|
|
|
[The crowd] took palm tree branches and went out to meet Jesus. They were crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is the One coming in YHWH’s Name,1 [Psalm 118:25] even the King of Israel!”
| 1 | Blessed is the One coming in YHWH’s Name: The crowd shouts, repeating Psalm 118:25, a Messianic prophecy from the Hallel Psalms, later to be sung at the Passover. The Greek KYRIOU may allow for the assumption that the Tetragram was originally here. The name Yehowah occurs in the Hebrew Text of Psalm 118:25. Whether these Jewish disciples of Jesus actually uttered the Divine Name is unknown. If we let Josephus be the judge, they did not, but said “Lord” instead. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose John 12:13 as the theme verse of chapter twelve – The King Arrives in God’s Name. In Bethany Judas complains about the anointing of Jesus. [1-8] The Jewish religious hierarchy plots of kill Lazarus. [9-11] Christ enters Jerusalem riding a little donkey. [12-16] A crowd of disciples uses the language of Psalm 118:25 in praising Jesus. The Gospel writer applies Zechariah 9:9 to the Nazarene has he comes to Jerusalem. The priest’s fear “the whole world has gone after him.” [17-19] Some Greeks ask to talk to Jesus. [20-22]
Jesus announces that “the hour has come.” [23-28] Christ prays that God’s Name may be glorified and a Voice responds from heaven. Perhaps referring back to those Greeks, Jesus says in time he will draw all kinds of people to him. [29-36] He urges his disciples to continue to walk in the Light. John writes as to the reason most of the Jews rejected Christ. [37-43] He explains that he had not come to condemn the world of humankind, but in the Last Day all would be judged by his Sayings. [44-50]
Abba our Father bless those who walk in the Light.
[10 December 2002]
