The Bible Project Daily Podcast How Did that Happen? (John 12: 1-19)
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Study Notes:
How Did That Happen?
Text: John 12:1-19
Imagine living in a time before the New Testament was written, where the only scriptures were the Old Testament. There was no printing press, no mass media' To hear the Word of God, you had to go to the synagogue every Sabbath. In such a setting, suppose a visitor came to your village and told you that the Messiah promised in the Old Testament had arrived.
Today, we know this story well. But if you imagine hearing it for the first time, without any of the modern means of communication, the primary question would be: "Why did they want to kill Him?"
Let’s wind the clock back and explore this question together.
Anointing at Bethany
John 12:1-3 describes Jesus coming to Bethany six days before the Passover, where Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead, lived. A dinner was given in His honour. Mary took a pint of expensive perfume, poured it on Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
Judas’ Objection
John 12:4-6 describes Judas Iscariot objecting to this act, questioning why the perfume wasn't sold and the money given to the poor. John reveals Judas’ true motive: he was a thief who cared only for himself. His objection sounded pious but was rooted in greed.
Jesus' Response
John 12:7-8 records Jesus defending Mary, saying she did this in preparation for His burial. He emphasized that while the poor would always be present, He would not. A large crowd gathered, not just for Jesus but also to see Lazarus. This alarmed the chief priests, who then plotted to kill Lazarus as well.
Triumphal Entry
John 12:12-19 describes Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The crowd took palm branches and greeted Him with shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" This spontaneous act acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, the Conqueror.
The Turning Point
The raising of Lazarus was the pivotal event that intensified the Pharisees’ determination to kill Jesus. John shows that this miracle drew people to Jesus and provoked the leaders to action. This event, coupled with Jesus’ public entry into Jerusalem, set the stage for His crucifixion.
The Broader Picture
John’s Gospel shows that the resurrection of Lazarus was a critical factor leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. But beyond the historical and immediate causes, there is a deeper truth. It was God's plan from the foundation of the world for Jesus to die for our sins. Our sins, your sins, and mine, necessitated His sacrifice.
Conclusion
This historical event ha
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