The Gospel of John: John 12.1-11

Read and meditate on John 12.1, 2.
Jesus returned to Bethany as He traveled to Jerusalem, stopping at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus for dinner. John will use this situation to prepare us further for the work whereby Jesus would be glorified.

                                                                ¹Then,
six days before the Passover began,
the Lord arrived at Bethany, where he
who had been dead, whom Jesus made to be
alive again, was living. ²They prepared
a supper for Him there, and Martha cared
for Him and other guests, and Lazarus sat
with Him at table.

- John 12.1, 2

Reflect
1.  Jesus made a point of stopping at the home of His friends, whom we have previously met. Was this simply a farewell visit, or was John using it to remind and prepare us? Explain. Complete this prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You not only visit me, but dwell in me! I rejoice and…

2.  Given that John names again all the parties who were involved central to the raising of Lazarus – Lazarus, Martha, and Mary (v. 3) – he seems to be using this event to reconnect us with the drama and purposes of the previous chapter. What were those purposes (Jn. 11.4, 15, 25, 40)? Jesus had been in the north country for a while, and now John felt the need to get us back on track by returning us to the place Jesus had been before He left. It’s good to revisit significant events in our lives with the Lord, don’t you think? Why? How can revisiting these events, especially in prayers, help us reconnect with the Lord’s purposes for our lives? Can you think of an example from your own life? Many times, Lord, many times You have reminded me that…

3.  We are “six days” before Passover, which means we are in Bethany with Jesus on Saturday, the Sabbath. The next day – the first day of the week – He would be declared the King of Israel (vv. 12, 13). Paul says that the resurrection, which was on the first day of the week, was the declaration in power that Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 1.4). Did Jesus plan to be heralded as the King of Israel on the first day of the week? Why? To what did this point forward?? Comment on Jesus’ timing here. Lord, You leave nothing to chance; You work everything according to the counsel of Your will (Eph. 1.11), and this includes…

4.  What do you make of John’s mention that Martha served while Lazarus sat at the table with Jesus? Why should we care about such details? What would have been the effect of this on “those who sat at table” with Jesus and Lazarus? Lord, let me hear from others the good work you have done for them, and let me learn from their example…

5.  Even this meal has significance. It is the last meal with these friends Jesus will enjoy, just as the supper in John 13 is the Last Supper He would have with His disciples. Here, oil would be poured on Jesus’ feet; in John 13 He will wash the disciples’ feet. Here the ambience is one of life and beauty and wonder; in that upper room, a different ambience will prevail. What do you think about the way John uses this meal in Bethany to create anticipation for events to come? Does such literary craftsmanship lend beauty and depth to his gospel? Explain. Bring together into one the prayers you composed for questions 1-4.

Summary
“Being sure of the glory of his resurrection, Jesus first came to Bethany, a town near Jerusalem, where Lazarus was, whom he had raised from the dead. Then he went to Jerusalem, where he himself was to suffer and rise from the dead. He went to Jerusalem so that he might die there, but to Bethany so that the raising up of Lazarus might be imprinted more deeply on the memory of all.” The Venerable Bede (672-735 AD)

Friend, don’t’ rush through reading the gospels, or any of Scripture, for that matter. Take your time. Ask lots of questions about all the details. Look for connections. Appreciate the gifts and style of each writer. Marvel at the master craftsmanship of the Holy Spirit. Feed on the Word, and let it bring joy and rejoicing to your heart (Jer. 15.16). What especially do you appreciate about these two verses?

Closing Prayer
Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered.
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire;
My ears You have opened.
Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require.
Then I said, “Behold, I come;
In the scroll of the book it is written of me.
I delight to do Your will, O my God,
And Your law is within my heart.”
I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness
In the great assembly;
Indeed, I do not restrain my lips,
O LORD, You Yourself know.

Psalm 40.5-9

Psalm 40.4-10 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord, You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare?  None with You can e’er compare.

Off’rings You do not require – open now my ears, O Lord –
What from me do You desire?  Firm delight to do Your Word.
Take my life in ev’ry part; write Your Law upon my heart

Lord, Your truth will I proclaim to Your people gathered ‘round,
Nor will I my lips restrain – let Your precious ways resound!
Of Your saving grace and Word I would speak, most loving Lord.
T. M. Moore

Men, God is calling you to pray. Watch this brief video, then seek the Lord about joining our Men at Prayer movement.

Improve your prayer life with our free, online course, Parameters of Prayer. Study at your own pace or with a friend. Read more and register by clicking here.

We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.