to visit and watched all their TV shows and checked their social media

• They’ll pray a little prayer before a meal or sing a worship song in church, but maybe not out loud

• They’ll put something in the offering -- if they have some spare change in their pocket

• They are critical of someone else who does something good because, in their eyes, that person is going overboard and makes them uncomfortable

• This is called the 'Judas mentality'

• When Mary anointed Jesus with very costly, fragrant oil at Simon’s house in Bethany, Judas Iscariot was very critical of her and accused her of waste

John 12:3-5 NIV

[3] Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. [4] But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, [5] “Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages. ”

• Ironically, the very name 'Judas' means 'waste'; talk about wasted opportunities and a wasted life!

• Jesus Himself handpicked Judas Iscariot to be His disciple, yet Judas threw it all away and had the audacity to accuse a woman with a good heart of wasting the gift that she gave to Jesus

• This account reminds us that hypercritical people actually can be worse than the people they criticize

• Those who are quick to jump down the throat of someone else often are guilty of something far worse themselves

Matthew 7:3-4 NIV

[3] “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? [4] How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

• All too often, those who complain the most do the least and those who do the most complain the least

• Maybe that is why the first-century Christians changed their world

• As modeled by Mary, they had a sense of abandon about them: they took risks

• When was the last time you took a risk for the kingdom of God?

** Mary revealed her personality and what was important to her at the dinner table

• Mary prioritized Christ, not the activity around her

• What does your personality and priorities say about you?

John 12:3 NIV

[3] Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

** Judas' revealed his priorities when he objected and saw the monetary value only when Mary poured perfume over Jesus' feet; do your priorities revolve around money?

John 12:4-6 NIV

[4] But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, [5] “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. ” [6] He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

** Acts of social justice as outlined in Scripture is valuable as a witness to the Christian faith, but not as our sole focus that substitutes the Gospel

• Many evangelical leaders advocate for social justice, where Christ followers are to vote for a government that will help the poor and victims of all stripes

• In doing so, they do not emphasize party platform — like where the party stands on abortion, gay rights, feminism, critical thinking, etc — but rather on a party that promotes a welfare state

• The government’s role, however, is not for charity (Marxist equalization theory) but to promote LAW & ORDER

• The individual Christian and church is to freely & voluntarily demonstrate Christ’s love to everyone and not simply write a check to the government to perform what they are to do themselves — the Christian may feel better about “doing something” but it’s really abdicating their role

Romans 13:3-4 NIV

[3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

John 12:8 NIV

[8] You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Galatians 2:10 NIV

[10] All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

• Ultimately, the church should not advocate social justice at the expense of (not sharing or focusing on) the gospel

• Sure, hand out food to those in need but present the gospel as well

Luke 6:20-22 NIV

[20] Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. [21] Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. [22] Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

Luke 11:41 NIV

[41] But now as for what is inside you---be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.

• We are also not to strive for UNITY with the world — there must be obvious differences — so taking on the verbiage of the world to make Christians seem more loving is apostasy

• Followers of Christ cannot have unity with those who have not been sanctified by God’s truth!

John 17:17 NIV

[17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

Matthew 10:34-36 NIV

[34] “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to turn “ 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--- [36] a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'

• Therefore, it is the Christian’s responsibility to vote and interject their faith in the world around them <H86>

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** After having raised Lazarus from the dead, the Chief Priests wanted to kill him because he was a testimony to Jesus' power and there were new believers as a result; we put ourselves in danger when we become a testimony to Christ

John 12:9-11 NIV

[9] Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. [10] So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, [11] for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.

** John's passage in chapter 12:12-22 fulfills prophecy from the Old Testament

Psalm 118:25-26 NIV

[25] Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! [26] Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.

Zechariah 9:9 NIV

[9] Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

John 12:12-15 NIV

[12] The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. [13] They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!” [14] Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: [15] “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

** Has there ever been such a coronation as when Jesus rode into Bethany (vs 1) on His way to Jerusalem and the king, being offered the throne, turned on the people offering the kingdom and condemned them? Then the One who was exalted by man, progressed toward His death on a cross accompanied by the ridicule of the public who formerly adored Him.

The stage was set: the Israelites, after seeing Christ’s miracles including raising Lazarus from the dead, were ecstatic about their ‘messiah’ who could conquer Roman-held Jerusalem and the whole world. The people were waiting for centuries for a moment such as this. The truth is, no one had (or ever will) come close to Jesus being worthy of the throne.

John 12:12-13 NIV

John 12:1 NIV

[1] Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

Luke 19:37-38 NIV

[37] When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: [38] “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Psalm 118:22-27 NIV

[22] The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; [23] the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. [24] The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. [25] Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! [26] Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. [27] The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar.

This procession, headed by Jesus riding a colt (not even a royal mule) and people throwing their cloaks before Him (indicating their submission to their leader), was only six days before Jesus would endure the agonizing humiliating sacrifice on the cross. He allowed this procession (the only one) to inflame His enemies so they would move swiftly to kill Him. This too was to fulfill prophecy.

Luke 19:39 NIV

[39] Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

Matthew 21:4-5 NIV

[4] This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: [5] “Say to Daughter Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' ”

Zechariah 9:9 NIV

[9] Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

After seeing their unbelief, Christ judged those who offered Him the throne... Jesus attacked the people instead of attacking their enemy (the Romans)! As the crowds shouted for joy, Jesus wept. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people had their chance but turned away from the truth and would now suffer when judgment comes.

Luke 19:41-44 NIV

[41] As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it [42] and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace---but now it is hidden from your eyes. [43] The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. [44] They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.”

Luke 13:34-35 NIV

[34] “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. [35] Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.' ”

Christ knew that before He would reign, He would have to die to conquer sin and death. Jesus knew He needed to save them spiritually, not physically. In the end, the people turned on Jesus with such fury (praise turns to scorn) but many would later understand these events — including riding on a donkey, dying on a cross and His resurrection — as judgment occurred (Roman siege of 70 AD) and prophecy fulfilled. <M130>

Isaiah 53:3-5 NIV

[3] He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. [4] Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

Psalm 16:9-10 NIV

[9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, [10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

** Jesus talked about His upcoming death that would glorify God

• The world thinks of death as defeat but Jesus died in order to conquer death!

• Jesus idea of 'glorifying' was to focus and sacrifice for God, while human glorification typically focuses on self with maybe some 'god' sprinkled on top

John 13:31-32 NIV

[31] When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. [32] If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

John 12:23,27-28 NIV

[23] Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. [27] “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. [28] Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

** Jesus' death enables us to have purpose and live for eternal hope, we must be willing to give our lives to Christ, sacrifice to His will and die to the things of this world

John 12:23-24 NIV

[23] Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. [24] Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

John 12:25-26 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [26] Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

** Pagans believe they have within them what it takes to solve the world’s problems while many churches today want to apply God’s law to fix the world

• As followers of Christ, however, we can apply His truth and realize His transforming power but understand the end result

• THE WORLD WILL NOT BE FIXED OR IMPROVED IN ORDER TO WELCOME CHRIST BUT WE NEED TO BE READY FOR CHRIST TO RETURN TO JUDGE AND USHER IN A NEW WORLD!!

• The world will NEVER be right until it is under God’s control and His sovereign rule

• When Christ returns we will have freedom from sin, righteous justice meted out, God ruling with a rod of iron, man-advancing rebellion ends, the Lord torches the world system to smoldering ash, union with our Savior at the marriage supper (text borrowed from Deut 32) — and the response in heaven is continual “hallelujah”!!

1 John 2:15-17 NIV

[15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world---the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life---comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

John 12:25 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Galatians 1:3-5 NIV

[3] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, [4] who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, [5] to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

• Be careful not to fall for Kingdom Now theology when listening to Christians who want to improve the world

• Scripture reminds us that our battle is not against the physical flesh and blood but against spiritual principalities, so look at the world events through that lens

• Do we believe what God has planned for this earth as outlined in Scripture, including His plan of salvation?

• There must be a literal understanding of the Bible

• Why would God want to trip-us-up by having riddles that most cannot solve?

• Look at God’s word and fulfillment of literal prophecy during Old Testament days, such as His first coming as an infant

• If we can allegorize eschatology (which comprises of 1/4 of the Bible) then what is stopping us from allegorizing the rest?

• The church is crumbling because attendees don’t believe the Bible anymore

• We either believe Scripture is His God-directed word and the Holy Spirit can illuminate its message or we don’t

• Is there hope? YES in Christ alone!

Titus 2:11-14 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Isaiah 41:13 NIV

[13] For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Psalm 121:1-8 NIV

[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from? [2] My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. [3] He will not let your foot slip---he who watches over you will not slumber; [4] indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. [5] The Lord watches over you---the Lord is your shade at your right hand; [6] the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. [7] The Lord will keep you from all harm---he will watch over your life; [8] the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

** The comparison between Mary and Martha is helpful for believers, to remember the need to prioritize Jesus in their Christian journey <F60>

MARTHA:

• Distracted from Jesus

• Chose to prepare for Jesus

• Stood on her feet for Jesus

• Prioritized the physical instead of Jesus

• Busied by many things

• Worried and upset about everything

• Attacked Mary for not doing anything

• Was upset at Jesus

• Needed to do what she wanted

• Wanted to take Mary away from Jesus

• Earthly minded in the temporal

MARY:

• Focused on Jesus

• Chose to listen to Jesus

• Sat at the feet of Jesus

• Prioritized the spiritual because of Jesus

• Blessed by the one and only best thing

• Calm and peaceful, worried about nothing

• Defended by Jesus for doing the right thing

• Blessed by Jesus

• Wanted to do what she needed

• Took herself away from Martha to be with Jesus

• Heavenly minded in the eternal

Luke 10:38-40 NIV

[38] As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. [39] She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. [40] But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

Luke 10:41-42 NIV

[41] “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, [42] but few things are needed---or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

John 12:25 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

Colossians 3:2 NIV

[2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

** God works on older people, helping them lessen their grip on the world and tighten their grip on Him

Psalm 73:25 NIV

[25] Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

Philippians 3:8 NIV

[8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

• The latter years are not for waste, but refinement

• God often does His deepest work when no one else is around <M130>

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV

[16] Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

John 12:25 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

** Believe in God who offers those who follow Him values that last beyond the few years in an earthly life

• Many societies places emphasis on what people see

• Earthly existence often focuses on proof of independence, youth, beauty, wealth, status, etc

• People thirst for and believe that many worldly desires can satisfy their needs

• High School surveys show that the typical student has a life goal to be happy, get money and do what they want

• All of the worldly values are temporal and will end when life on this earth does

• Rather, choose Jesus and His values that are eternal

John 4:13-14 NIV

[13] Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, [14] but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Luke 18:28-30 NIV

[28] Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” [29] “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [30] will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

John 12:25 NIV

[25] Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

[18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

** It is said that you can't argue people into the kingdom of heaven but must rely on the Holy Spirit to draw people to Him; praying for the salvation of others is vital <M132>

John 12:32 NIV [After Jesus ascension, He was present on earth in believers as the Holy Spirit]

[32] And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

The world is a sinful place, and one of the Holy Spirit’s tasks is to convict the world of its sin. No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict. And what is the most basic sin of which the world is guilty? Jesus specifies it as unbelief. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit is at work in the world “because they believe not in [Christ].” Once a person responds to the Spirit’s conviction and turns to faith in Christ, the other sins he practiced will be taken care of. It is the sin of unbelief—a refusal to trust in Jesus—that is primary.

The influence of the Holy Spirit in an unsaved person’s life will lead that person to the realization that he is guilty, that God is just, and that all sinners are deserving of judgment. Once a sinner has been awakened to his soul’s great need, the Spirit will point him to Christ, the one and only Savior and Refuge from judgment (John 16:14). In all of this, the Spirit uses His “sword,” the Word of God (Eph 6:17, Rom 10:17) and the result is a regenerated heart. <G72>

John 16:13a NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

Romans 10:17 KJV

[17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Colossians 1:9 NIV

[9] For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives

** Jesus knew He was to fulfill His purpose by dying on the cross in order to conquer death (resurrect) and live in the hearts of His believers

John 12:31-33 NIV

[31] Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. [32] And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” [33] He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

John 12:27 NIV

[27] “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.

** Why is the cross so important? Primarily, it was on the cross that Jesus redeemed sinners so they can be in relationship with God and defeat Satan's ultimate evil power <G72>

• We know of God’s great plan of salvation recorded for us in the Bible

• Jesus' conquering death and resurrection fulfilled over 300 Old Testament prophecies about the coming redeeming Messiah

• When Jesus uttered the words, "It is finished" He declared the debt owed to His Father was completely wiped away forever

• Jesus fulfilled the Mosaic Covenant; no more atonements are needed for Christ paid the ultimate atonement <D40>

• At that moment, God's will for Jesus was accomplished because Christ perfectly obeyed His Father

• Christ's death on the cross was a crucial moment in His mission to ‘seek and save the lost’

• Without the cross and resurrection, our Christian faith is futile

• Without the cross and resurrection, we might as well 'pack up and go home' because following Christ would be hopeless and meaningless <W2196>

Luke 19:10 NIV

[10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

John 12:31 NIV

[31] Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.

John 19:30 NIV

[30] When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Hebrews 2:14 NIV

[14] Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death---that is, the devil---

1 Corinthians 15:17 NIV

[17] And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

** Jesus removed Himself, hid from crowds and avoided death because His time had not yet come

• Jesus knew what He needed to accomplish before His death on the cross

• Believers in Christ who are working with all their heart on a mission for Him can be assured God will 'keep them around' until their mission is complete <B313>

John 12:35-36 NIV

[35] Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. [36] Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

[23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

** Those who arrogantly claim they can understand and evaluate the facts yet refuse to believe in Christ and still choose to believe falsehoods will be judged accordingly

John 9:41 NIV

[41] Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

John 12:37-40 NIV

[37] Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. [38] This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” [39] For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: [40] “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn---and I would heal them.”

Luke 8:18 NIV

[18] Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.”

** God's “blinding” of His beloved Israelites was not an arbitrary action. As hard as they tried, Israel rarely was able to stay on a Godly path very long. And when their Messiah arrived, God gave them plenty of miracles and ample opportunity to receive the truth. But most of Israel's leadership refused to believe Jesus was the Messiah. So God allowed them to be conquered and dispersed worldwide. <P168>

John 12:37-40 NIV

John 12:42-43 NIV

[42] Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

** Why does God’s Spirit depart prior to the 7 years [in a Pre-Trib Rapture]? Obviously part of the answer is since believers are not appointed to wrath, God takes us off the earth prior to His wrath, which is unleashed in horrible divine judgment on non-believers.

Persecution happens to Christians worldwide every day. But God’s wrath is beyond anything we can imagine. Noah’s flood is an example of God’s wrath. But we also find there’s more to the answer about God’s Spirit departing in Revelation 7 and 14.

In Revelation 7, we see 144,000 Jews being set apart and marked on their foreheads. It concludes with those Jews crying out:

Revelation 7:10 NIV

[10] And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

These 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each of Israel’s tribes (so much for the 10 lost tribes theory) are crying out praise to the LAMB, which of course is Jesus.

In Revelation 14, we get a little more clarity about what’s going on with the 144,000:

Revelation 14:1 NIV

[1] Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.

Here we see Jesus on the earth, post-Rapture, and during the Tribulation. For Him to be there, the Holy Spirit had to have already departed at the Rapture.

In the past we've shown the identity of these 144,000 Jewish male virgins who we refer to today as Rabbinical Jews.

Pre-Rapture, these Rabbinical Jews are a unique group. They don’t touch a woman until marriage, wear all black, are quite zealous for God and spend their days pouring over the Old Testament Scriptures from cover to cover. But they are spiritually blinded by God from understanding that the Jews crucified God’s Son, their Messiah, 2000 years ago.

John 12:40 NIV

[40] “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn---and I would heal them.” (John 12:40/Is.6:10)

Imagine that scene on Mount Zion in Jerusalem when Jesus reveals Himself to them. They will immediately realize their forefathers had done the unthinkable and murdered their God-sent Messiah. Knowing well their Holy Scriptures, they will immediately understand Isaiah 53 and be cut to the bone.

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

With all the Messianic Scriptures coming to life, the realization that their forefathers had killed their Messiah will cause crushing emotional pain.

Zechariah 12:10b NIV

[10] “…They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

Standing face to face with their risen Messiah, the coin will drop when they see the five (God's number for "grace") visible scars on the hands and feet which were pierced during His crucifixion.

When Jesus lifts the veil, these new believers will undoubtedly begin pouring over the God-inspired New Testament accounts of Jesus and the Epistles. These 144,000 will then become even more zealous for God… because they now will have Messianic understanding.

As the Scriptures roar to life, they’ll be brokenhearted and overjoyed, all at the same time. Most Bible scholars believe they will become world evangelists. They apparently will all be in Jerusalem in the middle of the Tribulation when the Abomination of Desolation trigger-point happens (Matt 24:15-21).

Protected by God, the 144,000 will be in the group that escapes death by running to the wilderness.

All of this happens because the Holy Spirit was removed, along with His believers, before the Rapture. Then and only then could Jesus come back to the earth to personally teach them during the Tribulation. <P168>

** Worshiping God is a matter of the heart, not outward signs to impress

• How do we worship and focus on God?

• Do you visualize God in a worshipful way?

• Outward signs, such as raising of hands, does not impress God unless you are in right relationship with Him and He moves you to worship in such a manner

• Isaiah had a clear vision of God’s glory and worshiped Him accordingly

• Isaiah saw Jesus speaking

• When the king died, Isaiah saw Jesus as the One who is sovereign, high and lifted <K111>

John 12:41 NIV

[41] Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

Isaiah 6:2-3 NIV

[2] Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. [3] And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

** We trust God and exhibit faith when we close our eyes to the things of this world; Isaiah knew there was more to life than what he saw, namely God's glory!

John 12:40-41 NIV

[40] “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn---and I would heal them.” [41] Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

Isaiah 6:8-10 NIV

[8] Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” [9] He said, “Go and tell this people: “‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ [10] Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”

** Even those who believed in Christ the Son of God cowered to public popular opinion to remain in 'good standing' in the religious system of the day; in what areas do you cower to people's opinion more than God's opinion?

John 12:42-43 NIV

** Jesus made it clear He is the only One through whom people can find salvation if they accept and "enter the gate"

• Accepting Christ results in deliverance from evil and security in both this earthly existence and the eternal life that transpires after death

John 10:9-10 NIV

[9] I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 12:46 NIV

[46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

** God will change from a position of DEFENSE at His first coming when He was born on earth to a position of OFFENSE at His second coming when He will justly deal with those who oppose Him <S187>

Isaiah 2:2,11-17 NIV

[2] In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. [11] The eyes of the arrogant will be humbled and human pride brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. [12] The Lord Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled), [13] for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty, and all the oaks of Bashan, [14] for all the towering mountains and all the high hills, [15] for every lofty tower and every fortified wall, [16] for every trading ship and every stately vessel. [17] The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day

John 12:46-48 NIV

[46] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.

** Jesus was sent by God not to judge the world (which is responsibility of the Father) but to save the world; we are to proclaim the same

John 12:47-50 NIV

[47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. [49] For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. [50] I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

John 15:27 NIV

[27] And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

** The Lord alone knows every detail of our thoughts, actions and motives; believers should spend our lives doing the tasks He assigned us and be ready for God to judge our performance accordingly

• Regardless if others recognized and supported our efforts or spun them in a negative light, God is fully aware of what we did, why and how we performed

• Don’t be concerned whether others recognize or value our efforts because they are more than likely concerned about their own to-do list

• Remember: we work for God

• Jesus is our example of what it means to prioritize the things of God and the Father is our ‘Supervisor’, willing to help us along the way and evaluating us when it’s all over

• Care about God’s opinion, not the opinions of others

John 12:46-48 NIV

[46] [Jesus said] I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [47] “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] There is a judge [our Father] for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.”

** Non-believers will be judged at the Great White Throne of Judgment whether they followed the words of Christ and obeyed our Father

• Christians will receive/lose rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ but the unredeemed will be judged at the Great White Throne

• You don’t want to stand before God without Jesus there to plead on your behalf

Matthew 24:35 NIV

[35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

1 Peter 4:18 NIV

[18] And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

• Day of Judgment — of the unredeemed

Revelation 20:11-15 NIV

[11] Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. [14] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. [15] Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Matthew 10:15 NIV

[15] Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.

2 Peter 2:9 NIV

[9] if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.

Hebrews 9:27 NIV

[27] Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment

• Who will judge? — God

Revelation 20:12 NIV

[12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

Romans 2:16 NIV

[16] This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 NIV

[14] For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

• How will God judge man? — on an appointed day God will judge based on His Word and based on a person’s decision to simply accept Christ as Savior

Acts 17:30-31 NIV

[30] In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. [31] For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Psalm 96:13 NIV

[13] Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

John 12:47-48 NIV [Jesus said]

Daniel 7:10 NIV

[10] A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

John 12.

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