The apostle John wrote concerning Jesus, “the people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle”, and in chapter twelve and verse nineteen of his book John shared how the Pharisees said, “perceive you how you prevail nothing? Behold, the world is gone after him” where we read:
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how you prevail nothing?
behold, the world is gone after him.
The verse reads, “The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive you how you prevail nothing?” John began with the words, “the Pharisees therefore” which means “then, wherefore and these things being so the men who belonged to the sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to Old Testament books the Pharisees recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life” “said among themselves” or “uttered, declared, proclaimed and asked of their own selves”, “perceive you how you prevail nothing” which means “do you not understand, discover or discern how you Pharisees do not profit, have advantage or benefit one thing”? John shared how the religious group known as the “Pharisees” then began to utter, declare and question themselves whether they “understood” how they were not “bettering themselves” against Jesus at all.
The verse goes on to say, “behold, the world is gone after him.” John continued with the word, “behold” which means “look, lo and consider”, “the world” or “the inhabitants of the earth” “is gone after him” which means “have departed and followed after Jesus”. John shared how the “Pharisees” concluded that “everyone” in the world was following Jesus.
When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we learn how Jesus' presence and influence among the people stirred up the “Pharisees”. They met to discuss how Jesus' popularity among the people seemed unstoppable. They were having difficulty “prevailing” against Him, and they were perplexed as to what to do about it. God's plan for salvation through His Son Jesus was being fulfilled, and even though these “Pharisees” could not figure it out, Jesus knew. God loves people and He desires to have a personal relationship with everyone through His Son Jesus. Those who are wise will follow Jesus and submit their lives to Him as their “Savior and Lord”. Let all who read these words yield to Jesus.
Next time John shares how, “there were certain Greeks among them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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