John 12: The Anointed King

John 12 marks a transition in the Gospel of John, as it begins to focus on the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. The chapter opens with Jesus visiting Bethany, where Mary anoints His feet with expensive perfume, an act of devotion that foreshadows His burial. This event is followed by Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He is greeted by crowds waving palm branches and proclaiming Him as the King of Israel. Amidst these events, Jesus predicts His death, explaining that like a grain of wheat, He must die to produce much fruit, symbolizing the salvation that His sacrifice will bring. He also speaks about being "lifted up" to draw all people to Himself, indicating the manner of His death. The chapter concludes with a mixture of belief and unbelief among the people, as well as Jesus' final public appeal for faith, emphasizing His role as the light of the world and the urgency of accepting His message.