Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
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.
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship 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.
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
John 12 marks a pivotal point in Jesus' ministry. Having dramatically raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38–44), Jesus enters a week brimming with both celebration and conspiracy. This chapter serves as the culmination of Jesus' public ministry in John's Gospel, as the narrative shifts towards His private teachings to the disciples in preparation for His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. It’s a chapter filled with contrasts: extravagant love and calculated betrayal, enthusiastic crowds and hardened hearts, divine affirmation and human rejection. John 12 offers profound insights into the nature of faith, sacrifice, and the ultimate purpose of Jesus' mission.
Anointed for Burial: A Love Offering (John 12:1-8)
Less than a week before the Passover, Jesus is found in Bethany at a dinner hosted by Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. This intimate setting provides the backdrop for a powerful act of devotion. While Martha serves, Mary takes a jar of extremely expensive perfume, nard, and anoints Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. This act, described in John 12:3, is an act of amazing devotion and love. The fragrance fills the house, symbolizing the pervasive impact of genuine worship.
Judas Iscariot, however, voices his indignation, questioning the "waste" and suggesting the money could have been used to help the poor (John 12:4-6). John's Gospel reveals Judas's true motive: he was a thief, pilfering from the disciples' money bag. Jesus defends Mary, stating, "Leave her alone; she was keeping this for the day of my burial" (John 12:7). Jesus recognized Mary’s act as preparing his body for burial (John 12:7), which was only a few days away.
Jesus’ response isn't a dismissal of caring for the poor. The Bible consistently mandates providing for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 15:10; Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 28:27; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 4:28). Instead, He highlights the unique significance of this moment. There are times when extravagant expressions of love and worship are appropriate, and this was one of them. Not all opportunities are equal, and some, like honoring Christ in His final days, will not be repeated (John 12:8). Mary’s actions were a beautiful foreshadowing of the sacrifice Jesus was about to make.
Plots and Popularity: The Rising Tide (John 12:9-19)
The raising of Lazarus had a profound impact, drawing crowds eager to see both Jesus and the man who had been brought back from the dead (John 12:9). Many Jews were deserting the Jewish religious leaders and believing in Jesus (John 12:11). This surge in popularity deeply troubled the chief priests, leading them to plot not only Jesus' death but also Lazarus' (John 12:10). Their wickedness knew no bounds.
The next day, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, a large crowd welcomed Him with palm branches, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" (John 12:12-13). "Hosanna" is a Hebrew cry for "save us," a plea for deliverance. They were hailing Jesus as the Messiah who would deliver them from Roman domination. This triumphant entry fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, where the Messiah is depicted riding on a donkey (John 12:14-16).
The Pharisees, witnessing this enthusiastic reception, lamented, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him" (John 12:19). Their jealousy and fear of losing influence fueled their determination to eliminate Jesus. The Gospels make clear that the religious leaders in Jerusalem were motivated in their hatred of Jesus by jealousy (see Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10).
The Hour Has Come: Seeds of Life (John 12:20-36)
Amidst the Passover crowds were some Greeks, Gentile proselytes who worshiped the God of Israel (John 12:20). They approached Philip with a simple request: "Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (John 12:21). This request marked a significant turning point. Jesus had come to be the Savior of the world (see John 3:16).
Jesus declares, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). This glorification involves his death, resurrection, and ascension back to the Father. He then uses the analogy of a grain of wheat: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (John 12:24). Jesus had come into the world to die, to give his life as a substitutionary atonement for sinners. In the same way that a single grain produces much wheat, Jesus’s death would yield much spiritual fruit—salvation and eternal life for all who will trust him.
Jesus calls on His followers to embrace a similar principle: "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:25). To hate your life means not living in a self-centered way but being a servant of others. The one who lives a life of service in the name of the Lord Jesus will be rewarded in this life and in the life to come. Serving Jesus means following Him, and the Father will honor those who serve Him (John 12:26).
Troubled by the impending suffering, Jesus prays, "Father, glorify your name." A voice from heaven responds, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again" (John 12:27-28). Throughout the Son’s ministry, the Father had been glorified through the miraculous signs. But the ultimate glorification was coming in the cross and resurrection. Some in the crowd interpreted the voice as thunder, while others believed it was an angel (John 12:29). Jesus clarifies that the voice was for their benefit, to encourage them to believe (John 12:30).
Jesus declares that His death will be a judgment on the "ruler of this world" (Satan) and will draw all people to Himself (John 12:31-32). The cross drew all judgment for all people to Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world (1 John 2:2). The death of Christ saved all humankind from the consequences of original sin (Romans 5:18) and made all people savable for their personal sin when they place personal faith in him. He urges them to walk in the light while they have it, lest darkness overtake them (John 12:35-36). If you reject him, your life will consist of darkness (12:35). But if you believe in the light (that is, trust in Jesus Christ), you will become a child of light (12:36).
Unbelief and Confession: A Divided Response (John 12:37-43)
Despite the numerous signs Jesus performed, many still did not believe in Him (John 12:37). This fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah, who spoke of a people whose eyes were blinded and hearts hardened (John 12:38-40). When Pharaoh repeatedly and willfully hardened his heart against God, the Lord eventually cooperated with Pharaoh and hardened his heart further. If a person persists in pursuing darkness, eventually God will confirm his desire. Be careful what you wish for.
Even among the rulers, many believed in Jesus, but they did not confess Him openly for fear of the Pharisees and being ostracized from the synagogue (John 12:42). They loved human praise more than praise from God (John 12:43).
The Words of Life: Jesus' Final Appeal (John 12:44-50)
Jesus concludes His public ministry with a powerful declaration, summarizing the essence of His mission. He emphasizes that believing in Him is believing in the Father who sent Him (John 12:44). To reject Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is to reject the Father who sent him. And the opposite is also true: The one who believes in [him] believes in the one who sent [him] (John 12:44). It’s a package deal. You cannot say you believe in God while simultaneously rejecting Jesus.
He came as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Him would not remain in darkness (John 12:46). He did not come to judge the world but to save it (John 12:47). Those who reject him will experience judgment on the last day (John 12:48). Jesus declares that His words are not His own but the Father's command, leading to eternal life (John 12:49-50). We only truly come to God through the Son, for he has truly spoken the words of the Father, words that lead to eternal life (12:49-50).
John 12 serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we face: to embrace the light or remain in darkness, to offer extravagant love or withhold it, to seek God's approval or the praise of men. As we reflect on this chapter, may we be challenged to examine our own hearts and ensure that our lives are aligned with the truth and love revealed in Jesus Christ.
Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,
Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
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.
The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship 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.
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
This he said, signifying what death he should die.
The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
John 12 marks a pivotal point in Jesus' ministry. Having dramatically raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:38–44), Jesus enters a week brimming with both celebration and conspiracy. This chapter serves as the culmination of Jesus' public ministry in John's Gospel, as the narrative shifts towards His private teachings to the disciples in preparation for His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. It’s a chapter filled with contrasts: extravagant love and calculated betrayal, enthusiastic crowds and hardened hearts, divine affirmation and human rejection. John 12 offers profound insights into the nature of faith, sacrifice, and the ultimate purpose of Jesus' mission.
Anointed for Burial: A Love Offering (John 12:1-8)
Less than a week before the Passover, Jesus is found in Bethany at a dinner hosted by Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. This intimate setting provides the backdrop for a powerful act of devotion. While Martha serves, Mary takes a jar of extremely expensive perfume, nard, and anoints Jesus' feet, wiping them with her hair. This act, described in John 12:3, is an act of amazing devotion and love. The fragrance fills the house, symbolizing the pervasive impact of genuine worship.
Judas Iscariot, however, voices his indignation, questioning the "waste" and suggesting the money could have been used to help the poor (John 12:4-6). John's Gospel reveals Judas's true motive: he was a thief, pilfering from the disciples' money bag. Jesus defends Mary, stating, "Leave her alone; she was keeping this for the day of my burial" (John 12:7). Jesus recognized Mary’s act as preparing his body for burial (John 12:7), which was only a few days away.
Jesus’ response isn't a dismissal of caring for the poor. The Bible consistently mandates providing for the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 15:10; Proverbs 14:31; 19:17; 28:27; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 4:28). Instead, He highlights the unique significance of this moment. There are times when extravagant expressions of love and worship are appropriate, and this was one of them. Not all opportunities are equal, and some, like honoring Christ in His final days, will not be repeated (John 12:8). Mary’s actions were a beautiful foreshadowing of the sacrifice Jesus was about to make.
Plots and Popularity: The Rising Tide (John 12:9-19)
The raising of Lazarus had a profound impact, drawing crowds eager to see both Jesus and the man who had been brought back from the dead (John 12:9). Many Jews were deserting the Jewish religious leaders and believing in Jesus (John 12:11). This surge in popularity deeply troubled the chief priests, leading them to plot not only Jesus' death but also Lazarus' (John 12:10). Their wickedness knew no bounds.
The next day, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, a large crowd welcomed Him with palm branches, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" (John 12:12-13). "Hosanna" is a Hebrew cry for "save us," a plea for deliverance. They were hailing Jesus as the Messiah who would deliver them from Roman domination. This triumphant entry fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, where the Messiah is depicted riding on a donkey (John 12:14-16).
The Pharisees, witnessing this enthusiastic reception, lamented, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him" (John 12:19). Their jealousy and fear of losing influence fueled their determination to eliminate Jesus. The Gospels make clear that the religious leaders in Jerusalem were motivated in their hatred of Jesus by jealousy (see Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10).
The Hour Has Come: Seeds of Life (John 12:20-36)
Amidst the Passover crowds were some Greeks, Gentile proselytes who worshiped the God of Israel (John 12:20). They approached Philip with a simple request: "Sir, we wish to see Jesus" (John 12:21). This request marked a significant turning point. Jesus had come to be the Savior of the world (see John 3:16).
Jesus declares, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). This glorification involves his death, resurrection, and ascension back to the Father. He then uses the analogy of a grain of wheat: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit" (John 12:24). Jesus had come into the world to die, to give his life as a substitutionary atonement for sinners. In the same way that a single grain produces much wheat, Jesus’s death would yield much spiritual fruit—salvation and eternal life for all who will trust him.
Jesus calls on His followers to embrace a similar principle: "Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:25). To hate your life means not living in a self-centered way but being a servant of others. The one who lives a life of service in the name of the Lord Jesus will be rewarded in this life and in the life to come. Serving Jesus means following Him, and the Father will honor those who serve Him (John 12:26).
Troubled by the impending suffering, Jesus prays, "Father, glorify your name." A voice from heaven responds, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again" (John 12:27-28). Throughout the Son’s ministry, the Father had been glorified through the miraculous signs. But the ultimate glorification was coming in the cross and resurrection. Some in the crowd interpreted the voice as thunder, while others believed it was an angel (John 12:29). Jesus clarifies that the voice was for their benefit, to encourage them to believe (John 12:30).
Jesus declares that His death will be a judgment on the "ruler of this world" (Satan) and will draw all people to Himself (John 12:31-32). The cross drew all judgment for all people to Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world (1 John 2:2). The death of Christ saved all humankind from the consequences of original sin (Romans 5:18) and made all people savable for their personal sin when they place personal faith in him. He urges them to walk in the light while they have it, lest darkness overtake them (John 12:35-36). If you reject him, your life will consist of darkness (12:35). But if you believe in the light (that is, trust in Jesus Christ), you will become a child of light (12:36).
Unbelief and Confession: A Divided Response (John 12:37-43)
Despite the numerous signs Jesus performed, many still did not believe in Him (John 12:37). This fulfilled the prophecies of Isaiah, who spoke of a people whose eyes were blinded and hearts hardened (John 12:38-40). When Pharaoh repeatedly and willfully hardened his heart against God, the Lord eventually cooperated with Pharaoh and hardened his heart further. If a person persists in pursuing darkness, eventually God will confirm his desire. Be careful what you wish for.
Even among the rulers, many believed in Jesus, but they did not confess Him openly for fear of the Pharisees and being ostracized from the synagogue (John 12:42). They loved human praise more than praise from God (John 12:43).
The Words of Life: Jesus' Final Appeal (John 12:44-50)
Jesus concludes His public ministry with a powerful declaration, summarizing the essence of His mission. He emphasizes that believing in Him is believing in the Father who sent Him (John 12:44). To reject Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is to reject the Father who sent him. And the opposite is also true: The one who believes in [him] believes in the one who sent [him] (John 12:44). It’s a package deal. You cannot say you believe in God while simultaneously rejecting Jesus.
He came as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Him would not remain in darkness (John 12:46). He did not come to judge the world but to save it (John 12:47). Those who reject him will experience judgment on the last day (John 12:48). Jesus declares that His words are not His own but the Father's command, leading to eternal life (John 12:49-50). We only truly come to God through the Son, for he has truly spoken the words of the Father, words that lead to eternal life (12:49-50).
John 12 serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we face: to embrace the light or remain in darkness, to offer extravagant love or withhold it, to seek God's approval or the praise of men. As we reflect on this chapter, may we be challenged to examine our own hearts and ensure that our lives are aligned with the truth and love revealed in Jesus Christ.