12:16
John is frequently quite open about the complete lack of understanding that the disciples often had. It is only by revelation, by the Holy Spirit removing the blindness from our eyes that we can see the truth. The “glorification” refers to the cross and the resurrection.
12:17-19
Not surprisingly the raising of Lazarus had caused a stir, and those who had witnessed it had told many others, so the word spread. So people who had heard about it wanted to see Jesus. We can perhaps see a parallel with the resurrection itself here. We need to preach more about the resurrection. It is the unique aspect of Jesus and the gospel. Jesus rose from the dead. This then has many consequences for our lives and there is much theology that follows from this, but it is the foundation. Most of the preaching in Acts focused on the resurrection. I think it is Tim Keller who said that if Jesus did rise from the dead then we must listen to Him, if He didn’t then there is no need whatsoever to listen to Him.
The Pharisees reacted in the usual way, seeing only disaster. If only they had seen salvation instead.
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