The Joys of John

[paradox3]

John 12:12-19

Bible Gateway passage: John 12:12-19 - New English Translation

The Triumphal Entry - The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him. They began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of...

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Holy week begins with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Crowds have gathered for Passover and they hear Jesus is coming.

He arrives, seated on a donkey. The people wave palm branches and shout Hosanna!

Those who were with Jesus when he raised Lazarus from the tomb continue to testify about it. The Pharisees become more uneasy.

 

[paradox3]

The synoptic gospels have parallel accounts of the triumphal entry. They all describe Jesus sending two disciples ahead of him to obtain the donkey. (Matthew alone includes two animals.)

Cloaks are spread on the donkey and on the ground.

Matthew 21: 1-11
Mark 11: 1-11
Luke 19: 28-44

I wonder why John omitted the details about the donkey and the cloaks?

 

[unsafe]

I wonder why John omitted the details about the donkey and the cloaks?

I think it is because ------if you look at John's Gospel his main focus is on the theological events of Jesus Fulfilling the Prophecy of the Cross and not on the detailed accounts leading up to the event ---

And could it be that the people John is speaking to here already knew the details from the other Gospels and felt there was no need to repeat the details ???

 

[unsafe]

So we see that many gathered for the Passover Festival and heard Jesus was coming and took branches of Palm trees and went out to meet Him ---

Palm trees had a spiritual symbolic meaning ----Psalm 92 tells us this ---in verse 12

12 The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].

AI

In the Bible, palm trees symbolize victory, triumph, righteousness, and divine provision. They represent the flourishing of the righteous, the strength of believers, and God's care. The palm tree also symbolizes peace, rest, and abundance, reflecting God's blessings on His people.

I say -------- So Jesus comes riding on a foal of a donkey ---again no details as to how Jesus got this donkey colt in John's Gospel ---but you can read how this came about in Matthew 21:1-11---

This act of Jesus riding on this colt was prophesied in ---so Jesus is fulfilling this prophecy here ----

Zechariah 9:9​

9 Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you; He is [uncompromisingly] just and having salvation [triumphant and victorious], patient, meek, lowly, and riding on a donkey, upon a colt, the foal of a donkey.


I say ------He road a foal because it had never been ridden and there is a Spiritual meaning behind this -----

AI

In a spiritual context, a colt often symbolizes the new covenant in Christ, representing the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

The colt, never saddled, signifies the untarnished, pure offering of Christ, contrasting with the traditional, sometimes burdensome nature of the old law.

It also embodies humility and peace, as Jesus rode on a colt into Jerusalem, fulfilling a prophecy about the coming King.

Verse 16 --is important here to note

16 His disciples did not understand [the meaning of] these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified and exalted, they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him.

I say ---the Disciples finally get it in the end -------

----Many who were a witness to the rising of Lazarus continued to tell others and people came to meet Him

and this is really cool here --
cause you see the Pharisees finally realize that their efforts are futile --they admit He is gaining the whole world and leaving them in the dust -------

 

[paradox3]

John 12:20-36

Bible Gateway passage: John 12:20-36 - New English Translation

Seekers - Now some Greeks were among those who had gone up to worship at the feast. So these approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew, and they both went and told Jesus. Jesus replied, “The time has come...

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Some Greeks have come to the feast seeking Jesus. Philip and Andrew notify Jesus and He responds with a lengthy discourse.

A voice from heaven speaks. Some say the voice thundered and others think it was an angel.

Jesus knows he is coming to the hour of his death. When he is lifted up from the earth, he will draw all people to himself.

After addressing the crowd, Jesus goes away and hides himself.

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy's Snappy Summary:
God's plan is unfolding and Jesus is well aware of what lies ahead.

 

[unsafe]

We see here that the time has come for Jesus to die and shed His Blood for all people for all people to disarm the sting of Death brought on by the consequences of sin and give us back our eternal life and lift the Curse brought on by the laws and bring back the Blessings that God first intended for His human Creation ------

Jesus says ------verse 24 ---
Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest.

My Spiritual take on this --------So we see Jesus saying metaphorically that he is like a seed that must die so it can fulfil it's ultimate goal of bringing a rich harvest to people ----so to must He die so that he may bring the rewards of His death to the whole world -----which represents a rich harvest for all people --which is the Gift of salvation which brings back eternal life ----

Then in verse 25 we see that anyone who loves their worldly life will lose it ----that meaning eternally being separated from God -----

We are called to lay down our worldly life and freely give our life to God and serve Him not this world -----

So those who Hate their life in this world and follow Christ will keep their life eternally and live and reign with God in His Kingdom ---

Now this word follow in the Greek has a deeper meaning than someone just saying they follow Jesus ----

The Cambridge dictionary meaning of Follow
to move behind someone or something and go where he, she, or it goes:

the Greek word for Follow is
Lexicon
akoloutheó: To follow, to accompany

Context: The term ἀκολουθέω appears numerous times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, where it is used to describe the act of following Jesus. This following is not merely physical but involves a commitment to His teachings and way of life.

verse 26 says ----
26 If anyone serves Me, he must continue to follow Me ]to cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying] and wherever I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Jesus says His soul is troubled but He came for this purpose ----

I say ==can you imagine having to live every waking hour of your life knowing what terrible demise you have to meet in your end ---- and remain at peace on a daily basis carrying that weight ----

So the crowd hears what sounds like thunder --others say it was an angel speaking to Him but Jesus says --the voice was for them ---not Him ----

I say ----the voice came to boost the crowds confidence that Jesus was who he said He was -

Posting verses 32-32 AMPC
31 Now the judgment (crisis) of this world is coming on [sentence is now being passed on this world]. Now the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world shall be cast out (expelled).

32 And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross], will draw and attract all men [Gentiles as well as Jews] to Myself.

My take on verse 31 and 32 here --------Jesus is saying that --the time for Judgment upon the earth has come and the ruler of this world Satan will be cast down ----the veil of darkness will be lifted so the light can shine ---eternal death no longer has the foothold on people it once did --and telling them how he is to die --on a Cross ----

I say ----the people are still perplexed as to who is the Son of Man -----

Jesus just tells them that they only have the light for a little while and says they should not let the darkness over take them ----He says he who walks in the dark is just drifting along wavering not knowing where they are going ----

Jesus says ---while the light is here believe in it --- hold on to it --and have faith in it so you can become sons of the light and be filled with it ------

Then Jesus went away and hid himself from them ------

 

[paradox3]

John 12:37-43

Bible Gateway passage: John 12:37-43 - New English Translation

The Outcome of Jesus’ Public Ministry Foretold - Although Jesus had performed so many miraculous signs before them, they still refused to believe in him, so that the word of the prophet Isaiah would be fulfilled. He said, “Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord...

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People still refuse to believe in Jesus despite the many miraculous signs. The gospel writer explains that prophecy from Isaiah is being fulfilled.

Some of the Jewish leaders believe, but do not confess Jesus to be the Christ because of the Pharisees. They value praise from men more than God and do not want to be removed from the synagogue.

 

[paradox3]

Snoopy's Snappy Summary:
An interesting little story about peer pressure.

 

[unsafe]

This section here is about Belief and Unbelief ----

John 12:37-43 NIV
Belief and Unbelief Among the Jews​

I have said so many times here ----Reading the Scripture is not about who is right or wrong ----it is all about Belief and Unbelief -----we either believe what the Scripture says or we don't -----that's it

Many Jews believed but many still disbelieved who Jesus was even by seeing all that Jesus did and accomplished while He walked on this earth ---- whether they believed or not Jesus has revealed the arm of the Lord to all people at the time He walked this earth ---and Now through His Word ------

This belief and unbelief is fulfilling a Prophecy in Isaiah 53:1

Isaiah 53 Expanded Bible​

53 Who ·would have [or has] believed ·what we heard [or our message; John 12:38; Rom. 10:16]?
·Who saw the Lord’s power in this [L And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed]?

Romans 10:16 is mentioned here as well

From AI
Romans 10:16 states: "But not all have obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?'".
This verse highlights a common biblical theme: despite the preaching and accessibility of the gospel, not everyone receives it with faith and obedience. The verse draws a specific quote from the prophet Isaiah, questioning the widespread acceptance of the message.

"But not all have obeyed the gospel.":
This emphasizes that while the gospel is proclaimed, not all individuals respond positively to the message.

"For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our message?'":
This quote from Isaiah underscores a recurring theme of widespread rejection of God's message, even when it's presented clearly. Isaiah's words raise a question about the limited belief in God's message, suggesting that not everyone is receptive to the truth being shared.

I say ---what is underlined here is very prevalent in today's world =====

Verse 40---- and who is responsible for Blinding the minds -----2 Corinthians 4:4 ----the god of this world blinds the minds of unbelievers -----and sin===fear --doubt ---jealousy --envy--pride --- unbelief ---Etc == hardens the heart ----

“He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
so that they would not see with their eyes
and understand with their heart,
and turn to me, and I would heal them.

I say --the Pharisees were not alone in their unbelief -----although this scripture says that Some Leaders did Believe but were --Afraid ----to voice it as they didn't want to be kicked out of their Church ----

Very Sad to be that afraid to voice what you truly believe just so you can stay in your position ---Satan had them Hook __Line and Sinker in his fear cage ----their value was in the credit of men not God ----

 

[paradox3]

@unsafe
Yes, you have said many times that reading scripture is all about Belief and Unbelief.

IMHO what you are really saying is that there is only one correct interpretation (yours). To you it's black and white. I get that. To others there are many shades of grey and layers of meaning.

I think even Jesus knew this. Why else would he have spoken in parables? The synoptic gospels record many more parables than John. John's Gospel is a complicated theological treatise as I see it.

Perhaps you believe John is the most historical of the four. I have certainly heard this point of view from evangelical Christians I have met in real life.

 

[Mendalla]

Belief is inevitably subjective, based on what sources we choose to follow and so on, not some kind of process of rigorous testing from observation. Jews believe what they believe, Christians believe what they believe, and so on. None of them is more right or valid objectively than any other, even if each person's beliefs might feel more "right" to that person. Dialogue, rather than "I'm right, your're wrong" finger-pointing, is what is needed between persons and groups with differing beliefs. And by "dialogue", I mean respectful dialogue starting from the standpoint that all beliefs have a place in the discussion, not dialogue that assumes conversion or negation of someone else's beliefs is the/a goal.

 

[paradox3]

Is it easier to accept that others believe differently when we look outside our own faith tradition, I wonder?

 

[unsafe]

IMHO what you are really saying is that there is only one correct interpretation (yours)

No My interpretation of the Spiritual side of the scripture comes from me asking the Holy Spirit to guide me in my interpretation of a piece of scripture and the Holy Spirit will give you the interpretation as to where you are in your Faith walk with Christ -----that is how far along on the mature side of understanding your at -----

this explains it ---this is the Rhema word -----it is the Illuminated word ----behind the Logos

AI

The Holy Spirit guides believers in understanding Scripture through illumination and revelation, helping them discern the truth. This guidance involves the Spirit's work of teaching, revealing hidden meanings, and deepening one's understanding of God's word.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Illumination:
  The Holy Spirit illuminates the truths of Scripture, helping believers grasp its meaning more clearly.
  
  
• Revelation:
  The Spirit can reveal deeper, often hidden, meanings within the text.
  
  
• Discernment:
  The Holy Spirit assists in discerning truth from falsehood and applying biblical principles to life.
  
  
• Teachings:
  The Spirit teaches believers about God's character and the truths revealed in Scripture.
  
  
• Inspiration:
  The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of inspiration for the writers of Scripture, and He continues to inspire believers to understand and apply it.
  
  
• Ongoing Guidance:
  The Holy Spirit's guidance extends beyond the initial writing of Scripture and continues to help believers understand and apply its teachings throughout their lives.

 

[unsafe]

To others there are many shades of grey and layers of meaning.

I think even Jesus knew this. Why else would he have spoken in parables?

Jesus spoke in Parables so He would know whose hearts and minds were open to receiving the Spiritual meaning of the parable -----this scripture answers your question

Matthew 13:10-11
​

10 Then the disciples came to Him and said, Why do You speak to them in parables?

11 And He replied to them, To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.

 

[paradox3]

Yes @unsafe you have told me on previous occasions about the guidance you receive from the Holy Spirit.

Here's the rub. You have no way of knowing how the Holy Spirit might be guiding others.

My denomination believes that the Holy Spirit works within and among everyone.

 

[unsafe]

Here's the rub. You have no way of knowing how the Holy Spirit might be guiding others.

My denomination believes that the Holy Spirit works within and among everyone.

Well paradox3 --you can certainly believe that ---

But that certainly goes against what the Scripture says ----so again your denomination is in unbelief of what the scripture says as to How one gets the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ----which is by receiving Jesus a your Lord and Saviour ------the Holy Spirit does's land on all people today like the wind --like many believe ----and again you can be in unbelief of that ---that is up to you -----but you can't change what the Scripture says -----

AI

To receive the Holy Spirit, one accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repents of sins, and is baptized in the faith. This is a common understanding across different Christian denominations. Additionally, maintaining a life of faith, prayer, and obedience can help foster the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance.

 

[unsafe]

This is coming up in your John series ---this is hard to take for some -----hard teaching here

John 14:17
​

17 he Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you.

 

[Waterfall]

AI

To receive the Holy Spirit, one accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, repents of sins, and is baptized in the faith. This is a common understanding across different Christian denominations. Additionally, maintaining a life of faith, prayer, and obedience can help foster the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance.

Does the spirit (wind) not go where where it wants according do John 3:8?
It is with everyone who is born of the spirit. This leads to a new way of life characterized by the fruits if the spirit.
Can other people who are unchurched or never heard of Jesus before, have the Holy Spirit in them, IYO?

 

[unsafe]

Here's the rub. You have no way of knowing how the Holy Spirit might be guiding others.

Well that is not quite true ---cause you can tell by the Fruit they bear -----and also for their Belief in what the Scripture says -----as the Holy Spirit would never direct a believer to go against God's word --as the Holy Spirit directed the writers as to what to write -so --it would make no sense for the Holy Spirit to go against what He directed to be written in the first place ---

Many people and Clergy will Twist God's word to suit what they want the scripture to say and disregard the truth of the scripture ====I have seen that many times -----