October 18, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 12
1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.
2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.
3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,
5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?
6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.
7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.
8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
9 Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.
10 But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;
11 Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt.
16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
21 The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
22 Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
33 This he said, signifying what death he should die.
34 The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?
35 Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.
36 While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
John 12 marks a critical phase in the life of Jesus, shortly before his crucifixion. This chapter highlights both moments of deep worship and the growing opposition against Jesus. It begins with the anointing of Jesus in Bethany, continues with his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and concludes with important teachings about faith and the impending judgment. John 12 demonstrates the tension between the revelation of Jesus’ glory and the ongoing rejection by many of his listeners.
Commentary
John 12 combines worship, prophecy, and the inevitable approach of Jesus’ crucifixion. The anointing in Bethany is a symbolic act of preparation for Jesus’ death and reveals Mary’s deep understanding of the sacrifice Jesus would make. This scene contrasts with Judas’ materialistic thinking, illustrating how differently people respond to Jesus.
The entry into Jerusalem underscores the tension between the people’s Messianic expectations and Jesus’ true mission. While the people celebrate Jesus as a political liberator, they fail to see that his kingdom is spiritual and will be consummated through death. The metaphor of the grain of wheat indicates that Jesus’ death is not the end but the beginning of new life that will bear abundant fruit.
A central theme in this chapter is the division between belief and unbelief. Despite the many signs Jesus has performed, many people refuse to believe, which John explains through the prophecy of Isaiah. This hardening of the heart points to the tragedy that even in the face of truth, many choose not to accept it.
Jesus’ final words emphasize the life-saving potential of his work: He is the light that dispels darkness. However, his words also serve as a warning: those who reject him will ultimately be judged by this rejection. In this sense, John 12 presents the final opportunity to choose the light over darkness.
Summary
The chapter begins with a special event: Mary anoints Jesus in Bethany, which Judas Iscariot criticizes as wasteful. Jesus defends Mary and points out that her act prophetically signifies his burial. Shortly after, Jesus makes a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where he is received as a king by an enthusiastic crowd. In doing so, he fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Jesus speaks of his impending glorification through death and uses the metaphor of the grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit. He emphasizes that true life is gained only through devotion to God, while self-love leads to destruction. Amid these profound statements, a heavenly voice declares the confirmation of the divine plan.
Despite the many miracles Jesus performs, not everyone believes in him. John quotes the prophet Isaiah to explain that many hearts are hardened. Nevertheless, there are also some of the leading Jews who believe in Jesus but remain silent out of fear of the Pharisees.
The chapter concludes with Jesus’ statement that he has come into the world as the light to lead people out of darkness. He emphasizes that his mission comes from God and that his words signify eternal life.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 70—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on John 12:20-42.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 70 deals with the Parable of the Great Judgment, in which Jesus describes how He will separate people into two groups at His second coming: the “sheep” on the right and the “goats” on the left. Each person’s eternal destiny is not judged based on the size or significance of their actions, but rather on the mercy they have shown toward the “least brothers”—the needy. It is about practical love that serves Christ Himself in the service of fellow human beings.
Commentary
This parable illustrates a central message of Jesus: that the true signs of faith lie in practical mercy and care for those in need. Jesus makes it clear that people will be judged by their actions toward the weakest and most needy. He identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick, and imprisoned, explaining that every act of kindness given to these individuals is considered a service to Himself.
It becomes evident that theological knowledge or status is not the primary focus, but rather the heart of service and humanity. Those who act spontaneously and lovingly will be rewarded, while those who live selfishly and ignore the plight of others will be condemned. The surprising reaction of the righteous, who did not even know that they were serving Jesus, demonstrates that genuine neighborly love comes from the heart and does not seek recognition.
The parable also serves as a challenge to those who live in prosperity. Jesus points out that wealth brings responsibility and that God expects the rich to care for the needy. Yet all too often, the wealthy remain selfish and isolate themselves from the suffering of the poor.
Summary
Chapter 70, based on Matthew 25:31-46, shows that people’s eternal fate depends on their practical love and mercy toward the needy. Jesus identifies Himself with the weakest and explains that every service to them is a service to Himself. This parable calls Christians to live out Christ’s love in their daily lives by helping the needy and demonstrating true discipleship through their mercy. Love for one’s neighbor is presented here as the most important sign of a living faith.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 71—A Servant of Servants
This chapter is based on Luke 22:7-18, 24; John 13:1-17.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 71 describes the last evening of Jesus with His disciples before His death. During the final Passover meal, Jesus reveals to His disciples through a humble act what true greatness in serving others entails. The chapter focuses on the foot washing as an example of humility and selfless service that Jesus has left to His followers. The scene unfolds in an atmosphere of sorrow, as Jesus is aware of His impending sacrifice.
Commentary
The Last Supper and the Foot Washing (Chapter 71)
In the upper room of a house in Jerusalem, Jesus prepared to celebrate the Passover with His disciples. He knew that His time had come and that He would be the true sacrificial lamb. On this pivotal night, He wanted to teach His disciples what true greatness and discipleship mean. While the disciples continued to argue about their own positions and superiority, Jesus decided to provide them with a powerful example of humility and love. Instead of preaching about their faults, He washed their feet, a task typically reserved for a servant. This act demonstrated that true leadership and greatness lie not in being served but in serving others.
The foot washing became a symbol of the cleansing of the heart. Although the disciples were physically cleansed, they still needed spiritual purification from pride, jealousy, and discord. Peter, who was initially horrified when Jesus attempted to wash his feet, later understood the deeper meaning of this act: it was about the inner cleansing that only Jesus can provide.
Jesus used this moment to make it clear to the disciples that true discipleship involves serving others, just as He did. Through His service, He set an example for them to follow: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Jesus taught that humility, love, and selflessness are the keys to true fellowship and discipleship.
Summary
Chapter 71 deals with the last evening of Jesus with His disciples, during which He provides them with a lasting example of humility and service through the foot washing. Jesus demonstrates that true greatness does not lie in power or position but in selfless service to others. This lesson, conveyed through His act of foot washing, becomes a fundamental teaching of Christian life: “By love, serve one another.” Jesus’ example encourages us to open our hearts to His cleansing grace and to serve our fellow human beings with love and humility.
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