Mary Anoints Jesus 1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 2So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. 3Then Mary took about a pinta of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked, 5“Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denariib and the money given to the poor?” 6Judas 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 take from what was put into it. 7“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial. 8The poor you will always have with you,c but you will not always have Me.” The Plot to Kill Lazarus 9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11for on account of him many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus. The Triumphal Entry 12The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!”d “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”e “Blessed is the King of Israel!” 14Finding a young donkey, Jesus sat on it, as it is written: 15“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion. See, your King is coming, seated on the colt of a donkey.”f 16At first His disciples did not understand these things, but after Jesus was glorified they remembered what had been done to Him, and they realized that these very things had also been written about Him. 17Meanwhile, many people who had been with Jesus when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. 18That is also why the crowd went out to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign. 19Then the Pharisees said to one another, “You can see that this is doing you no good. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!” Jesus Predicts His Death 20Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the feast. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22Philip relayed this appeal to Andrew, and both of them went and told Jesus. 23But Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, My servant will be as well. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. 27Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him. 30In response, Jesus said, “This voice was not for My benefit, but yours. 31Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die. 34The crowd replied, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever. So how can You say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35Then Jesus told them, “For a little while longer, the Light will be among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of light.” After Jesus had spoken these things, He went away and was hidden from them. Belief and Unbelief 37Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. 38This 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?”g 39For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: 40“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”h 41Isaiah said these things because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him. 42Nevertheless, many of the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue. 43For they loved praise from men more than praise from God. 44Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me alone, but in the One who sent Me. 45And whoever sees Me sees the One who sent Me. 46I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. 47As for anyone who hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I have not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words: The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. 50And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” Footnotes: 3 a Greek a litra; that is, approximately 12 ounces or 340 grams 5 b A denarius was customarily a day’s wage for a laborer; see Matthew 20:2. 8 c See Deuteronomy 15:11. 13 d Hosanna is a transliteration of the Hebrew Hosia-na, meaning Save, we pray or Save now, which became a shout of praise; see Psalm 118:25. 13 e Psalm 118:26 15 f Zechariah 9:9 38 g Isaiah 53:1 40 h Isaiah 6:10 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  John 12 Summary The Triumphal EntryVerses 1–8 – Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany Verses 9–11 – Plot to Kill Lazarus Verses 12–19 – The Triumphal Entry Verses 20–26 – Greeks Seek Jesus Verses 27–36 – Jesus Speaks of His Death Verses 37–43 – Unbelief Among the People Verses 44–50 – Jesus’ Final Public Appeal John 12, a rich tapestry of significant events and teachings, offers profound insights into Jesus' last days before His crucifixion. From Mary's act of devotion to the exuberant Palm Sunday crowd, from prophecies of His imminent death to teachings on judgment and salvation, this chapter provides a vivid picture of love, sacrifice, glory, and divine mission. Historical Setting John 12 opens the final week before the crucifixion, matching the Sunday–Wednesday chronology of Passion Week. Bethany is about two miles east of Jerusalem, making it a strategic but dangerous place for Jesus to stay while opposition rises (John 11:53–57). Geography and Archaeology • Bethany (modern al-‘Azariya) sits on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Excavations reveal first-century tombs consistent with Lazarus’ burial narrative. • The road from Bethany over the Mount of Olives descends into the Kidron Valley and up to Jerusalem’s Eastern Gate. Pilgrims customarily cut palm branches in nearby groves to welcome festival travelers. People and Personalities • Mary of Bethany: Her extravagant devotion illustrates true worship that values Jesus above earthly treasure (cf. Luke 10:38-42). • Judas Iscariot: Already embezzling funds, his feigned concern highlights hypocrisy. • Lazarus: Living proof of Jesus’ power over death, stirring both faith and opposition. • Greeks: Likely God-fearing proselytes; their request foreshadows the gospel’s global reach (Acts 10). • Chief Priests and Pharisees: United in self-preservation, plotting against both the Sign-Giver and the sign itself (Lazarus). Themes and Theology 1. Costly Worship vs. Calculated Greed – Mary’s gift contrasts Judas’ fixation on money (Matthew 6:24). 2. Life through Death – The grain-of-wheat image prefigures the cross and resurrection. 3. Light vs. Darkness – Jesus’ identity as Light (John 1:4-5; 8:12) is reiterated before the darkness of the arrest. 4. Fulfilled Prophecy – From Zechariah 9:9 to Isaiah 53:1, John shows Jesus as the promised Messiah. 5. Public Ministry Concludes – This is Jesus’ final appeal before retreating to private teaching (John 13–17). Old Testament Foreshadowing and Connections • Zechariah 9:9 – The donkey ride signals a humble, peaceable King. • Exodus 12 – The lamb chosen on the 10th of Nisan; Jesus presents Himself the same day. • Isaiah 53 – Unbelief despite clear signs matches the Suffering Servant prophecy. • Psalm 118:25-26 – The crowd’s “Hosanna” chant quotes a messianic pilgrimage psalm. • 2 Samuel 15 – David’s ascent of the Mount of Olives in exile prefigures the rejected yet rightful King. Prophecy Fulfilled • Voice from Heaven: “I have glorified it” recalls past manifestations (baptism, transfiguration) and anticipates the cross and resurrection. • “Lifted up” (v. 32) fulfills Numbers 21:9’s bronze serpent typology, confirmed in John 3:14. Doctrinal Highlights • Substitutionary Death: The grain dying “for” fruit shows one life given so many live (Romans 5:18-19). • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility: Isaiah’s prophecy explains blindness, yet individuals remain accountable (John 12:48). • Eternal Life Defined: Knowing and believing the Father through the obedient Son (John 17:3). Practical Applications • Give Jesus the first and best, not the leftovers. • Courageous witness: Lazarus simply lives, and his life compels others to faith. • Serve rather than seek applause. Fear of man can silence genuine belief (v. 42-43). • Walk in the light you have now; delay hardens the heart. Key Words and Phrases • “Hour” – signals the divinely appointed time of redemptive climax (cf. John 2:4; 7:30). • “Lifted up” – double meaning of exaltation and crucifixion. • “Hosanna” – Hebrew for “Save, we pray!”; became a shout of praise. • “Pure nard” – imported from India, emphasizing the extravagance of Mary’s act. Comparative Gospel Notes • Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19 record the Triumphal Entry, but only John links it directly to Lazarus’ resurrection momentum. • Mark 14 and Matthew 26 mention a similar anointing at Bethany, likely the same event; John supplies names and details. Literary Structure and Flow John arranges the chapter around two contrasting crowds: one in Bethany honoring Jesus, the other in Jerusalem wavering or rejecting Him. The hinge is verse 23: “The hour has come.” Narrative shifts from signs to the Signified Purpose—the cross. Cultural Background • Anointing honored kings (1 Samuel 10:1) and corpses (John 19:40). Mary’s act merges both images—crowning and preparing Jesus. • Palm branches symbolized victory and national hope since the Maccabean revolt (1 Maccabees 13:51). Notes on Symbols and Imagery • Donkey’s Colt – sign of peace, not war horse (Revelation 19:11). • Light – reveals truth and exposes sin; refusing light increases darkness. • Grain of Wheat – small, ordinary, yet a powerhouse of multiplied life once buried. Time Line of Holy Week (John’s Emphasis) • Six days before Passover (Saturday evening/Sunday) – Supper at Bethany. • Next day (Palm Sunday) – Triumphal Entry. • Early part of the week – Public teaching, Greeks’ inquiry, voice from heaven. • Close of John 12 – Public ministry ends; chapters 13–17 occur Thursday night. Connections to the Larger account of Scripture John 12 forms the bridge from public revelation to private preparation. The seed parable echoes Genesis 3:15, where a promised Seed would conquer through suffering. Revelatory voices from heaven bookend His ministry, and the movement from Bethany to Jerusalem to Golgotha mirrors the path from life, through sacrifice, to resurrection glory—fulfilling God’s plan set in motion from Eden to eternity. Connections to Additional Scriptures Worship and Devotion Luke 7:36-50, where another woman anoints Jesus' feet, highlighting themes of forgiveness and love. Prophecy Fulfilled Zechariah 9:9, which is directly quoted in John 12:15, emphasizing Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Sacrificial Living Romans 12:1, which calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Teaching Points Mary's Act of WorshipJohn 12:3 describes Mary anointing Jesus' feet with a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume. This act of worship was both extravagant and humble, demonstrating her deep love and reverence for Jesus. Judas' Reaction In John 12:4-6, Judas Iscariot criticizes Mary's actions, revealing his own greed and misunderstanding of true worship. This contrast highlights the difference between genuine devotion and self-serving motives. The Triumphal Entry John 12:12-15 recounts Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. This event underscores Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and King. Jesus Predicts His Death In John 12:23-33, Jesus speaks about His impending death, using the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce many seeds. This teaching emphasizes the necessity of His sacrifice for the salvation of many. The Call to Follow Jesus John 12:25-26 challenges believers to prioritize eternal life over earthly life, encouraging us to serve and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Practical Applications Evaluate Your WorshipConsider how you can express your love and devotion to Jesus in your daily life. Are there areas where you can be more extravagant in your worship? Guard Against Selfish Motives Reflect on your intentions in serving and giving. Are they aligned with God's purposes, or are they self-serving like Judas'? Embrace Jesus as King Acknowledge Jesus' lordship in every area of your life, submitting to His authority and following His example of humility and service. Live Sacrificially Be willing to lay down your own desires and ambitions for the sake of Christ and His kingdom, trusting that true life is found in Him. People 1. JesusCentral figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as the Messiah and the Son of God. He is anointed by Mary, enters Jerusalem triumphantly, and speaks about His impending death. 2. Lazarus Brother of Mary and Martha, whom Jesus raised from the dead. His presence at the dinner in Bethany draws many Jews to believe in Jesus. 3. Mary Sister of Lazarus and Martha, she anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair, demonstrating her devotion and foreshadowing His burial. 4. Martha Sister of Lazarus and Mary, she serves at the dinner in Bethany, showing her hospitality and service. 5. Judas Iscariot One of Jesus' disciples, he criticizes Mary for using expensive perfume, revealing his concern for money and foreshadowing his betrayal of Jesus. 6. The Disciples Followers of Jesus who are present during the events of the chapter, including the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 7. The Chief Priests Religious leaders who plot to kill Lazarus because many Jews are believing in Jesus on account of him. 8. The Crowd The multitude that gathers for the Passover festival, some of whom witness Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and shout "Hosanna!" 9. The Greeks Non-Jewish individuals who seek to see Jesus, indicating the broader reach of His message beyond the Jewish community. 10. Philip One of Jesus' disciples, approached by the Greeks who wish to see Jesus. He consults with Andrew before bringing the request to Jesus. 11. Andrew Another disciple of Jesus, who, along with Philip, brings the Greeks' request to Jesus. 12. Isaiah The prophet is referenced by Jesus to explain the unbelief of the people, fulfilling the prophecy about the Messiah's rejection. Places 1. BethanyJohn 12:1: "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead." Bethany is a village near Jerusalem, known as the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. The Greek name Βηθανία (Bethania) suggests a place of figs or dates, indicating its agricultural nature. 2. Jerusalem John 12:12: "The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem." Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. The Greek Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma) reflects its status as a holy city. 3. The Mount of Olives Implied in John 12:12-15, as Jesus' entry into Jerusalem traditionally involves traveling from the Mount of Olives. This mount is east of Jerusalem and is significant in Jewish and Christian eschatology. The Greek Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν (Oros tōn Elaiōn) refers to its olive groves. Events 1. Mary Anoints JesusSix days before the Passover, Jesus arrives in Bethany, where Mary anoints His feet with expensive perfume. Judas Iscariot questions the act, but Jesus defends Mary, saying, "Leave her alone; she was intended to keep this perfume for the day of My burial" (John 12:7). 2. The Plot to Kill Lazarus The chief priests plot to kill Lazarus because many Jews are believing in Jesus on account of him. This highlights the growing tension and opposition to Jesus' ministry. 3. The Triumphal Entry Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd greets Him with palm branches, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (John 12:13). 4. The Greeks Seek Jesus Some Greeks who came to worship at the feast express a desire to see Jesus. This signifies the broader reach of Jesus' message beyond the Jewish community. 5. Jesus Predicts His Death Jesus speaks about His impending death, using the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce much fruit. He says, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32). 6. The Voice from Heaven A voice from heaven responds to Jesus, saying, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again" (John 12:28). The crowd is divided on whether it was thunder or an angel speaking. 7. Unbelief of the People Despite the signs Jesus performed, many still do not believe in Him. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, highlighting the spiritual blindness and hardening of hearts. 8. Jesus' Final Public Appeal Jesus makes a final public appeal, emphasizing belief in Him as belief in the Father. He declares, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness" (John 12:46). Topics 1. Mary Anoints Jesus (John 12:1-8)This passage describes Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wiping them with her hair. Judas Iscariot questions the act, but Jesus defends Mary, highlighting the significance of her actions in preparation for His burial. The Greek word "μύρον" (myron) refers to the costly ointment used by Mary. 2. The Plot to Kill Lazarus (John 12:9-11) After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, many Jews believed in Him. The chief priests, however, plotted to kill Lazarus as well, because his resurrection was leading many to faith in Jesus. The Greek term "ἀρχιερεῖς" (archiereis) refers to the chief priests involved in the plot. 3. The Triumphal Entry (John 12:12-19) Jesus enters Jerusalem to the acclaim of a large crowd, who greet Him with palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna!" fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The Greek word "ὡσαννά" (hosanna) is a cry for salvation, meaning "save now." 4. Jesus Predicts His Death (John 12:20-36) Greeks seeking Jesus prompt Him to speak about His impending death and its purpose. He uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce much fruit, indicating the necessity of His sacrifice. The Greek word "δόξα" (doxa) is used to describe the glory that will come through His death. 5. Unbelief of the People (John 12:37-43) Despite the many signs Jesus performed, many did not believe in Him, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. The passage discusses the spiritual blindness and hardening of hearts, using the Greek term "ἀπιστία" (apistia) for unbelief. 6. Jesus' Final Public Teaching (John 12:44-50) Jesus emphasizes His role as the light of the world and the importance of believing in Him to avoid judgment. He reiterates that His words are from the Father and will be the standard by which people are judged. The Greek word "λόγος" (logos) is significant here, referring to the word or message of Jesus. Themes 1. Worship and DevotionIn John 12:3, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, demonstrating deep worship and devotion. The Greek word used for "anointed" (ἤλειψεν, ēleipsen) signifies a sacred act of consecration, highlighting the reverence and honor given to Jesus. 2. The Foreshadowing of Jesus' Death Jesus speaks about His impending death in John 12:7, saying, "Leave her alone; she was intended to keep this perfume to prepare for the day of My burial." This theme underscores the necessity and purpose of Jesus' sacrificial death, as preordained in God's redemptive plan. 3. The Rejection and Acceptance of Jesus John 12:37-38 discusses the unbelief of the people despite Jesus' miracles, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy. The Greek term for "unbelief" (ἀπιστία, apistia) reflects a willful refusal to accept the truth, contrasting with those who believe and accept Jesus as the Messiah. 4. The Glory of God Revealed In John 12:28, Jesus prays, "Father, glorify Your name!" and a voice from heaven responds. This theme emphasizes the revelation of God's glory through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, aligning with the Greek concept of "glory" (δόξα, doxa) as divine majesty and honor. 5. The Light of the World Jesus declares Himself the light of the world in John 12:46, saying, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness." The theme of light versus darkness is central, with "light" (φῶς, phōs) symbolizing truth, purity, and divine revelation. 6. The Cost of Discipleship In John 12:25, Jesus teaches, "Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." This theme highlights the sacrificial nature of true discipleship, where following Christ may require forsaking worldly attachments. 7. The Sovereignty of God John 12:32-33 speaks of Jesus being "lifted up" to draw all people to Himself, indicating God's sovereign plan for salvation through the crucifixion. The Greek word for "lifted up" (ὑψωθῆναι, hypsōthēnai) conveys both physical elevation and exaltation, pointing to Jesus' ultimate victory. 8. Judgment and Salvation Jesus states in John 12:47, "I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world." This theme contrasts judgment with salvation, emphasizing Jesus' mission to offer redemption and the opportunity for eternal life to all who believe. Answering Tough Questions 1. In John 12:3, how is it scientifically plausible that the fragrance from a single jar of perfume filled the entire house? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Mary's anointing of Jesus reflect her understanding of His impending death and her devotion to Him? 2. How does Judas' objection to Mary's act reveal his character and priorities? 3. What does the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem reveal about the crowd's expectations of Him? 4. How does Jesus' response to the Greeks wanting to see Him reflect His understanding of His mission? 5. How does the metaphor of the grain of wheat enhance your understanding of Jesus' death and its impact on humanity? 6. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of Jesus' attitude toward His impending death? 7. What insights do you gain from Jesus' call to hate life in this world in order to gain eternal life? 8. How does the voice from heaven during Jesus' discourse add to the divine confirmation of His mission? 9. How does the crowd's reaction to the voice from heaven reveal their spiritual understanding? 10. Despite witnessing many signs, why do you think the Jews did not believe in Jesus? 11. How does Jesus' proclamation in verses 44-50 clarify His mission of salvation and judgment? 12. How can Mary's act of anointing Jesus inspire your own expressions of love and devotion to Jesus? 13. How does Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem contrast with the humble nature of His mission? 14. How can Jesus' teachings on serving and following Him in this chapter shape your understanding of Christian discipleship? 15. What personal implications do you draw from Jesus' teaching about walking in the light? 16. How does Jesus' prediction of His death resonate with you in light of the knowledge of His resurrection? 17. How does Jesus' distinction between His words of salvation and judgment challenge common perceptions about His mission? 18. How does Jesus' comparison of His followers to grains of wheat inform your understanding of sacrifice and fruitfulness in the Christian life? 19. In what ways does this chapter encourage you to respond to Jesus' teachings and signs in faith? 20. Reflect on the entire chapter. How does this journey from Bethany to Jerusalem deepen your understanding of Jesus' love, sacrifice, and divine mission? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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