John - Week 36

Die for the Nation 

READ 

John 11:51-52 

51 He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. 52 And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. 

This passage refers to what Caiaphas said as recorded in verse 50, “You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.” Verse 51 reveals Caiaphas was saying more than even he realized. Notice that the death of the Messiah was not only for the nation of Israel but also for the entire world. Most Jewish people at that time thought only of their nation, but Jesus came to be the Savior of the world. 

REFLECT 

Even though you have pride in the nation of your birth, do you realize that Jesus died for all other nations? When you meet a person from a different ethnic group, you should remind yourself that Jesus died for that individual as He died for you. 

RESPOND 

Focus on passages that tell of Jesus being the Savior for the entire world. John 3:16 is a common one but see also such passages as John 4:42; 1 John 2:1-2 and 4:14. Some of your fellow believers in other parts of the world are suffering for their faith. Are you and the one you are discipling remembering to pray for them? 

Pharisaic Plots 

READ 

John 11:53-54 

53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 

As this passage reveals, the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead was the last miracle Jesus performed during His public ministry. Because the Jewish leaders were plotting His death, Jesus, decided to leave the area and go about 15 miles north to Ephraim. This also helps explain why on other occasions when He did a miracle for someone in Judea He asked them not to tell anyone. All this attention restricted what He wanted to do as He was waiting for the hour of His death appointed by the Father.  

REFLECT 

Does this passage increase your appreciation for all that Jesus went through for you—and for every person in the world? Who will you tell of your appreciation for what Jesus endured for you, even before His death on the cross? 

RESPOND 

To see Bible passages where Jesus told some not to tell, see Matthew 11:14-21 and Luke 5:12-14. For a passage that reveals what happened when someone told, see John 5:13-16. 

See Something, Say Something 

READ 

John 11:55-57 

55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him. 

Three times a year it was required of all males to attend three feasts (see Exodus 23:14-17). For others it was voluntary. The Passover commemorated when God passed over the land of Egypt and killed the firstborn of unbelievers. The first born of those who applied the blood of the lamb to the doorframes, however, were spared. This prefigured that only those who apply the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ are saved from condemnation.  

REFLECT 

Consider how blessed you are not to have to travel to a certain place in the world 3 times a year. Think also about the grace of God in passing over all today who trust in the Lord Jesus. 

RESPOND 

Read Exodus 12:1-13 that gives instructions about the Passover. The more you understand about the Old Testament will help you to understand more about the New Testament. 

Mary and Martha and Lazarus 

READ 

John 12:1-2 

Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. 2 A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 

Much attention is given in all 4 Gospels to this last week in the earthly life of Jesus. His sacrificial death occurred on Passover because He was the “Lamb of God” as mentioned by John the Baptist in John 1:29. It was on that day that His death took away the sin of the world for any who would believe in Him as Savior. Here He is seen returning to a favorite visiting place with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. This was also a dangerous place because it was so near to Jerusalem where so many wanted to take His life. The Scriptures are silent about any “after death experiences” that Lazarus had after Jesus raised him from the dead. Nothing is recorded here about what Lazarus did or said. 

REFLECT 

Think how special it was for Mary, Martha and Lazarus to have Jesus in their home for a meal. But realize it is just as special for you because Jesus indwells every Christ-follower.  

RESPOND 

Read Colossians 1:26-28 that tells of the riches every believer has in Christ. As you wake up each day, make it your desire that others will see Christ in your life as you treat them the way He would treat them. 

An Act of Worship 

READ 

John 12:3-5 

3 Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. 4 But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray him, said, 5 “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.” 

This act of worship by Mary brought criticism from Judas Iscariot. Worship is expressing the worth of Jesus and Mary was certainly doing that. Her act of worship not only affected Jesus but the entire house as it was filled with the fragrance. The expense of the perfume was probably calculated correctly by Judas as he handled money. From his later actions, we know that these comments were not sincere. He didn’t really care about the poor as much as he was opposed to such worship of Jesus.  

REFLECTION 

Have you ever had someone criticize you for how you expressed your worship of Jesus? Because you love Him and love other people, have some criticized you for supporting ministries that further the work of the Gospel? Have you been guilty of criticizing others in the way they express their worship of Jesus? 

RESPOND 

Read Mark 14:1-11 that likely refers to this same episode. This passage indicates that more than Judas criticized Mary for her act of worship because others scolded her.