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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 12:50 mean?

Explanation

John 12:50 captures the essence of Jesus' mission and authority as expressed in the Gospel of John.

In this verse, Jesus conveys the weight and eternal significance of the commandments given to him by God the Father.

He underscores that the commandment is not a mere set of rules, but rather, it is a source of eternal life.

The message he delivers is in full alignment with God's will; he speaks not from personal interpretation but as a direct conduit of God's revelation.

The verse highlights Jesus' obedience to the Father and the divine origin of his teachings.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 12:50 is situated within the conversation Jesus has with his disciples and the crowd, shortly before his crucifixion.

The Gospel of John, written late in the first century AD, reflects upon Jesus’ life, his identity as the Son of God, and the spiritual implications of his teachings and actions.

The historical context likely influenced the emphasis on Jesus' divine authority and the salvific nature of his message, themes that were important to early Christian communities facing both internal and external challenges.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse serves to reaffirm Christ's unity with the Father, highlighting his role as the perfect communicator of God's will.

The statement that God's commandment is life everlasting is an insight into the understanding of salvation, a central tenet in Christian theology.

The verse can be seen from a Trinitarian perspective (common in many Christian denominations), emphasizing the distinct yet unified roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the economy of salvation.

Practical Applications

The verse can inspire believers to heed the teachings of Jesus with the knowledge that they are rooted in the divine will of God, and as such, they carry the promise of eternal life.

It also serves as a call to emulate Jesus' example of perfect obedience to God, recognizing that living by His commandments is integral to the Christian life.

Cross-References

John 14:31 - "But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.

Arise, let us go hence."

John 7:16 - "Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me."
John 10:30 - "I and my Father are one."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of John 12:50 include:

"Entolē" (ἐντολή): Often translated as "commandment," referring to a directive or authoritative order.
"Zōēn aiōnion" (ζωὴν αἰώνιον): Translated as "life everlasting," with "zōēn" referring to life and "aiōnion" to eternity or something without end.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine beings delivering commandments to humanity is present in various religious traditions.

For example, in ancient Egypt, the god Ma'at provided the pharaohs with laws.

In Mesopotamian myths, deities were involved in bestowing kings with codes of law.

Comparatively, in John 12:50, Jesus presents himself not as a receiver of the law but as one with authority to declare God's commandments and offers spiritual eternal life, which is distinctive in Christian thought.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the idea of "life everlasting" is not a concept that can be empirically verified.

The notion of eternal life, as mentioned in this verse, is metaphysical and transcends scientific inquiry, operating within the realm of religious belief and faith.

Thus, science is silent on this matter, focusing instead on the observable universe.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 12:50 vary in their focus.

Some emphasize the theological significance of Jesus’ oneness with the Father and the authority given to his words. Others consider the practical implications for believers, noting the connection between adherence to Jesus' teachings and the promise of eternal life.

Many agree on the verse's importance in establishing the divine origin of Jesus’ mission and message, which culminates in the Christian understanding of salvation.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:50 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 12:50 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?