John 12: The Anointed King
From Anointing to Triumph: The Journey to the Cross in the Gospel of John
John Chapter 12
The Anointing at Bethany
Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.
Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
Then Judas the Iscariot, one [of] his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said,
“Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?”
He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag and used to steal the contributions.
So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
The Entry into Jerusalem
[The] large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of Jesus, but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too,
because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.
On the next day, when the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
they took palm branches and went out to meet him, and cried out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, [even] the king of Israel.”
Jesus found an ass and sat upon it, as is written:
“Fear no more, O daughter Zion; see, your king comes, seated upon an ass’s colt.”
His disciples did not understand this at first, but when Jesus had been glorified they remembered that these things were written about him and that they had done this for him.
So the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from death continued to testify.
This was [also] why the crowd went to meet him, because they heard that he had done this sign.
So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the whole world has gone after him.”
The Coming of Jesus’ Hour
Now there were some Greeks among those who had come up to worship at the feast.
They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”
Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.
Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.
Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.
“I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour.
Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”
The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours.
Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.
And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. Then how can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”
Jesus said to them, “The light will be among you only a little while. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overcome you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of the light.” After he had said this, Jesus left and hid from them.
Unbelief and Belief among the Jews
Although he had performed so many signs in their presence they did not believe in him,
in order that the word which Isaiah the prophet spoke might be fulfilled: “Lord, who has believed our preaching, to whom has the might of the Lord been revealed?”
For this reason they could not believe, because again Isaiah said:
“He blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, so that they might not see with their eyes and understand with their heart and be converted, and I would heal them.”
Isaiah said this because he saw his glory and spoke about him.
Nevertheless, many, even among the authorities, believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they did not acknowledge it openly in order not to be expelled from the synagogue.
For they preferred human praise to the glory of God.
Recapitulation
Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me,
and whoever sees me sees the one who sent me.
I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
And if anyone hears my words and does not observe them, I do not condemn him, for I did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.
Whoever rejects me and does not accept my words has something to judge him: the word that I spoke, it will condemn him on the last day,
because I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and speak.
And I know that his commandment is eternal life. So what I say, I say as the Father told me.”
Commentary on John Chapter 12
The Anointing at Bethany: Mary’s anointing of Jesus’ feet with costly perfume is an act of devotion and foreshadows Jesus’ burial. Judas’ objection highlights his lack of understanding and ulterior motives. Jesus affirms the significance of Mary’s act in the context of his impending death.
The Entry into Jerusalem: Jesus’ triumphal entry fulfills Old Testament prophecy and marks the public acknowledgment of his messianic role. The crowd’s acclamation contrasts with the religious leaders’ hostility and foreshadows the coming conflict.
The Coming of Jesus’ Hour: Jesus speaks of his impending death as the moment of glorification. The metaphor of the grain of wheat illustrates the necessity of his death for the fruition of eternal life. Jesus’ troubled soul reflects his humanity, while his resolve to glorify the Father underscores his divine mission.
Unbelief and Belief: Despite Jesus’ signs, many remain unbelieving, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. Some authorities believe but fear public acknowledgment due to social and religious pressures. This section highlights the tension between human praise and divine glory.
Recapitulation: Jesus reiterates his unity with the Father and his mission as the light of the world. His words are both a source of salvation and a standard for judgment, emphasizing the importance of belief and obedience.
Catechism References for John Chapter 12
CCC 559: Discusses Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as the messianic fulfillment and the beginning of his Passion.
CCC 607: Reflects on Jesus’ acceptance of his Passion as the fulfillment of the Father’s will, highlighting his obedience and love.
CCC 728: Explores the revelation of Jesus’ mission and the role of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Jesus’ discourse about his glorification.
Applying John Chapter 12 to Daily Life
Devotion and Sacrifice: Like Mary, express your devotion to Jesus through acts of love and sacrifice. Consider how you can offer your time, talents, and resources in service to Christ and others.
Embrace Jesus’ Kingship: Acknowledge Jesus as the King of your life and strive to live according to his teachings. Reflect on how you can welcome him into your heart and home, just as the crowds welcomed him into Jerusalem.
Follow the Path of Sacrifice: Embrace the call to discipleship by following Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice. Reflect on areas where you can die to self and bear fruit for the kingdom of God.
Seek God’s Glory: Prioritize God’s glory over human praise. Examine areas where fear of others’ opinions may hinder your faith, and seek the courage to live authentically as a follower of Christ.
Action Plan
Reflect on Devotion and Sacrifice:
Read the account of Mary anointing Jesus' feet with expensive perfume (John 12:1-8).
Reflect on the depth of Mary's devotion and the significance of her sacrificial act of worship.
Consider how you can demonstrate your devotion to Jesus through acts of worship, service, or sacrifice in your own life.
Contemplate the Meaning of Jesus' Kingship:
Study the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where He is welcomed as a king (John 12:12-19).
Reflect on the nature of Jesus' kingship, which is characterized by humility and peace, contrasting with worldly expectations of power.
Think about how you can honor Jesus as King in your life, aligning your actions and priorities with His teachings and example.
Understand the Call to Follow and Serve:
Focus on Jesus' teaching about His impending death and the call to follow Him (John 12:23-26).
Reflect on the metaphor of a grain of wheat dying to produce many seeds, symbolizing sacrifice and fruitful living.
Identify ways you can follow Jesus' example by serving others and living a life that bears spiritual fruit, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
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