The Hour Has Come (John chapter 12) by Gan Tuan Boon dated 13.10.13

The Hour Has Come (John chapter 12) by Gan Tuan Boon dated 13.10.13

Introduction

In the 80s countries which were known as “little Tigers” were Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia.  Countries known as “Big economic Tigers” were Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong.  However, in 1997 when the financial crisis hit all these countries suffered financially.  People lost their jobs, lost entire savings, and some even lost their lives.  Why was this so?  Basically it is wrong timing.

In the story of Joseph who was a minister in Egypt who had wisdom and foresight in storing up gains for the time of famine when it came for 7 years.  And he sold these gains with great profits.  Pharaoh was pleased with him.

 Jesus

Jesus lived an ordinary man for 30 years.  After that He went into ministry and called His 12 disciples.

1.        Jesus bid farewell to His close friends V.1-11 – He attended a dinner at Mary, Martha and Lazarus house. Mary took ½ litre of nard oil to anointed Jesus’ feet and wipe with her hair.  In Biblical time ½ litre would have cost a year’s wages, approximately RM30,000 in today’s money.  Judas Iscariot criticised Mary for being wasteful as the money could have been given to the poor.  The Chief priest wanted to kill Lazarus as they were embarrassed by his resurrection which they did not believe.

Jesus always commune with those He loved.

2.       Jesus paraded His Messiahship into Jerusalem ( the triumphal entry ) V. 12-19 – on the last Sunday Jesus rode a donkey from Mt. Olive to Jerusalem ( V.12&14 ).  Multitudes cheered Him and lay cloaks and waving palm leaves (v.13 ). Triumphal entry confirmed a prophecy V.15-16).  The Pharisees were envious of Jesus’ popularity but could not do anything V.17-19.

Proclaim Jesus as Messiah and serve Him as the  King

3.       Jesus elaborated on the purpose of His suffering ( V.20-50 ).  Jesus explained His death will bring many more lives (V.20-26 ). John 12:24.  Jesus foretold He will be killed by crucifixion. ( V.27-36 ).  Despite miracles many did not believe in Jesus (V.37-43) because of their hardened hearts.

   “He (God) has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.” Isaiah 6:10

 Jesus reiterated His claim of deity and power to give eternal life V.44-50

 He died that we may have full and abundant, here and hereafter.

Four Things happened when Jesus dies on the Cross

·         The world system is defeated

·         Satan is defeated

·         Sins are atoned for

·         Many people will be drawn to Jesus

4.       Summary

The last hour had come for Jesus and three events took place:

·         1^st Event – He bid farewell to His close friends

·         2^nd Event – He paraded His Messiahship into Jerusalem

·         3^rd Event – He elaborated His purpose of suffering on the Cross.