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Journey Through the Bible

John 12 Jesus Raises Lazarus from Death

1 Jesus Anointed at Bethany
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,

5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”

6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.

8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

9 Meanwhile 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.

10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,

11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

12 The Triumphal Entry
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem.

13 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!”

14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written,

15 “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey’s colt.”

16 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 they had done these things to him.

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word.

18 Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him.

19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

20 Jesus Predicts His Death
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast.

21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.”

22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

27 “Now my heart 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.

28 Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.

31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.

32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.

36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

37 The Jews Continue in Their Unbelief
Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.

38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
“Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:

40 “He has blinded their eyes
and deadened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them.”

41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;

43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

44 Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me.

45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me.

46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

47 “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.

48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.

49 For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it.

50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Analysis of John Chapter 12

John Chapter 12 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John that marks a transition from Jesus’ public ministry to the events leading up to His crucifixion. It is filled with rich theological insights, detailed interactions, and significant symbolic actions that are crucial for understanding Jesus’ mission and identity. The chapter can be divided into several key sections, each with its own profound implications.

The Anointing at Bethany (John 12:1-11)

The chapter begins with the Anointing at Bethany, where Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. This act of devotion and worship is met with criticism from Judas Iscariot, who questions the use of such an expensive item when it could have been sold to help the poor. Jesus defends Mary, emphasizing the significance of her act in the light of His impending death.

It is essential to delve deeper into the symbolism of this event:

  • The Value of Worship: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume can be seen as a representation of true worship, which is extravagant and selfless. Her willingness to use something so valuable underscores the worth of Jesus in her eyes.
  • Preparation for Burial: Jesus points out that Mary’s actions are a preparation for His burial. This foreshadows His imminent death and highlights the sacrificial nature of His mission.
  • The Contrast with Judas: Judas’ objection under the guise of concern for the poor reveals his true character and foreshadows his betrayal. This juxtaposition between Mary’s sincere devotion and Judas’s hypocritical piety serves as a moral and spiritual lesson for readers.

The Triumphal Entry (John 12:12-19)

The narrative then transitions to Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. As He rides into the city on a donkey, He is greeted with shouts of “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” This event holds several layers of meaning:

  • Messianic Fulfillment: Jesus’ entrance on a donkey fulfills Old Testament prophecy, signifying His messianic claim. The donkey symbolizes peace, contrasting with the horse, which was typically associated with war. Jesus is presented as a King who brings peace.
  • The People’s Response: The crowd’s enthusiastic welcome reflects their anticipation of a political Messiah who would liberate them from Roman oppression. However, their understanding of His kingship is limited.
  • The Disciples’ Realization: The disciples do not fully grasp the significance of these events until after Jesus’ resurrection. This highlights the theme of spiritual insight and the gradual revelation of Jesus’ true identity.

Jesus Predicts His Death (John 12:20-36)

The arrival of some Greeks seeking Jesus introduces a discourse where Jesus predicts His death. He uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat falling to the ground and dying, which in turn produces much fruit. Here, Jesus teaches about the necessity of His sacrificial death for the sake of bringing life to many.

This passage is rich with theological significance:

  • The Universality of Jesus’ Mission: The Greeks’ desire to see Jesus symbolizes the extension of His mission beyond the Jewish community to the entire world. This aligns with the theme of inclusivity found throughout John’s Gospel.
  • The Paradox of Life through Death: Jesus’ metaphor about the grain of wheat encapsulates the paradox of the Christian faith—life emerges from death, and victory is achieved through apparent defeat. This principle is central to understanding Jesus’ sacrificial role.
  • The Call to Discipleship: Jesus extends the metaphor to His followers, emphasizing that those who wish to serve Him must also be willing to lose their lives. True discipleship involves self-denial and a commitment to follow Jesus’ example.

The Voice from Heaven (John 12:27-30)

As Jesus speaks of His impending suffering, a voice from heaven affirms His mission, saying, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” This public divine affirmation serves to authenticate Jesus’ mission and signifies God’s approval of His path to the cross.

Key points to consider here:

  • Divine Endorsement: The voice from heaven underscores the divine approval and purpose of Jesus’ mission. It reassures both Jesus and the onlookers that His forthcoming suffering is part of the divine plan for salvation.
  • Glorification through Suffering: The concept of glorification in John’s Gospel is often linked to Jesus’ crucifixion. This affirmation connects Jesus’ suffering and death with the ultimate glorification of God. While seemingly paradoxical, it illustrates how divine glory can be manifested through suffering and sacrifice.

The Light of the World (John 12:35-36, 44-50)

Jesus uses the metaphor of light to describe His mission and identity. He urges the people to believe in the light while they have it, so that they may become children of light. This metaphor emphasizes the urgency of responding to Jesus’ message.

Consider the following insights:

  • Light as Revelation: In John’s Gospel, light represents revelation and truth. Jesus, as the Light of the World, embodies divine truth and guidance. To believe in the light means to accept and follow this revelation.
  • The Urgency of Belief: Jesus’ encouragement to believe in the light while it is present highlights the limited window of opportunity for responding to His message. It serves as a warning against complacency and spiritual blindness.
  • Children of Light: By believing in Jesus, individuals are transformed into ‘children of light.’ This metaphor signifies a fundamental transformation in identity and purpose, aligning believers with divine truth and mission.

Critical Reflection and Conclusion

John Chapter 12 presents a rich tapestry of events and teachings that are crucial for understanding the nature of Jesus’ mission and the demands of discipleship. The themes of worship, sacrifice, revelation, and divine approval are intricately woven throughout the chapter, offering profound insights for readers and believers.

The act of anointing at Bethany, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the prediction of Jesus’ death, the divine voice from heaven, and the metaphor of light all contribute to a comprehensive portrayal of Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies and inaugurates a new era of God’s kingdom. Each section of this chapter underscores the necessity of understanding Jesus’ mission not merely in political or temporal terms, but in the profound spiritual and theological context that defines the Gospel of John.

Ultimately, John 12 challenges readers to reflect on the nature of true worship, the cost of discipleship, and the urgency of responding to Jesus’ revelation. It invites believers to recognize the paradoxical nature of Jesus’ kingdom, where life emerges from death and glory is achieved through sacrifice. This chapter is a call to embrace Jesus’ mission in its fullness, to walk in the light, and to become children of light in a world often shrouded in darkness.

Understanding the Key Messages in John 12: Insights and Explanation

In this chapter, Jesus performs a miracle by raising Lazarus from the dead. This event showcases Jesus' power over death and foreshadows his own resurrection. The chapter also highlights the growing opposition to Jesus and the fear of the religious leaders that his popularity will lead to their loss of power. Through this miracle, Jesus demonstrates his compassion and love for his friends, and his ultimate victory over death.

Notes

This chapter is a turning point in the Book of John, leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.