Skip to content
ScriptureDepth

ScriptureDepth's study of John 12

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

John 12:32

Jesus tells the crowd that when he is 'lifted up' he will draw all people to himself, directly linking his impending death to the call for belief.

What John 12 is about

Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who he had raised from the dead (vv. 1-2). At a supper, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with a costly ointment, and Judas Iscariot questioned the act, citing a concern for the poor (vv. 3-6). Jesus defended Mary, stating she prepared him for burial (vv. 7-8). A crowd came to see Lazarus, which prompted the chief priests to conspire to kill him (vv. 9-11). The next day, a large multitude welcomed Jesus to Jerusalem, waving palm branches and shouting, ‘Hosanna!’ (vv. 12-13). Jesus rode a young donkey, fulfilling prophecy, though his disciples did not fully understand at the time (vv. 14-16). Some Greeks sought Jesus, leading him to declare that the time for his glorification had come (vv. 20-23). He spoke of dying like a grain of wheat to bear fruit (vv. 24-26).

Jesus declares, ‘Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you’ (v. 35).

Read the full chapter text ↓

John 12 at a glance

  1. John 12:1–8Anointing at Bethany
  2. John 12:9–19Lazarus and the Crowd
  3. John 12:20–26Triumphal Entry
  4. John 12:27–36Jesus Foretells His Death
  5. John 12:37–50Belief and Rejection

Key verse: John 12:32

One thing to notice

The chapter uses contrasting responses to Jesus, particularly in vv. 37-43. While many signs are performed, 'they didn’t believe in him' (v. 37) reveals the general disbelief. Conversely, in v. 42, some rulers did believe, but they did not confess their faith. The chapter captures these divergent reactions to Jesus' ministry.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read John 12 (WEB)

Anointing at Bethany John 12:1–8

Verse 1. Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. Verse 2. So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. Verse 3. Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. Verse 4. Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said, Verse 5. “Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?”

Verse 6. Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it. Verse 7. But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial. Verse 8. For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.”

Lazarus and the Crowd John 12:9–19

Verse 9. A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there, and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. Verse 10. But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also, Verse 11. because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. Verse 12. On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Verse 13. they took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet him, and cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!”

Verse 14. Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, Verse 15. “Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt.” Verse 16. His disciples didn’t understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. Verse 17. The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, was testifying about it. Verse 18. For this cause also the multitude went and met him, because they heard that he had done this sign.

Verse 19. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after him.”

Triumphal Entry John 12:20–26

Verse 20. Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast. Verse 21. These, therefore, came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Verse 22. Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus. Verse 23. Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Verse 24. Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. Verse 25. He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.

Verse 26. If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Jesus Foretells His Death John 12:27–36

Verse 27. “Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time?’ But for this cause I came to this time. Verse 28. Father, glorify your name!” Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Verse 29. The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Verse 30. Jesus answered, “This voice hasn’t come for my sake, but for your sakes. Verse 31. Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.

Verse 32. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Verse 33. But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die. Verse 34. The multitude answered him, “We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever. How do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?” Verse 35. Jesus therefore said to them, “Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going.

Verse 36. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them.

Belief and Rejection John 12:37–50

Verse 37. But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn’t believe in him, Verse 38. that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, “Lord, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Verse 39. For this cause they couldn’t believe, for Isaiah said again, Verse 40. “He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.” Verse 41. Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. Verse 42. Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn’t confess it, so that they wouldn’t be put out of the synagogue,

Verse 43. for they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise. Verse 44. Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. Verse 45. He who sees me sees him who sent me. Verse 46. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. Verse 47. If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. Verse 48. He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day.

Verse 49. For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. Verse 50. I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

World English Bible (public domain)

Go deeper

Ask the AI about John 12

Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture. Ask unlimited questions and keep study notes on every chapter. 7 days free, no card.

Main themes in John 12

Devotion and Sacrifice

In vv. 1-8, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with 'pure nard', a costly ointment, showing her deep devotion. Judas questions this act, stating it should have been sold for 'three hundred denarii'. Jesus defends Mary, saying she has kept it 'for the day of my burial', indicating the significance of sacrificial love and devotion amidst practical concerns.

Faith and Unbelief

In vv. 37-43, despite witnessing many signs, many do not believe in Jesus. The text cites Isaiah’s prophecy about those whose eyes are 'blinded' and hearts 'hardened'. Some rulers believe but fear expulsion from the synagogue, valuing 'men’s praise' over God's. This dynamic highlights the tension between faith and societal pressures.

Identity of Christ

In vv. 12-15, the crowd calls Jesus 'King of Israel' as he enters Jerusalem on a young donkey, fulfilling the prophecy about the coming king. Jesus' statement in v. 23 about the Son of Man being 'glorified' further reveals his identity tied to suffering and glory. These elements together affirm his messianic identity in the context of impending sacrifice.

The Nature of His Kingdom

In v. 24, Jesus speaks of the kingdom's nature through the analogy of a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit. He also emphasizes that 'if anyone serves me, let him follow me', indicating that his kingdom is one of servanthood and sacrifice. This structure contrasts with worldly notions of power and establishes the kingdom's values.

Chapter outline

How John 12 unfolds

  1. John 12:1–8 Anointing at Bethany

    Mary anoints Jesus' feet with pure nard while Judas questions the act, stating that the ointment could have been sold for the poor (vv. 3-5). Jesus defends Mary, saying she has prepared for his burial (v. 7).

  2. John 12:9–19 Lazarus and the Crowd

    The crowd comes to see both Jesus and Lazarus after Jesus raised him from the dead, which leads the chief priests to conspire against Lazarus due to the resulting belief in Jesus (vv. 9-11).

  3. John 12:20–26 Triumphal Entry

    Greeks approaching Philip and Andrew express their desire to 'see Jesus' (v. 21), prompting Jesus to declare that 'the time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified' (v. 23) and to explain the necessity of his death for fruitful life (v. 24).

  4. John 12:27–36 Jesus Foretells His Death

    Jesus acknowledges the trouble in his soul and desires the Father to glorify his name (vv. 27-28). He speaks of the world's judgment and the casting out of 'the prince of this world' (v. 31).

  5. John 12:37–50 Belief and Rejection

    Despite witnessing Jesus’ signs, many do not believe him, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy about hardened hearts (vv. 37-40). Jesus claims that believing in him is believing in the One who sent him (vv. 44-45).

Key verses

  • John 12:32Jesus tells the crowd that when he is 'lifted up' he will draw all people to himself, directly linking his impending death to the call for belief.

Get a short devotional by email, one passage and one question a day.

One short email each morning, with the free study guide. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We use your address only to send this email.

Study questions

Questions for studying John 12

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v3, what does Mary use to anoint Jesus' feet?
  2. observeWhat do the crowds shout as Jesus enters Jerusalem in v13?
  3. interpretJudas' objection in v5: what is the tension between his words and his true motives?
  4. interpretJesus mentions 'the light' in v35: what does this say about the urgency of belief?
  5. applyWhen has an act of devotion been questioned in your life, as in Mary's anointing?

For Bible groups

Study John 12 with your group

A free one-page handout with the overview, key verse, outline and discussion questions, ready to print for everyone at the table.

Cross-references

Passages that echo John 12

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with John 12

Studied in

Where John 12 comes up on ScriptureDepth

Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth

Where to go from here

John 12: frequently asked questions

What is John 12 about?+
Six days before Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who he had raised from the dead (vv. 1-2).
What is the key verse in John 12?+
John 12:32: “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
What are the main themes of John 12?+
The main themes of John 12 are Devotion and Sacrifice, Faith and Unbelief, Identity of Christ, The Nature of His Kingdom.

Studying John with a print Bible beside you? See our study Bible guides.

Study Notes