John 11:1-12:50 – Resurrection Now: Hope in the Face of Despair

The Text in Context

These chapters mark a turning point in John’s Gospel. They conclude the “Book of Signs,” a collection of miracles that reveal Jesus’ identity and mission, and begin the “Book of Glory,” which focuses on Jesus’ path to crucifixion and resurrection. The raising of Lazarus (John 11) is the last and most dramatic of these signs, serving as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection. Chapter 12 then shifts the narrative toward Jesus’ approaching death, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, devotion, and the true meaning of kingship. Through these events, John highlights the power of life over death and the importance of trusting in God’s plan of salvation, even when we face seemingly hopeless situations.

The raising of Lazarus takes place in a cultural context where beliefs about resurrection differed. The Pharisees, a Jewish religious group, believed in a future resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees, another group, did not. Jesus’ action challenges both perspectives by demonstrating resurrection not just as a future hope, but as a present reality through his divine power. It’s not just about Lazarus coming back to life; it’s a sign pointing to Jesus’ own victory over death.

This miracle also intensifies the opposition to Jesus. The religious leaders see him as a threat to their authority and control. They fear the growing number of people who are believing in him and the challenge he poses to their established order.

In John 12, we see two contrasting acts. Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, an act of radical devotion and love. This act is juxtaposed with Judas’s criticism, motivated by his own selfish desires. This scene highlights the difference between genuine love and calculated self-interest. Mary’s action isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a symbolic preparation for Jesus’ burial, recognizing his impending death.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where crowds welcome him as king, reinterprets what it means to be the Messiah. People likely expected a conquering king who would overthrow Roman rule. But Jesus enters humbly, riding on a donkey, fulfilling an ancient prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). This act shows that his kingship is not about political power but about humble service and sacrifice. He is a king, but not in the way the world understands kings.

Highlights

• John 11:1-44: The raising of Lazarus is a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ power over death and a preview of his own resurrection. It’s not just about bringing someone back to life; it’s about showing who Jesus truly is.
• John 11:45-57: The growing conspiracy against Jesus reveals the fear and resistance his message generated among the religious authorities. They see him as a threat to their power.
• John 12:1-8: Mary’s anointing of Jesus is an act of deep love and foreshadows his burial. It contrasts sharply with Judas’s greed.
• John 12:12-19: Jesus’ triumphal entry redefines kingship, showing that true leadership is about humility and service, not worldly power.
• John 12:20-36: Jesus speaks about his coming death, using the image of a seed that must die to produce much fruit. This illustrates the principle of sacrifice and new life.
• John 12:37-50: This passage is a call to believe in Jesus, contrasting those who see and understand with those who are spiritually blind.

Key Points for Reflection

• Hope in Despair (John 11:1-44) – The raising of Lazarus reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God’s power brings new life. This encourages us to persevere in justice work, even when change seems impossible.
• Resurrection and Creation (Romans 8:22) – Just as Lazarus was raised, so too can broken systems and damaged ecosystems be restored. The resurrection is not just a past event but an ongoing divine renewal of all things.
• Challenging Death-Dealing Systems (John 11:45-57) – The fear Jesus provokes in the religious authorities reflects how systems of power resist change. Where are we called to challenge structures that prioritize control over compassion?
• Extravagant Love (John 12:1-8) – Mary’s anointing of Jesus shows that true devotion is costly and countercultural. How do we embody such radical generosity in a world that values efficiency over love?
• Revolutionary Kingship (John 12:12-19) – Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem redefines power, calling us to leadership rooted in humility, service, and justice rather than dominance.
• Dying to Bear Fruit (John 12:24-26) – Just as a seed must die to produce new life, we are called to let go of privilege, comfort, and fear to participate in God’s transformative work. What needs to “die” in our lives for new life to emerge?

Week 6

John 13:1-17:26 – Love in Action: Servanthood, Justice, and Unity

The Text in Context

This week’s reading from John’s Gospel begins what’s called the “Book of Glory.” It’s a significant shift, moving from the public ministry of Jesus to his final, intimate teachings before his arrest and crucifixion. This section includes the Last Supper, Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, his extended “Farewell Discourse,” and his “High Priestly Prayer.” The overarching themes are love, servanthood, unity, and the special relationship between Jesus and those who follow him.

These chapters emphasize that love and service are essential characteristics of being a Christian. They also stress the importance of unity among believers. Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet is a powerful demonstration of humility and what it means to be a servant leader. It’s a lesson in putting others first, even in the most practical and humble ways. The Farewell Discourse contains Jesus’ final instructions and promises to his disciples. He teaches them about the Holy Spirit, the Comforter (or Paraclete), who will guide and empower them after he’s gone. He also promises them his peace and gives them a crucial command: to love one another as he has loved them. This isn’t just a general sentiment; it’s a call to a radical, self-sacrificing love, modeled on Jesus’ own. Finally, in his High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for unity among his followers, expressing his deep desire that they would be one, just as he and the Father are one.

Historically and critically, John 13-17, often called the Farewell Discourse, are understood as Jesus’ final teachings before his arrest. While the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) focus on the institution of the Lord’s Supper (what we often call Communion), John emphasizes Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. This act becomes a central image of servant leadership and a model for how Christians should relate to one another. It’s a powerful visual lesson that speaks volumes about humility and putting others’ needs before your own.

The commandment to “love one another” (John 13:34) isn’t entirely new. Jewish ethical teachings also emphasized love for one’s neighbor. However, in John’s Gospel, this command takes on a deeper meaning. It’s now rooted in Jesus’ own example of self-giving love. It’s not just about being nice to people; it’s about loving as Jesus loved, which means being willing to sacrifice for others.

Jesus’ teachings about the Holy Spirit (often called the Paraclete, meaning advocate or comforter) in John 14-16 are crucial. They offer reassurance to the disciples, who are about to face the trauma of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Jesus promises that they won’t be left alone. The Holy Spirit will be with them, guiding them, teaching them, and empowering them to continue Jesus’ work.

In John 17, Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer is a profound expression of his heart for his followers. He prays for their unity, connecting their unity to his own mission and his relationship with God the Father. He wants them to be united so that the world will believe that the Father sent him. This unity is not just an internal matter for the church; it’s a witness to the world.

Highlights

• John 13:1-17 – Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, modeling humility and self-giving service.
• John 13:34-35 – The “new commandment” to love as Jesus loves.
• John 14:1-14 – Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life, emphasizing faith and trust.
• John 15:1-17 – The Vine and Branches, illustrating the necessity of abiding in Christ.
• John 16:5-15 – The promise of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and empower the disciples.
• John 17:20-26 – Jesus prays for the unity of all believers, showing his vision for a connected, loving community.

Key Points for Reflection:

Oneness in Love (John 17:20-26) – Jesus prays for unity, calling us to bridge divides with radical inclusion. Jesus’ prayer for unity emphasizes the importance of working together across our differences. This is particularly important in the context of social and environmental justice, where the task is large enough that we need to build coalitions and work collaboratively to achieve our goals.

Servant Leadership (John 13:1-17) – Jesus washes feet, modeling leadership rooted in humility and love. Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet challenges traditional notions of power and leadership. It calls us to embrace a model of servant leadership, putting the needs of others before our own. This applies to our work for justice and the environment, where we should serve those most affected by injustice and environmental degradation.

Love as a Commandment (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17) – Jesus’ commandment to “love one another” is central to his teachings. This love should extend to all people, regardless of their background or beliefs, and should motivate us to work for a more just and compassionate world. To love other humans means we have to love our planet and all its creatures. Love is the defining mark of discipleship, not doctrine or purity.

The Spirit as Advocate (John 14:16-17) – The Holy Spirit, as the Advocate (Paraclete), is not just a comforter but an active agent for justice, empowering the marginalized and inspiring those who work for a more just world. This divine presence stands with the oppressed, giving voice to the voiceless and fostering solidarity among them. The Spirit also convicts of injustice, guides towards righteous solutions, and empowers individuals and communities to challenge oppressive systems. Therefore, the belief that God’s presence is with the marginalized and those working for justice is grounded in the Spirit’s work. How does this understanding call to us to listen to the marginalized, stand in solidarity with the oppressed, and actively seek justice in own lives and communities.