Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 12:1-11
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 12:1-11 to reveal the profound devotion of Mary, the hypocrisy of Judas, and the foreshadowing of Jesus' burial, urging believers to honor Christ with sincere worship.
In this expository sermon on John 12:1-11, J.C. Ryle explores the rich spiritual lessons found in Mary’s anointing of Jesus, Judas’ betrayal, and the growing opposition from religious leaders. Ryle highlights the importance of sincere worship, the dangers of hypocrisy, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrificial death. This message challenges believers to honor Jesus with genuine devotion and to recognize the significance of His coming passion.
Text
Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom he had raised from the dead. So they prepared a dinner for Jesus there. Martha was serving, and Lazarus was among those present at the table with him. Then Mary took three quarters of a pound of expensive aromatic oil from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus. She then wiped his feet dry with her hair. (Now the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfumed oil.) But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was going to betray him) said, "Why wasn’t this oil sold for three hundred silver coins and the money given to the poor?" (Now Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money box, he used to steal what was put into it.) So Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept it for the day of my burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me."
Now the large crowd of Jewish people from Jerusalem learned that Jesus was there, and so they came not only because of him but also to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to kill Lazarus too, for on account of him many of the Jewish people from Jerusalem were going away and believing in Jesus.
The chapter we have now begun finishes a most important division of John\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Setting and Characters
- Jesus visits Bethany six days before Passover
- Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive oil
- Judas objects, revealing his true motives
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II. The Significance of Mary’s Anointing
- Anointing as preparation for Jesus’ burial
- Expression of deep love and worship
- Contrast with Judas’ hypocrisy
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III. The Reaction of the Crowd and Religious Leaders
- Crowds come to see Jesus and Lazarus
- Chief priests plot to kill Lazarus
- Growing tension leading to Jesus’ passion
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IV. Lessons from the Passage
- True worship honors Christ sacrificially
- Beware of hypocrisy in spiritual matters
- Jesus’ sacrifice is central to faith
Key Quotes
“She has kept it for the day of my burial.” — J.C. Ryle
“You always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.” — J.C. Ryle
“Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Offer your worship to Christ with genuine love and sacrifice, not merely outward actions.
- Guard your heart against hypocrisy and selfish motives in your spiritual life.
- Remember and meditate on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice as central to your faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mary anoint Jesus’ feet with expensive oil?
Mary’s anointing was an act of deep love and worship, symbolically preparing Jesus for His burial.
What was Judas’ objection to Mary’s act?
Judas objected under the pretense of caring for the poor, but his true motive was greed and theft.
Why did the chief priests want to kill Lazarus?
Because many believed in Jesus on account of Lazarus being raised from the dead, threatening the religious leaders’ authority.
What does this passage teach about worship?
It teaches that true worship involves sacrificial devotion and honoring Christ above worldly concerns.
How does this passage point to Jesus’ death?
Mary’s anointing foreshadows Jesus’ burial, highlighting the approaching sacrifice He would make.