What is the meaning of John 12:4? But one of His disciples – The verse opens with a contrast: “But.” Something out of step with the worshipful scene in Bethany is about to surface. – “One of His disciples” tells us this interruption comes from inside the Lord’s closest circle, not from the skeptical Pharisees outside (cf. John 6:60-66, Acts 20:29-30). – Discipleship brings privilege—seeing miracles and hearing teachings firsthand—yet it also exposes motives. Proximity to Jesus alone does not equal loyalty (Matthew 7:21-23; John 6:70). – God’s Word flags that even in devoted communities apparent unity can be pierced by self-interest. Judas Iscariot – The Spirit names the individual: Judas, son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71). Scripture refuses to let betrayal hide behind anonymity. – Judas had been personally chosen (Mark 3:13-19), preached the kingdom, and witnessed the raising of Lazarus—proof that signs do not force faith (John 12:9-11). – His surname likely links him to Kerioth in Judah, making him the lone Judean among mostly Galilean apostles—an outsider who never fully aligned his heart (John 17:12). – Acts 1:16-18 later shows how his legacy stands as a sober warning: position without devotion ends in tragedy. who was going to betray Him – John writes with the omniscient hindsight of inspiration. Judas’s plot was already forming (John 12:6; 13:2). – Old Testament prophecy frames the event: “Even my close friend…has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9; cf. Zechariah 11:12-13). The betrayal is not an accident but part of God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23). – Yet Judas acts voluntarily; divine foreknowledge never cancels human responsibility (Matthew 26:24). – The phrase underscores Christ’s patient grace—He continues to include Judas at table and in ministry right up to the last night (John 13:21-30). asked, – The verb introduces the criticism that follows: “Why wasn’t this perfume sold…?” (John 12:5). His question masquerades as concern for the poor, but verse 6 exposes greed. – Hypocrisy often begins with pious-sounding inquiries (Isaiah 29:13; Mark 7:6-7). – Notice the ripple effect: Judas’s complaint spreads to other disciples in a parallel account (Matthew 26:8). One person’s discontent can seed wider misunderstanding when hearts are not guarded (Hebrews 12:15). – Jesus will respond by defending Mary’s act of worship, revealing that sincere devotion supersedes calculated utility (John 12:7-8). summary John 12:4 pauses the beautiful scene of Mary’s lavish anointing to spotlight a stark contrast. From within the circle of disciples, Judas—soon to betray the Lord—raises a question rooted in selfishness. The verse reminds us that: • Close association with Jesus does not guarantee a loyal heart. • God’s plan can incorporate human sin without endorsing it. • Hypocrisy often cloaks itself in respectable language. • True worship will always be challenged by pragmatism and hidden agendas. May we heed the warning embedded in Judas’s brief mention and pursue wholehearted devotion to the One he ultimately rejected. |
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