John 12:1-11

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on John 12:1-11

1Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
2So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.
3Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
4But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked,
5“Why wasn’ t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?”
6Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.
7“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “She has kept this perfume in preparation for the day of My burial.
8The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me.”
9Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
10So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,
11for on account of him many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.
— John 12:1-11

Related Resources from Heartlight

I Could Never Do That!
Illustration of John 12:9-11 NLT

Illustration of John 12:9-11 NLT -- When all the people heard of Jesus' arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus.

Memories of Extravagance
Illustration of John 12:1-3 NLT

Illustration of John 12:1-3 NLT -- Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus — the man he had raised from the dead. 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.

Pious Sounding Critics
Illustration of John 12:4-6 NLT

Illustration of John 12:4-6 NLT -- But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray [Jesus], said, "That perfume was worth a year's wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." Not that he cared for the poor — he was a thief, and since he was in charge of the disciples' money, he often stole some for himself.

Cross References for John 12:1-11

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.