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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 12:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse John 12:28 records an event in the life of Jesus where He is communicating with His Father in heaven.

Jesus asks for His Father's name to be glorified, which is synonymous with asking for His Father's character and deeds to be honored.

In response, a voice from heaven affirms that God has glorified His name in the past and promises to do so again.

This exchange can be taken both literally, as a supernatural event where God uses an audible voice to communicate, and symbolically, representing the divine approval and endorsement of Jesus's ministry.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 12:28 is situated during the final week of Jesus’s life, often referred to as Passion Week.

The event took place shortly after Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed as a king, and just before His crucifixion.

During this time, a heightened sense of expectation and tension existed among the Jewish people who were looking for a messianic figure.

The cultural and historical setting was marked by Roman occupation and Jewish anticipation of deliverance.

Theological Insights

This verse provides several key theological insights.

From a Trinitarian perspective, it demonstrates the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. It also points to the glorification of God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The concept of glorification has eschatological implications, with many theologians seeing the reference to God glorifying His name "again" as an allusion to the impending crucifixion and resurrection.

Additionally, the voice from heaven can be seen as an affirmation of Jesus's identity as the Son of God and His divine mission.

Practical Applications

John 12:28 can inspire believers today to seek ways to glorify God in their own lives, encouraging self-examination to ensure that their actions and words honor God.

It's a reminder of the importance of public acknowledgment of God's work in one's life, serving as a testament to His greatness.

The notion that God has glorified His name and will do so again can also provide comfort in knowing that God's plan includes moments of divine intervention and ultimate triumph.

Cross-References

John 17:1: "Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"
John 11:40: "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
John 8:54: "Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:"
Matthew 3:17: "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Language Study

Significant words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

"Glorify" (δόξασον; doxason): Derived from the Greek word "doxa," meaning glory, the term implies giving respect, honor, and majesty.
"Name" (ὄνομα; onoma): In a Jewish context, a name is more than an identifier but often represents one's character and reputation.
"Voice" (φωνή; phōnē): In the context, it suggests an audible sound or speech, representing a direct communication from God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman mythology, gods often spoke from the heavens to announce decisions or give affirmations to their followers.

However, in the Biblical context, the voice from heaven is significant because it distinctly reflects the monotheistic belief in a singular, sovereign God engaging with humanity on a personal level.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, audible voices from the heavens do not have a natural explanation.

Most modern scientific viewpoints would suggest psychological or naturalistic explanations for such events, classifying them as auditory hallucinations or misinterpretations of natural phenomena.

However, this verse describes a supernatural event that is beyond the scope of scientific inquiry and understanding.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 12:28 offer various interpretations:

Some suggest it exhibits the support of the Father for His Son's impending sacrifice, serving as a climax to Jesus's public ministry.
Others see it as an assurance to the bystanders of Jesus's divine authority and mission.
There is scholarly debate about whether the crowd understood or misinterpreted the voice from heaven, as mentioned in subsequent verses (John 12:29-30).
Many agree that the event is theological in nature, pointing forward to the cross where Jesus would be glorified through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

These interpretations underscore the complexity and richness found within this single verse and its place within the wider Gospel narrative.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:28 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 12:28 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?