John 12 - Africa Study Bible

Check Your Motives • John 12:1-6

An action that seems to be good can be wrong if the motives are evil. Judas suggested selling Mary’s perfume and giving the money to the poor. It seemed like a good idea, but what was his actual motive? He wanted some of the money for himself.

What is your motive for doing good works? We have many great projects—projects that educate children, reduce poverty, meet the needs of widows, help the sick, and protect the environment. It is good to become involved in these social ministries, but think about your motives. Are you involved because of your interest in others, or are you planning what you will get out of it? When the HIV and AIDS crisis overwhelmed Africa, many people rushed to create new agencies to help. However, many of these were more interested in the foreign aid money that was flooding into Africa than they were in helping prevent the spread of the disease or supporting those who were affected by it.

Mary’s actions came from a pure and selfless love for her Lord. Her perfume cost three hundred days’ wages. Her hair represented her beauty and was treasured. Feet were usually dirty from walking, and washing feet was a job for servants. When Mary poured the expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and used her hair to wipe it away, she showed that everything she valued or treasured was nothing compared to her love for Jesus. This was because of what Jesus had done for her. This was Mary’s way of expressing her thankfulness and total love for Jesus.

How can you show your love for Jesus? Let us share our concern for others out of a pure heart and not from mixed motives.

Leave It to God • John 12:37-43

This is one of the most sombre passages in the Gospel. It gives a summary of Jesus’ ministry up to this point. After all the miracles that Jesus did, many people did not believe in him. Others were afraid to confess their faith for fear that they would be expelled from the synagogue.

We should not expect everyone to accept the gospel when we present it. If some people rejected Jesus in person, we should not be surprised if people today do not accept God’s message. Our responsibility is to present and live out the gospel. We leave the result to the people who listen to us and to God.

Jesus Is God • John 12:44-50

Some people want to say that Jesus was nothing more than a great teacher. The problem is, Jesus did not leave us that option. In several chapters here in John, he makes it very clear that he is God. In John 10:30 he says, “The Father and I are one.” In John 12:45 he says, “When you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me.” Jesus explains that accepting him is accepting God, and rejecting him is rejecting God.

It cannot be more clear. Many world religions claim to worship God but deny that Jesus is God. When they deny what Jesus said, they are actually denying God.

Such people may not receive judgement now, but the words of Jesus that they have rejected will be used against them on judgement day. Many people believe in a judgement day but do not take the words of Jesus as the standard for how they will be judged. Jesus’ truth will be the standard of judgement. Jesus not only shows us the way to God, but he is also our lawyer before God’s throne. What decision have you made about Jesus? Your relationship with Jesus will determine if you share eternity in fellowship with him.

Bring your emotions to the feet of Jesus. He understands how you feel because he had many of the same feelings. If he could weep, so can we.