John 12 - NLT Student Life Application Study Bible

12:12-13 Shallow Support Jesus began his last week on earth by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey with crowds hailing him as their king. This was an unmistakable proclamation that he was the Messiah (see Zechariah 9:9), and Jesus chose to make this announcement at a time when all Israel would be gathered in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the people who were praising God for giving them a conquering king had the wrong idea about Jesus. Many were sure he would be a victorious warrior who would restore their nation to its former glory and independence from Rome. They were blind to the prophecies that spoke of the Messiah’s suffering (for example, Isaiah 52:13–53:12) and to Jesus’ real mission: to win eternal victory over evil and death and bring freedom and salvation for his people. When they realized that Jesus wasn’t going to fulfill their political hopes, most of these people turned against him.

12:27-30 Heavenly Reassurance Jesus knew that his crucifixion lay ahead, and because he was human, he dreaded it. Then, for the third time in Jesus’ life, God’s voice sounded from heaven in support of him and his ministry. The first had been at his baptism (Matthew 3:13-17), and the second had been at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). This sign would have been strong evidence of Jesus’ divinity to both Jews and Greeks.

12:31 The Ruler of This World Satan is an angelic being who rebelled against God. He is real, not symbolic, and he is constantly working against both God and believers. Satan had tempted Eve in the Garden and persuaded her to sin (Genesis 3:1-6); much later, he tempted Jesus in the wilderness, but he couldn’t get him to budge (Matthew 4:1-11). Although Satan has power, Jesus’ power is much greater, and the Resurrection shattered Satan’s deathly power. When we believe in Jesus and identify with him, we are no longer under Satan’s reign (Colossians 1:13-14).

12:45 Revelation of the Father We often wonder what God is like. How can we know the Creator when he doesn’t make himself visible? But God has made himself visible—Jesus said plainly that those who see him see God because he is God (14:9-11). If we want to know what God is like, we can study the person, words, and actions of Jesus Christ. We can listen for his voice as we read his words and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate our minds so we can more clearly recognize his presence in our lives.