Good day everyone, and welcome back to our journey through the book of John! 😊 Today we’re diving into chapter 12, and my prayer is that as we reflect together, God’s Word will bring encouragement, guidance, and fresh revelation for our daily walk.

Chapter 12 opens with a beautiful scene in Bethany. Jesus is visiting the home of Lazarus, the same Lazarus whom He raised from the dead in chapter 11. This moment is filled with gratitude, love, and worship. Each person in the household expresses honour and love to Jesus in a different way, and the details are so intentional and profound.

‘A dinner was prepared in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. 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. ‘ (John 12:2-3 NLT)

Martha is serving, as she often does. This is her love language, serving Jesus with her hands and her energy. Lazarus is reclining at the table with Jesus, a living testimony of resurrection power and a reminder to everyone present of the miracle-working God standing in their midst. And Mary pours out a jar of expensive perfume, anointing Jesus’ feet and wiping them with her hair. Her act was intimate, costly, and deeply worshipful.

I love that Scripture highlights the differences between the three of them, each expressing love to Jesus uniquely, yet sincerely. It reminds me that we all have different ways of showing devotion to God. Worship is not a competition. The true measure is the sincerity of our hearts.

But not everyone celebrated Mary’s extravagant worship. Judas—who would later betray Jesus—criticized her, claiming the perfume should have been sold and given to the poor. Of course, he wasn’t truly concerned for the poor; Scripture tells us he was stealing from the money bag. His heart couldn’t comprehend such love.

From this I learned something important: not everyone will understand your devotion to God. Some will criticize. Some will judge. Some will question your sacrifice or the way you honour God. But don’t let that stop you. Jesus sees your heart, He values your worship, and He will defend you just as He defended Mary.

Jesus replied,
“Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:7–8 NLT)

As the story unfolds, many people flocked to see Jesus and Lazarus, the living evidence of His power. This made the religious leaders furious. Their jealousy and hatred had blinded them so deeply that they even plotted to kill Lazarus. Imagine plotting murder because people were turning to God! It shows how easily a heart consumed by envy and pride can drift from truth.

Later in the chapter, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy. The crowds shouted “Hosanna!” yet verse 16 tells us that the disciples didn’t fully understand these events until after Jesus was glorified. This stood out to me—the Holy Spirit is the One who helps us understand God’s work, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. What seems confusing today may make complete sense later when the Holy Spirit brings clarity.

Later in the chapter, Jesus makes some profound and challenging statement in verse 25 & 26:

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.”
“Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me… and the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” (John 12:25–26 NLT)

These words are challenging and liberating at the same time. Jesus isn’t telling us to hate ourselves or live recklessly. He’s teaching us that following Him requires dying to our own agenda and laying aside self-centred desires. To follow Jesus is to surrender control—to choose His way over ours. It’s a daily invitation to trust Him completely.

The Life Application Study Bible puts it beautifully:
“We must be so committed to living for Jesus that we “care nothing” for our lives by comparison. This does not mean that we long to die or that we are careless or destructive with the lives God has given us, but rather that we are willing to die if doing so will glorify Christ. We must disown the tyrannical rule of our own self-centeredness. By laying aside our striving for advantage, security, and pleasure, we can serve God lovingly and freely. Releasing control of our lives and transferring control to Jesus brings eternal life and genuine joy”.

Verse 26 continues by reminding us that to serve Jesus means to stay close to Him, imitate Him, and follow Him wholeheartedly. And then comes the promise: the Father will honor those who serve Him. What a beautiful assurance! God Himself honours and favours those who choose to follow Christ fully.

Toward the end of the chapter, Jesus reminds us once again that He is the Light of the world. Light exposes, reveals, clarifies, and guides. When we walk in the light, when we follow Jesus we cannot be overtaken by darkness.

‘Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. ‘ (John 12:35-36 NLT)

His invitation is simple but life-changing: Walk in the light. Trust in the Light. Become children of the Light.

Have you made the commitment to follow Him today? His arms are open. His light is shining. His call remains the same: Follow Me. And the promise still stands—the Father will honor you.

Today is a great day to say, “Lord, I choose You. I follow You. I lay down my way for Yours.”

Thank you so much for joining me in our study of John 12. I’d love to hear from you—what stood out to you the most in this chapter? Share your reflections in the comments so we can continue growing together in faith.