1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
3 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.
4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s [son], which should betray him,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
6 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.
7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
9 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.
10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 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.
14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
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.
17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 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.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 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.
27 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.
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard [it], said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
34 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?
35 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.
36 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.
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 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?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 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.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
42 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:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 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.
48 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.
49 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.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Overview of John Chapter 12
John Chapter 12 serves as a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, marking the transition from Jesus’ public ministry to the events leading up to his crucifixion. This chapter encapsulates themes of anointing, betrayal, prophecy, and the significance of belief and rejection in relation to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
Key Events and Themes
- The Anointing at Bethany (Verses 1-8)
- Jesus visits Bethany six days before Passover.
- Mary, sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair.
- Judas Iscariot criticizes her action, arguing the perfume could have been sold to help the poor.
- Jesus defends Mary, stating that her act is a preparation for his burial and highlights the importance of honoring him in this way.
- The Triumphal Entry (Verses 12-19)
- The next day, a large crowd gathers to welcome Jesus as he enters Jerusalem on a donkey.
- This event fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah, symbolizing peace and humility.
- The crowd shouts “Hosanna!” and acknowledges Jesus as the King of Israel.
- Despite the celebration, the disciples do not fully understand the significance of these events until after Jesus’ resurrection.
- Jesus Predicts His Death (Verses 20-36)
- Some Greeks seek to see Jesus, indicating that his message is reaching beyond the Jewish community.
- Jesus responds by speaking about his impending death, stating that a grain of wheat must die to produce much fruit.
- He emphasizes the necessity of self-sacrifice and the call to follow him.
- Jesus expresses his troubled spirit and the divine purpose behind his death, affirming that it will glorify God.
- Rejection of Jesus (Verses 37-50)
- Despite the miracles he performed, many still do not believe in him, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy about the hardening of hearts.
- John emphasizes the contrast between belief and disbelief, highlighting the consequences of rejecting the light of the world.
- Jesus calls for belief in him as the one sent from God, linking faith with eternal life.
Theological Implications
John Chapter 12 is rich in theological significance, particularly in its exploration of the nature of Jesus’ mission and the responses of those around him. The chapter illustrates the tension between acceptance and rejection, a recurring theme throughout the Gospel of John.
- Messianic Identity
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the acclamation by the crowd affirm his identity as the awaited Messiah, yet foreshadow the impending rejection he will face.
- Servanthood and Sacrifice
Mary’s anointing of Jesus serves as a profound act of devotion, contrasting with Judas’ materialistic perspective, and reflects the call to sacrificial love.
- Prophecy and Fulfillment
The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies reinforces the continuity of God’s plan through Jesus, emphasizing the importance of scripture in understanding his mission.
- Faith and Unbelief
The chapter presents a stark dichotomy between those who believe in Jesus and those who do not, inviting readers to examine their own responses to his message.
Conclusion
John Chapter 12 encapsulates critical moments leading to the climax of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It invites reflection on the nature of true discipleship, the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, and the urgent call to respond to his message of hope and salvation.
