Lenten Season · Year C
Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 2, 2028
Overview & Insights
“Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial.” (John 12:7)
For the third time in John’s Gospel, the Passover is near (v. 55; cf. 2:13; 6:4), and for the second and last time (cf. 2:13), Jesus travels to Jerusalem to keep the festival. The early visit to Jerusalem involving the cleansing of the temple (2:13–22) had given the impression that Jesus’ Passion was about to begin, but it did not. Now the Passion is soon to begin, and the narrator creates an atmosphere of expectancy for his story. He does not immediately state that “Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (2:13), but says that many (v. 55) did so, and that when they arrived, they looked for Jesus, asking What do you think? Isn‘t he coming to the Feast at all? (v. 56). Jesus first returns to Bethany (12:1), and then triumphantly enters Jerusalem (12:12–19). The suspense builds as the Passover draws ever closer: almost time for (11:55), six days before (12:1), “the next day” (i.e., five days before, 12:12), “just before” (13:1).
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Take it further: John 12:1-8
Commentary
John 12:1-8Jn 12:1-8 Working Preacher
Exegesis of Mary's extravagance and its narrative placement before the Passion.
John 12:1-8Jn 12:1-8 Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on the shadow of death hanging over the scene.
The Poor Won't Always Be With You: Commentary for Lent 5 SALT Project
An ecumenical commentary unpacking Jesus's line about the poor.
John 12Jn 12 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical commentary covering the whole chapter.
John 12:1Jn 12:1 BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries verse by verse from this opening verse.
Everything That Is Read..., Lent 5 (C) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Anglican homily reflecting on the appointed readings for the Sunday.
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What does Mary's anointing at Bethany mean?
Mary pours costly nard over Jesus' feet and wipes them with her hair; he receives it as an anointing for his burial as the Passion draws near.
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