John 12:1-19

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus welcomed Mary’s adoration for Him, as well as the praise of those who welcomed Him as the King of Israel. Jesus enjoyed a meal with friends at Bethany several days before He went to Jerusalem for the Passover (John 12:1-2).  It was during supper that Mary expressed adoration for Jesus by pouring a costly perfume over His feet and wiping them with her hair (John 12:3).  Mary was at Jesus’ feet three times: first, learning His word (Luke 10:38-42); second, seeking comfort when her brother died (John 11:31-32); and third, showing adoration by anointing His head and feet before His burial (John 12:1-8; cf. Matt. 26:6-7).  Judas and Jesus both saw Mary’s actions and had totally different responses.  Judas became angry (along with the other disciples; see Matt. 26:6-9), perceiving Mary’s actions as wasteful, and being a thief, he felt deprived of stolen profits he might have obtained, had the perfume been sold (John 12:6).  Jesus welcomed Mary’s action, seeing it as an expression of adoration for Him, her Messiah and Savior.  The pleasant aroma of Mary’s selfless adoration could not overcome the stench of selfishness in Judas’ heart.

• "When she came to the feet of Jesus, Mary took the place of a slave. When she undid her hair (something Jewish women did not do in public), she humbled herself and laid her glory at His feet (see 1 Cor. 11:15). Of course, she was misunderstood and criticized; but that is what usually happens when somebody gives his or her best to the Lord."^[1]

Jesus entered Jerusalem according to prophetic promise (Zech. 9:9).  Many in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus as the King of Israel (John 12:12-15), though not as Savior.  The disciples did not perceive the prophetic significance of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem, but they understood later, after His resurrection (John 12:16).  Some who had witnessed the resuscitation of Lazarus were testifying of Jesus and many came to believe in Him (John 12:17-18; cf. vss. 9-11).  The Pharisees perceived the crowds’ response to Jesus as contrary to their selfish authority (John 12:19). 

 

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1, 339.