1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table.
3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said,
5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”
6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.
7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.”
8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well,
11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.
12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey’s colt!”
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.
17 So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.
18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.
21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”
22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.
28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine.
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”
35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.
36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”
37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him,
38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their heart,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart, and turn,
and I would heal them.”
41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.
42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue;
43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me.
45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.
46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
The True Meaning of John 12
This passage from the Gospel of John provides a glimpse into the final days of Jesus’s earthly ministry. The author, John, was one of the twelve disciples who walked closely with Jesus and witnessed his teachings and miracles firsthand. Jesus’s growing popularity among the people and the mounting tension between him and the religious authorities are seen in this chapter. The stage is set for the pivotal events that will unfold in the coming days – Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his confrontation with the Pharisees, and ultimately, his crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus’s words and actions challenge the status quo and point towards a new kingdom that is yet to come as we delve into this passage. We’ll also see the foreshadowing of his impending death, as he speaks of the “hour” that has arrived (John 12:23). This aligns with Jesus’s earlier prophecy in John 3:14, where he foretold that the Son of Man must be “lifted up.”
John 12:1-8
A significant event takes place in the life of Jesus during the final week before His crucifixion in John 12:1-8. The passage begins with Jesus visiting the town of Bethany, where Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, was residing with his sisters Mary and Martha. They prepared a dinner in Jesus’ honor, showcasing their gratitude and love for Him.
Mary, known for her extravagant love for Jesus, took a pound of costly ointment, pure nard, and anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. This act was not just a simple gesture but a profound display of her devotion and understanding of who Jesus was. It was a sacrificial act, as the ointment was exceedingly expensive, worth a year’s wages. Judas Iscariot, one of the disciples, objected to this seemingly wasteful act, stating that the ointment could have been sold and the money given to the poor. However, his objection was not out of concern for the poor but rather due to his greed, as he would steal from the moneybag.
Jesus defended Mary’s actions, commending her for her act of love and devotion. He stated, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.” Here, Jesus indicated that Mary’s anointing foreshadowed His upcoming burial, emphasizing the sacrificial aspect of His impending death.
This passage carries several significant messages. Firstly, Mary’s act of pouring the costly ointment on Jesus symbolizes whole-hearted devotion, sacrificial love, and the understanding of Jesus’ impending sacrifice for humanity’s salvation. It speaks to the essence of worship and service, showing that true worship involves giving our best to God. Jesus’ acceptance and defense of Mary’s gesture serve as a reminder that He values sincerity and love above material considerations.
Additionally, Judas’ contrasting response highlights the dangers of hypocrisy, greed, and misplaced priorities. His objection to Mary’s act, under the guise of concern for the poor, revealed his true motives and lack of genuine commitment to Jesus. Judas serves as a cautionary figure, illustrating the consequences of betraying trust and choosing worldly gain over spiritual truths.
This event in Bethany foreshadows Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross and echoes themes of love, devotion, sacrifice, and the juxtaposition of authentic faith with false pretenses. It prompts believers to examine their own motives, whether their actions are driven by pure love and devotion or tainted by selfish desires. The narrative in John 12:1-8 aligns with other biblical teachings on the nature of true worship, selflessness, and the cost of discipleship.
John 12:9-11
A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead, as the passage in John 12:9-11 reads. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.”
This passage captures a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus had performed a great miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead, a profound display of his power and divinity. News of this miraculous event spread quickly, and a large crowd of Jews gathered not only to see Jesus but also to witness Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. The presence of Lazarus served as a living testimony to the power and authority of Jesus.
However, the response of the chief priests to Lazarus’s resurrection is striking. Instead of marveling at this incredible miracle, they sought to kill Lazarus. The chief priests viewed Lazarus as a threat to their authority and influence, as his resurrection was leading many Jews to believe in Jesus. This reaction highlights the hardened hearts of the religious leaders who were more concerned with maintaining their power than recognizing the undeniable work of God in their midst.
This passage serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle between belief and unbelief, light and darkness. The division among the Jews regarding Jesus and Lazarus symbolizes the division that exists when it comes to accepting or rejecting the message of Christ. Just as the chief priests sought to silence the testimony of Lazarus, there will always be forces that oppose the spread of the Gospel and attempt to hinder the work of God. This event foreshadows the ultimate plan of the religious leaders to put Jesus to death in the larger context of John 12. Instead of embracing the truth revealed through miracles like Lazarus’s resurrection, they chose to plot against Jesus, leading to his crucifixion. This passage sets the stage for the climax of Jesus’s earthly ministry, his sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, which would ultimately provide salvation for all who believe in him.
John 12:12-19
The account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is seen in John 12:12-19. Let’s break down this passage:
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“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.”
This sets the scene for the events that are about to unfold. The festival referred to here is likely the Passover festival, a significant Jewish celebration. The fact that a “great crowd” had come indicates the buzz and anticipation surrounding Jesus as he approached Jerusalem. -
“They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Blessed is the king of Israel!’”
The crowd’s actions and words of praise carry symbolic significance. The waving of palm branches was a gesture of victory and triumph in Jewish tradition, often associated with the deliverance of the Jewish people. The proclamation of “Hosanna” (“Save, we pray!”) and “Blessed is the king of Israel” reflect the crowd’s recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the one who comes in the name of the Lord to bring salvation and establish his kingdom. -
“Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.’”
This act of Jesus deliberately fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 is significant. Jesus was making a statement about the nature of his kingship by choosing to ride on a donkey, a symbol of peace and humility. He was not a political conqueror coming to establish an earthly kingdom through force, but a humble and peaceful king bringing spiritual deliverance. -
“At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.”
The disciples’ lack of understanding at this point is a common theme in the Gospels. They often struggled to comprehend the true nature of Jesus’ mission and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in his life. It is only after Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension that they come to fully grasp the significance of these events. This highlights the importance of faith, trust, and spiritual insight in understanding God’s plans and purposes. Jesus entering Jerusalem marks the beginning of the final week of his life before his crucifixion in this passage. The crowd’s enthusiastic welcome foreshadows the events to come, where their cries of praise will soon turn into cries of “crucify him.” This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the fickle nature of human praise and the deeper spiritual truths that Jesus came to fulfill. It also echoes themes of prophecy, the humility of Christ, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus.
John 12:20-26
The Greeks come seeking Jesus, showing a significant shift in focus in John 12:20-26. This event marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry, signaling that His message is not limited to just the Jews but is meant for all people. The arrival of the Greeks can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
When the Greeks approach Philip saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus,” this simple request carries profound meaning. It signifies the interest of the Gentiles in knowing Jesus and their desire to encounter Him. Philip then goes to Andrew, and together they bring the request to Jesus. This interaction highlights the theme of Jesus as the Savior of all mankind, not just the chosen people of Israel. It symbolizes the universality of His message and the fulfillment of the prophecy that He will draw all people to Himself (John 12:32).
Jesus’ response to the Greeks’ request is significant. Instead of meeting them directly, He uses this moment to teach an important lesson to His disciples and the crowd present. He speaks of the necessity of His own death and compares it to a grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die in order to bear much fruit. This metaphor illustrates the redemptive purpose of His impending death on the cross, emphasizing that through His sacrifice, many will be saved. Jesus is preparing His followers for the events that will soon unfold, redirecting their focus from His earthly ministry to His ultimate mission of redemption for all.
The passage continues with Jesus calling His followers to follow Him and serve Him wholeheartedly. He speaks of the cost of discipleship, stating that whoever loves their life will lose it, but whoever hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. This paradoxical statement underscores the need for total surrender to Christ and a willingness to prioritize heavenly treasures over earthly desires. It challenges believers to live selflessly, in service to God and others, echoing Jesus’ earlier teachings on taking up one’s cross and following Him (Matthew 16:24). The arrival of the Greeks in John 12:20-26 serves as a pivotal moment that underscores the universal scope of Jesus’ mission and the transformative power of His sacrifice. It reinforces the themes of salvation, discipleship, and self-denial that are central to the Christian faith. Just as the Greeks sought Jesus, people from all nations are invited to encounter Him, receive His grace, and partake in the eternal life He offers. This passage reminds believers of the radical call to follow Christ wholeheartedly and reminds us of the blessings of eternal life that come from serving Him faithfully.
John 12:27-36
A pivotal moment leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion is seen in John 12:27-36. This section can be broken down into the following key points:
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**”Now my soul is troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Jesus expresses his inner turmoil and distress, revealing his humanity in this verse. Despite his distress, Jesus submits to the will of the Father, acknowledging that this hour of suffering and sacrifice was the very reason for his earthly ministry. This shows us the deep love and obedience Jesus had towards fulfilling his divine mission of redemption for humankind.
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“Father, glorify your name!”
Jesus seeks to honor and glorify God the Father in everything he does, even in the face of impending suffering and death. This prayer reflects Jesus’ unwavering commitment to fulfilling God’s plan for salvation, demonstrating humility, obedience, and trust in the Father’s will. This also serves as a model for believers to prioritize the glory of God above all else in their lives. -
“Then a voice came from heaven, ‘I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.”
This moment is significant as it showcases the divine confirmation of Jesus’ prayer. The voice from heaven affirms that God’s name has been glorified through Jesus’ life and ministry, and it will be glorified even further through the culmination of his sacrifice on the cross. However, not everyone present understood the significance of this divine communication, highlighting the spiritual blindness and hardness of heart that some people exhibited despite witnessing such a miraculous event. -
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.”
Jesus proclaims that through his sacrificial death and resurrection, the world will be judged, and the power of Satan, the prince of this world, will be overthrown. This declaration signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. This statement also reflects the fulfillment of various prophecies throughout the Old Testament, such as Genesis 3:15, where God foretold the defeat of the serpent (representing Satan) by the seed of the woman (Jesus). -
“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”
Here, Jesus foretells his crucifixion and the subsequent attraction of all people to himself. The imagery of being “lifted up” not only refers to the literal lifting of Jesus on the cross but also symbolizes his exaltation and the drawing of humanity to salvation through his sacrificial death. This verse echoes the earlier conversation Jesus had with Nicodemus in John 3:14-15, where he likened his crucifixion to the lifting up of the bronze snake in the wilderness, bringing healing and salvation to all who look upon him in faith. John 12:27-36 captures the intense emotions, divine confirmation, judgment on the world, and the drawing power of Jesus’ sacrificial death. It reminds us of Jesus’ unwavering commitment to the Father’s will, the glorification of God’s name through his life and death, and the ultimate triumph of the kingdom of God over the forces of darkness. This passage serves as a profound reminder of the depths of Jesus’ love for humanity and his willingness to endure suffering to bring about redemption and reconciliation with God.
John 12:37-43
The verse in John 12:37-43 divides into two main sections: the people’s unbelief despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles and the explanation for their unbelief.
The first section discusses the lack of belief among the people, despite witnessing Jesus perform many miracles. This directly ties back to the overall theme in the gospel of John, which is to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. The people’s unbelief despite witnessing these miraculous signs emphasizes the hardness of their hearts and their refusal to recognize Jesus for who He truly is. This verse highlights the idea that belief in Jesus requires more than just witnessing miracles; it requires a willingness to open one’s heart and mind to the truth of who Jesus is.
The second section delves into the reasons for the people’s unbelief, citing that their hearts were hardened and they were unable to see with their eyes or understand with their hearts. This is a reference to Isaiah 6:9-10, where the prophet Isaiah is told that the people’s hearts will be calloused, their ears dull, and their eyes closed, making it difficult for them to perceive the truth and turn to God for healing. This concept of spiritual blindness and hardness of heart is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of humility, openness, and faith in order to truly see and understand God’s truth.
The rejection of Jesus despite witnessing His miracles serves as a cautionary tale for all believers. It reminds us that faith is not just about witnessing signs and wonders, but about a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, rooted in humility, obedience, and trust. Just as the people in John’s time struggled with unbelief and spiritual blindness, we too can fall into the trap of not fully recognizing Jesus for who He is and what He has done for us. Therefore, it is essential for us to constantly examine our hearts, remain open to God’s leading, and cultivate a strong foundation of faith in Christ.
John 12:44-50
Jesus is addressing the crowd that has gathered to hear Him speak in John 12:44-50. This passage can be broken down into a few key sections for deeper understanding.
Verse 44: “Then Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in him who sent me.” Here, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of faith not just in Him as an individual, but in God the Father who sent Him. This highlights the trinitarian nature of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all working in unity towards the same purpose. Jesus is pointing to the divine connection between Himself and the Father by emphasizing belief in the One who sent Him.
Verse 45: “And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.” This statement by Jesus further reinforces the idea of the Father and the Son being united as one. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made God known, as stated in John 1:18.” Therefore, seeing Jesus is equivalent to seeing God the Father because of their inseparable relationship and unity in purpose.
Verse 46: “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness.” Here, Jesus is portraying Himself as the light of the world, a theme that is consistent throughout the gospel of John. Jesus declares in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This imagery of light symbolizes truth, righteousness, and salvation. Those who believe in Jesus are delivered from spiritual darkness and are brought into the light of His truth and grace.
Verses 47-48: “If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” Here, Jesus clarifies His mission on earth. While His ultimate purpose was to bring salvation to the world, there will come a day of judgment when those who have rejected Him will have to face the consequences of their choices. God stated in John 3:17-18, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” Jesus came to offer salvation, but rejection of Him leads to judgment.
Verses 49-50: “For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” Here, Jesus emphasizes that His words are not His own but are directly from the Father. He is in perfect alignment with the will of God, and His teachings are a reflection of the eternal life that God offers through Him. Jesus, as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), perfectly represents the will of the Father and serves as the channel through which eternal life is made available to all who believe in Him. This passage from John 12 underscores the unity between Jesus and the Father, the importance of faith in Him for salvation, the contrast between light and darkness, the dual purpose of Jesus’s coming – to save and to judge, and the divine authority behind His teachings. We, as believers, are called to heed His words, follow His example, and embrace the eternal life that He offers through faith in Him.
After John 12
Jesus anointed Mary’s feet, displaying his powerful love and compassion in this chapter. Despite the doubts and opposition from some, Jesus continued to fulfill his purpose on earth, preparing for the ultimate sacrifice that would bring salvation to all who believe in him. Let us remember the importance of showing love and kindness to others, just as Jesus did, as we reflect on the events of this chapter. We should keep our hearts open to the teachings of Jesus and strive to follow his example in all that we do as we move forward into the next chapter. May we be inspired by his unwavering faith and dedication to God’s will, trusting that he will guide us through any challenges we may face. We will continue to walk in the light of his love, spreading hope and joy to those around us as we journey together in faith.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.