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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 12:14 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 12:14 describes a moment in the New Testament of the Christian Bible where Jesus fulfills an Old Testament prophecy by riding into Jerusalem on a young donkey (often referred to as an "ass").

The act of sitting on the young ass is significant because it symbolizes peace; in the ancient Near East, kings and leaders would ride on a horse when they were bent on war and a donkey when they came in peace.

Thus, Jesus entering Jerusalem in this manner signals his role as the Prince of Peace rather than as a military messiah expected by many at that time.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 12:14 occurs during the final days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus, a time traditionally celebrated in Christianity as Palm Sunday.

It represents the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, an event that is recorded in all four Gospels.

This particular narrative style and citation of prophecy reveal a strong emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Messianic hope.

During this period, Israel was under Roman occupation, and the common expectation was for a Messiah who would liberate them through military power.

Jesus' entry on a donkey, therefore, defies these expectations and sets the stage for the spiritual nature of his kingdom.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse is important because it demonstrates the concept of Jesus as Messiah who comes in humility and peace.

From a Christian standpoint, it reflects the fulfillment of prophecy, specifically referenced from Zechariah 9:9, and underscores the concept that Jesus’s kingdom is not worldly but spiritual.

Different theological interpretations may focus on the humility of Christ, the peace he brings in contrast to worldly power, or the fulfillment of scriptural prophecy as validation of Jesus’ messianic credentials.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire individuals to embrace humility and peace in their approach to leadership and interaction with others.

It encourages relinquishing the pursuit of power and instead fostering a community based on service and compassion.

This can be applied to personal relationships, workplace dynamics, and even larger political or social activism, emphasizing the power of nonviolence and servant leadership.

Cross-References

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 21:5 - "Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."
Luke 19:38 - "Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text is "ὄνος" (onos), which means a donkey or ass.

When describing Jesus finding a young donkey, the term "πῶλον" (pōlon) is used, explicitly suggesting it is a young animal.

This specificity brings additional depth to the symbolism of humility and peace since a young animal might be seen as less intimidating and more approachable than a full-grown horse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of a figure entering a city on a donkey can be contrasted with other ancient myths and religious texts where gods or kings usually showcase their power with grandeur and military might.

Unlike these stories, the Christian narrative here emphasizes a different approach to power, based on service and sacrifice rather than force and domination.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspectives on this verse can be more about understanding the species of animal referred to as "ass" or its subspecies, the domesticated donkey (Equus asinus), and their roles in ancient societies.

Researchers use archeozoology to study the domestication and usage of animals like donkeys in historical contexts, and this can provide insights into the practical implications of Jesus choosing a donkey for his entry into Jerusalem.

commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentaries vary on their focus regarding this verse:

Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the contrasting image of Jesus as a meek ruler versus the expectation of a conquering hero.
The Geneva Study Bible notes the lowliness of Christ and his choice to use a simple young donkey as a sign of peace and not of pomp.
The IVP New Testament Commentary Series discusses how Jesus deliberately orchestrated this event to declare who he is, in a way that would be unmistakable to the Jewish audience, who were familiar with the imagery of the Zechariah prophecy.
Many modern biblical commentators reflect on John's emphasis on symbolism and the evangelist's skill in portraying Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, contrasting with the image of a worldly king.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:14 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 12:14 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?