Mary's Act of Worship
John 12:3 describes Mary anointing Jesus' feet with a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume. This act of worship was both extravagant and humble, demonstrating her deep love and reverence for Jesus.

Judas' Reaction
In John 12:4-6, Judas Iscariot criticizes Mary's actions, revealing his own greed and misunderstanding of true worship. This contrast highlights the difference between genuine devotion and self-serving motives.

The Triumphal Entry
John 12:12-15 recounts Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. This event underscores Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and King.

Jesus Predicts His Death
In John 12:23-33, Jesus speaks about His impending death, using the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce many seeds. This teaching emphasizes the necessity of His sacrifice for the salvation of many.

The Call to Follow Jesus
John 12:25-26 challenges believers to prioritize eternal life over earthly life, encouraging us to serve and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.Evaluate Your Worship
Consider how you can express your love and devotion to Jesus in your daily life. Are there areas where you can be more extravagant in your worship?

Guard Against Selfish Motives
Reflect on your intentions in serving and giving. Are they aligned with God's purposes, or are they self-serving like Judas'?

Embrace Jesus as King
Acknowledge Jesus' lordship in every area of your life, submitting to His authority and following His example of humility and service.

Live Sacrificially
Be willing to lay down your own desires and ambitions for the sake of Christ and His kingdom, trusting that true life is found in Him.1. Jesus
Central figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as the Messiah and the Son of God. He is anointed by Mary, enters Jerusalem triumphantly, and speaks about His impending death.

2. Lazarus
Brother of Mary and Martha, whom Jesus raised from the dead. His presence at the dinner in Bethany draws many Jews to believe in Jesus.

3. Mary
Sister of Lazarus and Martha, she anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume and wipes them with her hair, demonstrating her devotion and foreshadowing His burial.

4. Martha
Sister of Lazarus and Mary, she serves at the dinner in Bethany, showing her hospitality and service.

5. Judas Iscariot
One of Jesus' disciples, he criticizes Mary for using expensive perfume, revealing his concern for money and foreshadowing his betrayal of Jesus.

6. The Disciples
Followers of Jesus who are present during the events of the chapter, including the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

7. The Chief Priests
Religious leaders who plot to kill Lazarus because many Jews are believing in Jesus on account of him.

8. The Crowd
The multitude that gathers for the Passover festival, some of whom witness Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and shout "Hosanna!"

9. The Greeks
Non-Jewish individuals who seek to see Jesus, indicating the broader reach of His message beyond the Jewish community.

10. Philip
One of Jesus' disciples, approached by the Greeks who wish to see Jesus. He consults with Andrew before bringing the request to Jesus.

11. Andrew
Another disciple of Jesus, who, along with Philip, brings the Greeks' request to Jesus.

12. Isaiah
The prophet is referenced by Jesus to explain the unbelief of the people, fulfilling the prophecy about the Messiah's rejection.1. Bethany
John 12:1: "Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead."
Bethany is a village near Jerusalem, known as the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. The Greek name Βηθανία (Bethania) suggests a place of figs or dates, indicating its agricultural nature.

2. Jerusalem
John 12:12: "The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem."
Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. The Greek Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma) reflects its status as a holy city.

3. The Mount of Olives
Implied in John 12:12-15, as Jesus' entry into Jerusalem traditionally involves traveling from the Mount of Olives.
This mount is east of Jerusalem and is significant in Jewish and Christian eschatology. The Greek Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν (Oros tōn Elaiōn) refers to its olive groves.1. Mary Anoints Jesus
Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrives in Bethany, where Mary anoints His feet with expensive perfume. Judas Iscariot questions the act, but Jesus defends Mary, saying, "Leave her alone; she was intended to keep this perfume for the day of My burial" (John 12:7).

2. The Plot to Kill Lazarus
The chief priests plot to kill Lazarus because many Jews are believing in Jesus on account of him. This highlights the growing tension and opposition to Jesus' ministry.

3. The Triumphal Entry
Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd greets Him with palm branches, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (John 12:13).

4. The Greeks Seek Jesus
Some Greeks who came to worship at the feast express a desire to see Jesus. This signifies the broader reach of Jesus' message beyond the Jewish community.

5. Jesus Predicts His Death
Jesus speaks about His impending death, using the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce much fruit. He says, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32).

6. The Voice from Heaven
A voice from heaven responds to Jesus, saying, "I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again" (John 12:28). The crowd is divided on whether it was thunder or an angel speaking.

7. Unbelief of the People
Despite the signs Jesus performed, many still do not believe in Him. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, highlighting the spiritual blindness and hardening of hearts.

8. Jesus' Final Public Appeal
Jesus makes a final public appeal, emphasizing belief in Him as belief in the Father. He declares, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness" (John 12:46). Worship and Devotion
Luke 7:36-50, where another woman anoints Jesus' feet, highlighting themes of forgiveness and love.

Prophecy Fulfilled
Zechariah 9:9, which is directly quoted in John 12:15, emphasizing Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

Sacrificial Living
Romans 12:1, which calls believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Pray for a Heart of Worship
Ask God to cultivate a heart that seeks to honor Him with genuine and extravagant worship.

Seek Purity of Motives
Pray for discernment to recognize and purify any selfish motives in your service to God and others.

Submit to Jesus' Lordship
Ask for the grace to fully submit to Jesus as King, allowing Him to reign in every aspect of your life.

Embrace Sacrificial Living
Pray for the courage and strength to live sacrificially, prioritizing God's kingdom over personal gain.

1. How does Mary's anointing of Jesus reflect her understanding of His impending death and her devotion to Him?

2. How does Judas' objection to Mary's act reveal his character and priorities?

3. What does the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem reveal about the crowd's expectations of Him?

4. How does Jesus' response to the Greeks wanting to see Him reflect His understanding of His mission?

5. How does the metaphor of the grain of wheat enhance your understanding of Jesus' death and its impact on humanity?

6. How does this chapter deepen your understanding of Jesus' attitude toward His impending death?

7. What insights do you gain from Jesus' call to hate life in this world in order to gain eternal life?

8. How does the voice from heaven during Jesus' discourse add to the divine confirmation of His mission?

9. How does the crowd's reaction to the voice from heaven reveal their spiritual understanding?

10. Despite witnessing many signs, why do you think the Jews did not believe in Jesus?

11. How does Jesus' proclamation in verses 44-50 clarify His mission of salvation and judgment?

12. How can Mary's act of anointing Jesus inspire your own expressions of love and devotion to Jesus?

13. How does Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem contrast with the humble nature of His mission?

14. How can Jesus' teachings on serving and following Him in this chapter shape your understanding of Christian discipleship?

15. What personal implications do you draw from Jesus' teaching about walking in the light?

16. How does Jesus' prediction of His death resonate with you in light of the knowledge of His resurrection?

17. How does Jesus' distinction between His words of salvation and judgment challenge common perceptions about His mission?

18. How does Jesus' comparison of His followers to grains of wheat inform your understanding of sacrifice and fruitfulness in the Christian life?

19. In what ways does this chapter encourage you to respond to Jesus' teachings and signs in faith?

20. Reflect on the entire chapter. How does this journey from Bethany to Jerusalem deepen your understanding of Jesus' love, sacrifice, and divine mission?