John 12:1-11

“Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom he had raised from the dead. So they prepared a dinner for Jesus there. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was among those present at the table with him. Then Mary took three quarters of a pound of expensive aromatic oil from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. (Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumed oil.) But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was going to betray him) said, “Why wasn’t this oil sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?” (Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.) So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial. For you will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me!” Now a large crowd of Judeans learned that Jesus was there, and so they came not only because of him but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to kill Lazarus too, for on account of him many of the Jewish people from Jerusalem were going away and believing in Jesus.”

— ‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬

 Six days before Passover. Not sure how they’re counting, but I’m guessing the previous Friday or Saturday (not sure if this counts as “work”). 

These are obviously very close friends to Jesus, and He had just raised Lazarus in ch. 11. Mary and Martha are acting in character (serving and at Jesus’ feet), but I think we make too much of blaming Martha and praising Mary. Both are necessary in their time. 

Lazarus was among those “reclining.” The lying at the table would be similar to how we hear about the disciples at the Last Supper. It was simply custom of how people ate in the day.

I appreciate the NET interpreting measurements for us. 3/4 a pound. This is over a year’s wage worth of very pure ointment. Would need to learn more about the myrrh/nard but it’s apparently very expensive and very rich/powerful smelling stuff. Would fill the whole house. We also know it was over a year’s worth by Judas’ question later. 300 denarii = 300 days wage, which including Sabbaths is over a year.

John has multiple parenthetical notes in this passage (not just bc the NET has them in parentheses, but we would be able to identify them in Greek, too). They break up the passage and add more detail. Let us know an eyewitness is there.

Gives insight into the character of Judas, and makes us wonder what else he was like for the 3 years. Why would Jesus trust him with the money? How did they survive for 3 years with a thief handling the money? 

Interesting note from NET—not too long after this comment from Judas is when he went to betray Jesus (obviously), so he missed out on an opportunity to gain some coinage and found another way to get paid. 

I’m guessing Jesus knew Judas’ heart more than we need to dive deep into the words Jesus said. Because of other places where Jesus says giving to those in need is like giving to Jesus. Jesus is all about generosity and service and giving everything away. He “came to serve.” Obviously, we serve “Him” first, but He wouldn’t have a problem with us helping others. I think the main issue here is Judas had other plans. In addition, the situation at hand is unique. Jesus is about to die, and the disciples still don’t understand what’s happening. This moment is another attempt to prepare their minds/hearts. Burial?? They don’t see it.

Judeans is an ambiguous term: could be inhabitants of Jerusalem, all Jews, religious leaders, those who hate Jesus. Here it appears to be just curious people from Jerusalem and maybe surrounding areas. Jesus’ popularity has grown. Religious leaders then are mentioned as opposing Jesus and now Lazarus as exhibit A of Jesus’ power (poor guy). He’s never mentioned again as being killed or opposed so hopefully those attempts died down.

The next passage for John is the Triumphal Entry, so the hatred for Jesus among the leaders only grows from here. The seed is planted in Judas’ heart. All roads are leading to Golgotha.