Scripture Reading: John 12 | Sabbath: January 25, 2025
Memory Verse: John 12:20
John 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
Weekly Proverb: Proverbs 13:24
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Introduction: In this chapter, certain Greeks request to see Jesus. But why? There doesn’t seem to be a significant spiritual and biblical reason for their request. This lesson draws out the significance of their request to have a meeting with this popular man.
Definition: The word hosanna is an exclamation of praise and adoration meaning “save, we pray.”

1. What was the purpose of this special gathering at Jerusalem? What important feast was approaching? John 12:1.
John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
2. How many people were gathered there? Did they just want to keep the approaching Passover, or did they want something else? v 12-13.
John 12:12 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
John 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
3. What was the proclamation made by this crowd? v 13.
John 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Note: When the people made this proclamation of “King of Israel”, they were recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. They also recognized that He came in the name of God and to do God’s will.

4. Did the Pharisees think that all the Jews were ready to follow the Messiah? Or did they visually see something greater than that? v 19.
John 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

Note: At this point the popularity of Jesus had reached a maximum. He was not just well known among the Jews in Jerusalem, He was also known among those outside of Israel that had come to the feast?

5. Who was included in this crowd representative of the world? v 20.
John 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

Note: These Greeks were proselytes. They had previously been converted to Judaism and were now visiting Jerusalem to keep the Passover.

6. Did these Greeks understand the scriptures? v 20.
John 12:20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

Answer: They were proselytes so, they would have understood.

7. While they were there, what did they want to do? v 21.
John 12:21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
8. And what did Philip and Andrew do? v 22.
John 12:22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
9. As soon as Jesus heard that these Greeks wanted to see him, what were the first four words out of his mouth? v 23.
John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Answer: At the peak of His popularity He says that His hour is come.

10. What did Jesus say about “this hour?” v 23-27.
John 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
11. What significant event did the Greeks witness? v 28-29.
John 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
John 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Conclusion: Jesus Christ had become popular. He needed witnesses for His crucifixion. His crucifixion was witnessed by the Jews at Jerusalem, Jews from around the world, by the Pharisees, the Romans, and the Greeks.