In John 12:1-36 we see the conclusion of Jesus’ public ministry. Pay close attention to what John chose to share about the conclusion of this significant season of Jesus’ life.
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SERMON NOTES:
John 12:1-36
We learn how to give our lives away as we…
…watch Mary sacrifice her finances and her dignity. (1-11)
…see Jesus reject personal glory. (12-19)
…observe Jesus embrace self-sacrifice. (20-36)
study questions:
1. Read verses 1-11. Where was Jesus, what was he doing, and who was there with Him (vv. 1-2)? What did Mary do (vs. 3)? How did Judas Iscariot respond to Mary’s actions and what did Jesus tell Judas (vv. 4-8)? How did the crowds and Jewish leadership respond (vv. 9-11)? Why do you think Mary anointed Jesus in this way? If you were at the dinner and saw Mary do this, what do you believe you would have thought about it? Why do you think John included this event in his account of Jesus’ life?
2. Read verses 12-19. What did the crowd do when they found out Jesus was coming into Jerusalem (vv. 12-13)? Why did they do this (vv. 17-18)? How did the disciples and Pharisees respond to the actions of both the crowd and Jesus? What is the significance of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a young donkey? What does this type of entry symbolize? Why do you think John included this event in his account of Jesus’ life?
3. Read verses 20-28a. How would you summarize the response of Jesus to Andrew and Phillip in verses 23-28? What feelings do you think prompted Jesus to respond this way? Why do you think John included this interaction in his gospel?
4. Read verses 28b-36. What happened in verse 28? How did the crowd respond (vs. 29)? What do you think it would have been like to be at this incredible event? What point is Jesus making with the crowd in verses 30-35? Why do you think John included this interaction in his gospel?
5. So what? What have you read in this passage that stands out to you the most? What do you think John was trying to communicate by including these specific events and interactions? What are you taking away that applies directly to your life?