How swell – v1 gives us the when and where: just before Jesus’ fourth (and last) Passover in Bethany, which is just outside Jerusalem.
v3. I was wondering why the “therefore” is present just after saying that Martha was serving and Lazarus was reclining – and then realized, that IS the reason. It was custom in those days that whenever a guest showed up that a hospitable host (or if rich, their servant) would clean a guest’s feet of the dust and dirt accumulated from walking to their house. However, neither Martha nor Lazarus did that. Similar to the Luke 7:37 passage when Mary did this for Jesus early in His ministry, she again cleans his feet with nard and with her hair.
v7. I’ve always assumed that Mary used the entire amount of perfume and that Jesus is saying in this verse to let her “keep it” meant to let Mary keep this custom right then, which would be a mystical reading. But I see now – it’s not that at all – it’s very literal. Jesus is telling Judas to let Mary keep the perfume (what’s left) instead of giving it for the poor because she will need it when Jesus dies. I looked around and found that indeed Mary did this, as described at Luke 23:56.
I’m finding that with more and more study of the Bible, that literal meanings come alive and there’s no need to assume or create a mystical meaning as a way to explain what I or anyone else does not understand.
v10. It’s amazing that God chose this people group, knowing how they would treat Him. However, He also knows the end and that they will turn back to Him one day.
v13. Regarding football, I forget which famous coach said that, One year, a town will name a street after you and the next they’ll run you down it. Seems human nature doesn’t change.
v20. This verse about the Greeks’ request and:
v23. This verse about Jesus’ reply don’t seem to match
I suppose Jesus reply means that He has more important work to do, which is getting on with His dying for sin, so that He doesn’t have time for a gawking-meeting with these Greeks.
v26. Maybe this is a more direct answer to the Greeks and to all who want to see Jesus – they and we need to follow His instructions given here.
v31. Sin & Satan are judged at the cross.
v32. Jesus must be lifted up on the cross to draw everyone to Himself.
v35-36. Jesus seems to be telling these people that if they don’t respond and believe now while Jesus was there, that their heart may become so hard that they’ll never believe.
v42. Nicodemus still falls in this group.
v47. Jesus is referring to sayings of eternal life (as we will see in v50).
v48. Just like the ideal courtroom judge today does not use his opinion or emotion, but instead enforces the law before him – at the Great White Throne Judgement of unbelievers, Jesus perfectly enforces the rules that are already in place.