Saturday 10th August
Read John 12:16
“At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realise that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.” (NIVUK)
The witness of the gospels is unanimous in stating that no-one had any idea what the nature of Jesus’ kingship was whilst He was walking amongst them. Their expectations likely mirrored those of the crowds acclaiming Him as King, though with His repeated warnings of His death, their hopes may have been somewhat tempered.
The historical authenticity of this comment then is unquestionable. It was only after Jesus’ death and resurrection that all the pieces fell into place and they understood. In fact, John writes as if they could not ‘unsee’ all the different ways in which He revealed His kingship. The fulfilment of a set of prophecies hidden in plain sight amongst the words of the prophets, known by Jesus and God, was only grasped in hindsight.
The same Spirit who opened their eyes to understand the Scriptures dwells in us also. The meekness and majesty of the King revealed.
