John 12-17 1

John 12-17 2

Inductive Study of John 12-17

OUTLINE: The Book of Signs (11:45 – 17:26)

I. Jesus’ Hour

a. The Conspiracy (11:45-57)

b. The Anointing (12:1-11)

c. The Hour (12:12-50)

II. Jesus Teaches (13:1-16:33)

a. Lesson 1: The Value of Togetherness (13:1-38)

b. Lesson 2: The Value of Trust and Obedience (14:1-30)

c. Lesson 3: The Value of Community (15:1 – 16:16)

III. Jesus Prays (16: 17 - 17:26)

OBSERVATION/INTERPRETATION

Section I Observation/Interpretation: This section prepares the way for the eventual

Passion of Jesus (Chapters 18-21) by revealing the motives of the religious leaders (11:45-57);

the revelation of Jesus’ impending death (12:1-19); and the revelation of the glory that will come

from the hour of His agony (12:20-50). This section predicated on the resurrection of Lazarus

(11:38-44) and the ensuing controversy caused. It is interesting to note the very thing that served

as the instrument for the conspiracy to kill Jesus leads to the very instrument that opens the door

for the salvation of all who would believe, that is, the resurrection of Christ.

Lazarus had died and had been raised from the dead (11:38-44), which was the

instrumentation for “many” putting their faith in Christ (11:45). However, it was also the cause

for others to go to the Pharisees to tell what Jesus had done (11:46). This sets off a chain of

causal events:
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• Pharisees call a meeting of the Sanhedrin (11:47) causing,

• Debate among the religious leaders as to what might happen if Jesus continues His

ministry (11:48-52), which causes,

• The conspiracy to kill Jesus (11:53), the plot becomes known and causes,

• Jesus to “no longer move publicly among the Jews” (11:54).

The effect of this chain of events leads to the opportunity for Mary to anoint Jesus for His

burial (12:1-19). In this portion we find the writer using a contrasting relationship between

Mary/Martha and Judas. The ladies “serve” and “anoint” while the Judas complains (12:1-8).

This comparative relationship serves the writers purpose in giving the reader insight into the

character of Judas (12:6). This insight reveals why Judas is complaining: he was a thief! Jesus

them summarizes what is about to happen to Him by contrasting His departure with the

permanence of the poor.

There are further causational relationships revealed by the writer concerning Lazarus and

the plot to kill him because his testimony was the instrument by which many Jews were being

converted. Here the writer also demonstrates the larger comparisons and contrasts between the

followers of Christ and the religious. The Christ followers are serving, anointing, relaxing and

the religious are plotting, stealing and seeking to kill.

The portion of scripture from 11:45 to 12:11 also serves as preparation that would bring

about the realization of how Christ would be ultimately glorified, that is, through the “hour” of

His death (12:23-27). This realization is introduced by the writer through his personal

commentary found in 12:16 wherein the reader is informed that the disciples were unaware of

the instrument of Jesus’ glorification. This would remain unknown to them until after His

“glorification.” The writer employs the word “glorified” three times in Chapter 12 (8 times in the
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whole book 7:39; 11:4; 12:16, 23, 28; 13:31, 32 [NIV]). This recurring word speaks to Christ

being magnified or honored but the process of the “glorification” would come through

contrasting shame of a criminals cross.

The writer also utilizes the recurring word/phrase “crowd” or “the crowd” five times in

Chapter 12 (see verses 9, 12, 17, 29, 34). “The crowd” in Chapter 12 is seen as those who had

gathered because they had “heard” Jesus and Lazarus were nearby (12:9, 12 17). This might

imply they were merely curious about the events of Lazarus’ resurrection and the ministry of

Jesus. The writer also views “the crowd” negatively in 12:29 & 34. These verses reveal their

doubt that Christ is the Son of Man by showing their reaction to the voice from Heaven (12:28).

Section II Observation and Interpretation: This section seems to establish a crucial

turning in Jesus’ ministry. The writer tells us in 11:54 that Jesus no longer moved “publicly”

causing the effect of intensive teaching by Jesus to His disciples. With Jesus’ glorification on the

horizon and the rejection of the religious leaders in place the time for preparing His disciples for

His departure ramps up. This section reveals a comprehensive course in “the full extent of his

love” (13:1).

Jesus first instructs the disciples in the value of togetherness. The writer shows us three

elements used to substantiate the need for the disciples to walk in unity. The first element is

found in 13:2-17 wherein Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. This may imply the need for

mutual submission to the will of God and the recognition of those who reject it. The second

element is the last meal wherein Judas is revealed as the betrayer (13:18-30). This might suggest

the necessity of accepting the message of Christ (recurrence of the word “accept” in 13:20). The

third element is Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial (13:31-38). Perhaps this indicates by contrast

the glorification (the word “glory” or its derivative recurs 5 times in 13:32) that comes via the
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Cross would result in the “new command,” that is, to “love one another” (13:34). The disciples

would be unable to stay together after the glorification of Jesus if they did not practice the

principles of mutual submission, recognition of those opposed to Christ, and brotherly love.

Chapter 14 reveals to an inclusio relationship wherein the writer begins and ends the

teaching of Jesus concerning the oneness He shares with the Father with the phrase, “Do not loet

your hearts be troubled” (14:1 & 27). The substance between the inclusio concerns itself with

both Thomas and Philip desire to better understands the relationship between Jesus and the

Father. Jesus then moves to teaching concerning the sending of the Spirit so that the disciples

will not be left as “orphans.” It is interesting to note Jesus’ use of the phrase, “I will come to

you” (14:18) in reference to the Spirit. This perhaps serves to further demonstrate the oneness of

the Godhead. This section also discloses the recurring word “obey” (14:15, 23, 24). This may

possibly reach back to the earlier section to show the disciples the criteria by which to know who

is with Christ and who is not. The writer also uses the recurring phrase “if you love(d) me”

(14:15, 23, 28) and he compares obedience with love. To love Christ is to obey Christ and to not

obey is to not love, thus, a real disciple is marked by his or her obedience.

Chapter 15 speaks to the value of community. Jesus uses the example of the “vine” and

the “branches” as a way to compare the general relationship in the Godhead. Then He gives a

particular application of this to the disciples. Christ does nothing without the Father and the

disciples can do nothing without Christ (15:5-8). The glue that holds this community together is

“love” a word that recurs six times in this chapter (15:9, 12, 13, 17, 19). This is then contrasted

with the recurring word “hates” (15:18, 19, 23). This contrasting relationships implies that

obedience to Christ does not necessarily bring us popularity but that the “world” will probably

reject us because the Spirit lives in us. Jesus then summarizes this segment by informing the
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disciples to expect to be rejected and hated (16:1-4). Chapter 15 also serves as an introduction to

Chapter 16 in that it prepares the reader to understand the effects of Christ’s departure. That is,

Christ will go away but will also come back to dwell in believers by Spirit. The disciples will see

Jesus by observing how the His Spirit is working within the lives of believers (16:16).

Chapter 16:17-17:26 is the climax of the Book of John; specifically Jesus’ statement,

“You believe at last” (16:31)! In this statement the reader informed that the disciples have finally

believed that Jesus has come from God. However, there would be a negative effect stemming

from this belief: a scattering of the disciples at Jesus’ most vulnerable time (16:32). This serves

as the introduction to the prayers of Chapter 17.

Jesus prays one prayer in three parts in Chapter 17, which summarizes everything Jesus

has accomplished through His earthly ministry. One key recurring word in these prayers is

“world” which is used 17 times in the chapter (as well as 4 times in 16:17-33). The disciples

were given the word and the “world” hated them (17:14) but they would not be “taken” out of

the “world” (17:15). Instead the disciples would be “sent” into the world that hates them and

“protected” (17:15, 18).

APPLICATION

1. Do not fear Jesus has overcome the world.

2. The Spirit will come and dwell in us.

3. Though the world hates the word in us we are protected.

4. Belief and obedience are marks of true discipleship.

5. The death of Jesus has become our opportunity for life.

6. Disciples are servants of each other and of Christ.

7. We can pray in the Name of Jesus.