Bible notes
For those working with children and young people
Gospel John 12.20-33
Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem. His ministry to the villages of Galilee is over, and his last earthly journey is beginning.
John introduces the teaching of Jesus through some Greeks requesting to meet Jesus. They don’t actually seem to meet him, but they represent Gentiles everywhere. The Good News is not only for the Jews.
Jesus’ thoughts focus on his death. Pain and suffering have to be faced and there is fear in his soul. Yet this is why he has come, and when he is ‘lifted up’ on the cross, God will be glorified, Satan and evil will be overruled and he will draw all people to himself.
Old Testament Jeremiah 31.31-34
This prophecy is set in the context of the hope that Israel will be delivered from exile and restored to her own land. There is a journey to be made, leading the people to repentance and faithfulness. Forgiveness and a renewing of the covenant relationship — jeopardised because of disobedience — are ahead for them.
Jeremiah was thinking of his own nation in relation to this promise. The young church will see its fulfilment in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
New Testament Hebrews 5.5-10
The writer of Hebrews sees Jesus as the one who intercedes for us with God. He is compared to the priests in Judaism who offered sacrifices for the sins of the people. It was not a role Christ took upon himself, but he was appointed by God who called him, ‘my Son’.
Christ is well qualified for this role. He understands human weakness, temptation, suffering and fear. He knows what is involved in being obedient to God’s will. Thus he becomes the source of salvation for all who obey him.