John 12

This is a chapter of powerful contrasts—extravagant worship set against covetous betrayal, the cheers of a crowd that will soon turn to jeers, and the darkness of unbelief confronting the blinding light of truth. As I read through the text, there are a few passages that challenge my own spiritual walk.

The Extravagance of Worship 

The scene in Bethany with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus is so profound. Mary takes a pound of expensive ointment—pure nard (a rare, costly, and highly aromatic essential oil derived from the stem of a Himalayan plant)—and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. It's a moment of radical, all-in worship. When Judas objects, masking his greed with a concern for the poor, Jesus defends Mary.

I find myself asking: What is my "expensive ointment?" Is my worship to Jesus ever measured or calculated? Mary’s act wasn't practical; it was extravagant. It was a beautiful, costly display of love. This passage reminds me that true devotion often looks foolish to the world—and even to those within the Church who are focused on worldly gain. It calls me to a higher, more selfless form of giving and worship.

Not only that, but how often do I mask my true motivation with something that appears to be biblical? Judas’ reaction here is something that many of us struggle with even today. We use sleight of hand to find things to distract ourselves and others from the true issues in our lives. As we know the outcome of Judas’ greed, this should be a stark warning for us.

The Grain of Wheat Must Die

Later in the chapter, when some Greeks come seeking Jesus, He responds with a powerful and mysterious truth: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." (John 12:24)

This verse, coming right before Jesus speaks of His own impending death, is a central theme of the Christian life. It's a call to deny self, to let go of our own comfort and control, so that new, eternal life can spring forth.

For me, this carries some meaning—what areas of my life am I still clinging to? What ambitions, comforts, or fears need to "die" so that God can bear fruit through me? It's a challenging, yet life-giving paradox. Yet it is something so important for us to consider in our hearts on a regular basis. We need to continually take stock of what we deem as important to make sure nothing takes the place of God.

Walk While You Have the Light 

As Jesus's public ministry nears its close, He issues a final, urgent warning: "The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going." (John 12:35)

The light is Jesus, and He urges us to live in alignment with His truth while we still have the opportunity. The choice is binary: light or darkness. This isn't just about eternal destiny; it's about our daily choices. When I choose to ignore God's truth, I am choosing the darkness, and I lose my sense of direction and purpose.

​I am challenged to worship extravagantly, embrace self-denial for the sake of bearing fruit, and live with urgency in the light of Christ. It's a roadmap to discipleship that, while costly, promises a rich harvest.