Read the Passage: John 12

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: John 12

Anointing (12:1–11)

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, John 11:45–57 reported that the religious leaders plotted to murder Christ, even cultivating informants throughout Jerusalem during the Passover in order to capture Jesus. John 12:1 records that six days before the feast, Christ traveled to Bethany and was eating a meal at the home of Simon the Leper (cf. Mark 14:3). Note Bethany was two miles southeast of Jerusalem. Jesus had been staying in Ephraim, about 15 miles away (cf. John 11:54). Next, as Lazarus and Jesus were sitting at the table, with Martha fulfilling her usual role as a servant, “Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair” (John 12:3). Spikenard was a fragrant plant that grew in India. This act, which differs from the similar event that occurred earlier in Jesus’ ministry (cf. Luke 7:36–50), showed Mary’s devotion to Christ.

At John 12:4–6 Judas Iscariot is introduced. Judas is described as the one “who would betray Jesus,” which is often how Judas is labeled in Scripture (cf. Matt. 10:4; 26:25; 27:3; Mark 3:19; 14:10; Luke 22:48; John 6:71; 13:2; 18:2, 5). In this passage Judas objected to the perfume being used, rather than being sold, for he was a thief and desired to steal the money. Surprisingly, Jesus rebuked Judas, as He revealed the providential reason for Mary’s anointing was His own coming burial. Ironically, Judas would soon die too—albeit at his own hand (cf. Matt. 27:5; Acts 1:18). With His reprimand of Judas, Christ was not teaching that it is wrong to give gifts or care for the poor; rather, He was confronting Judas’ sin and highlighting the priority of His own coming burial. At John 12:9–11 we learn Jesus’ presence attracted many Jews, and that many believed in Him.

Arriving (12:12–22)

John 12:12–22 records Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem—an event that is recorded in all four Gospels (cf. Matt. 21:1–9; Mark 11:1–10; Luke 19:29–38). John reports that as Christ entered the city the crowds chanted, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel” (John 12:13). This saying, which is a quotation of Ps. 118:26, shows that the crowds were identifying Jesus as the Messiah. Yet, given that many of these same people would soon call for Christ’s crucifixion (cf. John 18:40), it seems that their cries about Jesus were not authentic. Indeed, at John 12:18 it is reported that the crowds came to Christ because they had heard about His signs, not because they had faith in Him. While the Pharisees were disturbed by the size of the crowds, John records that certain Gentile proselytes approached and asked for an audience with Jesus.

Teaching (12:23–50)

In response to the Gentile proselytes who sought Him out, as well as perhaps others, Christ revealed that the time for His glorification had arrived (cf. John 12:23). In teaching concerning the manner of His glorification, Jesus spoke about the death of a grain of wheat, which produces much grain by being planted in the ground (cf. John 12:24–25). Clearly, Christ was aware of His impending crucifixion, and was understandably troubled by the looming event (cf. John 12:27). Next, by way of testimony and encouragement, and in response to Jesus’ desire that the Father glorify His name, a voice from heaven declared, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it” (John 12:28). Apparently, those who were gathered heard this announcement, but did not understand its significance (cf. John 12:29). At John 12:30–33 Christ again spoke about the manner of His coming death.

The crowds surely didn’t understand the full scope of Jesus’ teachings about glorifying God, the judgment of the world, and His manner of death. Yet, some did recognize that Christ’s reference to being “lifted up from the earth” (John 12:32) implied His removal from their presence. Indeed, this teaching provoked confusion among the crowd (cf. John 12:34). In response, Jesus again taught about His imminent departure, and He exhorted His listeners to believe in Him (cf. John 12:35–36). Sadly, however, John 12:37 reports, “But although He has done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him.” This fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecies at Isa. 6:9–10; 53:1, as well as demonstrating the inefficiency of miracles, apart from the Word of God, to produce faith (cf. Rom. 10:17). Surprisingly, however, at John 12:42–43 we read that some of the religious rulers did believe in Jesus.

Application Questions:

1. In light of the magnitude of Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, why was there still opposition to His ministry?
2. Does Jesus’ acceptance of Mary’s act seem to be too extravagant? When is luxury permitted among Christians?
3. How can we discern if someone’s good works are truly authentic or merely a veneer covering sin?
4. What did Jesus mean in John 12:31 when He taught, “The ruler of this world will be cast out” (cf. Rev. 20:1–3)?
5. If some of the religious leaders believed in Jesus, but feared to confess Him, was their faith genuine?