John Calvin Commentary John 12:16

"These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him." — John 12:16 (ASV)

These things his disciples did not understand at first. Just as the seed does not sprout as soon as it is sown in the earth, so the result of God’s works is not immediately seen. The Apostles are the servants of God to fulfill the prophecy, but they do not understand what they are doing. They hear the shout of the multitude, which was not a confused noise but a distinct salutation of Christ as King; however, they do not perceive its purpose or what it means. To them, therefore, it is a meaningless display, until the Lord, after His glorious resurrection, opens their eyes.

When it is said that they eventually remembered that these things had been written concerning him, the Evangelist points out the cause of such profound ignorance, which preceded their understanding. This was because they did not have Scripture at that time as their guide and instructor to direct their minds to correct and accurate views. For we are blind unless the Word of God goes before our steps, and it is not even enough that the Word of God shines on us if the Spirit does not also enlighten our eyes, which would otherwise be blind even in the clearest light. Christ bestowed this grace on His disciples after His resurrection because the full time for the Spirit to bestow His riches in great abundance had not yet come, as this awaited His being received into heavenly glory, as we have seen in John 7:39.

Taught by this example, let us learn to form our judgment about everything that relates to Christ, not by our own carnal feelings, but by the Scripture. Furthermore, let us remember that it is a special favor of the Holy Spirit to instruct us gradually, so that we may not be dull when considering God’s works.

That these things had been written concerning him, and that they had done these things to him. I interpret that clause as follows: “Then, for the first time, it occurred to the disciples that Christ did not do these things rashly, and that those men were not engaged in idle amusement; but that this entire transaction had been governed by the providence of God, because those things which had been written had to be fulfilled.” Thus, the words may be arranged as follows: “They did these things to Him, as they had been written concerning Him.”