John 12:16-19 (WEL) At first, his disciples didn’t understand these things, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him and that they had done these things to him. 17 Therefore, the people who were with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave and raised him from the dead kept telling it over and over. 18 For this reason, the crowd also met him because they heard that he had done this miracle. 19 As a result, the Pharisees said among themselves, “Do you realize that we don’t prevail at all? Look, the whole world is following him.”
V16 At first, his disciples didn’t understand these things, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him and that they had done these things to him.
Understanding takes time and God’s grace. God is a patient teacher. Thus, we must study and read the Bible every day for our spiritual food. The Holy Spirit is the teacher who will help us.
R. C. Ryle: “Let us never forget that men may be true Christians, and right-hearted, and yet be very ignorant on some points. “Faith,” says Zwingle, on this verse, “admits of degrees and increase.” In estimating others, we must make great allowance for early training and associations.”
V17 Therefore, the people who were with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave and raised him from the dead kept telling it over and over.
Something this unusual will be talked about and rehearsed many times. The truth about Jesus must always be told.
V18 For this reason, the crowd also met him because they heard that he had done this miracle.
Jesus told the truth, lived the truth, was bold with the truth in fulfilling prophecy, but still most people will not believe. This is an active choice of free will. Compare Matthew 23:37-39.
V19 As a result, the Pharisees said among themselves, “Do you realize that we don’t prevail at all? Look, the whole world is following him.”
One action—the resurrection of Lazarus of Bethany. Two reactions—those who accept, believe, and acknowledge Jesus as Messiah and those who reject and want to kill Him.
People reject for 3 main reasons: 1) pride (I’m a good person; My religion is correct, etc.), 2) love of sin (I will not stop ____ (name the sin)), and 3) believe lies.
People kill for 3 reasons: 1) for power, 2) for money, and/or 3) for sex.
We learn:
- Learning sometimes comes slowly.
- God is patient. See 2 Peter 3:9 and Ezekiel 33:11.
Questions:
- How do you learn the Christian faith?
- Are you patient when you teach?