John 12: The Final Appeal and the Preparation for Burial
John 12 documents the transition from Jesus' public signs to His final week in Jerusalem, beginning with the extravagant anointing by Mary of Bethany. It articulates the Triumphal Entry where the people hail Him as King, even as Jesus explains that His path to glory is like a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit. This chapter concludes the public ministry of Jesus with a final warning to believe in the Light before the darkness of the Cross arrives.
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Contrast the earthly glory of the Triumphal Entry with the spiritual necessity of the Cross as Jesus prepares to be 'lifted up.' Begin your study with john 12 summary.
When Jesus says, 'If I be lifted up from the earth,' He is using a double-entendre that refers both to His exaltation as King and the physical act of being hung on a cross. The Word Secret is Kokkos, meaning a grain or kernel, illustrating the principle that life only comes through death. Discover the riches with john 12 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.
Unlock the hidden john 12 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.
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