The
next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)
The Gospel of John is divided into chapters.
Chapter 12 is a big chapter. I’m not referring to the length of the chapter as measured
by verses. I’m referring to the depth of meaning. This chapter begins with
Jesus at the home of friends in Bethany. During the visit, Mary anointed Jesus’
feet with expensive oil and the fragrance filled the room. After that, Jesus
traveled from Bethany to Jerusalem and entered the city amidst shouts of
adoration. A multitude of voices shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in
the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!” On the surface, these seem to be two
contrasting scenes of worship. One is a very special private worship in a home.
The other is an explosion of praise that might best be described as a triumphal
procession. In fact, both were signs of preparation. Jesus was preparing to
die. While at Bethany, after the fragrance filled the room, Jesus mentions his
burial (v. 8). After a vivid description of Jesus’ entry into the city, John
provides clarification that the disciples did not understand the significance
of the moment until after Jesus went to the cross (v. 16). Then, the poignant
words of Jesus bring clarity. “The time has come that the Son of man should be
glorified” (v. 23). Jesus reminded them
that a grain of wheat does not produce much grain until it dies. Jesus told
them “He who loves his life will lose it” (v. 25).
The words of Fulton Sheen frame the event.
It was the month of Nisan. The Book of Exodus
ordered that in this month the Paschal Lamb was to be selected, and four days
later was to be taken to the place where it was to be sacrificed. On Palm
Sunday, the Lamb was chosen by popular acclaim in Jerusalem; on Good Friday He
was crucified.
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