V1-2
Lazarus, having been made alive, now shared fellowship with Christ. The
meal was in Christ’s honour, not Lazarus’.
V3
Mary’s costly devotion.
V4-6
Judas’ apparently concerned attitude, hiding his selfishness and greed.
How important that our words are true and sincere.
V7-8
The Lord specifically commended Mary and her action. This was a
preparation for His burial. He then answered Judas’ ‘red herring’ about
the poor, pointing out that there will always be opportunity to help the poor.
This is significant in itself; God had previously promised, Deut 15.4, that the
Jewish people would have no poor as long as they were obedient in the land He
gave them. The fact that this was not fulfilled was an indication of their
disobedience.
V9
The raising of Lazarus had created quite a stir, and may came to see him.
V10-11
See 11.47-48; the chief priests grew afraid of Jesus. They could not deny
that a miracle had happened (compare Acts 4.16), but they tried to ‘destroy
the evidence’ to protect others from believing in Jesus, 11.45.
On other occasions,
when Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath day, they ignored the miracle, despised
the person healed, and entered a debate as to the legality of His actions.
V12-15
The four gospels all record Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Here, His ‘final week’ begins, and the four gospels all give substantial
space to the details of the events and, especially John, Jesus’ words, during
that week.
V16-19
We see the different reactions; the disciples slowly grew in
understanding; the exciting crowd cheering the Messiah; the Pharisees panicking.
V20-22
As in previous verses, many people came to see Jesus. They regarded Him
as a popular miracle worker; and His response was to challenge them to belief
and commitment. He wants servants not spectators, followers not fans.
V23
Until this point, the Lord had repeatedly said that the time had not yet
arrived, but now the time had arrived; He would be glorified, and that through
death.
V24-26
Jesus Christ the grain of wheat; He had to die and be buried, see
10.17-18. He gave up His spirit (19.30). But that grain of wheat produces much
fruit, and will continue to do so.
The challenge was also
applied to all those who would believe in Him; the old self has to forsaken and
buried in repentance, Acts 17.21. Christ’s words are given for decision rather
than discussion, for God commands men to repent.
The challenge
continues, to hate our lives “in this world,” to seek eternal fruit, to
serve Him and follow Him. There is a reward for the servant who does this, “My
Father will honour the one who serves me.”
V27-29
The time was near, the climax of Jesus’ ministry. There came the voice
from Heaven, providing fresh approval, if any were needed, that this was indeed
the Son of God.
V30
Certain events were “for your benefit.” See also 11.42; these things
happened to encourage faith, to make things clearer for slow-to-understand men
and women.
V31
At the cross Satan was defeated; three hours of darkness cover many
profound truths, including decisive victory over the “prince of this world.”
V32-33
The cross was where Christ was lifted up (3.14-15); it attracts people to
know Him and to love Him. To neglect to preach Christ crucified is to fail to
preach the true gospel.
V34
Again the people, not really wanting to believe, were confused. Later the
same people preferred compromise to conviction (v43).
V35-36
Time was running out, the opportunity for them to believe would not last
forever. Jesus hid Himself from the people, perhaps illustrating the truth of
His words.
V37-41
The signs that Jesus performed did not create faith (Luke 16.30-31). They
demonstrate the character and person of Christ. Seeing is not believing; for
many saw and yet did not believe.
V42-43
Such belief as there was caused many to compromise, preferring human
reputation before divine approval; as with Pilate also, Mark 15.15.
V44-46
Further claims of unity with the Father; for Christ had perfectly
revealed God to mankind. The light had shone in the darkness. The invitation was
clear then, and remains clear today, that men should believe in Christ, and be
delivered from darkness.
V47-48
Many would reject Christ and His words. Yet Christ had not come to judge
such, He came as Saviour. But judgment would come; those who reject will suffer
loss.
V49-50 Unity of Father and Son, perfect and total agreement.