To study these predictions is to stand before the Prophet who alone fulfils the expectation of God's Word through Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15,18,19; Acts 3:22 )

The authorities sought to seize Him (John 11:57 ), the Bethany friends were determined to express their devotion to Him. "There they made Him a supper" (John 12:2 KJV). They held their feast in the house of Simon the leper (Mark 14:3 ). His gratitude to Jesus may have been because he had been healed by Jesus. Martha's practical service was her own way of showing her love. Lazarus just being present at the feast brought attention to and glorified the Lord. (John 12:1 ).

Ephesians 2:1 "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,"

Mary took full advantage of this opportunity. Love unrestrained will find new and inventive ways of expression.

John 12:3 "Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."

By her action Mary sought to release love and thankfulness to Jesus. Words were not enough to tell Him how deeply she felt in gratitude for the raising of Lazarus. But the supreme motivation was to honour Him in the highest way possible in a time when others were dishonouring and plotting against Him. Criticism because of envy and selfishness is often covered by insistence on some personal high motive.

John 12:5 "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"

How hypocritical are the words of Judas Iscariot. He was hiding a betrayer's heart (John 12:4 ), and was motivated by frustration that the money was not within his covetous reach (John 12:6 ). How unappreciative leaders with wrong hearts can be of another's service to Christ, when there is no possible gain for themselves. Having acted in the interest of Christ Jesus when misinterpreted, the vindication can be left to Him.

John 12:7,8 "But Jesus said, 'Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. ⁸ 'For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.'"

He puts high meaning on simple practical things done for Him. Mary's act of devotion is turned into an announcement of His death and burial, that was to be redemptive. Mary may not have known the full meaning of her action - her intention was to honour Him. Her priority was right in service - Jesus first (physically He would not always be present - the poor was an ongoing ministry (Deuteronomy 15:11 ). In making Jesus first we shall not neglect the other. Attraction to Jesus must be more than just curiosity about His works. We must be drawn by who He is.

John 12:9 "... and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. "

Multitudes flooded Bethany, the living evidence of the power of Jesus, which should have led to faith in Jesus. With many, this happened. (John 12:12 ). The chief priests plotted to remove the living evidence,

John 12:10 "But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;"

Campbell Morgan said "It is expedient Jesus should die, it will suffice. No, "Lazarus also." And following Lazarus, the long succession of martyrs of Jesus; And the "blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church."

Notice, it was those who had come to the feast (Galileans) who took the branches of palm trees, and cried Hosanna. Not the Jews of Jerusalem along with their leaders so hostile to Jesus. They were more influenced and controlled by the religious authorities. Those who cried hosanna were thankful and happy because they had seen Jesus do wonderful works in their own cities and villages (John 12:12-13 ). The palm branches were emblematic of triumph, strength and joy - quoting Psalm 118:25 was in recognition of the Messiahship of Jesus. The entry to Jerusalem sitting on a donkey's colt was fulfilment of Zechariah 9:9.

The miracle of raising Lazarus witnessed to the multitude as to who He was, and contributed to the celebration (John 12:16-18 ). The disciples did not fully understand the Scriptural significance till after His ascension. He was hailed as the King of Israel, as the greater than David, and in whom are all the perfections of the Lord. The one who fulfils all prophetic expectations. Celebrate Jesus the Lord with praises. Magnifying the Lord works frustration and despair in the hearts of those who plot against Him.

John 12:19 "The Pharisees therefore said among themselves 'You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world is gone after Him.'"

John 12:20,21 "And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: ²¹ The same came therefore to Philip, ... saying, Sir, we would see Jesus."

The wise men of the east came at His birth. Just prior to His death came Greeks to see Him. Representatives of the Gentile world multitudes of whom were to embrace the gospel. Significantly they came when the Pharisees, representing His own, were rejecting Him and taking steps for His destruction. Their coming pointed to the worldwide harvest that was to result from His death, and life that was to issue from it. Like Philip we need to introduce others to Jesus. Redemption of sinners and their life through Him is the main feature in the glorification of Jesus.

John 12:23 "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."

John 12:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."

Without the passion of the cross there would be no harvest of a multitude of new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is in the sowing of our lives that the church grows and multiplies - there cannot be growth without death. Loving this mere physical life can rob us of the higher life in God, with its exceeding great reward.

John 12:25 "He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

The Master applied this principle to Himself and calls us to the rich rewards of following Him. Faithfully serving the Master bonds us in union with Him in eternal association with Him and His glory.

John 12:26 "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."

As our Saviour, there was a prayer He could not pray, for Him to be spared we would never be saved.

John 12:27 "Now My soul is troubled , and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour?' But for this purpose I came to this hour."

Glorification is the Father's response to full consecration.

John 12:28 "'Father, glorify Your name.' Then a voice came from heaven, saying, 'I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.'"

This was spoken in response to the Son's consecration, in a real, articulate voice (John 12:29 ). Dedicated proclamation of the gospel glorifies the Lord.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What different way have you found to glorify Jesus as Lord? (John 12:3 ).
2. Do you celebrate Jesus the Lord with joyous praises? Who are the people that dislike such demonstrations of joy? (John 12:12,13,19 ).
3. Do you think the timing of the coming of the Greeks to be significant? (John 12:20,21 ).
4. What principle of fruitfulness did Jesus apply to Himself and His followers? (John 12:24-26 ).