713
THE KING’ S BUSINESS
The events leading up to the raising o f Lazarus from the dead are set forth in verses 1-32; the miracle itself, 33-44; and the results o f the miracle in verses 45-57. The- results were faith on the part o f some (45, 46), fear and opposition on the part o f others (47-52), and a plot to slay Jesus on the part o f the chief priests and Phari sees (53-57), 4 . The rejection of Christ by the world —The crisis chapter of John, 1 2 : 1 - 50 . This chapter deals with a two-fold judg ment with reference to the self-manifesta- tion o f Christ to the world. (a) There is the judgment o f men: Some accept (cf. the anointing at Bethany 12:1-9). Jesus is, welcomed into Jerusa lem by the multitudes (12-18). The first fruit o f the Gentiles is seen (20-22), in connection with which Jesus makes a dec laration concerning H is , death (23-36). Among the Pharisees some are won to the side o f Christ (37-43). On the whole, how ever, Christ is rejected (35, 36). . (b ) John’s judgment or the summing up o f the results o f the self-manifestation o f .Christ to the world (12:37-43). As the manifestations were more marked, so were the rejections. There is here a pause in which the writer considers the question of, the rejection o f Jesus by the Jews. N ote :—The rejection stated (12:37); the cause o f the rejection (38-43)-—not the, insufficiency o f Christ’s manifestation (v. 41),. but the fulfilment o f Isaiah’s prophecy as shown in the hardening of their hearts. Observe the rejection , of Christ as light (12:36, 46), love (47), truth (49), life (50); and hope (50), N ote ,:—D ivision III. also ends with a “ sign” (miracle), 11:1-44. Jesus hides Himself, and no more mani fests Himself to the world (12:36). The rest o f the book deals with the self-mani festation o f Christ to His believing disci ples. •
the feeding o f the five thousand) laid the basis for the discourse o f Christ as the source and sustainer o f life; and just as in chapters 7 and 8 we have Christ’s dis courses on the light o f the world illustrated by a miracle or sign (healing o f the blind man) ; so now in chapter 10, Christ is set forth as the great example o f love under the figure o f the good shepherd who gives his life for the-sheep. But love is not only sacrificial, it is powerful, and’ both these elements are illustrated by the miracle in chapter 11 (the raising o f Lazarus from the dead). This last sign seems t o h a v e aroused the greatest opposition and was the means o f immediate steps being taken to destroy Christ (1 1 :53, 54). Spinoza said that if this miracle were true he would tear his system to pieces and embrace Christian ity. Again we see that with the growth in manifestation comes growth in opposition (11:47-57) . Yet many others are more con vinced o f Christ’s Messiahship (cf. 7 :40, 41. 46. 50 ; 8:30; 9:30-38; 10:21, 42; 11:45).. (a ) Christ'as love, 10:1-42. In chapter 10 we have the parable o f the shepherd and the sheep, in which Christ is the central figure (the door, 10,:9), and all o f this by reason o f H is death and resur rection (10:17, 18). In this chapter Christ* claims to be the Messiah, equal with the Father, and very God indeed (cf, 10:22-30, 33). The different effects o f this manifesta tion o f Christ are then set forth: First, there was a division with reference to Him (1 0 :19-21) ; then, an inquiry regarding Him (22-30) ; further, there was an attempt to stone Him because of supposed blasphemy (cf. in this connection three attempts to take the life o f Christ; 5:16, 18; 8:59; 10:31). Finally, many believed on Him (10:41, 42). (b ) , The victory and power o f Christ as love, 11 :f-57.
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker