John 12:1-2 (WEL) Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, the one who died and whom he raised from the dead. 2 They made supper for him there, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.
Chapter summary:
Joseph Benson:
“Here,
(1) Mary, the sister of Lazarus, to the great vexation of Judas, anoints Jesus’s feet, John 12:1-8.
(2) The chief priests plot to murder both Christ and Lazarus, whom the people flocked to see, John 12:9-11.
(3) Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, riding on an ass, John 12:12-19.
(4) Upon occasion of some Greeks desiring to see him, he foretells his death; and its happy effects, in the conversion and salvation of multitudes, John 12:20-33.
(5) He warns the Jews to improve his presence and gospel, during the short time they should enjoy it, John 12:34-36.
(6) The Jews generally persist in their unbelief; many of the rulers, however, believing, but for fear of their brethren not owning him, John 12:37-43.
(7) Christ asserts his divine mission, John 12:44-50.”
V1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, the one who died and whom he raised from the dead.
Time is mentioned here because the writer, John the Apostle, was an eyewitness.
Jesus returns to Bethany from the Jericho area. The Jews still want to arrest and hand Jesus to the Roman governor so that Jesus would be condemned and killed.
Lazarus is identified as the Lazarus who died and was raised from death.
The joy of seeing Jesus must have been overwhelming.
V2 They made supper for him there, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.
Even though Jesus knew about the Jewish leaders wanting to arrest and kill him, He returns to Jerusalem for two main reasons: 1) attendance at the Passover is required by Mosaic Law and 2) He still had some ministry to do.
Mary’s anointed Jesus’s head and feet. This anointing perfume/ointment was very expensive, but showing love to her savior was worth it. It might have cost a year’s wage for a common laborer.
Principle: Would you give what is your most precious thing and give it to the Savior?
Mary knew from Jesus’s teaching that He was going to the Cross. This act of love and honor came while Jesus was still living on earth rather than waiting for a later time.
Principle: There is a time to honor people before they die rather than after.
As we will read, it is Judas who begins the disciples’ criticism. He knew how expensive this ointment was and wanted to sell it to give to the poor, while helping himself to some of the money. People kill for three main reasons—money, sex, and/or power/authority.
We learn:
- Jesus continues to minister, yet is cautious about dangers.
- Honor the living while you have opportunity.
Questions:
- Are you willing to suffer for Jesus, even die for His name?
- Do you honor and thank others for their service and ministry?