John 11:55-12:11 | Bible Study Questions

Read John 11:55-12:11.
What characters are mentioned in our text and who are they? Anyone new?
Do you notice any repeated words or ideas? (even words/ideas that connect to previous sections of John)
How is Jesus described in this chapter? (by himself or by others)
Do you notice any comments by the narrator? (i.e. John 12:6)

What is the significance of Passover for the Jews?
1. Why would they need to purify themselves before Passover? (John 11:55)
2. Why did the Jews think that Jesus would not come to the feast?
Where is Bethany? Is it near to Jerusalem?
1. Why do you think Jesus came back from Ephraim in order to have dinner with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus?
Why do you think that Mary used the expensive ointment to wash Jesus' feet?
1. What did this show about her understanding of Jesus?
2. Culturally it was extremely taboo for Mary to let her hair down. Woman were required to keep their hair up in all social settings. Why do you think Jesus defended her actions?
3. Contrast Judas with Mary. How are their concerns and actions different?
What do you think Jesus means in verse 8, that "the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me"?
1. Read Deuteronomy 15:11. Does this help you to understand what Jesus means by this phrase?

What does this passage teach you about how you should respond to Jesus?
Read Romans 12:1 What does it mean for our lives to be living sacrifices?
1. Jesus is worthy of everything that we have. How can you practically apply this passage this week?
2. Is there something in your life that you are holding onto that you need to "sacrifice" to Jesus?
Pray in light of this passage and about any applications you have made
Sing How Sweet and Awesome to God and to one another.

Read John 11:55-12:11.
What characters are mentioned in our text and who are they? Anyone new?
Do you notice any repeated words or ideas? (even words/ideas that connect to previous sections of John)
How is Jesus described in this chapter? (by himself or by others)
Do you notice any comments by the narrator? (i.e. John 12:6)

What is the significance of Passover for the Jews?
1. Why would they need to purify themselves before Passover? (John 11:55)
2. Why did the Jews think that Jesus would not come to the feast?
Where is Bethany? Is it near to Jerusalem?
1. Why do you think Jesus came back from Ephraim in order to have dinner with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus?
Why do you think that Mary used the expensive ointment to wash Jesus' feet?
1. What did this show about her understanding of Jesus?
2. Culturally it was extremely taboo for Mary to let her hair down. Woman were required to keep their hair up in all social settings. Why do you think Jesus defended her actions?
3. Contrast Judas with Mary. How are their concerns and actions different?
What do you think Jesus means in verse 8, that "the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me"?
1. Read Deuteronomy 15:11. Does this help you to understand what Jesus means by this phrase?

What does this passage teach you about how you should respond to Jesus?
Read Romans 12:1 What does it mean for our lives to be living sacrifices?
1. Jesus is worthy of everything that we have. How can you practically apply this passage this week?
2. Is there something in your life that you are holding onto that you need to "sacrifice" to Jesus?
Pray in light of this passage and about any applications you have made
Sing How Sweet and Awesome to God and to one another.