John 12

1Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

Jesus knew that he would be crucified on the day after the Passover, becoming the human substitute for the customary young lamb sacrificed at the Temple of Jerusalem, for the sins of others, by the high priest. Thus, six days later, Jesus comes back to Judea- and to Bethany, which was near to Jerusalem (the place where the Pharisees were plotting his death- any human would have kept away, but Jesus knew that he will have to make the triumphant entry, institute the communion, be betrayed by one of his own disciples, be crucified, and ultimately, triumph over death). Lazarus, who was raised from the dead, was also at Bethany.

2There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

The household made him a supper which Martha, as always, served. A very alive Lazarus also sat nearby.

3Then 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.

As a gesture of gratitude and probably realising the divinity of Jesus, Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with spikenard (a very expensive fragrance) and wiped his feet with her hair. Since they don’t seem to be affluent, I wonder whether she sold all her valuables to buy the ointment for 300 silver coins.

4Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

5Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

Annoyed at the gesture, Judas admonished her- ‘Why wasn’t this ointment sold for 300 silver coins, and given to the poor?’

6This 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.

John comments that Judas’ admonishing Mary didn’t have to do with his concern for the poor. But he was the carrier of the group’s money bag, and stole money as it suited him (Jesus had previously said of how he chose 12 disciples, of whom one is the devil).

7Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

Jesus tells him to leave her alone. The entombment ritual involved women preparing the body with spices and fragrance. Jesus knew that, it would be Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea who would be preparing his body after the crucifixion. Later on, we shall read of how spikenard was not among the spices and fragrances which they used. Thus, God gave Mary the opportunity to daub Jesus’ feet with spikenard as a prelude to the burial.

8For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

The poor will always be physically present around, and thus one can be benevolent towards them anytime. But Jesus would be crucified soon.

9Much 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.

Many Jews knew that Jesus was in Bethany. They came to the house not just to see Jesus, but also to observe Lazarus.

10But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

11Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

The chief priests discussed about killing Lazarus since he was the reason why the Jews started to believe in Jesus. The creative miracles performed by Jesus might have eventually convinced the Jews, but the priests were reluctant to believe- rather than seeing Jesus as a heretical prophet or the Messiah, it seems as if they were more concerned that the Romans would kick them out from their positions and annihilate the Jewish nation. Moreover, it is likely that Jesus’ popularity led to Jews not attending prayers at the synagogues, thus resulting in a loss of revenue.

12On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13Took 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.

Upon hearing that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Jews, who had already congregated in Jerusalem for the feast, took branches of palm trees, and went to give him a king’s welcome.

14And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

15Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

To fulfill the prophecy, Jesus rode into the city on a young ass (one which no one else used).

16These 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 disciples did not comprehend this then. But after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, they remembered that the Old Testament prophecies referred to him.

17The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

18For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

The calling of Lazarus out of the grave by Jesus was publicised by the people who witnessed it. Thus, more people also met him.

19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

Seeing the huge following behind Jesus, the Pharisees were frustrated- ‘Can’t you see how our plans aren’t working. The whole world has followed him’.

20And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

21The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

Certain Greeks had come to worship at the feast. I believe that these are Jews who had been settled in Greece. They went to Philip (native of Bethsaida) and requested him to arrange a meeting with Jesus. The nature of their request suggests that they were educated.

22Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Jesus met them, and it is evident that it is an important meeting. After all, the first church was established in Greece, probably aided by the same people who discoursed with Jesus. Jesus said that the hour has come when he should be glorified

24Verily, 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.

A corn of wheat on the plant itself will not bear fruit. In order to germinate and bear much fruit, it has to fall to the ground and die. And the cycle would repeat. It is only by his death that the Christian church will flourish.

25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

He who loves his earthly life, the trappings, and the indulgences, shall lose eternal life. But he who despises the carnal life, will gain eternal life.

26If 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.

If anyone wants to serve Jesus, let them follow him and his teachings. Wherever Jesus will be, there will his servant be. And God will honour anyone who serves Jesus.

27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Jesus is troubled again because it is a momentous time. He requests God to save him from that hour but he knows the magnitude of the happenings.

28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

Jesus asks God to glorify His name. And a voice was heard from the heaven which said- ‘I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again’.

29The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

The people around heard the voice thought that it thundered, whilst others thought that it was an angel.

30Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Jesus points out that the voice was not for him but for the people to listen.

31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

33This he said, signifying what death he should die.

The judgment of the world was about to begin. Since the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, the devil (prince of this world) had authority over the sinning humans. The Old Testament shows of how the devil continually went to God to claim the souls of God’s children. Jesus’ sacrifice for the sins of others will destroy the hold which devil has, and will lead to his permanent expulsion from heaven.

And if Jesus is lifted up from the earth (this, as per John’s suggestion, could imply the crucifixion which involves hanging him from the cross, or could also mean his ascension and glorification), he will draw all people unto him. There will be the option for everyone to become Jesus’ follower and gain redemption from the death grip of sin.

34The 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?

The listeners are confused and points out that the Old Testament refers to the eternal reign of the Messiah. The prophecies regarding the Messiah in Isaiah’s book were not in chronological order, and thus they expected the Messiah to come once and reign forever. However, deep scrutiny of Isaiah reveals that the prophet refers to the 1^st and 2^nd coming of Christ.

35Then 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.

Jesus said unto them: ‘The light (Jesus) will be with you for a little more time. Walk in the light before it is dark (‘darkness come upon you’). For, if you walk in the dark, you will not know where you are going’. During ‘darkness’, the people will not have any guidance due to Jesus’ absence. Moreover, Jesus used ‘darkness’ to refer to the reign of Anti-christ- when there will not be an opportunity to preach, profess, or pray, and when the church and Christians will be persecuted.

36While 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.

When the light (Jesus) is still present, believe in him, so that you will be the children of light.

After speaking this, Jesus left and hid himself from the people.

37But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

38That 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?

39Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

40He 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.

41These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Irrespective of all the miracles, the people did not, and could not, believe. They could not see and their hearts were hardened like that of the Pharaoh in Exodus. It was God’s will that they should not believe for Jesus had to be slain for the majestic conquest over sin and death.

42Nevertheless 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:

43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Although many important Jews believed in Jesus, they did not admit their faith since the Pharisees would expel them from the society. Obviously, they were more concerned about being honoured by men than being honoured by God.

44Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

45And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

The following verses show the oneness of the Father and the Son. Whoever believes (and sees) in Jesus, is not believing (or seeing) in Jesus, but believing in (or seeing) God.

46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Jesus has come as a light into the world, so that whoever decides to believe in him, will enter light (salvation, truth) and will not remain in darkness (sin).

47And 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.

Jesus has come to save the world and not to judge people- thus, he will not judge anyone who hears the message but yet doesn’t believe.

48He 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.

As for those who reject Jesus and don’t follow his words, the same will be judged on the last day, by the very words/commandments which Jesus has spoken.

49For 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.

50And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

The words spoken by Jesus are not his own- God has commanded Jesus about what he should say and what he should speak. Thus, Jesus is speaking whatever God has said unto him.

Psalm 91 & John 11

The selected verses are from John 11 and Psalm 91. I have chosen this so that we could help my mother with her Bible quiz preparations, as well as continue our Bible study! Thus, I shall be updating the same blog post daily.

Psalm 91:1

1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

The person who dwells or resides in God’s secret place (the place shielded from all harm- the place/situation in which the individual is as close to God as possible), shall be in the shadow of the Almighty (shadow again denotes the proximity between himself and God; God is right next to his children keeping them under His protection)

2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

The Lord is my refuge (from troubles/storms) and my fortress (a stronghold where no evil can enter- a place where one is safe). He is my God. And in Him alone (not in humans or horses) will I trust.

3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

The Lord will deliver you (a bird) from the snares left by the fowler (who traps birds with hidden nets- devil or evil humans), and from destruction.

4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

The bird analogy continues with the God being compared to a bird. God could be visualised as a mother hen protecting the chicks by covering them with its feathers (for those who haven’t observed hen behaviour: the presence of a predator will incite the mother hen to spread its wings and gather the chicks under it). The chicks will trust the safety of the wings (protection). God’s truth/word (‘I am the way, the truth, and the life’- Jesus) will protect you like a shield and armour.

In Matthew 23:37 and Luke 13:34, Jesus uses the mother hen analogy: ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!’; ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!’.

5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Danger lurks and is not exposed in the darkness of the night. But you will not be afraid of such dangers. Nor, will you be afraid of the enemy’s arrows in broad daylight.

6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

Nor for the diseases that abound in darkness; nor for the destruction at noonday.

7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Even if thousands of people die all around you, no destruction/harm/disease will come near you.

8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

All this is because you have made the Lord your habitation (‘the secret place of the most High’)

10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

Thus, no evil will happen to you, neither shall any plague (pestilence) come near your house.

11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

The Lord will entrust you into the diligent care of his angels. They will take you up in their hands, to even prevent you from dashing your foot against a stone.

13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

You will walk over the lion and the adder: the young lion and the big serpent (according to the original version) will you trample under your feet.

14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

These words are uttered by the Lord: ‘He (you) loves me, therefore I will deliver him: I will exalt him, because he has known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in times of trouble (although the Lord himself with answer and be with you in times of trouble, it doesn’t mean that there won’t be any troubles!); I will deliver him, and honour him. I will give him long life (perhaps, eternal life too?), and will show him my salvation.

John 11

1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:

Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha, were close to Jesus. Residents of Bethany (near Jerusalem) in Judea, John states that it was this Mary who anointed the Lord’s feet with the ointment, wiping it off with her hair. Mary’s previous actions demonstrates her gratitude as well as her humility, and reminds us of the woman who humbled herself so much as to compare her children to dogs eating the crumbs falling off from a dinner table.

3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

The sisters sent a message to Jesus when Lazarus fell sick. Obviously, they expected him to heal him. However, Jesus didn’t go to Bethany immediately, stating that the sickness will not result in death, but is for the glorifying of God.

7Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Two days later, he told his disciples that they will go to Judaea. The disciples, realistic like most of us, pointed out that Judea was a dangerous place since Jews were plotting to kill him.

9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

Jesus is the guiding light/lantern who will guide us so that we won’t stumble akin to a man walking during daytime. But if he isn’t our guiding light, it is similar to a man walking in the night without a lantern.

11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.

13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

Jesus said that Lazarus is sleeping (in death) and that he needs to wake him up. Interpreting this literally, the disciples said that the sleep will do him good. Jesus, however, specifies what he meant and adds that he is glad that he was not in Bethany during Lazarus’ death, so that the disciples will witness his power as the son of God.

16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

I am not certain as to whether Thomas was sarcastic given the threats against Jesus or whether he fervently meant this.

17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

When Jesus reached Bethany (from Galilee), Lazarus had been dead for 4 days.

20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

Martha, the one who previously used to work in the kitchen whilst Mary listened to Jesus’ teachings, went to meet Jesus while Mary was in the house, probably grieving.

21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Martha complains that Lazarus would not have died had Jesus been there. Yet, she seems to have faith in him since she knows that God will give Jesus whatever he asks for.

23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

When Jesus says that Lazarus will rise again, Martha (after her profession of faith) displays her skepticism by saying that Lazarus will rise on the last day.

25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Jesus utters the famous words- He is the resurrection, and the life. Those who believe in him will live eternally although their physical selves will decompose.

27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Martha believes Jesus and adds that he is the Christ, the Son of God, the long awaited Messiah.

28And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

And she called Mary telling her that Jesus is here. Does it demonstrate her faith in Jesus being able to raise Lazarus from the dead?

30Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

Jesus had met Martha outside Bethany.

31The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

The Jews who were at the house to comfort the sisters, followed Mary when she rose up and left. They thought that she was going to the grave.

32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Mary, however, went to Jesus and fell down at his feet in humility, and said- ‘Lord, my brother would not have died had you been here’.

33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.

Jesus was troubled when he saw everyone weeping. I found his reaction interesting since he was troubled, and not jubilant, despite knowing the outcome. Was it because their crying moved him, just like he was moved often by the afflictions of others? Though God, he is able to empathise with the sisters and their sorrow

34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

35Jesus wept.

36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

There are, I believe, only two occasions when Jesus wept… and he cries despite the obvious outcome. Was it because he was moved with compassion? Was it because, as a human, he was experiencing the death of a close friend?

37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

When Jesus commands the stone to be moved away, Martha protests that Lazarus would be stinking since he has been dead for four days. Jesus reminds her of what he asked before about belief.

41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

Jesus prays to the Father, beginning with thanks for the wonderful miracle about to be witnessed, and for hearing his request. God hears Jesus all the time, but Jesus wants to show the people around who exactly has sent him.

43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Jesus commands Lazarus to come forward. And despite being shrouded and bound, an alive Lazarus came forwards.

45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

46But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

47Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

48If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

The chief priests and Pharisees met up to discuss about Jesus. If they do not address this threat, everyone will believe Jesus’ claims, and the Romans, feeling threatened, would get rid of the Jewish clerical system, and would probably obliterate them.

49And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

50Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

The high priest decides that it is best for Jesus to die for everyone, instead of the whole nation perishing.

51And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

52And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

The high priest had already prophesied (John clarifies that it wasn’t Caiaphas who prophesied but God through him) that Jesus should die not only for the Jews, but will gather together all the children of God who were scattered outside Israel.

53Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

54Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

Knowing that the Jews wanted to kill him, Jesus went to Ephraim- he wasn’t fleeing from the Jews, but was spending time there so that the prophesy will be fulfilled regarding his death on the day after Passover.

55And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

56Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

57Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.