João 12
William MacDonald · Citado em PreceptAustin
João 12
William MacDonald comments on the spiritual state of the crowd - Doubtless some in the group were true believers, but the general impression is that most of the people had no real heart interest in the Lord. (BORROW Believer's Bible Commentary) And they came, not for Jesus' sake only - Lazarus was the bait for others to see Christ. Jesus receives top billing, but they also wanted to the see the miracle man whom Jesus had brought back from the dead. But that (hina - purpose clause) they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised (egeiro) from the dead (nekros) - Their purpose was to see with their own eyes what they had heard, for as the saying goes "seeing is believing." What is Lazarus doing? In a sense he is "Exhibit A," clear, irrefutable evidence of the miracle producing power of Jesus. In effect one might say he is "witnessing." The fact that he was alive was his witness, but he never speaks a word of verbal testimony. THOUGHT - Are we to imitate Lazarus? Is that the pattern we are to exhibit in witnessing? Yes and no. If we have been raised up by the Spirit of Christ to walk in newness of life, then we should witness to others by our transformed life in Christ. That is a visual aspect of witnessing, but Peter would add "sanctify (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) Christ as Lord in your hearts (WE ASSUME THAT THIS "SANCTIFICATION" OF CHRIST AS LORD IS BEING DEMONSTRATED BY OUR TRANSFORMED LIFE), always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;" (1Pe 3:15+). Why would others ask us to make a defense? Clearly it is because we are manifesting a sanctified life, a "set apart" life, a life which is for the most part going up stream (so to speak), counter to the culture which is flowing downstream toward a "Niagara Falls" terminus (so to speak). So "yes" our "resurrected life" should be a witness to the loss. But also our righteous lips should witness to the lost. Don't misunderstand. There is a saying which is not true that says something like "Preach the Gospel daily with your life and if necessary, use words." Beloved, this is not the fully truth. While your godly life may open an opportunity for the presentation of the Gospel (1Pe 3:15), the fact is that the Gospel absolutely must be spoken, listened to, received, and believed, if the recipient is to be saved by the Spirit.
João 12
William MacDonald - The Name of God was glorified during the earthly ministry of Jesus. The thirty silent years in Nazareth, the three years of public ministry, the wonderful words and works of the Savior—all of these greatly glorified the Name of the Father. But still greater glory would be brought to God through the death, burial, resurrection, and Ascension of Christ. (BORROW Believer's Bible Commentary) William Hendriksen on I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again - By means of direct voices from heaven (at baptism, Mark 1:11; at the transfiguration, Mark 9:7) and by means of the mighty miracles which Jesus performed, the Father had already glorified himself in the Son. Here he promises that in and by means of the further humiliation and subsequent exaltation of the Son he will do this again. (BORROW Exposition of the Gospel according to John PAGE 200)
João 12
William MacDonald - God's voice can only be heard and understood by those who are helped by the Holy Spirit. People can listen to the gospel over and over, and yet it might be ever so meaningless to them unless the Holy Spirit speaks to them through it. (BORROW Believer's Bible Commentary)
João 12
William MacDonald - Here again we have evidence of the all-knowledge of the Lord. He knew in advance that He would not die in bed or by accident, but that He would be nailed to a cross. (BORROW Believer's Bible Commentary)
João 12
William MacDonald - We would like to think that these men were genuine believers in the Lord Jesus, but it is doubtful. Where there is true faith, there will be confession of Christ, sooner or later. When Christ is really accepted as Savior, one does not hesitate to make it known, regardless of the consequences. (BORROW Believer's Bible Commentary) David
João 12
William MacDonald explains the distinction between say and speak - There is a difference between the two. The expression "what I should say" refers to the substance of the message; "what I should speak" means the very words which the Lord should use in teaching the truth of God. (BORROW Believer's Bible Commentary),