John Chapter 12
Many Jews believed that Jesus was the Christ after Lazarus was raised from the dead. Lazarus himself could now testify of the resurrecting power of Jesus. Can you imagine the testimony that man had. He knew what it was like to die and to be raised to life again.
This caused a problem for the Jewish leadership. Already they were threatened by the popularity of Jesus with the people; and now there was even more people following after Jesus since He had raised Lazarus from the dead. They saw the miracle as more of a “political move” rather than a divine miracle of God.
Let's Reflect
1. At a dinner where Lazarus and Jesus ate side by side with Martha serving the food, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume and wiped Jesus’ feet with her hair. Judas had a problem with this act. John tells us something about the character of Judas. What was it?
2. Jesus told Judas to leave her alone because she was pouring out the perfume in worship to Him. This act of worship was a symbol of anointing a loved one’s body that has died with perfumes to cover up the smell of decay. Whether Mary fully understood that Jesus was going to die, I don’t know, but Jesus wanted her to have this moment to look back on when He had passed from this world. It is kind of like the idea that we like to have the opportunity to say goodbye to someone before they pass. What did Jesus remind them about His time spent with them?
3. The chief priests have realized they have a problem on their hands. The crowds of people who are following after Jesus is growing larger and larger. Besides wanting to kill Jesus, who else did they decide they must also kill?
4. What title did the crowd of people assign to Jesus as He passed by them riding on a donkey?
5. Even Jesus’ own disciples did not understand all that was taking place. This confession would include the author of the book – John. When did they finally understand it all?
6. Jesus had said previously that His hour had not yet come. Now in verse 23 Jesus said that His hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified. What event took place that was a signal that it was time?
7. Jesus described to the people the true definition of being a disciple. He was about to die, and the people would not be able to physically follow Him around. What did Jesus say it means to be His disciple? See verses 25-26.
8. As Jesus prayed to the Father with thoughts about His death on the cross, He asked a rhetorical question “Father, (would you) save me from this hour?” How was the prayer of Jesus answered?
9. The people were certainly confused, they knew that the Messiah would remain forever and now He was telling them that He was going to die. What did Jesus tell the people they needed to do?
10. John quoted Old Testament prophecies that highlighted the unbelief of the people even when presented with miracles of Jesus. The judgement of unbelief is a hardened heart because they refused to see the truth. Sadly, there are many people today who have hardened hearts because they refuse to see the truth of the gospel. Keep in mind this was a decision they made in their heart – they were presented with the truth, and they refused, choosing to accept evil in their life. John is quick to point out that there were many who did believe. He even mentioned that there were some who held what position in life?
11. Jesus made a declaration that if a person is going to believe in Him, they also believe in whom?
12. Why did Jesus come into the world?
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