Welcome to Day 27 of our Lenten Reflections on the Gospel of John.  Thanks so much for joining us.  To contact us, visit our website at www.markandkatiemartinez.com.

A Reflection on John 12: 12-19

“The world has gone after him.” (v 19)

The crowds, their attention and affection aroused by the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, are praising Jesus as the Messiah, welcoming Him into the city of Jerusalem as Zechariah prophesied. Their excitement is well founded. No other prophet since Elisha had raised a man from the dead. This, at last, must be the Messiah that was promised to bring freedom to Israel. But, “His disciples did not understand this at first.” (v 16). Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome to free Israel, but to overthrow the ruler of the world, Satan, to free our hearts. The world has gone after him, but perhaps for the wrong reasons.

But what a difference a week can make. A week is enough time for bitterness, fear, and jealousy to do their work. And within a week, the one given a King’s welcome will be given a thief’s execution. The leaders of the people see only the threat of Jesus. They see nothing of his mission. And because they cannot see beyond their own narrow worldview, they seek to destroy that which threatens their world.

Where is God’s plan not within my expectations? What are the things that I don’t understand? And how do I react? Will I humbly accept the ways of God even if I don’t understand? Or will I rebel against Him?

“O, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)

My Father, I sometimes have no idea what you are doing in my life. I struggle to understand and try to take charge, but my inability to control is terrifying to me. When it feels like too much, remind me that you, my loving Father, know exactly what I need and will provide me with the grace to endure. I love you, Abba, and I trust you.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.