John 12:1-2
Luke and Matthew also wrote of the anointing of Jesus. There are some differences:
- John – At Lazarus’s house, Mary anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair.
- Mark – At the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany, an anonymous woman broke an alabaster flask of Spikenard. She poured it on the head of Jesus.
- Matthew – At the home of Simon the leper in Bethany, an anonymous woman broke an alabaster flask of oil. She poured it on His head.
- Luke – Jesus dined at a Pharisees house and a woman of the city who was a sinner brought an alabaster flsk. She washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair and anointed them.
Are these all the same account? There are more similarities than differences. Could Simon the Leper have been a Pharisee? Was he the owner of the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus? If so, the home would have been unclean. This might account for why Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were all unmarried adults. If these are all connected, then Jesus was having dinner with Simon the former leper (and probably former Pharisee), with Lazarus the former dead guy, and Mary a former sinner (prostitute) at the table. They weren't lacking for topics of conversation.
I wonder if Lazarus still had a funny smell about him? Did he still have the scent of spices and myrrh from his graveclothes?
The town of Bethany was now known as the town of Lazarus, the one who had been raised from the dead. Word had spread of Jesus raising him to life.
As the cross neared, the schedule became more pronounced and important. Six days before Passover would likely be pointing us to Sunday, the beginning of the passion week. Remember the Jewish accounting of days. At sunset, a new day began.
Jesus was the guest of honor. He would have been at the head of the table (triclinium) reclining on pillows with his feet away from him. It was customary to anoint the heads of important guests. Only water would be provided for the feet though. A married woman would never let her hair down and do such a thing, even the guest of honor. Even an unmarried woman using her this way would have raised eyebrows and been spoken of in the grapevine.
Nard was made from a root imported from Nepal at the time. It was used to make perfume. It was valued at a year’s wages for a common laborer. In the other accounts, the nard was sealed in an alabaster flask. Alabaster is a mineral that is translucent or white and veined or marbled with other colors. Once the flask was broken, the nard had to be used. It would lose its scent in just a short time. To have a flask of oil of this value indicates either some wealth in the family or an inheritance from parents or grandparents. Some think it may have been her dowry, her gift to her husband.
Mary opened this pure nard and poured it on the feet of Jesus. Tending to the feet of another was the lowest of positions. Mary put herself at the feet of Jesus. She worshiped Him and wiped His feet with her hair. There was nothing normal about this scenario. It was provocative, but it shouldn't be viewed as something sexual or lustful at all. There was nothing normal about Jesus. He wasn’t just another guest, celebrity, or Rabbi. He was the King, Lord, and Savior. Mary stooped and humbled herself and gave the most precious things she had: her wealth, heart, and love.
The other gospels reveal she also poured it on His head. This would have been the normal way someone was anointed
John 12:4-6
The thought of a hundred denarii would be great wealth to most of the disciples who had no wealth. Matthew was probably the only one who had ever dealt with this kind of money. What would you think of someone who just poured out perfume to worship Jesus worth a year’s wages?
While John focuses on the response of Judas it seems that others must have agreed with him. He may have been the ringleader in this case but the other gospel accounts say the others were in agreement.
As the treasurer, Judas objected to this because this could have been sold and the money used for a better cause. At the time this may have sounded like a legitimate complaint, even to John. However, when writing the gospel, John had full knowledge of the motive of Judas and had no problem calling him a thief. Judas had them all fooled, except Jesus. Incidentally, Judas sold Jesus for 120 denarii.
It was common for rabbis to delegate the financial concerns to one of the disciples. Only those of the most trusted virtue would be chosen to manage their funds. This makes the treachery of Judas all the more scandalous!
John 12:7-8
Whatever the source of the nard of great wealth had originally been, Mary decided it was for that day. Jesus silenced the disciple’s rebuke and said she kept it for His burial. The disciples must have wondered why Jesus was talking about burial. This was an incredible act of worship and reverence. Her offering was of great cost and was a testimony of her humble devotion to Him.
The poor would always be around. Their time with Jesus was very limited. He would not be with them much longer. There would be many more opportunities to help the poor. The opportunities to worship Jesus in this way and love Him in this way were limited. He was about to express the love of God to all the world.
Jesus wasn’t downplaying the care for the poor, but elevating the idea of His death above that work. The care for the poor is an allusion to Deuteronomy.
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Judas was neither interested in the poor nor was he interested in the things of the Lord. There would never be a better or more appropriate time to worship Jesus, and to offer their best than right then while He was with them.
We don’t have the opportunity to show this kind of personal devotion to the Lord in the same way. But, if we did, what would it be worth? Would your humble devotion look something like this? How much would you be willing to spend? What would you give?
Can spending our money and using the resources God gave us to honor Him and show our devotion to Him ever be considered a waste? Does it ever become a stewardship issue? You have to answer that for yourself.
John 12:9-11
A crowd came to see Jesus and Lazarus. Lazarus was dangerous since he had been raised from the dead. Imagine the testimony he had. Everyone is speaking about him, yet we don't have one instance of him ever saying a single word.
John’s irony: those who receive life by Jesus’ death must die because of it; witnesses get martyred. That the religious leaders put out a contract on Lazarus is further irony. Irony was a common ancient literary device.
Keener, C. S. (1993).
The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament
(Jn 12:9–11). InterVarsity Press.
The chief priests (Sadducees) plotted to kill both Jesus and Lazarus. These are the guys running around making accusations about others breaking the law, yet, here they are plotting murder. They felt justified. They had made themselves, their system, and traditions authority and would go to great lengths to protect these institutions.
Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection and Lazarus was the guy running around as “living” proof. This threatened their power and damaged all that they were teaching.
John 12:12-13
Two multitudes were present. There was a great crowd of pilgrims there for the feasts of Passover (John 12:12). The other multitude was the crowd following Jesus as well as those who witnessed Lazarus's death and being raised again.
The crowd in Jerusalem heard that Jesus was coming. They had been looking for Him, expecting Him to make an appearance. With Palm branches, they made a path for Jesus to enter the city.
Those already present in Jerusalem typically welcomed pilgrims to the feast and strewed branches in their path. Palm branches were used at the Feast of Tabernacles but had to be brought from Jericho. They had been one of the nationalistic symbols of Judea since the days of the Maccabees, were consistently used to celebrate military victories and probably stirred some political messianic hopes among the people.
Keener, C. S. (1993).
The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament
(Jn 12:12–13). InterVarsity Press.
Hosanna means "save now". This blessing comes from Psalm 118 which is called a Hallel Psalm and was sung at the Passover feast. The words would be fresh upon their minds.
Save now, I pray, O Lord;
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. (Psalm 118:25-26)
The crowd proclaims Jesus King of Israel. They were likely thinking about Jesus coming to deliver them from their oppressors. In reality, He was coming to suffer and die. It wouldn’t look like a greater work to the crowd. Their expectations of Him would wither and they would go away as He was arrested and crucified.
John 12:14-15
The crowd may have noticed that Jesus didn’t enter on a horse or chariots. This was not a military parade. He entered meek and humbled, riding a donkey, fulfilling of the prophecy of Zechariah.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
This is the triumphal entry. Jesus allowed himself to be identified as the Messiah and called the King of Israel. The timing of the entry is foretold in the last verses of Daniel 9.
John 12:12-13
Two multitudes were present. There was a great crowd of pilgrims there for the feasts of Passover (John 12:12). The other multitude was the crowd following Jesus as well as those who witnessed Lazarus's death and being raised again.
The crowd in Jerusalem heard that Jesus was coming. They had been looking for Him, expecting Him to make an appearance. With Palm branches, they made a path for Jesus to enter the city.
A couple hundred years earlier, Simon Maccabee was welcomed with music and the waving of palm branches. He was a military victor having driven out the Syrian forces from Jerusalem. This became a holiday, Hanakuh or the Festival of Lights. Palm branches had become a national symbol.
Those already present in Jerusalem typically welcomed pilgrims to the feast and strewed branches in their path. Palm branches were used at the Feast of Tabernacles but had to be brought from Jericho. They had been one of the nationalistic symbols of Judea since the days of the Maccabees, were consistently used to celebrate military victories and probably stirred some political messianic hopes among the people.
Keener, C. S. (1993).
The IVP Bible background commentary: New Testament
(Jn 12:12–13). InterVarsity Press.
Hosanna means "save now". This blessing comes from Psalm 118 which is called a Hallel Psalm and was sung at the Passover feast. The words would be fresh upon their minds.
Save now, I pray, O Lord;
O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. (Psalm 118:25-26)
The crowd proclaimed Jesus to be King of Israel. They were likely thinking about Jesus coming to deliver them from their oppressors. In reality, He was coming to suffer and die. It wouldn’t look like a greater work to the crowd. Their expectations of Him would wither and they would go away as He was arrested and crucified.
John 12:14-15
The crowd may have noticed that Jesus didn’t enter on a horse or chariot. This was not a military parade. He entered meek and humbled, riding a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah.
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)
This is the triumphal entry. Jesus allowed himself to be identified as the Messiah and called the King of Israel. The timing of the entry is foretold in the last verses of Daniel 9.
Note:
Matthew tells of the healing of two blind men just before triumphal entry. He details how the disciples got the donkey for Jesus. “All the city was moved.” Immediately after, Jesus went and cleansed the temple.
Mark tells of the healing of blind Bartimaeus right be for the triumphal entry. He tells of the disciples getting the donkey. After the entry, Mark said Jesus went to the temple but it was late. He cursed the fig tree the next day and then came and cleansed the temple.
Luke has Jesus teaching the parable of the minas just before the entry. He also gives details on how the disciples apprehended the donkey. The Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke His disciples, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.” Jesus wept over the city. Luke said Jesus cleaned the temple after the triumphal entry.
John 12:16
In a parenthetical statement, John admits the disciples didn’t understand what was going on until Jesus was glorified. They thought he was finally going to come to power. They expected their king to rise to power and overthrow the Roman rule. The week started well but it wasn't going to end like they thought.
A Roman triumph was the equivalent of a ticker tape parade. It was for conquering generals who had defeated the enemy. A general would ride in the parade with all his army and even with his prisoners in tow. Everyone would throw flowers in the street and hail this great leader. The Romans had to be sitting back and laughing at this. These people hailed their king as he rode in on a donkey.
John 12:17-19
Notice the people groups.
- Some witnessed Lazarus being raised from death. They bore witness to Jesus’ power over death.
- Others heard this witness and were seeking him because of the sign.
- Then there were the Pharisees who were feeling threatened by Jesus.
Matthew wrote, “All the city was moved.” All three groups of folks were moved for different reasons. The important thing to note was that no one could ignore what was going on. Every person was brought to a place of decision.
The Pharisees saw the people following Jesus and declared, “The world has gone after Him!” The word for the world is “kosmos.” (John used this word 81 times, each of the other gospel writers used it less than ten.) It means the entire population of the world. This is another example of the irony of John. These religious leaders cursed themselves with the idea that they had accomplished nothing while the world went after Jesus. John knew what was happening wasn't a local thing, this was far-reaching across time and space. After all, it was John who wrote:
He was in the world (kosmos), and the world (kosmos) was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. (John 1:10)
Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (kosmos)! (John 1:29)
For God so loved the world (kosmos) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
John 12:20-22
Now, within the larger group of pilgrims, were some Greeks, who were Gentiles that had converted to Judaism. They wanted an appointment with Jesus so they approached Philip. Philip is a Greek name. He lived in Bethsaida and was near predominantly Gentile cities. It may have been easier for these Gentiles to approach him and ask such a thing.
John 12:23-26
Some consider this discourse of Jesus to be a rebuke to the Greeks.
The hour had come. The passion week was full of firsts and lasts. Nothing like this had ever happened, nor would it ever happen again. Across all of time and all of history, for all the past, present, and future, Jesus came to rescue mankind from their sin. The Son of Man must be “lifted up” like the serpent in the wilderness. This lifting up is exaltation. It was the love of God being displayed through the Son of God, for all of mankind. Exaltation was not crowned with a title and seated on a throne of men, it was to be spit upon, beaten, and having a crown of thorns jammed on His brow. It was being nailed to a cross and lifted up.
13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently;
He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high.
14 Just as many were astonished at you,
So His visage was marred more than any man,
And His form more than the sons of men;
15 So shall He sprinkle many nations.
Kings shall shut their mouths at Him;
For what had not been told them they shall see,
And what they had not heard they shall consider. (Isaiah 52:13-15)
For the single seed to produce much grain it had to die and fall to the ground. The value of a single grain was insubstantial compared to what it would produce when it was planted. Once put into the ground, it could produce much more grain. Jesus was that single grain that would become the firstfruits of mankind.
All around Jesus were sinful men and women. They valued their lives, possessions, jobs, education, wealth, heritage, religion, and more, all more than they valued a relationship with the Living God. If your life and will are more valuable to you than God’s will and plan for your life, you forfeit that life and relationship, both now and in eternity. The “hate” Jesus refers to is the love for the world relative to your love for God. It is to forfeit your usual wants and desires for the sake of God’s will. To forfeit your will now will bring an inheritance of God’s will for you across all eternity.
One doesn't just begin to follow Jesus. Following Him does nothing. Great multitudes came and went, following for healing, for bread, for a glimpse of a miracle. To be a true follower, one must hate his life in this world to keep it for the next. This is a hate for sin and a body of sin. It's a longing for redemption. The response to dying of self is then to serve Jesus, follow Jesus, and honor Him.
- Hate the world.
- Serve Jesus (devotion)
- Follow Him
- Be honored by the Father
Whether this is a rebuke to the Gentiles or not, it provides that personal test of discipleship. Are you a follower of Christ or just following Him when you want something or need something?
John 12:27-28
The humanity of Jesus is seen in His troubled soul. He has full knowledge of the cross before Him and the burden of sin. His flesh knows the danger. He is in distress and affliction. Even Jesus did not desire to suffer, but He desired to be obedient more. He desired to express the Love of God to the world. Part of Him wants to cry, “Save me!” That would be equal to loving self, loving this life. Jesus is surrendered to the will of the Father. He hates this life, sin, and death. His hate of this life equates to the love of the Father. His prayer is that the Father would glorify His name.
The voice of the Father from heaven confirms that the name of Yahweh had been glorified and would be again. His name was glorified through the testimony of Christ, through signs and wonders. He was glorified in a world that rejected the Son of God. Jesus walked the path of obedience, even when it was difficult, burdensome, or sorrowful. Yahweh would again be glorified when Jesus died for the sins of His people. God would confirm this and accept the offering by raising Jesus from the grave.
John 12:29-33
Some said it thundered while others said an angel spoke. Jewish tradition often discussed voices from heaven. A prophet was a voice from heaven. They believed God answered prayer by sending angels. Daniel knew of this (Daniel 10).
Can you imagine the people standing around trying to figure out if they really heard something or not? Jesus said the voice was for their benefit. He didn’t need to hear the audible voice of God to walk in obedience to His will. Like the signs and wonders He did, the voice was so that people would believe and come to know the Father through the Son.
Some only heard thunder. Not everyone had ears to hear. Their hearts were hard, necks stiff and ears closed. The same is true today. Jesus is calling to all who would receive Him but many refuse to hear.
Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world.” He came the first time to save, not judge the world. Those who refused to follow Jesus suffer in this life because they expose themselves to the rule of the devil. More importantly, they risk suffering for all of eternity because of judgment for their sins when this life is over. There is the intensity of a moment of decision as the cross looms before Him.
In Numbers 21, we see the Israelites die from the bite of the serpent. In the wilderness, they became discouraged and began to grumble and rebel against the Lord. The judgment was just and a result of sin. Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness and those who looked at it were saved from their judgment.
Likewise, the Son of Man must be lifted up. Those who look to Him and trust in Him for salvation from their sins will be saved. The ruler of this world is ultimately God, but the bible is clear that Satan is the prince of the power of the air, enthroned and empowered by sin and rebellion. Jesus foreshadows the day when Satan will be cast out. Sin will be conquered, death defeated.
The “if” of verse 32 is better understood as “when.” When Jesus is “lifted up” on the cross, He will be exalted in the heavens, glorifying God. From the suffering on the cross, He would open the way to draw all people to Himself.
As Jesus spoke of suffering and dying, imagine how that must have sounded to those around Him. He is promising deliverance and hope from suffering.
John 12:34-36
The people were confused. The law said that Christ was eternal.
The prophet Nathan delivered what we call the Davidic covenant. Within that he said:
“And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.” (2 Samual 7:15)
We often hear the words of Isaiah at Christmas. The Jews knew these words.
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Daniel also heard about this coming kingdom:
“Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom,
That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away,
And His kingdom the one
Which shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14)
They believed that the Christ will reign forever. Who is this Son of Man? This was a valid question for those who wanted to believe Jesus was their Messiah. Why was He talking about dying? He wasn’t talking like a messiah that would reign forever. They didn’t realize there was a time between His first coming and second coming. Even if He explained all these things to them ahead of time, they wouldn’t understand.
Jesus answered them by talking about the light being with them a little longer. He is the light of the world. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness doesn’t comprehend it. The dark was coming, the night was near.
The Dead Sea Scrolls contrast light and darkness, much like John. Light is good and dark is evil. There are children of the light and children of darkness. Those hearing Jesus would understand the light metaphor.
Those walking in darkness don’t know where they are going. We picture someone stumbling through the dark with their hands in front of them, trying not to run into something, trying not to stumble or walk off a cliff. The same is true for those who walk without God. They are trying to make their way through a spiritual world and spiritual existence without the tools of navigation. They are merely stumbling along, deceived, telling themselves it will all be okay. Tomorrow will be better, the ship will come in. They just need to try harder, work longer, and get lucky. When all along, they know, deep inside, that they need God. They need to walk as sons of light.
John 12:37-41
John told us that the Jews, in general, did not believe in Jesus. This was prophesied in Isaiah 53:1.
Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? (Isaiah 53:1)
Who would believe it? Jesus is the arm of the Lord, the display of Yahweh’s power and authority. He is the Word made flesh. John points to another Isaiah prophecy.
‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand;
Keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’
“Make the heart of this people dull,
And their ears heavy,
And shut their eyes;
Lest they see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart,
And return and be healed.” (Isaiah 6:1-10)
This passage comes from within Isaiah’s calling to be a prophet. He stood before the throne of God and was given this charge. The eyes of Israel were blinded and the hearts of God’s people were hardened.
Yet, among the Pharisees, Sadducees and chief priests were some who believed in Him. Many believed but they wouldn’t confess their faith (possibly Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea). Among the rulers of the world, some would hear and believe. Among the rulers of the synagogues, we see dissension. Some believed and some didn’t. From that day forth, there has been division.
However, within the division are those who love the praise of men more than God. They keep their faith secret because they are afraid of the cultural cost. There is no discipleship when faith is kept secret. Disciples serve, follow, and offer a sacrifice of great price.
John 12:44-50
Some believe this to be Jesus’ final message at the temple. Jesus attests that believing in Him is belief in the Father. You couldn’t have one without the other, they were inseparable. It was God the Father who sent Him. Looking upon Jesus was looking upon the Yahweh. These words would upset many. They had already picked up stones when He said something similar.
To believe in Jesus was to never walk in darkness again. This was as much a command as a promise. They should not walk in the darkness of the world for fear of men. Disciples must fear God only and abide in Jesus.
As Jesus stood before them, some believed. He wasn’t judging them. The words He spoke that would be used to judge were the Ten Commandments, the law of God. The law expresses God’s perfect righteousness. We quickly discover we can’t live up to that standard. That is why we need the salvation of Jesus. He came to save the world that was already under the condemnation of sin.
When Jesus left the temple for the last time that Tuesday afternoon.
©2005, 2009, 2013, 2023 Doug Ford
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