Chapter 68—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on
John 12:20-42
.
“And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to wor-
ship at the feast: the same came therefore to Philip, which was of
Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell
Jesus.”
At this time Christ’s work bore the appearance of cruel defeat.
He had been victor in the controversy with the priests and Pharisees,
but it was evident that He would never be received by them as the
Messiah. The final separation had come. To His disciples the case
seemed hopeless. But Christ was approaching the consummation of
His work. The great event which concerned not only the Jewish nation,
but the whole world, was about to take place. When Christ heard the
eager request, “We would see Jesus,” echoing the hungering cry of the
world, His countenance lighted up, and He said, “The hour is come,
that the Son of man should be glorified.” In the request of the Greeks
He saw an earnest of the results of His great sacrifice.
These men came from the West to find the Saviour at the close of
His life, as the wise men had come from the East at the beginning. At
the time of Christ’s birth the Jewish people were so engrossed with
their own ambitious plans that they knew not of His advent. The magi
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from a heathen land came to the manger with their gifts, to worship the
Saviour. So these Greeks, representing the nations, tribes, and peoples
of the world, came to see Jesus. So the people of all lands and all ages
would be drawn by the Saviour’s cross. So shall many “come from the
east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob,
in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 8:11
.
The Greeks had heard of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Some supposed, and had circulated the report, that He had driven the
priests and rulers from the temple, and that He was to take possession
of David’s throne, and reign as king of Israel. The Greeks longed to
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