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Jesus’ Last Days: John 9-17
Jesus faced His last days with resolve. There was no turning back from the plan that God had set in motion from the time sin entered the world. Before His death, Jesus would spend some precious days and hours with His friends and disciples.
Though the desire to kill Jesus was already there, this was intensified after Jesus raised up Lazarus from the dead (John 11). The chief priests and pharisees were now actively looking to seize Jesus and bring Him to trial.
Just a few days before His final passover, Jesus was at the home of Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary. While Martha was serving, Mary took some very expensive perfume and began to the anoint the feet of Jesus with it. The disciples, particularly Judas, were upset at this, but Jesus rebuked them and told them to leave Mary alone, because she was doing this “for the day of My burial.” It was just after this that Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on the colt. The people were praising Him here, but it wouldn’t be long before they were crying for His death.
Jesus ate His final passover with His chosen disciples. It was during this sitting that Jesus performed one of His best-known acts. He rose from supper, girded Himself with a towel, and proceeded to wash the feet of His disciples. This selfless act of humility and service are set before us for all time as a great example of the attitude of Christ.
Jesus then proceeded to teach and comfort His disciples, telling them that the Holy Spirit would be sent to guide them into all truth. Though the disciples still had much to learn, Jesus was telling them that He was about to go back to the Father in Heaven. His teachings, actions, and prayer during all of this time are profound indeed.
Discussion
1. What sparked the plot to put Jesus to death? Why was this event such a powerful testimony to Jesus?
2. Why did Mary anoint Jesus? What kind of sacrifice was this? Why were the disciples upset?
3. Discuss the washing of the disciples’ feet. Why did Jesus do this? What lessons was He teaching?
4. What teaching and promises did Jesus give in John 14-16?