The Centrality of the Cross – John 12:9-36
12 (9) A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. (10) So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus also; (11) because it was on account of him that many of the Jews were leaving and believing in Jesus.
(12) The next day a great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.(13) They cut branches from the palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord—the King of Israel! (14) Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, (15) Fear not, O daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt. (16) At first his disciples did not understand all this. But after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. (17) The crowd that had been present when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead, gave their testimony. (18) For this reason many people went out to meet him, for they heard that he had performed this sign. (19) Consequently, the Pharisees said among themselves, See how you are achieving nothing at all! The whole world has become his disciples!
(20) Now there were certain Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. (21) They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with the request, Sir, we want to see Jesus. (22) Philip went and told Andrew. Then Andrew and Philip together came and told Jesus. (23) Jesus responded by saying, The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. (24) I tell you the truth, Unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. (25) He who loves his life shall lose it; but he who hates his life in this world shall preserve it for eternal life. (26) If any man would serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant also be. If any man serves me, the Father will honor him.
(27) Now my soul is troubled; and what shall I say? Shall I say, “Father, save me from this hour?” But it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. (28) “Father, glorify your name.” Then there came a voice out of heaven, saying, I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again. (29) The crowd that was standing there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, An angel has spoken to him. (30) Jesus said, This voice has not come for my sake, but for your sake. (31) Now has come the judgment of this world; now the prince of this world shall be cast out. (32) And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (33) He said this to show the kind of death he was about to die. (34) Then the crowd responded, We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say, The Son of man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of man? (35) Jesus said to them, The light is with you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before the darkness descends upon you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. (36) While you have the light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light. When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
Now proceed to the next section of this study, entitled, Exploring the Passage.
