Example of Study of Passage (John 12:1 – 9; NIV 2011)
John 12
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He 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 help himself to what was put into it. 7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” 9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.
Verses: 1 – 9 — Content — Just the facts (who, what, where, when, why)
Six days before Passover
Jesus in Bethany
Lazarus lives in Bethany
Jesus raised Lazarus from dead
Dinner given in Jesus’ honor
Martha serves, Lazarus at table with Jesus
Mary pours pint of pure nard on Jesus’ feet, wipes with her hair
House filled with fragrance
Judas (who will later betray) objects to Mary, sell nard and give money to poor
Judas does not care about poor and is a thief
Jesus says ‘leave her alone’ nard for his burial. Always have poor, but not Jesus
Large crowd of Jews come to Jesus and Lazarus
Chief priests plan to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus
On account of Lazarus’ testimony many were converting
Lessons and Examples in Passage (underline action/meaningful words/phrases)
Mary, Martha and Lazarus honor Jesus with a dinner at their home
Martha serves, Lazarus sups with Jesus, Mary at His feet
Mary gives very expensive gift to Jesus, pours out and uses her hair to wipe
Judas objects — the intentions of his heart are exposed. He’s a thief and betrayer
Jesus defends Mary’s act of anointing His feet
People seek out Jesus and those who are a testimony to His works
Applications (questions and practical applications):
- How can I honor Jesus in my home with something as common as a meal? We will add a moment of thanksgiving at our supper prayer every night.
- What can I give to the Lord that is costly and precious to me, and how can I willingly ‘pour it out?’ I will be willing to ask what I can do instead of dictating what I can give.
- Do I allow naysayers to stop me when I am serving Jesus? Do I allow Jesus to defend me?