John 12 Part One (1 - 26)

John 12

1 - 8 Mary Anoints Jesus

At Martha and Mary's, 6 days before Passover, there's a dinner (Lazarus is there!). Mary anoints Jesus' feet and hair with a pound of expensive nard. Judas wants to know why it wasn't sold for money for the poor. Jesus says, "Leave her alon. She brought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me" (7-8)

9 - 11 The Plot to Kill Lazarus

The "Jews" plan to put Lazarus to death with Jesus since a lot of people are converting because he was raised from the dead.

12 - 19 Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

The next day a great crowd shows up to greet Jesus. John's the only gospel that mentions the palms. They sing Hosanna! which translates to "Save us! We beseech you!" He sits on a young donkey (to fulfill prophesy?)

20 - 26 Some Greeks Wish to See Jesus

Jesus doesn't see the Greeks though; he tells the disiples, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified . . . unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." I take this to mean (with the help of my notes) his mission can't be spread to the Gentiles without his having died and been resurrected first.

Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. My notes say this is the last publis dialogue in John and is focused on his impending death.