John

Lesson 12John 12:1 – John 12:50

At the end of John Chapter 10, we observed that Jesus "went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing..." This location is also known as Ephraim, and Jesus concludes his earthly ministry there. When he arrived , he was well received by many. In this lesson’s study, it is now the following spring; and, as we noted in our last lesson, Jesus has left Ephraim and traveled to Bethany on his way to Jerusalem for Passover.

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You will recall that Bethany, a village about an hour’s walk from Jerusalem, is where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and the mourners went back to Jerusalem to report all that Jesus had done. He now returns one final time, and he has been invited to a special dinner to honor him. Let’s pick up the story from there and read John Chapter 12.

Now consider the following:

  1. One of the reasons that we explore the "synoptic" gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) collectively is to give us a deeper picture than we would get in a single gospel. To demonstrate this, read Mark 14:1-11 and note exactly where the dinner for Jesus was held.
  2. John 12:3-8 is a passage that well known to most of us who study the Bible. I have seen and heard various estimates regarding how expensive the perfume was that Mary used on Jesus’ feet. Clearly, what matters more is that she had the means to acquire it and knew that washing Jesus’ feet was more important than the cost of the perfume. Why do you think that she thought this way? What does Jesus tell us concerning why she did this? (See also Mark 14:8.)
  3. We learn something else these verses (John 12:3-8) that will set the stage for Jesus’ betrayal in the next chapter. What does this passage tell us about Judas? What motivates him? What did the disciples know about him?
  4. We know that Jesus knew who Judas was and what Judas would do (i.e., betray him), so why did Jesus include Judas in his inner circle? What does this show us about God and those intending evil?
  5. Now we begin to see the importance of the mourners who first came to mourn the death of Lazarus and witness his resurrection. They had spread the news of the resurrection of Lazarus when it happened. Now, what is the result of this, as manifested at the evening dinner? (See John 12:9-11.)
  6. Now we move to the "Palm Sunday" arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem. Large crowds have gathered just outside the city with Palm Branches and are crying out "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel." Where do these large crowds come from, how would they know Jesus would be coming into the city right then, and how do they know that he is coming "in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel?" ( See John 12:12-18.)
  7. How did the Pharisees react when they saw that a large crowd was leaving the city to greet Jesus during his arrival? (See John 12:19.)
  8. In the remaining verses of John Chapter 12, Jesus teaches us about what it means to be a follower of Christ. Read John 12:27-36 and list what he teaches his disciples, and us, about following him. (See also 1 Peter 5:8 and Ephesians 6:11)
  9. In addition to observing Judas’ motives, we also see some other interesting motives among the believers in Jerusalem. What does the scripture tell us about the "authorities" who believed Jesus was the Messiah? What motivated their behavior? (See John 12:42-43.)
  10. John concludes Chapter 12 with more of Jesus’ revelations. Read John 12:44-50 and list the things that Jesus reveals about himself and the act of following him.

We are now at the point in our study where everything has been put in place for Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion. Again, as John has pointed out all through his Gospel account, everything is done according to God’s timing and His plan, not man’s.

In the next lesson, we will begin examining events around Jesus and his disciples during the last several hours leading up to his betrayal and arrest.

Let’s conclude this lesson by reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Not only do these verses apply to Jesus’ ministry, but also to our lives.

So, here’s praying that you have a blessed week!

In Christ,

Wes

[2018]

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