The Gospel of John Chapter 12:1-11 (NKJV)

The Anointing at Bethany & The Plot to Kill Lazarus

Welcome to The-Way Ministry

Partner Acknowledgment

Good afternoon. Before we dive into God’s Word today, we want to express our deep gratitude to our supporting ministry partners:

• Luminous Church — San Antonio, TX
• Sowers Church of Christ — San Antonio, TX
• Christian Community Church of Ministry — Bangladesh
• Victory Group Bible Study

Thank you for standing faithfully alongside us as we proclaim the grace, truth, and light of Jesus Christ.

Introduction to John Chapter 12

Before we begin John Chapter 12, we will explore this powerful narrative across five distinct parts:

• Part I (vv. 1–11): The Anointing at Bethany & The Plot to Kill Lazarus
• Part II (vv. 12–19): The Triumphal Entry
• Part III (vv. 20–26): The Greeks & The Grain of Wheat
• Part IV (vv. 27–36): Jesus’ Troubled Soul & The Light
• Part V (vv. 37–50): Unbelief & Conclusion

As the decree for Jesus’ arrest circulates throughout Judea and pilgrims stream into Jerusalem for the feast, Christ’s public ministry reaches its decisive turning point. The raising of Lazarus was the catalyst; the cross is the destination.

In John 12:1–11, Jesus returns once more to Bethany, entering the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary six days before the Passover. John records this with meticulous chronological and eyewitness precision. (Note the distinction upfront: this final-week anointing must not be confused with Luke 7, an earlier Galilean account centered on the forgiveness of sins and an unnamed penitent woman).

Amidst the shadow of His impending death, Mary pours out her costly alabaster flask of nard, prophetically anointing the Lord for His burial. At the same time, the chief priests expand their conspiracy to assassinate Lazarus as well. We cross this threshold, moving from the power of the sign to the supreme devotion of the surrendered heart.

Today, we will examine three key movements across these verses:

• Movement 1 (vv. 1–3): The Gathering at Bethany — Devotion and Fellowship
• Movement 2 (vv. 4–6): The Dissent and the Deficit of Sight — The False Economy of Judas
• Movement 3 (vv. 7–11): The Shadow of the Cross and Rising Opposition — Burial Preparation & the Conspiracy Against Lazarus

Scripture Reading: John 12:1–11 (NKJV)

1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii 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 money box; and he used to take what was put into it.

7 But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.”

9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

Movement 1 (vv. 1–3): The Gathering at Bethany — Devotion and Fellowship

• 1. The Setting and the Gathering (vv. 1–2): Six days before the Passover lamb was to be slain, the true Lamb of God arrived in Bethany. John explicitly anchors this moment to Lazarus, “whom He had raised from the dead,” reminding us that this fellowship is born out of resurrection life. When we harmonize this account with Matthew 26:6 and Mark 14:3, we discover that the feast took place in the house of Simon the Leper—likely a man Jesus had previously healed from a living death. In this single home, three distinct expressions of redeemed life converge around Jesus:
  • Martha Serves: True to her gifting, Martha serves (diēkonei). This is not the anxious, distracted serving of Luke 10, but quiet, faithful, post-resurrection gratitude. Lazarus Reclines: Lazarus sits at the table as a living trophy of grace. He does not need to preach a sermon; his physical presence beside Christ is an undeniable testimony that Jesus has power over the grave.