Easter

As the Passover holiday draws near, many people are making their way to Jerusalem to undergo cleansing in preparation for the holiday (John 11:55–57). The Pharisees and chief priests are actively looking for Jesus, with orders to report His whereabouts and arrest Him.

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John 12:1-11  Six days before Passover, Jesus visited Bethany, where Lazarus lived, where he had raised him from the dead. A dinner was held in his honor, and Mary used an expensive perfume to perfume Jesus' feet. Judas Iscariot, a disciple, objected to the perfume not being sold and the money given to the poor, claiming it was a thief's money bag. Jesus explained that it was intended to be saved for his burial day. A large crowd of Jews came to see Lazarus, who he had raised from the dead. The chief priests planned to kill Lazarus, as many Jews were coming to Jesus and believing in him.

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John 9   Jesus heals a man who was born blind, causing a stir among the Pharisees. They investigate the healing and question the man and his parents. Despite the opposition, the man boldly testifies about Jesus. Jesus later reveals Himself to the man as the Son of God, and the man believes and worships Him.

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John 10   Jesus teaches about being the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. He contrasts Himself with the hired hand who abandons the sheep when danger comes. Jesus emphasizes that His sheep know His voice and follow Him. He also speaks of His unity with the Father, leading to more tension with the Jewish leaders.

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John 11  Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany. Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. This miraculous act causes many to believe in Jesus, but it also leads to increased plots against Him by the chief priests and Pharisees. Jesus' compassion and divine power are displayed through this event, and it foreshadows His own resurrection.