John 12: Overview and Discussion Questions
Lazarus had been just raised from the dead. Naturally, this was a cause for celebration! Matthew 26:6-16 and Mark 14:1-11 narrate the same event. After Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus, a feast was held in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper. The guests included not only Lazarus, his sisters, and Jesus, but also Jesus’ disciples and even some of the Jewish leaders. It is likely that Simon had been healed of his leprosy by Jesus; otherwise, such a gathering would have been unthinkable as lepers were ostracized. It is also worth mentioning that Bethany translates to “house of the poor.” Simon, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary were excluded or overlooked by society due to their socioeconomic circumstances. And yet the fact that Jesus befriended them and chose to feast at Simon’s house before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is wholly consistent with His Kingship. Just as Jesus’ birth was first proclaimed to the shepherds in the fields, God’s Heavenly Kingdom is based on His righteousness, justice, and love, not on human pride, wealth, and glory.
At the feast, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with oil and wiped them with her hair. This beautifully touching scene is significant in its symbolism. John mentions that the oil that Mary used was made with spikenard. Not only was this an extremely rare oil and, as Judas mentioned, costly, but this was the same oil used in worship ceremonies at the Temple in Jerusalem. It is important to note that Bethany was not far from the city. How Mary obtained this highly valuable oil is not mentioned, but regardless, she recognized its value and purpose. Mary did not need to go to the Temple to worship God; rather, she recognized that the true Messiah and Son of God was seated right before her. It would be only appropriate that this aromatic oil be used for Jesus. Moreover, the act of anointing often meant consecrating someone for a special purpose, such as kingship. When Samuel anointed Saul (cf. 1 Samuel 10:1), he had poured oil on the future king’s head. Mary, however, anointed Jesus’ feet, symbolizing that His Kingship would be different than an earthly king. His Kingship would be characterized by humility as a suffering servant, not by pride as a political conqueror. Finally, Mary wipes Jesus’ feet with her hair; an act that would have shocked all who were gathered there for Jewish women did not reveal their hair uncovered in the company of men. But Mary did not care. Her devotion to Jesus outweighed any concern for what others may have thought.
Judas’ derisive response to Mary’s devotion revealed his insecurity, his hypocrisy, and his lack of understanding of what Jesus’ Heavenly Kingdom meant. He desired the wealth and fame that he thought would come by being associated with the Messiah. He had no interest in truly knowing Jesus and understanding His redemptive plan for the world. Likewise, too, the crowd who thronged the streets shouting “Hosanna!” did not fully understand Jesus’ Kingship. Their expectation was that Jesus would overthrow Roman rule, not prophesy His imminent crucifixion. The glory of the Son of Man would not come from achieving political salvation for the Jewish people, but it would come from obeying the will of the Father. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus would provide spiritual salvation far deeper and greater than any human leader could ever offer. Many did not understand this. But a few certainly grasped what Jesus meant when He said:
“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.”
Read the passage prayerfully a few times over and then answer the questions: John 12
Questions:
- What do you learn about worship from Mary’s example and Judas’ response? (v.1-11, cf. Matthew 26:6-16, Mark 14:1-11)
- What do you observe about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and His explanation of His imminent death? How did His words, example, and the events surrounding His entry into Jerusalem challenge the crowd’s expectation of who they thought the Messiah would be? (v. 12-41, cf. Isaiah 6:1-10, Isaiah 53)
- What does Jesus affirm regarding the nature of salvation in this passage? (v. 42-50)
Application:
- How has this passage deepened your understanding of what it means to worship Jesus and to be devoted to Him?
- How has Jesus challenged your own expectations about who He is and how He works in your life
Conclusion & Heart Prayer:
Lord, what are You saying to me? And what are You calling me to do about it?
