v1-2: Lazarus, having been made alive, now shared fellowship with Christ. The meal was in Christ's honour, not Lazarus'.

v3: Mary's costly devotion.

v4-6: Judas' apparently concerned attitude, hiding his selfishness and greed. How important that our words are true and sincere.

v7-8: The Lord specifically commended Mary and her action. This was a preparation for His burial. He then answered Judas' 'red herring' about the poor, pointing out that there will always be opportunity to help the poor. This is significant in itself; God had previously promised, Deut 15.4, that the Jewish people would have no poor as long as they were obedient in the land He gave them. The fact that this was not fulfilled was an indication of their disobedience.

v9: The raising of Lazarus had created quite a stir, and may came to see him.

v10-11: See 11.47-48; the chief priests grew afraid of Jesus. They could not deny that a miracle had happened (compare Acts 4.16), but they tried to 'destroy the evidence' to protect others from believing in Jesus, 11.45.

On other occasions, when Jesus healed someone on the Sabbath day, they ignored the miracle, despised the person healed, and entered a debate as to the legality of His actions.

v12-15: The four gospels all record Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Here, His 'final week' begins, and the four gospels all give substantial space to the details of the events and, especially John, Jesus' words, during that week.

The incident perhaps indicates how the hearts of the people were easily moved. Jonathan Edwards comments;  ‘so great multitudes who were affected with the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, were elevated to a high degree, and made a mighty ado, when Jesus presently after entered into Jerusalem, exceedingly magnifying Christ, as though the ground were not good enough for the ass He rode to treat upon; and therefore cut branches of palm trees, and strewed them in the way.’ (Religious Affections)

v16-19: We see the different reactions; the disciples slowly grew in understanding; the exciting crowd cheering the Messiah; the Pharisees panicking.

v20-22: As in previous verses, many people came to see Jesus. They regarded Him as a popular miracle worker; and His response was to challenge them to belief and commitment. He wants servants not spectators, followers not fans.

v23: Until this point, the Lord had repeatedly said that the time had not yet arrived, but now the time had arrived; He would be glorified, and that through death.

v24-26: Jesus Christ the grain of wheat; He had to die and be buried, see 10.17-18. He gave up His spirit (19.30). But that grain of wheat produces much fruit, and will continue to do so.

The challenge was also applied to all those who would believe in Him; the old self has to forsaken and buried in repentance, Acts 17.21. Christ's words are given for decision rather than discussion, for God commands men to repent.

The challenge continues, to hate our lives "in this world," to seek eternal fruit, to serve Him and follow Him. There is a reward for the servant who does this, "My Father will honour the one who serves me."

v27-29: The time was near, the climax of Jesus' ministry. There came the voice from Heaven, providing fresh approval, if any were needed, that this was indeed the Son of God.

v30: Certain events were "for your benefit." See also 11.42; these things happened to encourage faith, to make things clearer for slow-to-understand men and women.

v31: At the cross Satan was defeated; three hours of darkness cover many profound truths, including decisive victory over the "prince of this world."

v32-33: The cross was where Christ was lifted up (3.14-15); it attracts people to know Him and to love Him. To neglect to preach Christ crucified is to fail to preach the true gospel.

v34: Again the people, not really wanting to believe, were confused. Later the same people preferred compromise to conviction (v43).

v35-36: Time was running out, the opportunity for them to believe would not last forever. Jesus hid Himself from the people, perhaps illustrating the truth of His words.

v37-41: The signs that Jesus performed did not create faith (Luke 16.30-31). They demonstrate the character and person of Christ. Seeing is not believing; for many saw and yet did not believe.

v42-43: Such belief as there was caused many to compromise, preferring human reputation before divine approval; as with Pilate also, Mark 15.15.

v44-46: Further claims of unity with the Father; for Christ had perfectly revealed God to mankind. The light had shone in the darkness. The invitation was clear then, and remains clear today, that men should believe in Christ, and be delivered from darkness.

v47-48: Many would reject Christ and His words. Yet Christ had not come to judge such, He came as Saviour. But judgment would come; those who reject will suffer loss.

v49-50: Unity of Father and Son, perfect and total agreement.