From Anointing to Betrayal

The Turning Point of Christ’s Ministry

Thru the Bible in a Year

Scripture Reading: John 12–13

There are moments in Scripture when the pace of the story seems to change—when eternity itself leans in. John 12 and 13 represent just such a moment. Here, Jesus’ public ministry draws to a close, and the shadow of the cross begins to stretch across the narrative. The crowds that once shouted “Hosanna!” will soon cry “Crucify Him!” The fragrance of anointing oil gives way to the smell of betrayal. And yet, through every word and action, the glory of God is quietly unfolding in perfect order.

These chapters serve as a bridge—from the Savior’s public proclamation to His private preparation of the disciples. The themes of humility, love, sacrifice, and obedience converge here, showing us not only who Jesus is but who we are called to become.

John 12 — The Savior Revealed

John 12 opens in Bethany, where a quiet act of devotion unfolds. Mary takes a costly jar of perfume and pours it upon Jesus’ feet. It’s more than a gesture of love—it’s a prophetic act. Every drop represents surrender, gratitude, and recognition of who Jesus truly is: the Anointed One. Judas protests, pretending concern for the poor, but Scripture unmasks his heart—he loved money, not ministry. Yet Jesus honors Mary’s act, declaring that her love will be remembered wherever the Gospel is preached. It’s a reminder that true worship always costs something.

We then follow Jesus into Jerusalem for His triumphal entry. The crowds wave palm branches, shouting praises as prophecy is fulfilled: “Behold, your King comes, seated on a donkey’s colt” (Zechariah 9:9). But this is no political parade. The donkey, a humble animal, signals that Christ’s kingdom will not come through conquest but through compassion. The Pharisees, watching in frustration, see their influence slipping away and mutter, “The whole world has gone after Him.” Indeed, even the Greeks—foreign seekers of truth—now approach Philip saying, “Sir, we would see Jesus.”

Jesus’ response is both mysterious and majestic: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” This “hour” had been postponed again and again throughout His ministry, but now it has arrived. Yet His glory will not be revealed through power but through death. “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

Here is the paradox of the Gospel: glory comes through surrender, life through death, and fruitfulness through sacrifice. Heaven itself confirms this moment as a voice sounds from above, affirming the Father’s delight in the Son’s obedience.

Still, not everyone believes. Many who had seen His miracles remain hardened. Some secretly believe but stay silent, fearing exclusion from the synagogue. John writes, “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” The tension is timeless. Faith often asks us to choose between comfort and conviction. The authenticity of our discipleship is revealed not by applause but by allegiance—by whose approval we truly seek.

As the chapter closes, Jesus offers His final public invitation. He cries out, “I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not remain in darkness.” With those words, His public ministry concludes. The light has shone; now the darkness moves closer.

John 13 — The Supper and the Servant

If John 12 was a revelation of Christ’s glory, John 13 is a revelation of His grace. The setting shifts to a quiet upper room, where Jesus gathers with His disciples for the Passover meal. Here, eternity stoops low. The One who flung stars into space takes up a basin and towel. The Creator kneels before His creation and begins to wash their feet.

Foot washing was the work of the lowest servant, a task of humility and necessity in a culture of dusty roads and sandals. Yet Jesus—the Master—assumes the posture of a servant. Peter protests, scandalized at the reversal of roles: “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” Jesus answers, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.”

That single sentence echoes through every trial and mystery of our faith. How often does the Lord perform acts in our lives that we cannot yet comprehend? His cleansing, His timing, His shaping of our hearts—they often make sense only afterward. Faith waits for that moment of understanding.

When Peter insists that Jesus wash all of him, Jesus gently corrects him again, teaching that those who belong to Him are already made clean through faith. The washing of the feet symbolizes the daily cleansing from the world’s dust—a reminder that sanctification is an ongoing journey.

Then Jesus rises and asks a question that lingers in every heart: “Do you understand what I have done for you?” It is more than a lesson in humility—it’s a call to imitation. “I have given you an example,” He says, “that you also should do as I have done to you.” Love must be practical. It must serve. True discipleship is not displayed in titles or achievements but in towels and basins.

The Foretelling: Betrayal and Denial

After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus’ spirit grows troubled. He announces that one among them will betray Him. The room falls silent. The disciples look at one another in disbelief. Peter gestures to John to ask who He means, and Jesus identifies Judas by dipping a piece of bread and handing it to him. “After he took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, ‘What you are about to do, do quickly.’”

As Judas departs into the night, we feel the gravity of John’s observation: “And it was night.” The darkness outside mirrors the darkness descending within the human heart. Yet even as betrayal sets the crucifixion in motion, God’s sovereign plan advances unhindered. The worst human act will become the greatest divine victory.

Before the evening ends, Jesus foretells another failure—the denial of Peter. The same disciple who protested the foot washing now vows to follow Christ even unto death. But Jesus, with sorrowful honesty, predicts that Peter will deny Him three times before morning. Still, Jesus’ love for Peter remains unbroken. Grace is already waiting at the empty tomb to restore the fallen.

Walking in the Light of His Example

These two chapters bring us face to face with the cost and beauty of discipleship. The anointing in Bethany teaches us that devotion to Christ requires costly surrender. The triumphal entry reminds us that His kingdom is built on humility, not power. The foot washing reveals the heart of servanthood, while the betrayals expose the fragility of human loyalty—and yet the steadfastness of divine love.

Every believer is called into that same pattern: to serve without status, to love without condition, to endure without resentment. The Christian journey is not about ascending to greatness but descending into grace. Jesus didn’t just tell us how to live; He showed us.

When we forgive, when we serve, when we choose obedience over convenience—we echo the steps of the Savior who knelt in humility and rose in victory. This is what it means to go thru the Bible in a year: not merely reading about Jesus, but walking with Him, allowing His Word to shape our responses, soften our pride, and strengthen our faith.

May the Lord bless your journey through His Word today. As you meditate on the humility of Christ and the holiness of His love, may your heart be renewed in devotion. Thank you for your faithfulness in studying Scripture daily. Remember: God’s Word will not return void—it will accomplish what He intends in your life. Keep walking with Him, one chapter at a time, until His likeness shines through you.

For deeper study on humility, discipleship, and servanthood, visit The Gospel Coalition and explore their articles on Following Jesus in a World That Values Power.

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