Week 12 – John chapter 12 Jesus’ Final Week: His Hour has Come

1. Read John 12:1-11 Mary anoints Jesus

a. How did Mary’s act express her extravagant love for Jesus? (John 12:2-3)

b. For personal reflection: Mary’s action was a demonstration in public of her devotion to Jesus. For Mary, taking this opportunity to express her love for Jesus was more compelling to her than her concern for the approval of others. How can Mary serve as an example for you? Can you identify situations in your life where you may have opportunity to demonstrate (perhaps less dramatically) your devotion to Jesus?

c. What do you learn about Judas from this account? (John 12:4-6)

d. What unexpected interpretation did Jesus give of Mary’s act? (John 12:7)

When Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, He proved that He is Lord of Life and victor over death. This glorious miracle did not soften the hearts of the Jewish authorities; rather, it hardened their resolve to kill Him.

Jesus had come to die for mankind, but He would die in His own timing, not theirs. The week before Passover was to be the last week before His death. Jesus traveled to Bethany to enjoy a dinner in His honor with Lazarus and his family. The dinner was interrupted by Mary’s startling act of devotion to Jesus.

Consider: Ø Attending to the feet of a guest was the job of the lowliest servant.

Ø Women kept their hair bound in public. Only a husband would see a woman’s hair let down.

2. Read John 12:12-19 Jesus rides into Jerusalem as King

a. As Jesus approached Jerusalem for the Passover, who did the welcoming crowds proclaim Him to be? (John 12:13)

b. How does Jesus’ manner of entering into Jerusalem for Passover fulfill Old Testament Scripture? What does it imply about who Jesus is? (John 12:14-15 and Zechariah 9:9-10)

3. Read John 12:20-26 Jesus’ victory comes through His death

a. At this time, Jesus proclaims that His “hour” has come. What do you learn about this “hour” from John 12:23 and John 12:32-33?

b. Jesus described the purpose of His imminent death with a figurative illustration from the field of agriculture. What does this illustration of a grain of wheat reveal about the purpose of His death? (John 12:24)

c. What astonishing challenge does Jesus give in John 12:25?

The people expected the promised Messiah to come as a warrior King and rescue them from the grip of Rome. Jesus is the promised King, but He has not come as a political savior; rather, He is a spiritual Savior. Jesus has come to bring salvation that rescues mankind from the grip of sin and death.

In John 12:25-26, Jesus makes application of the principle of the grain of wheat in the lives of Jesus’ followers. Just as Jesus gave His life to secure a great harvest; so also Jesus’ followers are to give over ownership of their lives in obedience to Him.

d. For deeper thought: How would you explain Jesus’ exhortation in practical terms?

What would it look like today for a person to “hate” her life and find satisfaction and eternal honor in serving Christ and his Kingdom? (John 12:26) [See also Colossians 3:1-10] Share your thoughts with your group.

e. What glad benefit will come to the one who makes Jesus and His kingdom the focus of life? (John 12:26)

4. Read John 12:27-36 Jesus’ death brings glory to God

a. Jesus faces unparalleled agony and spiritual darkness in His ordeal on the cross. Why does Jesus not ask God to save Him from this hour? (John 12:27)

b. What is the central focus of Jesus’ life? (John 12:28; see also John 8:29)

c. What is the eternal benefit for us of the death and resurrection of Jesus? (look back at John 3:14-15)

In John 12:25 Jesus makes reference to the person who “loves” his life in contrast to the person who “hates” his life. This love/hate contrast is a Hebrew idiom that is an intentional and purposeful exaggeration. It describes one’s foundational priorities. One who “loves” his life primarily seeks his own advantage and pleasure. One who “hates” his life chooses not to prioritize his own self-interest, but instead seeks the glory of Christ in the Kingdom of God.

d. Optional question--for deeper thought: How does Jesus’ death bring both justice and judgment (as well as mercy) on this world? (John 12:31-33; 1 Peter 2:24 and John 3:16-21)

e. For optional additional study: In John 12:31, Jesus proclaims that in the hour of His death, “the ruler of this world will be cast out.” Jesus is referring to Satan. What do you learn about Jesus’ victory over Satan from John 14:30-31 and John 16:7-11? [See also Colossians 1:13-14 and Hebrews 2:14-15]

f. Jesus offers a warning and an invitation to the gathered crowd of Jews. What is the warning? (John 12:35) What is the invitation? (John 12:36)

g. For personal reflection: Some of you have enjoyed a rich heritage of Christian teaching since childhood; others of you came to Christianity later in life. If you feel comfortable, share with your group about your experience of moving from spiritual darkness to spiritual light.

Jesus’ sacrificial death as the Lamb of God is imminent. It will be the hour of Jesus’ glory. It will be the turning point of history—the fullness of time when the Old Testament promises about the Messiah will be fulfilled (Galatians 4:4-5)

5. Read John 12:37-50 Israel refuses to believe in Jesus

a. Although some of the Jewish authorities did indeed believe in Jesus, they kept their faith a secret. Why? (John 12:42-43)

b. For personal reflection: Much of what we do and say is designed to gain the praise of our peers. How does this weakness rob us of the contentment and satisfaction we could be enjoying in our relationship with Christ?

c. In John 12:44-50 we have Jesus’ last public teaching. After this, He will be teaching His disciples privately in the final hours before He goes to the cross. In this final public speech, how does Jesus emphasize His unity with God the Father? (John 12:44-45,49)

d. What is the terrible consequence of continuing to reject Jesus? (John 12:48)

e. What is Jesus’ primary motivation for our welfare? (John 12:46,50)

f. For personal reflection: Take a moment to contemplate what Jesus is facing at this hour, what He will accomplish, and why He has chosen to do it. Write your thoughts here to share with your group.

Jesus’ death brings glory to God and salvation to mankind

Additional notes