Harmony of the Gospels

133. Pharisees conspire to kill Jesus and Lazarus- John 12:9-11

 

-The Pharisees were fearful of the power of Jesus to take away their positions and ruin their nation (John 11:48). They conspired together to kill Him as well as the resuscitated Lazarus because of this. Many were believing in Jesus on account of the raising of Lazarus in this highly populated and prolific area. This infuriated the religious leaders as a temptation of Satan that took root in them for sin, which also ironically carried out biblical prophecy and the Lord’s plan for salvation. *Application* Once again in Scripture we see God’s ability to work through the sinfulness of man in a bad situation to bring about His plans and His purposes. The conspiracy against the Christ was designed to destroy Him and His message, but it only saved the world and provided our avenue for redemption. God always wins! Woe unto those of us that fight against Him however. If you are in the place where you are God against the flow of the Lord and His Spirit, turn around! Get on the right side of the ledger and conform to His gracious offer for salvation unto you.

 

Verse to Memorize- John 12:11

 

134. The triumphal entry to Jerusalem- Matt. 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:29-44, John 12:12-19

 

-This event fulfills the prophecy of the Messiah in Zechariah 9:9 made around 500 years before this occurrence. The donkey colt was a beast of burden and illustrated the burden the Lord would bear to bring us back into reconciliation with Him. Ironically, this particular type of donkey has the shape of a cross on its neck in a different hair color that reminds us to this day of this event and its significance. Jesus came humbly into the world as a baby and went to His destination in Jerusalem and to the cross in the same way; although, there were those who recognized Him and praised Him as the King that He really was. This is a magnificent moment that preceded the week of Passover in which Christ would suffer and die for the sins of the world. He accepted the crowd’s exultation and joy as a coronation of the coming Kingdom and all that it would entail. This further infuriated the Pharisees that commented that the world had gone after this Christ (John 12:19). Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem as He approached because the Lord’s visitation was not recognized for peace and troubling times were coming because of this (at the hands of the Romans, 70 AD). *Application* Recognition is an important concept to consider here as we read and meditate on this account of the King’s coming into His city at this particular time. Do we in our lives realize what is going on with what the Lord is up to in us? Are we soooo preoccupied with doing things our way that we miss the blessing that is right before us? Don’t make Jesus weep over you and your situation because you didn’t recognize His visitation in your own life. He will come and go if you don’t pay attention. He will never force His way in, but subtly intervenes giving you a chance to respond positively. Don’t miss your opportunity!

 

Verse to Memorize- Luke 19:42

 

135. Voice from heaven before the multitude- John 12:20-33

 

-Many were seeking out Jesus at this time even among the Greeks that were in Jerusalem wishing to see Him. Jesus’ answer is a prediction of His death and the significance of it for mankind. He is relating Kingdom truth here in His dialog when suddenly the Father speaks to Him in the manner that most took as a sound of thunder. The Voice glorifies His Name and promises to glorify it again as a sign unto the people gathered there for their sake. God pronounces judgment upon the world and proclaims that the ruler of this world is about to be cast out as Jesus draws all men to Himself as He is lifted up on the cross for a chance to be saved (John 12:31-32). *Application* Be careful not to misinterpret this passage as a proof for universalism. Jesus is not saying that everyone will be saved because of His death on the cross and resurrection. He is saying that He will “draw” (or attract) all men (John 12:32). This means that we still have a response to the gospel as it is presented. We can accept it or reject it. Rejection means an eternity spent in separation from His love and goodness. Acceptance is union with Him in His paradise when this earthly life is over. The choice should be obvious for us, right? Accept Him today and be saved by His sacrifice for you personally!

 

Verse to Memorize- John 12:32