John 12:34
Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)
فاجابه الجمع نحن سمعنا من الناموس ان المسيح يبقى الى الابد. فكيف تقول انت انه ينبغي ان يرتفع ابن الانسان. من هو هذا ابن الانسان.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from John's Gospel, the people are challenging Jesus because they think the Messiah (Christ) will last forever, but Jesus says he must die and rise up again. They don't understand who exactly Jesus is claiming to be.
Explained for Children
Imagine if your favorite superhero said they had to go away for a while but would come back even stronger. Your friends might say, 'But superheroes never really go away!' That's kind of what the people are saying here to Jesus.
Historical Background
The Gospel of John was written by one of Jesus' disciples around 90-100 AD. The audience is a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers. They are steeped in Old Testament teachings about a Messiah who would never be defeated, making the idea of him dying confusing.
Living It Out Today
Today, we might see this as similar to when people don't understand why someone they respect or love must go through a difficult time or leave them temporarily, only for something better to come later. It can help in understanding sacrifice and faith.
Topics
faithmessiahredemptiondivinitysalvationresurrection
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Christ abideth for ever' mean?
'Christ abides forever' means that according to Jewish belief, the Messiah would reign eternally without end. This expectation is based on Old Testament prophecies.
Why do people ask Jesus about being lifted up?
The people are confused because they expect the Messiah to be victorious and eternal, but Jesus talks about dying, which contradicts their understanding of what a Messiah should be like.
Who is this Son of Man that Jesus refers to?
Jesus uses 'Son of Man' as a title for himself. It's a reference from the book of Daniel and signifies his divine nature and role as the Messiah who will come again in glory.
How does this verse relate to Jesus' mission?
This verse shows that understanding Jesus' mission, which includes suffering and resurrection, is crucial. It highlights the tension between expectations and reality in Christ's work of salvation.