Free group study handout
John 12: Group Study Handout
How to use: read John 12 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
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.
Key verse
“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
John 12:32 (WEB)
Outline
- John 12:1–8 Anointing at Bethany
- John 12:9–19 Lazarus and the Crowd
- John 12:20–26 Triumphal Entry
- John 12:27–36 Jesus Foretells His Death
- John 12:37–50 Belief and Rejection
Discussion questions
- In v3, what does Mary use to anoint Jesus' feet?
- What do the crowds shout as Jesus enters Jerusalem in v13?
- Judas' objection in v5: what is the tension between his words and his true motives?
- Jesus mentions 'the light' in v35: what does this say about the urgency of belief?
- When has an act of devotion been questioned in your life, as in Mary's anointing?
Go deeper
Passages that echo John 12: John 8, John 14, John 1.
Before next time: read John 13.