Thoughts on John 12:20-26

Yeshua was in Jerusalem during the Passover week. He knew that the end of his earthly life was approaching. However, he also knew that he would live on in the hearts of people. The Gospel message of love and peace needed to continue to be spread. His disciples needed to understand that it was important that they live on to spread the word. If the followers of Yeshua died with him, then the Gospel would have died with Yeshua. Therefore, Yeshua expects us to continue to spread the message.

Thoughts on John 12:12-19

Was Yeshua a threat to the Pharisee’s way of life? From the reaction of this group, it was. Yeshua’s preaching and actions had become popular, and that upset the religious leaders. They were losing people from their control and that was worrying them. Also, this entry celebration was at the beginning of the Passover. After the Romans occupied Jerusalem, the Zealots would have a riot during this festival. The Torah instructed the Jews to travel to Jerusalem for the feast. Of course, not every Jew could get to the city. However, the 30,000 or so population of the city would host over 300,000. That placed a deep strain on the city’s resources. The Romans kept a garrison in the northern part of the Galilee to stop any revolt or riot. Usually, on the days of Passover, the garrison would be brought into the city. The Roman emperor wanted to move the legion from north Galilee to the battle against the Parthians in the east. That could not be done until the rioting in Jerusalem stopped. Pilate was sent to Jerusalem to make that happen. The people knew this and yet the Zealots continued to instigate trouble. Pilate explained the situation to the High Priest and made it clear that if he goes the High Priest goes. Therefore, something had to be done because Yeshua’s followers were starting to look like a riot. The entry festivities were noted by the Roman governor and now through this act Rome was on the side of the High Priest. Both wanted Yeshua out of the picture

Thoughts on John 11:55-12:11

Yeshua was being prepared for his death. It is a foreshadowing narrative. It gives away one of the ending story of the Gospel. The simple point is that a person should be ready to meet their end.