Fear & Love (John 11:45-12:11)

The Gospel of John: Fear and Love

John 11:45-12:11

The Plot & The Prophecy (11:45-57)

• The Pharisees & Jewish leaders react to Jesus’ sign with fear

- Fear of losing their personal status

- Fear of losing their national privileged position with the Romans

• Caiaphas, the High Priest calms them by plotting to have Jesus killed

- He speaks prophetically (v. 50)

- Jesus would die for the nation of Israel (v. 50)

- And for the Gentiles too (v. 51)

• They devise a plot to have Jesus arrested and killed at the upcoming feast of Passover

- Which serves as the background for all the events of the Passion week

• At word of the plot, Jesus withdrew to Ephraim

- But not for long

The Anointing (12:1-8)

• Lazarus’ family throws Jesus a dinner

– During which Mary cleans Jesus feet with expensive lotion and her hair

• A sign of utter love for Jesus(see John 13:1ff)

• Judas is outraged because of the cost of the ointment

– Feigning concern for the poor

– But really because he was stealing from the disciples ministry fund

• Jesus rebukes Judas

– Seeing Mary’s act as both one of love and prophecy

• She has just anointed Him for His upcoming burial

– While still claiming a need to care for the poor (v. 8)

The Plot Thickens (12:9-11)

• When the crowd learns that Jesus is back in Bethany, they report it to the Jewish leaders

• They then plan to kill Lazarus too

– Since he is a living witness to Jesus’ power and authority

– And many are believing in Jesus because of him

So What?

• The leadership’s fear drove them to have Jesus & Lazarus killed

– Fear of losing power and prestige

• Mary’s love for Jesus drove her to anoint and serve Him

• What drives us? Is it fear or love?

Meditation Verse: 1 John 4:18