John 12 - NIV Quest Study Bible

All four Gospels have an account of a woman anointing Jesus. John’s account seems to tell of the same incident recorded in Matthew 26:6 – 13and Mark 14:3 – 9, while the account in Luke 7:37 – 39is different.Hospitality in those days called for washing the feet, but not pouring perfume on them. Washing travelers’ feet after they had walked on hot, dusty roads in sandals soothed and freshened their feet for their visit. It was also customary to anoint an honored guest’s head — not the feet — with perfume. Mary (and another woman on a different occasionsee ; Lk 7:37 – 39) anointed Jesus’ feet perhaps because she felt unworthy to anoint his head. Mary’s act of devotion also showed her humility, for it was a servant’s work to attend to the feet. In both cases, the women recognized Jesus’ righteous nature in contrast to their own sinfulness, and they sought his forgiveness.Very expensive. It was likely imported from outside the region (perhaps from India). John noted that it was pure nard (v. 3), which gave it added value. Judas complained about Mary’s extravagant waste (vv. 4 – 5) because the nard’s value was probably equivalent to the annual income of a laborer.It was not uncommon for family or friends to spend enormous sums of money on strong perfumes and spices to mask the odor of a decaying body. Knowing he was facing death soon, Jesus saw a parallel between that custom and what Mary had done. He saw her act of love and devotion as a pre-anointing of his body for his burial. He defended her actions by reminding them of his approaching death.Jesus was not being calloused or indifferent toward the needy. He was simply saying that there was little time left for his followers to express their love for him. They could and should always help the poor, but the expenditure was justified on this occasion because Jesus’ time was so short. See Why did Jesus endorse such extravagance? (Mt 26:10).See Matthew 21:4 – 9Mark 11:7 – 10Luke 19:35 – 38.Jesus, at the climax of his ministry, was making a very public statement about who he is: the Son of David, the King of kings, the conqueror of sin and sickness. Conquering generals at that time were given a “triumphal entry” on their return to their home city.Palm branches were often waved during times of celebration and victory (Lev 23:40; Ps 118:26 – 27). The procession caused the city, crowded with people for Passover, to consider Jesus’ claims. See Why carpet the road with cloaks? (Lk 19:36).Donkeys or mules were often associated with leaders (Jdg 10:4; 1Ki 1:33). By riding this young colt, however, Jesus demonstrated his humility and gentleness. He also fulfilled one of the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah (Zec 9:9). See Why have a king on a donkey instead of a warhorse? (Zec 9:9 – 10).Why did Jesus seem to evade the Greeks’ request and instead begin another teaching discourse? There are two possible explanations: (1) Greeks were known for their interest in exploring novel philosophies and new ideas. It’s possible their desire to see Jesus was motivated more by intellectual curiosity than spiritual hunger. (2) More likely, Jesus saw this request from Gentiles as a signal. The hour of his mission as the Savior of the world was coming to a climax. He would now devote his full attention to the task ahead — dying to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity.Yes and no. The death of Jesus was a substitutionary, atoning death; the death of his followers isn’t. Jesus died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God (Ro 6:10). So also the believer must die to sin and self and live to God, that is, for God’s glory.This is a title for Satan. Jesus defeated Satan at the cross (Col 2:15; 1Jn 3:8). Though Satan is still active, his time is short (Rev 12:12). In the age to come, Satan will be powerless and confined forever under judgment (Rev 20:7 – 10). See Why was Jesus’ time limited if Satan had no hold over him? (Jn 14:30).Jesus’ death on the cross opened the door of salvation not just for Jews but for all people, regardless of nationality, ethnic affiliation or status.As Jesus’ public ministry drew to a close, so did the opportunity for the Jews to accept him as the Messiah. He may have hidden from them to underscore what he had just told them: soon the light would be taken from them.Though we cannot understand everything about God’s purposes, the Bible teaches that God’s judgments are just (Dt 32:4). God’s actions are consistent with the choices people make. Here, the people were unable to believe following their unwillingness to believe (Jn 12:37). Because they refused to believe in Jesus, God hardened their hearts (v. 40). See the article Why does God harden some people’s hearts? (Ex 11:10).