John Chapter 12
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John 12: The Hour Has ComeThe Anointing at Bethany“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead” (John 12:1, ESV). They give a dinner for Him; Martha serves, Lazarus reclines at table. Mary takes a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, anoints Jesus’ feet, and wipes them with her hair. The house fills with the fragrance (John 12:3).Judas Iscariot objects, “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” (John 12:5). He says this not because he cares for the poor but because he keeps the moneybag and steals from it. Jesus answers, “You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me” (John 12:8, adapted from Deuteronomy 15:11).A great crowd of Jews learns He is there; they come not only for Jesus but to see Lazarus. The chief priests plan to put Lazarus to death also, because many believe in Jesus on account of him (John 12:9-11).The Triumphal EntryThe next day the large crowd that has come to the feast hears Jesus is going to Jerusalem. They take palm branches and go out to meet Him, crying, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (John 12:13). Jesus finds a young donkey and sits on it, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!” (John 12:15).The disciples do not understand at first, but after Jesus is glorified they remember these things were written about Him and done to Him. The crowd that was with Him when He called Lazarus from the tomb continues to bear witness. The Pharisees say to one another, “See, the whole world has gone after him” (John 12:19).Some Greeks Seek JesusSome Greeks among those who come to worship at the feast say to Philip, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21). Philip tells Andrew; Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. Jesus answers, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (John 12:23).The Grain of Wheat“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” (John 12:24). “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). “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” (John 12:26).The Soul Troubled“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. Father, glorify your name” (John 12:27-28). A voice comes from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd hears it; some say thunder, others an angel. Jesus says, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:30-32). He says this to show by what kind of death He will die.The crowd objects, “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?” (John 12:34). Jesus answers, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you... While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light” (John 12:35-36). He departs and hides Himself.Unbelief Fulfills ProphecyThough He had done so many signs, they still do not believe. This fulfills Isaiah 53:1: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (John 12:38). They cannot believe because, as Isaiah 6:10 says, God has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, lest they see, understand, turn, and be healed (John 12:40).Yet many rulers believe but do not confess for fear of being put out of the synagogue; they love the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God (John 12:42-43).Jesus’ Final Public CryJesus cries out, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me” (John 12:44-45). “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46). He does not judge the one who hears and does not keep His words; He came to save. Yet the word He has spoken will judge on the last day (John 12:47-48).“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... So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say” (John 12:49-50).