요한복음 Chapter 12

Translation: ESV

3

Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Key Message

True worship is giving without calculation and without reservation, and its fragrance fills the surroundings.

▸Mary's act of worship is described in sensory terms.

Mary's act of worship is described in sensory terms. 'A pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard' corresponds to approximately a year's wages for a laborer (300 denarii, v. 5). This extreme devotion comes not from calculation but from love for Jesus. 'The house was filled with the fragrance' is an image of the fragrance of worship filling all the space.

Related Verses

For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
13

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!'

Key Message

The crowd welcomed a political Messiah, but Jesus declared himself to be a king of humble service by riding on a donkey.

▸This is the scene of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

24

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.

Key Message

Jesus' death, like a grain of wheat falling into the ground to bear much fruit, produces the abundant results of salvation for all nations.

▸When Gentiles come seeking Jesus (v.

32

And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

Key Message

Jesus lifted up on the cross is the center of universal salvation, drawing all peoples to himself.

▸'When I am lifted up (ὑψωθῶ, hypsōthō)' is the same word used in 3:14 for the Son of Man being lifted up like the serpent.

46

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.

Key Message

Jesus came into the world as light in order to draw those who believe out of darkness and let them dwell in the light.

▸This is the final declaration of Jesus' public ministry, which concludes chapter 12.