Passion Week ~ Monday (continued)
In our last post, we examined the final days of Yeshua’s life and ministry. In this post, we walk with Yeshua as He returns to Yerushalayim for the final time.
The Purpose of Yeshua’s Death
20 Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greek-speaking Jews. 21 They approached Philip, the one from Beit-Tzaidah in the Galil, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Yeshua.”
Greek-speaking Jews who had come to Yerushalayim in obedience to the Torah. Since the text simply says “Greeks,” many think they were Gentiles. Sha’ul often uses “Greeks” to mean “Gentiles” (Romans 1:16, 10:12; Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11), but here the context implies Greek-speaking Jews. These approached Philip, whose name was Greek and who was probably himself a Greek speaker. We would like to see Yeshua. Yeshua’s answer (below) suggests that their purpose was to offer Him new opportunities for ministry in their part of the world. Yeshua says that the time for expanding His activities in the world is over, but His effect on the earth will be all the more remarkable.
22 Philip came and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Yeshua. 23 Yeshua gave them this answer: “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Yes, indeed! I tell you that unless a grain of wheat that falls to the ground dies, it stays just a grain, but if it dies, it produces a big harvest. 25 He who loves his life loses it, but he who hates his life in this world will keep it safe right on into eternal life! 26 If someone is serving me, let him follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too. My Father will honor anyone who serves me.”
As it applies to others, this message is found in Mattityahu 16:25, Mark 8:35, and Luke 9:23–24; here, Yeshua applies it to Himself since He pioneers and finishes our trust (Messianic Jews 12:1).
Foretelling His Crucifixion
27 “Now I am in turmoil. What can I say – ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason that I have come to this hour. I will say this: 28 ‘Father, glorify your name!'” At this, a bat-kol (voice) came out of heaven, “I have glorified it before, and I will glorify it again!” 29 The crowd standing there and hearing it said that it had thundered; others said, “An angel spoke to Him.” 30 Yeshua answered, “This bat-kol did not come for My sake but for yours. 31 Now is the time for this world to be judged; now, the ruler of this world (HaSatan)will be expelled. 32 As for Me, when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to Myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he would die.
Yeshua Calls the Crowd to Walk in the Light
34 The crowd answered, “We have learned from the Torah that the Messiah remains forever. How is it that you say the Son of Man has to be ‘lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” 35 Yeshua said to them, “The light will be with you only a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, or the dark will overtake you; he who walks in the dark doesn’t know where he’s going. 36 While you have the light, put your trust in the light so that you may become people of light.” Yeshua said these things, then went off and kept himself hidden from them. [1]
Yeshua Returns to Beit-Anyah
19 When evening came, they left the city. [2]
In our next, we continue to follow Yeshua into Yerushalayim for His Crucifixion by the end of the week.
My Heart is for Israel 