Literary Context

This is the literary context of the 10th, 11th, and 12th chapters of John. This includes what is going on the chapter before and after our passage.

• The Good Shepherd and His Sheep (10:1-21)

• Jesus is like a gate. He is the gate to God and eternal life.

• Further Conflict over Jesus’ Claims (10:22-42)

• We tend to think things over to much. Most of the time God puts things right in front of us, but we are too ignorant to see it.

• The Death of Lazarus (11:1-16)

• Jesus is like daytime. He will lead us through the bad and the good. Even when we feel like we can’t see anything.

• Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus (11:17-37)

• Those who believe in Jesus will live forever in though they will die.

• Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead (11:38-44)

• Jesus cried from Lazarus death, He cried to the father and He brought back Lazarus.

• The Plot to Kill Jesus (11:45-57)

• The Pharisees wanted to get rid of Jesus, because everyone was starting to believe in Him.

• Jesus Anointed at Bethany (12:1-11)

• Jesus goes to Bethany where Lazarus lives which is who he raised from the dead. There, a girl, Mary, poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet; Judas challenged her decision to do this, wanting the money.

• Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King (12:12-19)

• Jews from Bethany praise him as he leaves for Jerusalem.  

• Jesus Predicts His Death (12:20-36)

• Jesus tells the crowd that the time has come for people to know him, and God even chimes in on what God is saying. Jesus also says that they should follow the light.

• Belief and Unbelief Among the Jews (12:37-50)

• Even though Jesus performed miracles and signs, people still do not believe in him.  Jesus states that he did not come to judge the world.