Flashback

Flashback

John 12:16-19, NKJV

His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. 18For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. 19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!”

Setting the Scene

In his Gospel, John frequently reminds us that he was recording Jesus’ biography after decades of reflection of the events that had so radically altered his life. He couldn’t help but include in various places explanatory notes like we find in 12:16, “His disciples did not understand these things at first” (see also 2:22; 6:60; 8:27; 10:6). Later the disciples experienced what Jesus promised during the Last Supper: “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26, NLT). If those who were eyewitnesses to all that Jesus taught found it hard to understand fully, we can take comfort when we also find it difficult. Fortunately, we have not only the record of the events but also the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead was all over Jerusalem, and people were curious to find out more about Jesus. John gives this as the primary reason why Jesus received such a welcome during the Triumphal Entry. This was tabloid curiosity, a fascination with the incredible, odd, and sensational.

Meanwhile the Pharisees were becoming desperate in their frustration. They exaggerated Jesus’ popularity as a way of justifying the actions they were about to take. They resorted to bribery, treachery, deceit, and conspiracy to eliminate Jesus.

All people face a choice. Jesus approaches people in the way most likely to get their attention and gives them a clear opportunity to consider his claims. If they reject him, it is because they have chosen to do so.

Getting Personal

How has the Holy Spirit helped you understand Jesus’ teachings?

In what ways have you grown in your relationship with Jesus in the past year? What changes have you made?

Sometimes we realize after the fact that God has brought a person into our lives to give us a perspective we might not otherwise have gotten. Other times, we look at a passage of Scripture after long acquaintance and suddenly see a personal application we’ve never seen before. God has a wide assortment of attention-getting methods to use.

Talking to God

Thank God for his Word, the truth (John 17:17). Thank him for its richness and the blessing of the Holy Spirit to quicken your understanding and teach you from day to day.