The Gospel of John, chapters 11 to 15, unfolds some of the most significant events and teachings in the life of Jesus Christ. In these chapters, we witness the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, powerful teachings about the connection between Jesus and His Father, and the deep, intimate relationship He seeks to have with His disciples. These chapters are full of deep theological insights and portray the love, sacrifice, and divine mission of Jesus.
John 11: The Raising of Lazarus
John 11 begins with the story of Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, who becomes seriously ill. The sisters send word to Jesus, hoping He will come and heal Lazarus. However, Jesus deliberately delays His arrival, saying, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4 KJV). Lazarus dies before Jesus reaches them, and by the time He arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days.
Martha meets Jesus and expresses her faith, saying that if He had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus responds with one of His most profound statements: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25 KJV). This sets the stage for the miraculous event that follows.
Jesus goes to the tomb and, after praying to His Father, commands Lazarus to come forth. Lazarus rises from the dead, still wrapped in burial cloths, and walks out of the tomb. This miracle causes many to believe in Jesus, but it also intensifies the hostility of the Jewish religious leaders. The chief priests and Pharisees plot to kill Jesus, fearing that His growing influence could lead to political upheaval.
John 12: Jesus Anointed and His Triumphal Entry
In John 12, we see the anointing of Jesus by Mary, the sister of Lazarus. At a dinner in Bethany, she takes expensive ointment and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. This act of devotion is questioned by Judas Iscariot, who pretends to care about the poor but is secretly a thief. Jesus defends Mary’s actions, saying that she has anointed Him for His burial, hinting at His impending death.
Following this, Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowds greet Him with palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13 KJV). This marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus’ life, as He enters the city as a king, though His kingdom is not of this world.
In the latter part of the chapter, Jesus speaks about His upcoming death, referring to Himself as a grain of wheat that must die to produce fruit. He tells His disciples that if they want to follow Him, they must be willing to lay down their lives. “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal” (John 12:25 KJV).
John 13: The Last Supper and Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet
John 13 begins the account of the Last Supper, where Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples before His arrest. One of the most remarkable moments in this chapter is when Jesus, the Son of God, humbles Himself and washes His disciples’ feet. This act of service is meant to teach them about humility and love. “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14 KJV). Jesus demonstrates that true leadership and greatness come through serving others.
During the meal, Jesus becomes troubled in spirit and announces that one of His disciples will betray Him. Judas Iscariot is identified as the betrayer, and he leaves to carry out his plan. After Judas’ departure, Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34-35 KJV). Love becomes the defining characteristic of Jesus’ followers.
John 14: Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life
In John 14, Jesus begins to prepare His disciples for His departure. He tells them that He is going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house, and He promises to return and take them to Himself. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1 KJV).
Thomas asks how they can know the way to where Jesus is going, and Jesus responds with one of the most famous statements in the Gospel: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV). Jesus makes it clear that salvation and a relationship with God the Father come exclusively through Him.
In this chapter, Jesus also promises the Holy Spirit, who will come after His departure to guide, comfort, and empower the disciples. The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Comforter, will teach them all things and bring to their remembrance everything that Jesus has taught. Jesus gives them peace, saying, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27 KJV), encouraging them not to be troubled or afraid despite the challenges ahead.
John 15: The Vine and the Branches
In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and branches to describe the relationship between Himself and His disciples. He declares, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” (John 15:1 KJV), emphasizing that the disciples, like branches, must remain connected to Him to bear fruit. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me” (John 15:4 KJV).
Jesus explains that those who remain in Him will produce spiritual fruit, while those who do not will be cut off. He also teaches that the way to remain in Him is through love and obedience. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love” (John 15:10 KJV). The chapter emphasizes the importance of love, both for Jesus and for one another. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12 KJV).
Jesus also warns His disciples that they will face persecution because of their connection to Him. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18 KJV). He reassures them that despite the world’s hostility, they are chosen and loved by Him, and that the Holy Spirit will testify of Him to strengthen their faith.
Conclusion
Chapters 11 to 15 of the Gospel of John in the King James Bible reveal Jesus’ power over death, His deep love for His disciples, and His preparation for the events leading to His crucifixion. These chapters emphasize the themes of love, sacrifice, service, and faith, showing the intimate relationship Jesus desires with His followers. Through His teachings, miracles, and interactions with His disciples, Jesus provides a powerful example of what it means to follow Him and trust in His promise of eternal life.
