Lessons from John: Chapter 12
1. Christ and His Friends (12:1–11)
Martha can be seen representing as the Christian working for Christ whilst Lazarus speaks of our walk and witness for Christ. Mary’s role speaks of Christian worship (in the Gospels, she is always found at Jesus’ feet) her example of devotion is one we should follow. She gave her best; she gave lavishly; she gave in spite of criticism; she gave lovingly. Christ honoured her for her worship (see Mark 14:7) and defended her from her critics. Perhaps we should all examine our own hearts and homes to ask whether we are bringing joy to His heart by our worship, work, and witness.
2. Jesus and the Gentiles (12:12–36)
At His birth, Gentiles came from the east; now at His death approaches, Gentiles come once again. Jesus has been rejected by Israel. The Jews had said, “We want to see a sign!” (Matt.12:38); but the Gentiles said, “We want to see Jesus!”. There is no record that Jesus did talk with these men, but the message that He gave in response contains truths that all of us need for in fact he challenges us today to surrender our lives to Him. Note the contrasts: loneliness or fruitfulness; losing your life or keeping your life; serving self or serving Christ; pleasing self or receiving God’s honour.
3. Christ and the Jews (12:37–50)
The last words of Christ’s public ministry (vv. 35–36) were a terrible warning against letting the opportunity for salvation pass by. In the verses that follow, the John explains why the Jews were condemned. They had rejected the evidence (v. 37). The light had been shining, but they refused to believe and follow the light. John’s Gospel repeatedly draws attention to the conflict between light and darkness. Light symbolises salvation, holiness, life; darkness stands for condemnation, sin, death. In vv. 42–50, John quotes Christ and shows why many people reject the light. In v. 48 Christ states that rejecting the Word of God leads to condemnation for Salvation comes through the Word (John 5:24).
Summary
This chapter closes John’s record of Christ’s public ministry. It is a solemn chapter. It reminds us again that we dare not trifle with the spiritual opportunities that we encounter.
Jesus is anointed at Bethany
Six days before the Passover Jesus was at Bethany and had a meal with Lazarus and his sisters. Mary took expensive oil and poured it over Jesus’ feet and wiped it with her hair. Judas Iscariot objected saying the money could have gone to the poor. Apparently Judas who looked after the money was also a thief and would have stolen some of it. Jesus defended her by saying that they would always have the poor but not him.
The Plot against Lazarus
A large crowd of Jews came, not only to see Jesus but also Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. So the Chief priests decided that Lazarus had to die as people were deserting them to follow Jesus because of what had happened to Lazarus.
The Triumphal entry into Jerusalem
The next day crowds took Palm branches and went out to meet Jesus when he arrived. They kept shouting Hosanna the blessed one, the King of Israel. Jesus came on a donkey as it was written. At first the disciple could not understand but it came clear to them after he was glorified. The crowd’s enthusiasm was also enhanced by what he had done to Lazarus. The Pharisees were concerned as they saw the world going to Him.
Jesus Predicts His Crucifixion
Some Greeks who were also there asked through the disciples about Jesus. Jesus said that his hour had come.
He describes a grain of seed that when it dies crops will grow. He says that those who love their life will lose it but those who hate this life in this world will keep eternal life. If anyone serves me the Father will honour them.
He is then troubled and a voice from heaven said to him “I have glorified it and I will glorify it again”. The crowd standing around heard this voice and Jesus said to the questioning crowd that the voice was not an angel but God. The crowds continued to ask questions as they thought the Messiah would remain forever. He said the light would be only with them a little longer.
Isaiah’s prophecies Fulfilled
Even although he had given many signs they still did not believe but this had been prophesied in Isaiah. Nevertheless many did not believe as the Pharisees could ban them from the Synagogue as they loved praise from men rather than from God.
A Summary of Jesus’ Mission
Then Jesus gives a brief summary of this mission. By seeing Him, one sees who sent Him. He has come as a light for the world. I have not spoken on my own but through the Father who has sent me. I know his command is eternal life.