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John 12

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

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.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

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.

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

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.

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

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.

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.

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

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. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

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?

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

What does John 12:13 mean?

Explanation

John 12:13 describes an event known as the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus enters Jerusalem before the Passover.

The verse captures a moment of celebration and reverence among the people who have come to welcome Jesus as He enters the city.

The crowds cut branches from palm trees, which they use as an expression of homage, and shout "Hosanna," a term that literally means "save, we pray," but is also used as a term of praise.

The phrase "Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord" reflects the crowd's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, a king ordained by God to lead Israel.

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Historical Context

This verse takes place at the beginning of what is often called Holy Week, the week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion.

The event is set within the context of Jewish Passover, a festival commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

Palm branches were traditionally symbols of victory and joy, and their use here suggests that the people viewed Jesus as a victorious leader.

The historical expectation was for a messiah who would liberate Israel from Roman occupation, which adds a layer of political tension to the scene.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, the use of the term "Hosanna" indicates a recognition of Jesus' divine role in salvation.

The depiction of Jesus as the King of Israel aligns with messianic prophecies found in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Different traditions interpret this event in various ways.

Some see it as a fulfillment of prophecy, while others focus on the irony of the situation, Jesus is hailed as a king, yet He will soon face rejection and crucifixion.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse often revolve around the themes of recognizing and welcoming divine leadership in one's life.

It encourages believers to express joy and reverence for God openly.

The idea of Jesus fulfilling messianic expectations can also be understood as an encouragement to trust in the fulfillment of God's promises and to maintain hope in the face of adversity.

Cross-References

Psalm 118:25-26: "Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.

Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD."

Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
Matthew 21:8-9: "And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."

Language Study

The original Greek language provides further depth to key terms in this verse.

The word "Hosanna" (Ὡσαννά) is a transliteration of the Hebrew words for "save, we pray." The phrase "King of Israel" (βασιλεὺς τοῦ Ἰσραήλ) denotes a sovereign ruler, indicating the people's anticipation of Jesus as a political and spiritual leader.

"Cometh" (ἐρχόμενος) is in the present participle form, suggesting an ongoing action; Jesus continually comes in the Lord's name.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other cultures and religions, the welcoming of a hero or deity often includes processions with traditional symbols of victory or divinity.

The Roman Triumph, for example, celebrated a victorious military commander with processions that included palm branches.

Similarly, Eastern religions may use flowers and chants in processions to honor deities or esteemed figures.

The use of palm branches as a symbol of triumph can be observed across different cultural festivities.

Scientific Perspectives

The palm branches mentioned in the verse likely refer to the Date Palm, commonly found in the region and known for its significance as a symbol of victory and peace.

The botanical characteristics of the Date Palm and its ecological importance to the Middle Eastern climate may not be directly addressed in the verse, but understanding this adds to the richness of the narrative.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided insights on this verse.

Some emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, such as the entry of the king on a donkey, as foretold in Zechariah 9:9.

Others highlight the contrast between the crowd's initial adoration and Jesus' ultimate rejection.

Commentaries might also delve into the socio-political implications of the event, considering Roman rulers' possible reactions to a new "King of Israel" being acclaimed by the populace.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 12:13 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?