Jesus Came to Save
Chapter 12 of John opens six days before the Passover with Jesus arriving in Bethany. A dinner is given in Jesus’ honor by Mary, Martha and Lazarus in the home of Simon, a former leper Jesus had healed. While Martha was busy serving as usual and Lazarus was reclining at the table with Jesus, Mary approaches Jesus with an expensive bottle of perfume which she poured on Jesus’ feet. She then used her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet while the fragrance of the perfume filled the house.
This was a great act of worship by Mary. First, the bottle of perfume was very costly - worth a year’s wages or $10,000 by today’s value. Her act was also unusual. Anointing was usually done on the head, not the feet. The fact that Mary used her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet was also unusual as women did not usually unbind their hair in public. Her act showed great humility because she was doing a servant’s job by attending to the feet.
Mary’s costly act of love toward Jesus was in stark contrast to Judas Iscariot. He was indignant at her waste saying that the perfume could have been sold to give money to the poor. More than likely, however, we read that he was probably thinking about how much he could have kept for himself as he was a thief.
Jesus tells Judas to leave Mary alone because she was preparing his body for burial; that they would always have the poor with them, but not Jesus.
In his New Testament Commentary, Warren Weirsbe writes that “Mary was showing her devotion to Jesus before it was too late. . . Her act of love and worship was public, spontaneous, sacrificial, lavish, personal, and unembarrassed. Jesus called it a ‘good work’ (Matthew 26:10; Mark 14:6) and both commended her and defended her.”
This section ends with the information that Lazarus was also a “wanted” man. Many were not only coming to see Jesus but also Lazarus because he had been raised from the dead. The religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus due to the fact that many were putting their faith in Jesus because of the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead. As Warren Wiersbe says it, “If you will not accept the evidence, you must try to get rid of the it!”
Wiersbe also points out here that the siblings can be seen as representatives of the various parts of our Christian walk. Martha represents work; Mary represents worship; and Lazarus represents witness. He writes that the Christian life should be a “beautiful balance” of all three and asks the question: Are we bringing joy to the Lord by our worship, work and witness?
The chapter continues with the event known as the “Triumphal Entry”. This took place to fulfill the Old Testament prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9 which said, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.“ By reading the other Gospel accounts of this event (Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; and Luke 19:29-38) we see that Jesus sent His disciples ahead to get a donkey for Him to ride. This was a donkey no one had ever ridden; a sign of a most humble king!
As Jesus entered the city, He was welcomed by the crowd spreading “their garments before Him, and (waving) palm branches as symbols of peace and victory. They quoted Psalm 118:26, which is a Messianic Psalm, and they proclaimed Him the ‘King of Israel’.” (WW) The Gospels record different variations of this Psalm, but they all carry the message of desired peace by the people of Israel.
In Luke 19:41, we read that while Jesus was entering the city, He wept over it. Warren Wiersbe writes “Jerusalem means ‘city of peace’ or ‘foundation of peace’, and the people were hoping that Jesus would bring them the peace that they needed. However, He wept because He saw what lay ahead of the nation - war, suffering, destruction, and a scattered people. . . It is significant that the crowds shouted ‘peace in heaven’, because that is the only place where there is peace today.”
In verses 20-23 we read about a group of Greeks (Gentiles) who asked to see Jesus. This is a reminder that “Jesus is the Savior of the world, not simply the redeemer of Israel.” (WW)
Jesus then declares that “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” He goes on to say that “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. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (vv. 23-26)
Wiersbe writes, “the central theme of this message is the glory of God. . . There can be no glory without suffering, no fruitful life without death, no victory without surrender. Of itself, a seed is weak and useless, but when it is planted, it ‘dies’ and becomes fruitful. There is both beauty and bounty when a seed ‘dies’ and fulfills its purpose.” He goes on to say, “God’s children are like seeds. They are small and insignificant, but they have life in them, God’s life. However, that life can never be fulfilled unless we yield ourselves to God and permit Him to ‘plant us’. We must die to self so that we may live unto God (Romans 6; Galatians 2:20). The only way to have a fruitful life is to follow Jesus Christ in death, burial and resurrection.” The Harvest study adds that “the grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying has to do with serving Jesus by following His example. It is a matter of letting go of selfish ideas and the things of this world and looking to Jesus. We die to self in order that we might live and become fruitful.” Warren Wiersbe continues by saying, “Jesus challenges us today to surrender our lives to Him. Note the contrasts: loneliness or fruitfulness; losing your life or keeping your life; serving self or serving Christ; pleasing self or receiving God’s honor.” I know I prefer the bountiful blessings, but it is often hard to “die to self” and give up my selfish desires. It is a daily, sometimes hour by hour and even moment by moment decision. Difficult at times, but not impossible!
The passage continues with a glimpse at Jesus’ inner struggle. The NIV text note writes, “Jesus was troubled about becoming sin for sinful people and having God turn His face from Him. He would not ask to be saved from death because this is why He came. He prayed instead for God to be glorified.” Wiersbe adds, “in the hour of suffering and surrender, there are only two prayers we can pray, either ‘Father, save me!’ or ‘Father, glorify Thy name!’” He goes on to say, “God does not expect us to be comfortable, but He does expect us to be conformable. . . If we are looking for comfortable lives, then we will protect our plans and desires, save our lives and never be planted. But if we yield our lives and let God plant us, we will never be alone but will have the joy of being fruitful to the glory of God.”
God the Father then spoke to Jesus, which the crowd heard as thunder. Jesus says that the voice was for the benefit of the people. Wiersbe points out that God spoke to Jesus at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3:17); as Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem (Matthew 17:5); and now near the last days before the cross. He adds, “God always gives that word of assurance to those who willingly suffer for His sake.”
Jesus tells the crowd that “now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (vv 31-32) The NIV text note adds that “the cross was God’s judgment on the world. To satan it would seem the cross was his triumph. But it was in fact his defeat because of what was to come. The cross was the supreme exaltation of Jesus.” Galatians 6:14 tells us that “on the cross, Jesus would defeat Satan and his world system. Even though he is permitted to go to and fro on the earth, Satan is a defeated enemy. As we serve the Lord, we overcome the wicked one. One day satan shall be. . . Judged and imprisoned forever.” (WW)
Jesus draws men, He does not force them. “He was ‘lifted up’ that men might find the way, know the truth, and receive the life. The cross reminds us that God loves a whole world and that the task of the church is to take the gospel to the whole world.” (WW)
The crowd became confused with Jesus’ declaration of His upcoming death. They were expecting a Messiah who would remain with them forever. Jesus warns the people that the “light” would soon be gone and that they needed to walk in the light before darkness overtook them. They needed to put their trust in the light so they too could become sons of light. The Jews failed to recognize the Messiah in spite of the miracles He performed and the prophecy He fulfilled. “John indicates that what is taking place is in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. They had missed their opportunity because their hearts were hardened and their eyes blinded by unbelief.” (Harvest study) Sadly, today, there are those who choose not receive the Gospel message. “When a person starts to resist the light, something begins to change within him, and he comes to the place where he cannot believe. There is ‘judicial blindness’ that God permits to come over the eyes of people who do not take the truth seriously. It is a serious thing to treat God’s truth lightly, for a person could well miss his opportunity to be saved.”
Verses 42-43 reveal that there were some leaders who did believe in Jesus; but because they feared being put out of the synagogue by the Pharisees, they would not publicly confess their faith. Verse 43 says that “they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” Wiersbe says “these ‘secret believers’ wanted the best of both worlds.” The Harvest study reminds us “if we expect to be effective servants for the Lord, we must be willing and able to testify to the truth about Him.”
Jesus’ final words in this chapter are in regards to “His mission and the issue of judgment for those who reject Him.” (Harvest Study) Jesus says in verses 44-45 that when a person believes in Him, they also believe in God. He goes on to say that He came as a light so no one who believes in Him would remain in darkness. He did not come to judge the world, but to save it. And that on the last day, the words that He spoke would serve as judge.
Warren Wiersbe writes, “In John 12:44-50 we have our Lord’s last message. . . The emphasis was on faith. . . God sent the Son; to see the Son means to see the Father; Jesus is the Light of the World; His words are the very words of God; faith in Him brings salvation; to reject Him is to face eternal judgment. In fact, the very word that He spoke will judge those who have rejected it and Him!”
The NIV text note adds that Jesus’ words came from the Father. To reject His words is to also reject God. “It is an awesome thought that the unbeliever will face at the judgment every bit of Scripture he has ever read or heard. The very word that he rejects becomes his judge! Why? Because the written word points to the Living Word, Jesus Christ.” (WW)
“Jesus did not come to judge; He came to save. But if the sinner will not trust the Savior, the Savior must become the Judge. The sinner is actually passing judgment on himself, not on the Lord!” (WW) Jesus’ “life is the personification of faith. And before He goes to the cross, He issues not a command but an invitation to turn away from the darkness and to the light. He offers himself as the way of salvation; they needed only to look and listen and be saved!” (Harvest study)
“Through the first twelve chapters of John you see Jesus “in His life, His ministry, His miracles, his message, and His desire to save lost sinners. . . Consider the evidence. . . (Will you) come to the conviction that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, the Savior of the World”?
This was a great act of worship by Mary. First, the bottle of perfume was very costly - worth a year’s wages or $10,000 by today’s value. Her act was also unusual. Anointing was usually done on the head, not the feet. The fact that Mary used her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet was also unusual as women did not usually unbind their hair in public. Her act showed great humility because she was doing a servant’s job by attending to the feet.
Mary’s costly act of love toward Jesus was in stark contrast to Judas Iscariot. He was indignant at her waste saying that the perfume could have been sold to give money to the poor. More than likely, however, we read that he was probably thinking about how much he could have kept for himself as he was a thief.
Jesus tells Judas to leave Mary alone because she was preparing his body for burial; that they would always have the poor with them, but not Jesus.
In his New Testament Commentary, Warren Weirsbe writes that “Mary was showing her devotion to Jesus before it was too late. . . Her act of love and worship was public, spontaneous, sacrificial, lavish, personal, and unembarrassed. Jesus called it a ‘good work’ (Matthew 26:10; Mark 14:6) and both commended her and defended her.”
This section ends with the information that Lazarus was also a “wanted” man. Many were not only coming to see Jesus but also Lazarus because he had been raised from the dead. The religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus due to the fact that many were putting their faith in Jesus because of the miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead. As Warren Wiersbe says it, “If you will not accept the evidence, you must try to get rid of the it!”
Wiersbe also points out here that the siblings can be seen as representatives of the various parts of our Christian walk. Martha represents work; Mary represents worship; and Lazarus represents witness. He writes that the Christian life should be a “beautiful balance” of all three and asks the question: Are we bringing joy to the Lord by our worship, work and witness?
The chapter continues with the event known as the “Triumphal Entry”. This took place to fulfill the Old Testament prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9 which said, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.“ By reading the other Gospel accounts of this event (Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-10; and Luke 19:29-38) we see that Jesus sent His disciples ahead to get a donkey for Him to ride. This was a donkey no one had ever ridden; a sign of a most humble king!
As Jesus entered the city, He was welcomed by the crowd spreading “their garments before Him, and (waving) palm branches as symbols of peace and victory. They quoted Psalm 118:26, which is a Messianic Psalm, and they proclaimed Him the ‘King of Israel’.” (WW) The Gospels record different variations of this Psalm, but they all carry the message of desired peace by the people of Israel.
In Luke 19:41, we read that while Jesus was entering the city, He wept over it. Warren Wiersbe writes “Jerusalem means ‘city of peace’ or ‘foundation of peace’, and the people were hoping that Jesus would bring them the peace that they needed. However, He wept because He saw what lay ahead of the nation - war, suffering, destruction, and a scattered people. . . It is significant that the crowds shouted ‘peace in heaven’, because that is the only place where there is peace today.”
In verses 20-23 we read about a group of Greeks (Gentiles) who asked to see Jesus. This is a reminder that “Jesus is the Savior of the world, not simply the redeemer of Israel.” (WW)
Jesus then declares that “the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” He goes on to say that “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. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (vv. 23-26)
Wiersbe writes, “the central theme of this message is the glory of God. . . There can be no glory without suffering, no fruitful life without death, no victory without surrender. Of itself, a seed is weak and useless, but when it is planted, it ‘dies’ and becomes fruitful. There is both beauty and bounty when a seed ‘dies’ and fulfills its purpose.” He goes on to say, “God’s children are like seeds. They are small and insignificant, but they have life in them, God’s life. However, that life can never be fulfilled unless we yield ourselves to God and permit Him to ‘plant us’. We must die to self so that we may live unto God (Romans 6; Galatians 2:20). The only way to have a fruitful life is to follow Jesus Christ in death, burial and resurrection.” The Harvest study adds that “the grain of wheat falling into the ground and dying has to do with serving Jesus by following His example. It is a matter of letting go of selfish ideas and the things of this world and looking to Jesus. We die to self in order that we might live and become fruitful.” Warren Wiersbe continues by saying, “Jesus challenges us today to surrender our lives to Him. Note the contrasts: loneliness or fruitfulness; losing your life or keeping your life; serving self or serving Christ; pleasing self or receiving God’s honor.” I know I prefer the bountiful blessings, but it is often hard to “die to self” and give up my selfish desires. It is a daily, sometimes hour by hour and even moment by moment decision. Difficult at times, but not impossible!
The passage continues with a glimpse at Jesus’ inner struggle. The NIV text note writes, “Jesus was troubled about becoming sin for sinful people and having God turn His face from Him. He would not ask to be saved from death because this is why He came. He prayed instead for God to be glorified.” Wiersbe adds, “in the hour of suffering and surrender, there are only two prayers we can pray, either ‘Father, save me!’ or ‘Father, glorify Thy name!’” He goes on to say, “God does not expect us to be comfortable, but He does expect us to be conformable. . . If we are looking for comfortable lives, then we will protect our plans and desires, save our lives and never be planted. But if we yield our lives and let God plant us, we will never be alone but will have the joy of being fruitful to the glory of God.”
God the Father then spoke to Jesus, which the crowd heard as thunder. Jesus says that the voice was for the benefit of the people. Wiersbe points out that God spoke to Jesus at the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3:17); as Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem (Matthew 17:5); and now near the last days before the cross. He adds, “God always gives that word of assurance to those who willingly suffer for His sake.”
Jesus tells the crowd that “now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” (vv 31-32) The NIV text note adds that “the cross was God’s judgment on the world. To satan it would seem the cross was his triumph. But it was in fact his defeat because of what was to come. The cross was the supreme exaltation of Jesus.” Galatians 6:14 tells us that “on the cross, Jesus would defeat Satan and his world system. Even though he is permitted to go to and fro on the earth, Satan is a defeated enemy. As we serve the Lord, we overcome the wicked one. One day satan shall be. . . Judged and imprisoned forever.” (WW)
Jesus draws men, He does not force them. “He was ‘lifted up’ that men might find the way, know the truth, and receive the life. The cross reminds us that God loves a whole world and that the task of the church is to take the gospel to the whole world.” (WW)
The crowd became confused with Jesus’ declaration of His upcoming death. They were expecting a Messiah who would remain with them forever. Jesus warns the people that the “light” would soon be gone and that they needed to walk in the light before darkness overtook them. They needed to put their trust in the light so they too could become sons of light. The Jews failed to recognize the Messiah in spite of the miracles He performed and the prophecy He fulfilled. “John indicates that what is taking place is in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. They had missed their opportunity because their hearts were hardened and their eyes blinded by unbelief.” (Harvest study) Sadly, today, there are those who choose not receive the Gospel message. “When a person starts to resist the light, something begins to change within him, and he comes to the place where he cannot believe. There is ‘judicial blindness’ that God permits to come over the eyes of people who do not take the truth seriously. It is a serious thing to treat God’s truth lightly, for a person could well miss his opportunity to be saved.”
Verses 42-43 reveal that there were some leaders who did believe in Jesus; but because they feared being put out of the synagogue by the Pharisees, they would not publicly confess their faith. Verse 43 says that “they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” Wiersbe says “these ‘secret believers’ wanted the best of both worlds.” The Harvest study reminds us “if we expect to be effective servants for the Lord, we must be willing and able to testify to the truth about Him.”
Jesus’ final words in this chapter are in regards to “His mission and the issue of judgment for those who reject Him.” (Harvest Study) Jesus says in verses 44-45 that when a person believes in Him, they also believe in God. He goes on to say that He came as a light so no one who believes in Him would remain in darkness. He did not come to judge the world, but to save it. And that on the last day, the words that He spoke would serve as judge.
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The NIV text note adds that Jesus’ words came from the Father. To reject His words is to also reject God. “It is an awesome thought that the unbeliever will face at the judgment every bit of Scripture he has ever read or heard. The very word that he rejects becomes his judge! Why? Because the written word points to the Living Word, Jesus Christ.” (WW)
“Jesus did not come to judge; He came to save. But if the sinner will not trust the Savior, the Savior must become the Judge. The sinner is actually passing judgment on himself, not on the Lord!” (WW) Jesus’ “life is the personification of faith. And before He goes to the cross, He issues not a command but an invitation to turn away from the darkness and to the light. He offers himself as the way of salvation; they needed only to look and listen and be saved!” (Harvest study)
“Through the first twelve chapters of John you see Jesus “in His life, His ministry, His miracles, his message, and His desire to save lost sinners. . . Consider the evidence. . . (Will you) come to the conviction that Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God, the Savior of the World”?
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