In the book, A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens aptly stated, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” The words could be used to describe the lives of the disciples as Jesus prepared to go to the cross.
The Pointe of this lesson is to help the student:
- understand the context for the disciples as Jesus approached the cross
- perceive principles from Scripture that can be applied to our difficult circumstances in life
John 11:6-8 HCSB
John 11:16 HCSB
John 12:42-43 HCSB
The disciples had weighed the trip to Jerusalem to mourn the death of Lazarus and to celebrate the Passover with skeptical fear and uncertainty. It was Thomas who appropriately summarized the situation by the statement, “Let us go with Him so that we may die with Him” (John 11:16).
The first change was perched around the corner. Dr. Lewis Foster, Chair of New Testament Studies at the Cincinnati Christian Seminary, used to tell a story to illustrate the kind of change.
There is a road one can take from Motueka, on the South Island of New Zealand, and drive north and westward paralleling the northern shore of the island. The road curves back and forth as it ascends the hills and goes on up the mountain. In the winter, the highway is treacherous with snow and ice; but after the driver reaches the summit and descends on the other side, he enters a new world. The sun is shining in the valley, the streets of Takaka are bathed in warmth, the rhododendron are in bloom, and the ugly weather on the cold side of the mountain is soon forgotten.[1]
As the disciples followed Jesus into the city, they must have felt they had entered a new world. The threats of the religious leaders seemed to have reached a deadly peak, but this celebration seemed to have melted like an April snowfall.
When Jesus mounted the donkey and began the ascent into the city of Jerusalem, the crowds burst into ecstasy. This was the moment so many had been waiting – and praying – for. Jesus was publicly declaring Himself to be the Messiah. No ordinary pilgrim would ascend to the city gates in this manner. This ride was reserved for the conquering King. The prophets had even predicted the look (Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 21:5). The disciples must have been surprised to the state of shock. For months, Jesus had told them He was prepared to go to Jerusalem one last time. Even the night before, they had eaten in the home of Simon the Leper, and Mary had anointed Jesus (Matthew 26:6, Mark 14:3, John 12:7). Jesus defended her by
saying she had anointed Him for His burial. He had predicted His death, but the disciples had a difficult time understanding how that would work out.
In their wildest dreams, they could not have anticipated Jesus entering the city in a victorious way.
The rest of the week ran at a hectic pace. Teaching in the Temple was followed by intense questions by an angry group of religious leaders. The evening required a 5-jog to Bethany and the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Each morning began with a 5-mile walk back up to the city gates.
The 13th chapter of John takes the disciples on another harrowing trip through changes. The evening begins with an object lesson. A lesson that is acted out in real life makes a lasting impression. The setting for the demonstration is important.
On the way over, the disciples had been discussing which among them could be considered the greatest. As they entered the home for the Passover meal, circumstances demanded that one of them was the feet of their fellow-disciples. But in light of their conversations, each felt it would potentially lower their status if they were to do this type of service. In addition, they were told that one of them would betray Jesus. Could betrayal come from lowering one’s self?
No one was willing to take the role of a servant for fear of being considered “not great.” So Jesus explained not only “great” but service.
Although the lessons did not immediately gel, Jesus also explained that one of them would betray Him and Peter would deny Him. Peter brushes off the warnings with arrogant affirmations of loyalty. The entire evening can only be described as chaotic. The chapter closes with stern words from Jesus. “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will deny me three times.”
Are there lessons during the chaos? First, be sensitive when the circumstances around you seem to be out of control. Second, look to the stability of the Word of God when everything around you seems to be changing. Finally, listen carefully and humbly when Jesus speaks during the chaos.
The disciples sat speechless waiting for what the Savior would say next.
Here is another one of Dr. Foster’s favorite stories:
As one drives along the shore road in Haifa, Israel, he passes a strange sight. It’s a ship resting in dry dock in a roadside park. It stands as a monument to remind passersby of the courage and daring of a shipload of desperate Jewish refugees who ran the British blockade, and in spite of everything made the shore. The name given to this ship is a Hebrew word meaning “in spite of.”[2]
As we move into the 14th chapter of John, Jesus gives the disciples hope “in spite of everything.”
[1] Lewis Foster, Luke: Unlocking the Scriptures for You, Standard Bible Studies (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1986), 235.
[2] Lewis Foster, John: Unlocking the Scriptures for You, Standard Bible Studies (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1987), 151.