New Testament · John

John 12

King James Version · Study Bible

John 12 Biblical Illustration
Illustration: Dramatic cinematic biblical illustration for John Chapter 12 showing Christ's glory revealed, call to discipleship, photorealistic oil painting style.
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Grace Notes Journey Audio Narration

Author

John the Apostle

Written

~90-95 AD

Key Theme

Christ's glory revealed, call to discipleship

Setting

Bethany - six days before Passover

Key Verse

John 12:32

Total Verses

50

Chapter Introduction

*Six days before the Passover, Jesus entered Bethany—a quiet town where love and grief met. There He was anointed with costly spikenard, a fragrant reminder of His impending sacrifice and the depth of Mary's devotion. Even as Judas whispered about money, Jesus taught that true wealth lies in following Him and loving the poor. May this scene stir our hearts to worship Him with all we have, trusting in His lifting up for the world’s salvation.*

John — Chapter 12 — KJV
1

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

Simply PutSix days before the Passover (Greek "pascha", G2725), Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus—who had been dead—was raised (Greek "egeiro", G1158) to life. This shows that Jesus is the One who lifts us from hopelessness to new life.
2

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Simply PutA supper was made for Him, and Martha served while Lazarus sat at the table. In that simple gathering, we see a picture of Jesus sharing hospitality with those He has rescued from death.
3

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.

Simply PutMary took a pound of costly spikenard (Greek "chrisma", G1512), anointed His feet, and wiped them with her hair. Her fragrant devotion (the Greek "chrisma" means to anoint) honors Jesus as He comes nearer to His own sacrifice.
4

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,

Simply PutJudas Iscariot, Simon’s son, said he would betray Him (Greek "paradidomi", G2758). Even those closest to Jesus can be driven by selfish motives, a warning for anyone battling hidden greed.
5

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

Simply PutHe asked why the ointment wasn’t sold for three hundred denarii (Greek "denarios", G1325) and given to the poor. His question reveals a heart more concerned with wealth than with honoring Christ.
6

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Simply PutJesus saw that Judas was a thief, keeping the money bag and taking what was put into it (Greek "kleptēs", G3315). The real issue wasn't poverty, but the darkness of a heart already set on theft.
7

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

Simply PutJesus told them to leave Mary alone, for she had kept the ointment for the day of His burying (Greek "tafe", G4833). She was preparing her heart for the ultimate sacrifice He would soon make.
8

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Simply Put“The poor always you have with you,” Jesus said, meaning that material need is a constant reality. But “me ye have not always”—He emphasizes the unique, fleeting opportunity to experience Christ personally.
9

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.

Simply PutMany Jews knew He was there because they wanted to see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead. Their curiosity reflects how miracles draw people toward belief.
10

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

Simply PutThe chief priests (Greek "hiereis", G2456) plotted to put Lazarus to death. Their fear shows how the powers of this world try to silence any witness that strengthens Christ’s testimony.
11

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

Simply PutBecause many Jews believed in Jesus because of Lazarus, the religious leaders feared losing their influence. The Greek word for belief (G4100) underscores that faith in Christ is a threat to those who oppose Him.
12

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

Simply PutThe next day, many people came to the feast after hearing Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. Their gathering reflects a hunger for a leader amidst the festival of Passover.
13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Simply PutThey took palm branches, met Him, and shouted “Hosanna” (Greek "hosanná", G5588), meaning “save us.” Their cry of “Blessed is the King of Israel” reveals a deep longing for divine salvation.
14

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

Simply PutJesus found a young ass (Greek "assos", G276) and sat on it, fulfilling Scripture. This humble entrance shows the coming King of peace, not a conquering warlord.
15

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.

Simply Put“Fear not, daughter of Zion,” (Greek "mē phobēthēs", G5616) He said, “Behold, your King is coming.” The promise of peace and salvation arrives with the simplicity of a colt’s stride.
16

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.

17

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

18

For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

19

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

20

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

21

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

22

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

23

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

25

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

26

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

27

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

28

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

29

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

30

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

31

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Simply PutThe Greek word for "judgment," ÎșÏÎŻÏƒÎčς (G2889), means a decisive verdict. Jesus tells us that right now, the cosmic courtroom is in session: the ruler of this world—Satan—will be cast out forever.
32

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Simply PutThe phrase "lifted up," áœ‘ÏˆÎżáżŠÏƒÎžÎ±Îč (G5270), points to a physical raising that also carries spiritual meaning. When Jesus says He will be lifted up from the earth, He is foretelling His crucifixion, which will become a magnet drawing every person toward Him.
33

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

Simply PutHere the Greek verb ΎΔÎčÎșΜυΌÎč (G1165), to signify, tells us that Jesus is pointing beyond His words to the reality of His death. It’s not a vague statement; it is a concrete sign that He must die to fulfill God's plan.
34

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?

Simply PutThe people reference the "law" and the term "Christ," ΧρÎčστός (G5547), meaning "the Anointed One." They are baffled: the Scriptures say the Messiah will reign forever, yet Jesus talks about being lifted up—who is this "Son of man"?
35

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.

Simply PutLight, Ï†áż¶Ï‚ (G5457), represents truth and life. Jesus warns that the light is fleeting; if you walk while you have it, you will not stumble into darkness where direction is lost.
36

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.

Simply PutTo "believe," πÎčστΔύω (G4100), means to trust deeply. While the light shines, believe in it so you become children of light—people shaped by truth rather than shadows.
37

But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

Simply PutThough Jesus performed countless miracles, many still did not trust Him. The signs were there, but the heart was closed to receiving them.
38

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?

Simply PutIsaiah (ጚσαΐας, G2963) asked who truly believes the prophet’s message. The verse challenges us: do we trust only our own eyes, or also the revealed power of God's arm?
39

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

Simply PutThe people’s unbelief continues because Isaiah warned that they would not recognize the truth. Their hearts were locked, making belief impossible.
40

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.

Simply PutThe Greek words Ï„Ï…Ï†Î»ÎżáżŠÏƒÎčΜ (G5150) and σÎșÎ»Î·ÏÏÎœÎżÏ…ÏƒÎčΜ (G4554)—blinding and hardening—describe how God prevented them from seeing the light of truth so they wouldn’t turn back to Him.
41

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Simply PutIsaiah spoke these words when he saw God’s glory, anticipating the coming Messiah. He was looking ahead to Christ's divine presence.
42

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:

Simply PutEven many leaders believed in Him, but the Pharisees’ influence kept them from openly confessing. Fear of losing their place in the synagogue silenced true belief.
43

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Simply PutThe people loved human applause more than God's approval. Their desire for social status eclipsed their devotion to the divine.
44

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

Simply PutJesus declares that believing in Him is actually trusting the One who sent Him. Our faith isn’t just about Jesus; it’s about aligning with God the Father.
45

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

Simply PutSeeing Jesus is equivalent to seeing the One who sent Him. When we look at Christ, we catch a glimpse of God’s own character and purpose.
46

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

Simply PutI have come into the world as a light (Greek phƍs, G5455), that anyone who believes in me should not stay in darkness (Greek skotia, G4595). For those feeling lost or burdened by sin, this light is a steady beacon that leads them out of confusion and into clear sight.
47

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Simply PutIf any man hears my words but does not believe, I do not judge him (Greek krino, G2822); I came to save the world, not to condemn it (Greek soriizo, G4984). Even in doubt or pain, you are not being judged by the moment you lack faith; instead, Jesus offers a chance for rescue and restoration.
48

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

Simply PutHe who rejects me (Greek apokrinó, G669) and does not receive my words will have one who judges him: the word I have spoken (Greek logos, G3056) shall judge him on the last day. In moments of hunger for truth, remember that the very message spoken by Christ carries eternal weight—its authority will decide all.
49

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

Simply PutI have not spoken of myself; rather, the Father who sent me (Greek apostello, G652) gave me a commandment (Greek entolē, G1730), telling me what to say and speak. When you hear the gospel, know that it is not a human opinion but a divine instruction from the Creator.
50

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

Simply PutI know that His commandment is life everlasting (Greek zoē, G2222; aionios, G1501); whatever I speak is precisely what the Father told me to say. So in your deepest longing for purpose, trust that Jesus’s words are the very path to eternal life.
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✦ Cross-References

John 11:43-44This passage recounts the raising of Lazarus, directly linking to John 12:1's reference to Lazarus having been dead and restored by Jesus.
Luke 7:36-38The anointing of a sinful woman's feet mirrors Mary's costly act in John 12:3, highlighting the theme of devotion over ritual.
Matthew 26:14-16These verses detail Judas Iscariot's agreement to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, illuminating the motives behind his objection in John 12:5-6.
Matthew 26:19This verse records Jesus dining with the twelve disciples, providing context for John 12:2's mention of Lazarus sitting at the table with Him.

Reflect

What is one concrete way you can serve Jesus today—through work, relationships, or daily choices—that reflects His presence in your life right now?