John 12 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John, marking a transition point in Jesus’ ministry as he moves closer to his Passion Week. This chapter is rich with significant events and profound teachings, setting the stage for the culmination of Jesus’ earthly mission. We delve into the key narratives within John 12, exploring the anointing at Bethany, the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and Jesus’ crucial pronouncements about his impending death and the nature of belief.
The Anointing at Bethany: A Prelude to Burial (John 12:1-11)
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrives in Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had famously raised from the dead. This act alone had drawn significant attention and increased belief in Jesus, but it also intensified the opposition from the religious authorities. A dinner is hosted in Jesus’ honor, where Martha serves, and Lazarus is present as a guest – a powerful testament to Jesus’ miraculous power.
It is during this intimate gathering that Mary, Lazarus’ sister, performs a deeply symbolic act. She takes a pint of pure nard, an incredibly expensive perfume, and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. The fragrance fills the house, signifying the preciousness of her devotion and the significance of the moment.
This act of extravagant love and worship is immediately questioned by Judas Iscariot. Judas cynically asks why the perfume wasn’t sold and the money given to the poor, suggesting it was worth a year’s wages. However, John clarifies Judas’ true motive: he was a thief, concerned with the money bag he managed.
Jesus defends Mary, stating, “Leave her alone; it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.” This statement is crucial. It reveals Jesus’ awareness of his approaching death and interprets Mary’s act as a prophetic anointing in preparation for his burial. He further adds, “You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me,” highlighting the unique and fleeting opportunity to honor him in his physical presence.
News of Jesus’ presence in Bethany draws a large crowd, not only to see Jesus but also to witness Lazarus, the man raised from the dead. This further agitates the chief priests, who then plot to kill Lazarus as well, recognizing him as living proof of Jesus’ divine power and a cause for many to believe in him. This section of John 12 underscores themes of devotion, sacrifice, Jesus’ awareness of his destiny, and the escalating conflict with his adversaries.
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem: Welcomed as King (John 12:12-19)
The next day, as Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the Passover festival, a massive crowd gathers, having heard of his arrival. This event is famously known as the Triumphal Entry, a moment of public acclamation of Jesus as king. The crowd takes palm branches, a symbol of victory and royalty, and goes out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!”
These shouts are laden with Messianic expectations, recognizing Jesus as the promised king who comes in the name of the Lord. Jesus, fulfilling prophecy, finds a young donkey and sits on it, mirroring Zechariah 9:9, “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”
Initially, the disciples do not fully grasp the significance of these events. It is only after Jesus’ glorification, referring to his resurrection and ascension, that they understand that these events were foretold and were now being fulfilled in Jesus.
The crowd’s enthusiasm is fueled by the recent miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, which they continued to spread word about. This public demonstration of faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah deeply troubles the Pharisees. They lament, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!” This highlights the growing influence of Jesus and the mounting desperation of the religious leaders to stop him. This segment of John 12 showcases Jesus’ public acceptance as king, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the intensifying opposition to his ministry.
Jesus Predicts His Death and the Path to Glory (John 12:20-36)
Amidst the excitement of the Triumphal Entry, some Greeks, likely Gentile proselytes, seek an audience with Jesus. They approach Philip with the request, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” This encounter broadens the scope of Jesus’ mission beyond just the Jewish people, hinting at the inclusion of Gentiles in his kingdom.
Jesus responds to this request by declaring, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” He uses the imagery of a kernel of wheat falling to the ground and dying to produce many seeds. This profound analogy illustrates that his death, seemingly a defeat, is actually a necessary step for greater fruitfulness and the salvation of many. He teaches that losing one’s life for his sake is the path to eternal life, contrasting earthly self-preservation with spiritual gain. “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.”
Jesus then expresses his inner turmoil, “Now my soul is troubled.” He contemplates asking the Father to save him from this hour, but immediately affirms his purpose: “No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” A voice from heaven answers, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again,” confirming God’s affirmation of Jesus’ mission and the impending glorification through his suffering and resurrection.
The crowd interprets the heavenly voice in different ways – some as thunder, others as an angel speaking. Jesus clarifies that the voice was for their benefit, to strengthen their belief. He speaks of judgment on the world and the casting out of the “prince of this world,” referring to Satan. He then makes a crucial statement about his crucifixion: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John explains that Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death he would die.
The crowd, misunderstanding his words about being “lifted up,” raises objections based on their understanding of the Messiah’s eternal reign from the Law. Jesus responds by urging them to walk in the light while they have it, before darkness overtakes them, and to believe in the light to become children of light. This section of John 12 reveals Jesus’ teachings on death and resurrection, his inner struggle and submission to God’s will, the universal scope of his mission, and the urgency of believing in him as the light.
Belief and Unbelief: A Choice in the Face of Signs (John 12:37-50)
Despite the numerous signs Jesus performed, John notes the persistent unbelief among many. He quotes Isaiah’s prophecy, questioning who has believed their message and to whom the arm of the Lord has been revealed, explaining this unbelief as a fulfillment of prophecy. John further quotes Isaiah about God blinding eyes and hardening hearts, preventing people from seeing, understanding, and turning to be healed. However, he also clarifies that Isaiah spoke of Jesus’ glory and about him.
Despite widespread unbelief, even among leaders, many did believe in Jesus, though secretly due to fear of the Pharisees and being ostracized from the synagogue. They prioritized human praise over God’s praise.
Jesus then proclaims loudly the essence of belief in him: “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.” He reiterates his role as light come into the world to dispel darkness for believers.
He emphasizes that he did not come to judge but to save the world. However, rejection of his words will lead to judgment, as his words themselves will condemn those who reject him on the last day. He concludes by stating that he speaks not on his own authority but according to the Father’s command, and that the Father’s command leads to eternal life. This final section of John 12 emphasizes the reality of both belief and unbelief in the face of Jesus’ ministry, the consequences of rejecting him, and his ultimate authority as sent by the Father.
Conclusion: The Significance of John 12
John 12 is a crucial chapter that encapsulates the pivotal moments leading up to Jesus’ Passion Week. It showcases the contrasting reactions to Jesus – from devoted love and public acclamation to cynical opposition and deliberate unbelief. The chapter highlights key themes of sacrifice, kingship, death and resurrection, light and darkness, and the critical choice of belief. Understanding John 12 provides a deeper appreciation for the context and significance of Jesus’ final days and his enduring message for humanity.
