Chapter Twelve

Six Days Before the Passover

1. Then Jesus, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom He raised from the dead.

2. Then they made for Him a supper there, and Martha ministered; and Lazarus was one of them that sat with Him.

3. Then Mary, having taken a litra of ointment of very precious liquid spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled full with the aroma of the ointment.

Jesus’ most recent miracle was the raising of Lazarus who had been dead for four days (see John 11:43-44). As news of this miracle traveled, it evoked a wide variety of responses. Many of the people were so amazed that they began to believe in Jesus. Others remained skeptical. And then there were the religious leaders who became more determined than ever to arrange for Jesus’ death. Aware that the religious leaders were attempting to seize Him, Jesus departed from Bethany and went to a city named Ephraim where He remained with His disciples for a period of time (see John 11:54-57).

Mary anoints Jesus’ feet

It is at this point in the divine narrative that the next episode begins. As it is written, “Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. And they made a supper for Him there, and Martha served, and Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him” (John 12:1-2).

At some point during the supper, Mary takes a pound of very expensive spikenard oil, uses it to anoint Jesus’ feet, and then wipes His feet with her hair (see John 12:3). Because of its soothing and healing properties, oil has always been a symbol of love. Therefore, when Mary uses the precious oil to anoint Jesus’ feet, it is an outward expression of her inmost love and gratitude for all that Jesus has done for her, including the resurrection of her brother, Lazarus.

In sacred symbolism, both the hair and the feet represent the outermost aspects of our humanity. This involves not just the things that we love, or the things that we believe, but especially, the things that we do. In this regard, Mary using her hair to wipe Jesus’ feet pictures the way our love for the Lord and faith in Him comes forth in the actions of our everyday lives. ¹

It should also be noted that when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with precious oil, “the house is completely filled with the aroma of the ointment” (John 12:3). Similarly, whenever our actions are an expression of our devotion to God, love permeates our thoughts and intentions just as the fragrance of the oil permeates the house. ²

The love of serving

While Mary is anointing Jesus’ feet with oil, her sister, Martha, is serving. This brings to mind a similar episode in the Gospel According to Luke. In that gospel, when Jesus came to their home, Martha was also serving, and Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. Martha was described as distracted, anxious, worried, and complaining that Mary was not helping her (see Luke 10:41-42).

In Luke, Martha is serving, but she is worried and anxious. In John, however, Martha’s anxious complaints are not mentioned. She simply serves. Likewise, in John, Mary is not just sitting at the Lord’s feet listening to His Word. She is also anointing His feet with oil and wiping them with her hair. While Martha serves the neighbor, Mary serves the Lord. In both cases, their actions represent the love of serving. ³

This illustrates one of the main differences between the Gospel According to Luke, which is primarily about the reformation of the understanding, and the Gospel According to John, which is primarily about the regeneration of a new will. One of the hallmarks of a new will is the love of serving apart from the acquisition of any honor, recognition, or material gain. The focus is not upon what we can get for ourselves, but rather on what we can give to others.

The significance of Lazarus

Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus, is there as well, and is described as “one of those who sat at the table with Jesus” (John 12:2). In the Gospel According to Luke, a different man named Lazarus is mentioned. That Lazarus is a beggar who pleads for the crumbs that fall from a rich man’s table (see Luke 16:19). In that story, the rich man signifies those who have an abundance of truth, and the beggar named Lazarus signifies that part of us that hungers for truth and longs to be instructed (see Luke 16:19-21).

In John’s account, Lazarus has a different representation. He is described as Jesus’ friend, as someone Jesus loves, and, especially as someone who has died, been brought back to life, and is now seated at the table, dining with Jesus. In this regard, Lazarus signifies much more than our longing to be instructed. He signifies the part of us that hears the Lord calling, responds to that call, and comes forth out of natural life into spiritual life. ⁴

There is a difference between longing for truth, represented by the Lazarus mentioned in Luke, and coming forth into new life, represented by the Lazarus mentioned in John. In Luke, which focuses on the reformation of the understanding, Jesus may have been seen as a divine teacher of new truth, an enlightened seer who opens our spiritual eyes. However, as we begin to apply these insights to our lives, we experience a dynamic change in attitude. Jesus is seen not only as the divine teacher who reforms our understanding. He is also seen as the divine bringer of new life — the One who restores our soul and regenerates our will.

This shift in emphasis from the reformation of the understanding to the birth of a new will is a picture of the regenerative process that can take place within every individual. This pattern can be seen not only in a sequential study of the individual episodes in each gospel, but also in a sequential study of the miracles that Jesus performs. For example, in John, the miracle in which Jesus opens blind eyes is followed by the miracle in which Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. When seen in their order and sequence, these two miracles provide a symbolic picture of how our understanding must be opened before a new will can be born in us. ⁵

A practical application

As our spiritual growth continues, we move from desiring to know the truth, to willingly and without complaint living according to what truth teaches. While this may seem like a miracle, it is an indication that God is not only setting aside our old attitudes, but is also building a new will within us. But this takes time and practice. Therefore, as a practical application, consider the various activities you might be engaged in. Whether it be your duties at work, your responsibilities at home, or your relationships with others, strive to act without resentment or complaint. See it as an opportunity to let the Lord work through you. As you continue this practice, acting according to what you know to be true, your new attitude will be strengthened, and a change of heart will follow. Act precedes; willing follows. ⁶

Dealing with Judas

4. Then says one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simons [son], who was about to betray Him,

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

6. But he said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bore the things that were put [therein].

7. Then said Jesus, Let her be; for the day of My burial has she kept this.

8. For you have the poor always with you, but Me you have not always.

9. A crowd of many of the Jews therefore knew that He was there; and they came, not on account of Jesus only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.

10. And the chief priests consulted that they might also kill Lazarus,

11. Because through him many of the Jews went away, and believed in Jesus.

As we pointed out in the previous episode, Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet pictures those times when our hearts are filled with love and gratitude to the Lord—so much so that it comes forth in the outermost aspects of our lives. These moments of love and gratitude are like a sweet aroma that permeates our being. Spiritually speaking, it fills the whole house of our mind. As it is written in the previous episode, “The house was filled with the fragrance of the oil” (John 12:3).

There is, however, another part of our mind. This is the part that sees through the lens of self-interest. Preoccupied with worldly pursuits and material gain, it does not take time to be with God. When this part of our mind is governing, we might ask ourselves, “Why should I spend my time praying or reflecting on God’s Word when my time and money could be better spent on something more useful?” This state in us is represented by Judas who says, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (John 12:5).

In those days, three hundred denarii was roughly equivalent to about a year’s wages. If spent on the poor, that amount of money could do a lot of good. Therefore, it might be assumed that Judas really cares for the poor and that the costly oil could be put to better use. But the narrator assures us that this is not the case. As he puts it, “Judas said this not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:6).

Judas, then, pictures the self-absorbed part of our mind that refuses to see the good in religious devotion unless it is somehow connected to selfish gain. Blinded by greed, it sees material prosperity as the ultimate form of happiness. Therefore, it regards Mary’s devotional gesture as a waste of time, energy, and money. Motivated by the promptings of his lower nature, Judas is not only a thief who steals from the disciples’ communal money box, but also a deceitful manipulator who says that the money should be given to the poor. In actuality, he has no interest in serving the poor. His words are merely a pretense to get more money into the money box—money that he will secretly take for himself.

“The poor will always be with you”

Although He is aware of Judas’ deceitful intentions, Jesus does not confront him about this. Instead, Jesus takes advantage of this opportunity to support Mary’s actions. “Let her alone,” says Jesus. “She has kept this for the day of My burial” (John 12:7). Jesus knows that the time of His crucifixion is drawing near, and that people will be coming to anoint His body on the day of His burial. While this is literally true, Jesus then gives another reason in support of Mary’s decision to anoint His feet with precious oil. Jesus says, “The poor will always be with you, but you do not always have Me” (John 12:8).

At the most literal level, Jesus is saying that there will always be useful services to perform. There will always be many ways that we can reach out to others, and many people who need our help and support. Whether it’s to provide food for the hungry or shelter for those without adequate housing, there will always be opportunities to serve.

More deeply, Jesus is referring to states within us. Whenever we are without the nourishing food of God’s love or the protective shelter of His truth, we are poor and needy. At the height of his prosperity, King David had enormous wealth. And yet, in the Hebrew scriptures he prays, “O, God, I am poor and needy. Make haste to help me” (Psalm 70:5). ⁷

Jesus does not only say, “The poor will always be with you.” He also adds, “but you do not always have Me.” On the literal level, these words refer to Jesus’ impending arrest and crucifixion which is only six days away. In this sense, it is quite true that they will not always have Jesus with them.

More deeply, however, the words, “but you do not always have Me,” refer to those times when we are not thinking from God’s truth or acting from God’s love. Instead, our service to others is tainted with the desire to be rewarded, praised, and recognized for the good that we do. At such times, we forget that without God we can do nothing that is truly good. As Jesus puts it, “but you do not always have Me.” Without God’s help, without His love, wisdom, and power to perform useful services, we are all “poor and needy.” These are the times when we are unaware of God’s presence in our lives, and, therefore, do not call upon Him for help.

Lazarus: a living testimony

During those times when God seems to be absent, our faith can be strengthened by the true witness of others. In this regard, Lazarus who sits at the table with Jesus, is a living testimony to Jesus’ power to bring about the miracle of resurrection in our lives. Therefore, we read in the next verse that a great many of the people came, not just to see Jesus, but also “to see Lazarus whom He had raised from the dead” (John 12:9).

Taking note of this, the religious leaders fear that a living Lazarus is both a testimony to Jesus’ power and a direct threat to their authority. Therefore, it is written that “the chief priests took counsel that they might also put Lazarus to death” (John 12:10). The murderous intentions of the religious leaders represent the hellish influences that want to destroy any belief in Jesus’ power to renew our hope, strengthen our faith, or rekindle our sense of purpose. Clearly, the resurrection of Lazarus, especially because it has taken place so near to Jerusalem, poses a serious threat to the religious leaders.

At the same time, the story of how Jesus resurrected Lazarus from death continues to attract people to come and see for themselves. Once they see Lazarus in Bethany, faith is strengthened, and doubts fall away. As it is written, “because of Lazarus many people went away and believed in Jesus” (John 12:11).

While these are the concluding words of this episode, they also serve to demonstrate the seamless connection of the events that immediately precede. This chapter began with the beautiful picture of Mary’s love and devotion. Her unselfish display of gratitude is then followed by the story of Judas’ self-absorption—a picture of those times when we see through the lens of self-interest. Next comes the story about how we can be re-inspired by the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus. This sequence of episodes is a picture of the ups and downs of our own lives. There are times when we feel close to the Lord, like Mary, times when we fall away, like Judas, and times when we are re-inspired with hope, like Lazarus.

A practical application

Ups and downs are an inevitable part of every spiritual journey. Let’s say that you have had a wonderful, even miraculous experience that strengthened your faith. This may have been followed by a time of doubt, or even a temporary loss of hope. These negative thoughts and feelings are insinuated by evil spirits who are determined to destroy your faith and dull your remembrance of the positive experience. Instead of listening to these false witnesses, strive to call to mind positive faith experiences and let them fill you again. In addition, you may want to seek out others who have also had “Lazarus moments.” Let the true witness of their testimony strengthen your faith. Regardless of the ups and downs, you can continue to rise. ⁸

The Triumphal Entry

12. On the morrow, a crowd of many, coming to the festival, having heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13. Took branches of palm-trees and went out to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel, that comes in the name of the Lord!

14. And Jesus having found a young ass, sat upon it, as it is written,

15. Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, thy King comes, sitting on the colt of an ass.

As the news about Lazarus’ resurrection continues to spread, there is a growing realization that Jesus might actually be the long-awaited Messiah. After hearing that Jesus is coming to Jerusalem, the people go out to meet Him, waving palm branches, and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel” (John 12:13).

Jesus does not disappoint them. Throughout His ministry, Jesus has gone everywhere on foot. This time, however, Jesus rides into Jerusalem sitting on a young donkey in fulfillment of the prophecy given through Zechariah. As it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14).

For those who have assembled to greet Jesus, it seems as though Zechariah’s prophecy is coming true at last, and that Jesus is about to become the long-awaited king of Israel. Excited about this possibility, the people take palm branches from trees, wave them in their hands, and shout the prophetic words of Psalm 118:26, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

The significance of the palm branches

The triumphal entry occurs in all four gospels. The Gospel According to John, however, is the only gospel that specifically mentions palm branches. As it is written, “When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him” (John 12:13).

The palm has a long and sacred history in biblical symbolism. As a tree that stands tall and straight, with an unbranched trunk, it represents righteousness. As a tree that can withstand hurricane force winds without being uprooted, it represents resilience and strength. As a tree that produces fruit, it represents a useful life.

Even more significant is the fact that some varieties of the palm tree have the ability to bear fruit all year round. This represents the ability to be steadfast in our spiritual life, regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Not only can the palm tree bear fruit in every season, but it continues to do so even into old age. Therefore, it is written in the Hebrew scriptures that “The righteous shall flourish as the palm tree…. They shall still bear fruit in old age. They shall be fresh and flourishing” (Psalm 92:12-14). ⁹

On one level, the waving of the palm branches represents the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the people as they welcome Jesus as their king. More deeply, the waving of palm branches symbolizes the joy of useful service which will be a central feature of Jesus’ spiritual kingdom. The goal of the fruit tree is to bear fruit. The goal of human life is to bring forth the fruits of love—that is to perform acts of loving service. ¹⁰

The significance of the donkey

The people who have assembled to greet Jesus view His triumphal entry as a political moment. As they understand it, Jesus will become their king. It’s an exciting time for them. It could mean the end of Roman oppression. It could mean that power, wealth, and financial prosperity are right around the corner. It could mean that their nation will once again become a world power, as it was in the days of King David and King Solomon.

While it is clear that Jesus has no intention of becoming a worldly king, He allows the people who greet him to hold onto their mistaken idea, at least for the time being. Therefore, Jesus does not discourage them or tell them that they are mistaken. He knows that they are not ready to understand the deeper, more symbolic aspects of His triumphal entry. It’s more important for them to believe in Him as their earthly king than not to believe in Him at all. As it is written in the Hebrew scriptures, “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3). ¹¹

In fact, when Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, He seems to be supporting their belief that He is about to become a worldly king. After all, it was a well-known, royal tradition. At the time of coronation, the new king would ride into town on a donkey or a mule to announce the inauguration of his reign. A particular example is given in the Hebrew scriptures. When King David was ready to proclaim that his son, Solomon, was about to become the next king, David said, “My son, Solomon, will ride on my own mule … and let him be anointed king over Israel, and blow the horn, and say, ‘Long live King Solomon’” (1 Kings 1:33). ¹²

For Jesus, however, the triumphal entry has deeper meaning—especially in regard to the fact that He rides in on a young donkey. In the sacred scriptures, horses, donkeys, and mules, because they carry people from place to place, represent various aspects of our understanding. In everyday speech we sometimes say things like, “I hope you can carry that thought with you” or “My thoughts carried me away.” In this regard, our understanding carries us from thought to thought, from idea to idea, and from concept to concept in a way that is similar to the way a horse, donkey, or mule might carry us from place to place.

Therefore, when Jesus comes into Jerusalem riding on a young donkey, it pictures how we can allow God’s love to guide our understanding, leading us step by step, word by word, and episode by episode toward the New Jerusalem—that is, towards the blessings of heaven. ¹³

A practical application

When the people welcomed Jesus as their new king, they were looking forward to a future filled with physical prosperity and political freedom in Jesus’ new kingdom. But Jesus had something higher in mind. He came to subjugate the hells and bring spiritual prosperity through teaching divine truth; and He came to bring spiritual freedom through encouraging people to live according to that truth. To the extent that people did this, governing their inner world through the truth that He taught, they would be able to banish false thoughts and evil desires very much like a king might banish a lawless, corrupt individual from his kingdom. Whenever this happens, God’s truth governs, God’s kingdom comes, and God’s will is done. Try it for yourself. Let some truth from the Lord’s Word become a ruling, governing, and guiding principle in your mind—especially a truth for which you have a strong affection. Then, when you find yourself in a difficult circumstance, call that truth to mind. Let God’s kingdom come. Let God’s will be done.” ¹⁴

“The Hour Has Come”

16. But these things His disciples knew not at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and [that] they did these things to Him.

17. Then the crowd that was with Him when He called Lazarus out of the sepulcher and raised him from the dead bore record.

18. For this also the crowd met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign.

19. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, you behold that you profit nothing; lo, the world is gone after Him.

20. And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the festival.

21. These then came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and besought him, saying, Lord, we will to see Jesus.

22. Philip comes and tells Andrew, and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

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

24. Amen, amen, I say to you, Unless a grain of wheat having fallen into the ground dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it brings [forth] much fruit.

25. He that loves his soul shall lose it, and he that hates his soul in this world shall guard it to life eternal.

26. If anyone minister to Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My minister be; and if anyone minister to Me, the Father will honor him.

Although Jesus has just completed His triumphal entry, the disciples do not understand the deeper significance of what Jesus is doing or how the prophecies about a coming king apply to Him. As it is written, “The disciples did not understand these things at first, but after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that these things were written about Him” (John 12:16).

There were many things that the disciples did not understand. For example, when Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, Jesus waited two more days before going to Bethany. This was confusing for the disciples. After all, Jesus loved Lazarus. Why, then, did Jesus wait until Lazarus had been dead and buried? Mary and Martha were also confused. When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, they said to Him, “Lord, if you had been here, our brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32).

Jesus, however, had a higher purpose. As He told His disciples before leaving for Bethany, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). And later, as they rolled the stone away from Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God” (John 11:40). Behind every action that Jesus performed and within every word that Jesus spoke, there was the deeper intention of somehow and in some way manifesting the glory of God.

Like the disciples, and like Mary and Martha, we do not always understand the significance of the things that happen in our lives, or how God is being glorified in us. It is only later, in retrospect, that we can see how the Lord has used the events of our lives—even unfortunate situations—as opportunities to deepen our faith and help us grow spiritually. ¹⁵

In this case, the resurrection of Lazarus had profound implications. Jesus had not merely healed Lazarus of an illness, but He had raised Lazarus from death. It was a tremendous miracle not only for those who witnessed it, but also for those who heard about it. As it is written, “The people who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised Him from the dead, bore witness” (John 12:17). As the story spread far and wide, many people made the decision to come to Jerusalem to see Jesus in whom the glory of God had been manifested.

Not only has Jesus just resurrected Lazarus from the tomb, but He has also just made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem where the people have hailed Him as their king. This event, which is the source of so much celebration and joy among the people, has an opposite effect upon the religious leaders. As the masses begin to welcome Jesus as their new king, the religious leaders are deeply concerned. Accusing each other of mishandling the plot to seize Jesus, they say, “Do you see? You are accomplishing nothing. The whole world is going after Him” (John 12:19).

In fact, the next verse seems to indicate that Jesus’ fame is spreading. People are coming from other lands to see Him. As it is written, “And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the festival” (John 12:20). And they said to Philip, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). In response, Philip first conveys their request to Andrew, and then they both tell Jesus that the Greeks want to see Him.

Taking this as an indication that the time for His crucifixion and resurrection has come, Jesus says, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:23-24). These words are directly related to Jesus’ impending crucifixion. Through His death and resurrection, He will completely put off everything that has been merely human in Himself. Like the kernel in the wheat when it finally puts off its surrounding shell, Jesus will put off everything of His heredity nature. The only thing left will be His divine humanity. For Jesus, this process is called “glorification.”

A similar process takes place in each of us; it is called “regeneration.” If we only live to get our needs met without regard for others, we are like an isolated grain of wheat without a higher purpose. In this regard, we “remain alone,” enclosed in a shell of self-interest. Just as a grain of wheat must fall to the ground, break out of its shell, and lose its protective covering, we, too, must lose our old way of life with its self-serving nature before we can come into new life and experience our nobler nature. This higher, spiritual self is born to serve others. ¹⁶

All of this points to the necessity of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Throughout His whole life on earth, Jesus has been laying down His life for others. He has been combating and subjugating the hells, one after another, so that they would no longer infest His people. And now, as He readies Himself for the final battle, He says, “My hour has come.” This will be the final battle and the final victory. Jesus will subdue the hells, restore order on earth and in heaven, glorify His humanity, and re-establish the broken connection between God and His people. ¹⁷

The paradox of sacrifice

As Jesus continues to speak about death and resurrection, He says, “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). While this might sound like a paradox, it contains the highest wisdom. Jesus is not urging us to hate life itself, but rather to hate a merely natural life that is focused on nothing other than oneself. It is this selfish approach to life that is to be hated. And that is why Jesus urges us to cultivate our spiritual life.

The cultivation of spiritual life, however, cannot be done without struggle and sacrifice. Again and again, situations arise in which we must surrender our will in order to live according to God’s will. Each day, there are numerous opportunities to put others first, surrender stubbornness, relinquish the need to be right, and rise above the desire to control others. Because Jesus has already done this for us on a cosmic level, we can do it on an individual level.

This does not mean that we give up our sense of self or that we allow people to violate healthy boundaries. It does mean, however, that personal transformation begins by subduing our lower self so that we may grow into our higher self. In this way, as we strive to subordinate lower loves and elevate higher loves, we are cultivating the life that can never die. As we die to our old will, a new will is born in us. This is the paradox of sacrifice. To sacrifice means “to make holy.” It comes from the Latin word sacrificium, a combination of the Latin word sacer, meaning “holy” and facere, meaning “to make.” The more we subordinate or “sacrifice” what is merely worldly and passing, the more we gain that which is heavenly and eternal. This is what Jesus means when He says, “He who hates His life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” ¹⁸

Honored by the Father

As Jesus concludes this lesson, He says, “If anyone serves Me, let Him follow Me; and where I am there My servant will be also” (John 12:26). In the Greek language, the word for “servant” is related to the word diakonos [διάκονος] which also means “attendant.” More than a servant, an attendant follows the master, goes where he goes, and stays close by, ready to obey his master’s command. This is why Jesus says, “Where I am, there My servant will be also.”

Jesus then adds, “If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:27). Jesus is speaking symbolically. The truth that Jesus teaches is called “the Son”; and the love, which is His very soul, is called “the Father.” Jesus is saying that when we live according to the truth that He teaches, we are “serving the Son” And when we experience the love that flows in, we are, spiritually speaking, being “honored by the Father.”

To put it another way, as we live according to the truth that Jesus teaches, His love flows into and through us, leading us into inmost peace, deepest joy, and the profoundest blessings of heaven. This is a fundamental truth that is taught everywhere in scripture. In brief, truth is the receptacle of love. This is the inner meaning of Jesus’ literal teaching, “If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” ¹⁹

“Father, Glorify Your Name”

27. Now is My soul disturbed, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour; but for this came I to this hour.

28. Father, glorify Thy name. Then came a voice from heaven: I both have glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.

29. Then the crowd, standing and hearing, said that it thundered; others said, An angel spoke to Him.

30. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of Me, but because of you.

Knowing that the time of His crucifixion is drawing near, Jesus says, “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour?” (John 12:27). In the Gospel According to Luke, the agony of Jesus’ troubled soul continues throughout the night. In John, however, the focus quickly moves to Jesus’ response. Jesus says, “For this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name” (John 12:27-28). At this most troubling time, Jesus is reaching deeply within, summoning up the power of love which is His very soul. It is His inmost desire to save all people. ²⁰

In response, a voice comes from heaven, saying “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again” (John 12:28). Some of those who are standing by and hear it say that “it has thundered,” while others say, “an angel has spoken to Him” (John 12:29). Jesus knows, however, that this is neither the sound of thunder nor the words of an angel. It is the voice of God.

Jesus then tells the people that “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake” (John 12:30). In other words, the voice that comes from heaven is for all people at all times. It is a message about God’s love, reassuring us that His name will be glorified in us again and again, depending upon our readiness to receive the qualities He gives us, and our willingness to put those qualities into our lives. This is how God manifests “His name” in us. ²¹

The idea that God’s name will be glorified in us again and again points to the truth that regeneration is continual. It begins at birth and continues throughout our lives, even into eternity. Along the way, there will be many struggles in which we are given numerous opportunities to “glorify the name of God”—that is to pray for God’s divine qualities and then act on them. ²²

A practical application

From time to time, you may find yourself confronted with a deeply troubling situation. It might involve a difficult relationship with others or a disturbing circumstance in your life. You can either avoid working through the situation, or you can face this “hour of trial” with the help of the Lord. This is the time to earnestly pray for the godly quality you need in the moment. It could be patience, perseverance, humility, courage, or the ability to understand. These qualities are just a few of the many “names of the Lord.” Then, after your prayer for a specific quality, know that God is with you and will see you through. Go forward “in the name of the Lord,” saying, “For this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.”

“If I Be Lifted Up”

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

32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all to Myself.

33. And this He said, signifying by what death He was about to die.

34. The crowd answered Him, We have heard out of the Law that Christ remains for ever; and how sayest Thou that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?

35. Then Jesus said to them, Yet a little time is the Light with you; walk while you have the Light, lest darkness take you; and he that walks in darkness knows not whither he goes.

36. While you have the Light, believe in the Light, that you may be sons of Light. Jesus spoke these things, and departing, was hidden from them.

As Jesus continues to instruct the people, He says, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out” (John 12:31). Spiritually speaking, Jesus is saying that instead of being ruled by self-centered desires, sometimes referred to as the “devil,” “hellish influences,” or the promptings of our “lower nature,” we can be ruled and governed instead by the divine truth He offers. To the extent that we rule our lives by the principles of truth that Jesus gives us, these lower desires will no longer govern us. As Jesus puts it, “the ruler of this world will be cast out.” ²³

Through His own temptation combats, Jesus has been continually subjugating the hells, thereby taking away their influence over Him. This is also what He wants to do within each of us, but we must identify the “rulers of this world” within us and pray to be delivered from them. Then we must fight as if from ourselves while trusting that the Lord is giving us the power to do so.

When Jesus says the “the ruler of this world will be cast out,” the people have no idea that Jesus is speaking on this spiritual level. Instead, they are thinking that Jesus is speaking about expelling the Roman rulers. Therefore, they are quite pleased to hear that Jesus is planning to cast out the rulers of this world. After all, the people have been waiting and longing for this moment. To the ears of those who hear Jesus’ words, it sounds like the proclamation of a new day. They believe that Jesus is finally going to cast out the Roman governors, sit upon the throne, and reign as their king.

But their hope that Jesus is about to take over the throne is short-lived. In His next breath, Jesus reminds them that He must be lifted up on the cross and be crucified. As He puts it, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself” (John 12:32). The narrator explains what Jesus means by this statement. According to John, Jesus said this “to signify by what death He would die” (John 12:33).

Like John, who is narrating the story, the people also believe that Jesus is talking about His crucifixion. But the people do not want to hear it. As they understand it, their Messiah will never die. Therefore, they reply, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say that the Son of Man must be lifted up?” (John 12:34).

Still driven by their messianic hope, they may be thinking of verses such as, “The Lord shall endure forever; He has prepared His throne for judgment (Psalm 9:7-8); or “The Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King” (Jeremiah 10:10). These are some of the messianic promises that filled them with the hope that the Christ would live and reign forever. Such promises spoke to them of a divine government that would never end. It is perhaps most strongly put in the familiar prophecy given through Isaiah: “Unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulders. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Therefore, when Jesus speaks about His being “lifted up from the earth” they are confused. “Why do you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up?” they say. “Who is this Son of Man?” (John 12:34). Jesus does not answer them directly. Instead, He tells them that He will only be with them for a short time. Repeating almost the same words that He said to His disciples before leaving for Bethany, Jesus says to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going” (John 12:35). Jesus then adds, “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:36).

Jesus is not trying to change their minds about an earthly king who will reign forever. Instead, He is trying to lift their minds above the idea that an earthly king can save them. If they truly want to be saved, they must “walk in the light.” In this regard it is noteworthy that when they ask Jesus directly, “Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus does not give them a direct reply. Instead, He talks about “the light,” says that “the light is with you,” tells them to “believe in the light” and encourages them to “walk in the light.” This is the closest Jesus has come to declaring that the Son of Man is the divine truth itself. ²⁴

Throughout this gospel Jesus’ continual message has been that He is the light, and that they should not only believe in Him, but also follow Him. Nevertheless, there are many who still refuse to believe. As the narrator tells us, “Although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him” (John 12:37). Some, however, do believe. In fact, this now includes the religious leaders—not just some, but many. As it is written, “even among the rulers many believed in Him” (John 12:42).

This is reassuring. It teaches that no matter how entrenched people may be in their own ideas, and no matter how invested they may be in preserving their own status, it is still possible for people to hear and believe the truth that Jesus offers. The only thing that blinds them is their unwillingness to understand. The only thing that deafens them is their unwillingness to listen. But everyone who is good at heart will be drawn to the truth that Jesus teaches. This is because of a spiritual principle as old as creation itself: goodness loves truth and is drawn to the truth. As Jesus says, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all people to Myself.” ²⁵

The Light Judges No One

37. But [although] He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him,

38. That the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he said: Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of [the] Lord been revealed?

39. On this account they could not believe, because Isaiah said again,

40. He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, that they should not see with the eyes, and consider with the heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

41. Isaiah said these things when he saw His glory, and spoke about Him.

42. Still, however, many of the rulers also believed in Him, but on account of the Pharisees, they did not profess [Him], lest they should be put out of the synagogue.

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

44. And Jesus cried and said, He that believes in Me, believes not in Me, but in Him that sent Me.

45. And he that beholds Me, beholds Him that sent Me.

46. I have come [the] Light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me should not remain in darkness.

47. And if anyone hear My sayings and believe not, I do not judge him; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

48. He that spurns Me, and receives not My sayings, has [one] that judges him; the Word which I have spoken, the same shall judge him at the last day,

49. Because I have not spoken from Myself, but the Father who sent Me, He gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.

50. And I know that His command is life eternal; therefore what I speak, as the Father has told Me, so I speak.

While the uplifting words of the previous episode may have touched the hearts of the people, even the hearts of many religious leaders, there were others who continued in their unbelief. As it is written, “Although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him” (John 12:37).

This, however, had been foreseen by the prophet Isaiah. Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah had said, “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (John 12:38; Isaiah 53:1). The phrase “arm of the Lord,” figuratively pictures the almighty God of heaven reaching His powerful arm down from heaven into the earth to subjugate the hells, teach the truth, and protect the innocent. As it is written in the Hebrew scriptures, “Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come in strength, and His arm shall rule for Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the little lambs in His arms” (Isaiah 40:10-11). ²⁶

Therefore, when Isaiah says, “To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed,” he is asking this question: “Who are the ones who have seen the power of God as it is revealed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ?” As Isaiah’s prophecy continues, he says, “He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their hearts, that they should not see with the eyes, and consider with the heart, and be converted, and I should heal them” (John 12:40, see also Isaiah 6:10).

God, of course, wants everyone to see the truth and love what is good, but He also knows that in some cases a temporary conversion can do more harm than good. It’s better to not have our spiritual eyes opened, than to see the truth, believe it, and afterwards deny it. Out of His mercy, God allows this kind of spiritual blindness and spiritual deafness in order to protect us from the danger of profanation. Therefore, God reveals to us only as much truth as we are ready to receive, so that we might remain steadfast in living it, and not turn away. It is for this reason that Isaiah writes, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.” ²⁷

While this passage applies to those religious leaders who refuse to acknowledge Jesus’ divinity, it does not apply to all of the religious leaders. As already mentioned, many of the religious leaders are beginning to believe in Jesus. Even so, they are afraid to confess their belief for fear that they might be put out of the synagogue. As it is written, “they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God” (John 12:43). Seeing this, Jesus endeavors to show them that believing in Him will not nullify but rather reinforce their belief in God. As Jesus puts it, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me” (John 12:44-45).

More deeply, Jesus is saying that to see and understand the truth is to see and understand the love within the truth. Jesus’ words are divine truth; but they come forth from the divine love, which He calls “the Father.” ²⁸

Light does not condemn

Jesus came to earth to subdue the hells, bring the light of truth, and lead people thereby into heavenly life. In this regard, He was truly “the light of the world.” To put it another way, Jesus came into the world to free people from bondage to false ideas and give them the light that would lead them out of the darkness of falsity and into the light of truth. As Jesus puts it, “I have come as a light into the world that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46). ²⁹

The more we think about the nature of “light,” the more we realize that it is a fitting symbol of truth. Like light, which pervades the entire universe, the light of God’s truth shines everywhere, for all to receive. Like light, which enables us to see physical objects, spiritual light—which is truth—provides a means for people to see spiritual reality. Like light, which does not judge us, God condemns no one for not believing. As Jesus puts it, “If anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world” (John 12:47).

There is, however, another aspect to the idea that God judges no one. If, for example, we choose to walk in the dark and stumble, hurting ourselves, we cannot blame God for this misfortune. We deliberately chose to walk without a light. This is what Jesus means when He says, “He who rejects Me and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:47-48).

Once again, Jesus makes it quite clear that what He has said is completely consistent with the will of the Father. As He puts it: “I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak” (John 12:49). In other words, Jesus is saying that if they do not accept His words, they are not merely rejecting Him; they are rejecting the divine goodness from which truth comes. This divine goodness is called the will of the Father. ³⁰

As Jesus concludes this discourse, He reinforces the idea that the Word of God is given to save us from spiritual death and lead us into spiritual life. The Word of God, in its entirety, is God’s love in verbal form. Therefore, Jesus says, “And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak” (John 12:50).

These are the last words of Jesus’ public ministry. His words, which contain the promise of everlasting life, are an appropriate conclusion to this chapter, and an important reminder that God does not come to condemn us but to save us. Whatever Jesus says comes from the divine love within Himself, that is, from His very soul. When His teachings are taken to heart and brought forth into one’s life, they open the way to the greatest happiness we could ever know. As it is written in the Hebrew scriptures, “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart” (Psalm 19:7-8).

A practical application

In our lives there are many laws that we need to follow. Instead of seeing them as rigid rules that restrict your freedom, strive to see the goodness that is within them. See them not so much as restrictions, but rather as laws of love that are intended to protect you and increase your happiness. Whether it is a traffic regulation which is intended to protect your safety, a dietary restriction that is intended to promote your physical health, or a divine commandment which is intended to promote your spiritual well-being, look for the goodness within the truth. This is what Jesus means when He urges us to see the love, which He calls “the Father,” within the truth He teaches.

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