ADULT STS LESSON 154 CHRIST FORETELLS HIS PASSION
MEMORY VERSE: “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth” (John 12:35).
TEXT: John 12:1-50
In spite of earlier attempts on His life, Christ returned to Bethany, which was situated on the east side of mount Olives, about two miles east of Jerusalem. He went six days ahead to the town in order to prepare for the feast of the Passover. The lesson deals with the story of His riding triumphantly to Jerusalem. This event is so significant that all the four gospels recorded it (Matthew 21:1-11,15-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-16). Christ’s triumphant entry was joyfully received by the crowd, made up of different groups with different expectations of who the Messiah should be. This great event fulfils the Scripture (Zechariah 9:9). Following this triumphal entry, Christ proceeded to talk of His imminent suffering and passion. As He spoke, some believed and some doubted. In spite of the negative response of those who did not believe, the Lord went on to talk about His person, the effect of faith in His sacrifice and the portion of those who reject Him.
1.CHRIST’S VISIT TO BETHANY AND ANOINTING BY MARY (John 12:1-11; Matthew 26:6-13; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Timothy 6:10; Psalms 7:10; 89:18; Matthew 5:11,12)
In Bethany, Jesus was treated to a supper where “Martha served”. The ointment of spikenard, which Mary used to anoint Christ, was a very expensive, fragrant substance. It was said to be worth a year’s wage when valued in comparison with what people earned in those days. But she did not count this too much to be given to the Lord. Spikenards bore the seal of royalty and were used to anoint kings and princes. Mary must have understood this, knowing that Jesus is the King of kings. This action of hers illustrates the kind of wholehearted service believers should be willing to render. Little wonder that Christ acknowledged and commended her selfless act with a universal memorial promise: “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her” (Mark 14:9). Despite the complimentary remark Mary’s act received from Jesus, Judas saw it from an opposite perspective and considered it a waste of valuable resources. He spoke thus, not because he cared for the needy, but “because he was a thief“. Though a professed disciple, his life fell far short of someone who had tasted the grace in Christ. Judas stands tall in the company of the mixed multitude who “profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). The Lord’s verdict to Judas’ criticism was, “Let her alone…” Since the devil can never see anything good in God’s children, we should be careful how we react to the good works people engage in for the sake of God’s Kingdom. While Christ and Lazarus were being appreciated and honoured at the supper, the chief priests and the elders were plotting to kill Lazarus because his life had become a testimony, which had drawn much people to believe in Christ. They reasoned that if they did nothing about the notable miracle, they would soon lose their followership and the means of their trade would be jeopardised. If the council were really concerned about righteousness and the life to come, they would have been persuaded by the raising”of Lazarus to life. If they did not believe other miracles by Christ, this one should have persuaded them; but the Scriptures must be fulfilled, which says, “neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:31).
2.CHRIST’S TRIUMPHAL ENTRY (John 12:12-22; Matthew 21:1-11; Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 9:6,7; John 18:37,36; 6:14,15; Mark 10:46,47,51,52; 2 Kings 5:1- 9,14)
“On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (verses 12,13). The glorious reception given to Christ by the people teaches us some important lessons.
One, their expression of love and affection was spontaneous and enthusiastic. This exemplifies the excitement and readiness with which believers and even sinners should attend to Christ, respond to His message and accord Him the honour due to Him.
Two, true worship of God demands the giving of our substance, talents and resources, as the multitudes did not count their garments too precious to be spread in the way for Christ to walk over (Matthew 21:8). The jubilant crowd “took branches of palm trees” (verse 13) to welcome Jesus Christ. The palm tree is an emblem of victory and triumph (Revelation 7:9). This was a way of honour and testimony of triumph. Christ conquered principalities and powers through His sacrificial death on the cross (Colossians 2:15). The shout of “Hosanna: blessed is the king of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” is an acknowledgment that the promised Messiah and rightful King of Israel has come. The word “hosanna” means, “save now” or “save, I beseech thee”. By this, the people prayed that the kingdom of Christ should come in its power and deliver them. The Lord’s use of an ass as against a horse to ride into Jerusalem is a demonstration of His meekness and humility and shows that His kingdom is not of this world. It denotes His peaceful and not warlike nature, though He is the King of kings. Called to be conformed to Christ, a believer needs to learn to be meek, lowly and peaceful. Although the disciples did not initially understand the full import of this great event, they were fulfilling prophecy.
They did not know that the grand reception accorded Christ during His entry to Jerusalem was symbolic of His ultimate victory on the cross and a preview of His coming Kingdom. In retrospect, the Old Testament sheds light on it and the disciples were expected to be conversant with this truth. But it was not until Christ was glorified that the pieces of the puzzle fit together and they began to understand (Luke 24:45). Believers should study the whole Scripture in order to avoid being ignorant of what has been written. They should equally form the habit of remembering the truths they have learnt or been taught. Christ’s triumphal entry is significant in many respects. First, it is an authentication of His Messiahship. Zechariah describes Him as “having salvation” to offer to the world (Zechariah 9:9). The angel of the Lord also announced and confirmed Him as the “Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Second, it serves to show the kingship of Christ (John 12:15). His sovereignty is an indisputable fact that runs through the entire Scriptures. “For unto us a child is born… and the government shall be upon his shoulder…” (Isaiah 9:6).
He acknowledged this fact before Pilate while He was being interrogated (John 18:37) and made it clear that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). To this end, He did not meddle in the politics of this world. Even when the Jews attempted to coronate Him by force, He declined. In like manner, believers should be alert and sensitive to discern any attempt by the people of this world to lead them away from the will of God. “The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle” (John 12:17,18). Multitudes of people responded to the powerful testimony of those who had witnessed the miracle of the raising of Lazarus from death. Through this effective witness, news of His presence reverberated in and around Jerusalem. Those who otherwise would not have listened to Him responded because they heard from the witnesses who had received His divine, life-saving touch.
This teaches us that our testimonies of God’s great power and saving grace are needed to bring multitudes into the Kingdom. However, the teeming crowd that gathered to see Christ became a great threat to the Pharisees. Their fears found expression in the statement: “…Perceive ye how ye prevailed nothing? Behold, the whole world is gone after him” (John 12:19). The people of the world can do little to prevent the spreading of the gospel if believers, energised and empowered by the Holy Spirit perform their responsibility with sustained zeal and aggressiveness. Certain curious Greeks among the pilgrims came with a deep hunger and desire to see Jesus (John 12:21). These events uniformly attest to the effects or results of Christian testimony by true believers engaged in propagating the power of Christ.
3. CHRIST PREDICTS HIS SUFFERING AND GLORIFICATION (John 12:23-50; Mark 8:31; Luke 9:22; Psalm 69:20,21; Isaiah 50:5,6; 53:3-5; Isaiah 62:1; Matthew 5:14-16)
“And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified” (John 12:23). The Lord perceived that the hour, predetermined for His glorification when He would bear the sins of the whole world and when the promised Seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent and bring many sons to glory had come (Genesis 3:15; Hebrews 2:10). This path to glory was however, marked by grief and agony beyond human description. Christ equally spoke of His glorification to mean the testimony, which the Father would give of Him presently, at His death, resurrection and ascension (Matthew 17:5; John 17:5). He illustrates His death with the picture of grain of corn, which abides alone except it is buried, then it comes up abundantly. Our life would count but little except we die to sin and self. We cannot be much profitable to God and humanity unless we yield our life to Christ and allow Him full control. “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour” (verse 27).
This was the passionate prayer of Christ. He knew fully before the time, the heavy weight and pain of the cross but He also knew it was the will of the Father. He therefore, submitted Himself to His will and prayed for divine strength. He chose to go through the pain as long as God is glorified. God’s glory should be our priority in everything we do, whether it is convenient or not. God assured Christ that He would glorify Him. He also hinted at the judgment of this world. It would be a final testimony to the faithfulness and justice of God in redeeming those that have been lost to sin. With it, no one would be acquitted from eternal damnation if they fail to accept the One who has brought light to the earth (verse 32,33). “Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light” (verses 35,36). Christ, the brightness of God’s glory, is the Light of the world.
Before His advent, there was spiritual darkness all over the world. He shines His light into the hearts and lives of people so that darkness would no longer reign. Those who believe in Him are quickened and given eternal life. Jesus equally called believers the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). By this, believers are to lighten their environment and neighbourhood with their lifestyle. By the light of righteousness and the grace of God in us, we are able to show the world what a godly life ought to be. Christians in all parts of the world are commanded to preach the gospel. Everyone who professes to belong to Christ must ensure they shine in their little corner. “But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (John 12:37,38). The people showed obstinacy and did not believe the Lord despite the many miracles He did. This is a fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah. Human education may inform humanity or religion may reform us, only Christ can transform and change lives. Peril, condemnation and judgment await those who refuse the Light. Therefore, those who are privileged to hear His call to repentance should respond without delay.
Questions for review:
- Why should believers be challenged to give selflessly like Mary?
- What lesson should a believer draw from the life of Judas Iscariot?
- What necessary preparations must believers make to be partakers of Christ’s coming Kingdom?
- Highlight the significance of the triumphal entry of Christ.
- What challenge does Christ’s attitude towards His suffering and death pose to believers?
- How do some believers hide their light and how can they radiate it?
- Where can Christ’s disciples show forth His light?
