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John 12

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

What does John 12:26 mean?

Explanation

John 12:26 offers a synopsis of what it means to be a follower of Christ.

In this verse, Jesus lays out a threefold criterion for servitude and discipleship: serving Him, following Him, and being where He is.

The phrase "let him follow me" implies a voluntary and active pursuit of Jesus' teachings and lifestyle.

"Where I am, there shall also my servant be" suggests a sense of unity and presence with Christ, both in a physical and spiritual sense.

The latter part of the verse, "if any man serve me, him will my Father honour," promises divine recognition and honor to those who are faithful in their service to Christ.

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Historical Context

The verse is found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible, specifically within the Gospel of John, which was written approximately between 90-100 AD.

During this time, Christians faced persecution and were often a minority.

John's Gospel places strong emphasis on the divinity of Christ and the intimate relationship that followers could have with Him.

This particular verse is a part of Jesus’ teachings shortly before the Passover Festival, leading up to His crucifixion.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological standpoint, this verse encapsulates the essence of discipleship under the New Covenant. It speaks of an intimate relationship between the believer and Jesus, marked by service and following His example.

Theologically, the verse also emphasizes that the honor bestowed by the Father is not earned by works alone but through a relational commitment to Jesus.

Different Christian traditions may focus on varying aspects of this verse, such as the personal call to discipleship in Evangelical circles or the community and service aspects in Mainline Protestant and Catholic teachings.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of John 12:26 are numerous.

It encourages believers to actively follow Jesus' example, which includes love, compassion, service to others, and obedience to God's will.

In daily life, this can translate to helping those in need, promoting justice, practicing forgiveness, and living in a way that reflects one's faith.

It also reassures that such a life of service is not overlooked by God.

Cross-References

Matthew 16:24: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Mark 8:35: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it."
John 14:3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

"Serve" (διακονείτω, diakoneitō): which suggests ministering or attending to someone, implying active service.
"Follow" (ακολουθείτω, akoloutheitō): to follow one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him.
"Honour" (τιμήσει, timēsei): to value or esteem, to pay honor, respect.

These words emphasize action and relationship, and the original language underpins the commitments expected of a follower of Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, similar concepts of following a spiritual leader can be found. For instance, in Buddhism, following the Buddha's path (Dharma) is central. In Hinduism, the idea of bhakti or devotion to a deity entails a form of service and following.

However, the Christian emphasis on a personal relationship with a divine figure who is also a historical person, Jesus, is unique.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the verse doesn't offer direct commentary on natural phenomena.

However, the principle of altruism and social behavior, suggested in Jesus' call to service, is a topic of scientific study, particularly in fields like evolutionary biology, psychology, and sociology.

These disciplines explore how cooperative behavior and social bonds affect individuals and communities.

Commentaries

According to biblical scholars and theologians like Matthew Henry and William Barclay, John 12:26 encapsulates the heart of Christian discipleship.

Henry comments on the mutual relationship between serving Christ and being honored by God, while Barclay emphasizes the radical nature of following Jesus, which may lead to sacrificing personal ambitions.

Other commentators note the verse's challenge against cultural norms of the time, where honor was often sought through power and status rather than service.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 12:26 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?