John 12:2

KJV

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

There {G1563}{G3767} they made {G4160} him {G846} a supper {G1173}; and {G2532} Martha {G3136} served {G1247}: but {G1161} Lazarus {G2976} was {G2258} one {G1520} of them that sat at the table {G4873} with him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so they gave a dinner there in his honor. Marta served the meal, and El‘azar was among those at the table with him.

Berean Standard Bible

So they hosted a dinner for Jesus there. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him.

American Standard Version

So they made him a supper there: and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at meat with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:2 vividly portrays a supper held in Bethany for Jesus, six days before the Passover, shortly after He had miraculously raised Lazarus from the dead. The scene highlights Martha's characteristic role of active service, while Lazarus's presence at the table serves as a powerful, living testament to Jesus's life-giving power, drawing attention and belief from many. This intimate gathering sets the stage for significant events, including Mary's lavish anointing of Jesus and Judas Iscariot's revealing complaint.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in John's Gospel, immediately following the dramatic account of Lazarus's resurrection in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus"). The miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead was Jesus's most public and profound demonstration of His power over death, solidifying belief in some but also intensifying the resolve of the Jewish authorities to kill Him ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). The supper described in [John 12:2](/john/12-2 "John 12:2 - Supper in Bethany") serves as a celebratory and intimate prelude to Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem ([John 12:12-19](/john/12-12-19 "John 12:12-19 - The Triumphal Entry")) and the subsequent events leading to His crucifixion. It specifically sets the stage for Mary's anointing of Jesus ([John 12:3](/john/12-3 "John 12:3 - Mary Anoints Jesus")) and Judas's protest ([John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Complaint")), which underscore themes of devotion, sacrifice, and betrayal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The supper takes place in Bethany, a village on the Mount of Olives, just two miles east of Jerusalem. This proximity made it a frequent stopping point for pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for Passover. The timing, "six days before the Passover," is crucial, placing it within the immediate lead-up to the most significant Jewish festival, during which Jerusalem would be bustling with visitors. Feasts and communal meals were central to Jewish social and religious life, often serving as occasions for hospitality, teaching, and fellowship. The posture of "sitting at the table" (more accurately, reclining) was the customary way of dining for men in that culture, signifying a relaxed and intimate setting. The presence of Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, would have been a sensational and undeniable testimony, attracting many curious onlookers from Jerusalem to Bethany, as noted in [John 12:9](/john/12-9 "John 12:9 - Crowds Come to See Lazarus").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within John's Gospel. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Jesus's authority over death and life**, with Lazarus serving as a living, breathing testament to this power. His presence at the table is a tangible sign of the resurrection, a theme foundational to the entire Gospel. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **devotion and service** as expressed through Martha's actions. Her consistent character of practical service, also seen in [Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Luke 10:38-42 - Martha and Mary"), underscores the importance of ministering to Christ. Thirdly, the setting of the meal itself is a theme of **fellowship and intimacy** with Jesus, contrasting with the growing hostility from the religious authorities. Finally, this supper acts as a **foreshadowing of the Passion**, providing the immediate context for Mary's prophetic anointing of Jesus for burial ([John 12:7](/john/12-7 "John 12:7 - Jesus's Response to Mary")) and the revealing of Judas's true character as a betrayer ([John 12:4-6](/john/12-4-6 "John 12:4-6 - Judas's Hypocrisy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **supper (Greek, _deîpnon'_):** This term refers to the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. In this context, it signifies a significant, perhaps celebratory, gathering rather than a casual snack. The choice of "supper" emphasizes the importance and formality of the occasion, particularly given the guests and the preceding miraculous event.
* **served (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** This verb means "to wait upon," "to minister," or "to attend to." It denotes practical, often humble, service. Martha's active role in serving highlights her consistent character as one who expresses her devotion through diligent and practical actions, a trait previously noted in the Gospels.
* **sat at the table (Greek, _synanákeimai'_):** This compound verb literally means "to recline together with." It describes the common ancient practice of reclining on couches around a low table during a meal. The phrase emphasizes Lazarus's full participation in the fellowship, not merely as an observer but as one restored to life and community, sharing an intimate meal with Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There they made him a supper":** This clause establishes the setting of the event in Bethany, likely at the home of Simon the Leper (as indicated in parallel accounts), though John focuses on the actions of the family of Bethany. The collective "they" indicates a communal effort to honor Jesus with a significant meal, demonstrating their hospitality and gratitude for His presence and, specifically, for the miracle He performed.
* **"and Martha served":** This phrase immediately characterizes Martha, one of Jesus's close friends, in her familiar role. Her service is presented as an active, practical expression of her devotion and care for Jesus and His disciples, consistent with her personality portrayed elsewhere in the Gospels.
* **"but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him."**: The conjunction "but" (G1161 dé) introduces a contrasting or emphatic element. While Martha is busy serving, Lazarus is conspicuously present, reclining at the table as a guest alongside Jesus. His presence is the most striking detail, serving as irrefutable proof of Jesus's power over death and the central reason for the gathering's significance and the crowds it would soon attract.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Contrast** is evident in the differing roles of Martha and Lazarus: Martha actively serves, while Lazarus passively, yet powerfully, testifies simply by his presence at the table. This highlights different forms of devotion and witness. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in Lazarus's presence; he is not merely a guest but a living symbol of resurrection and new life, a tangible sign of Jesus's victory over death. His reclining at the table with Jesus foreshadows the future hope of resurrection for all believers who will feast with Christ in His kingdom. The entire scene also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for Mary's anointing of Jesus for His burial and the subsequent events leading to His crucifixion, emphasizing that even in celebration, the shadow of the cross looms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:2 serves as a powerful theological statement, emphasizing Jesus's divine authority over life and death, demonstrated through Lazarus's resurrection. This event is not merely a miracle but a profound sign pointing to Jesus as the source of eternal life. The supper itself, a gathering of those who love and believe in Jesus, underscores the theme of fellowship and intimate communion with the Savior. Martha's service highlights the importance of practical, humble devotion, while Lazarus's mere presence speaks volumes about the transformative power of God's grace. The scene ultimately points to the reality of resurrection, both physical and spiritual, and the hope that believers have in Christ.

* [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43-44 "Jesus Raises Lazarus")
* [Luke 10:38-42](/luke/10-38-42 "Martha and Mary")
* [John 12:9-11](/john/12-9-11 "Many Believe Because of Lazarus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:2 invites us to consider the various ways we can respond to and honor Jesus. Martha's diligent service reminds us that our practical actions, even in seemingly mundane tasks, can be acts of worship and devotion when done for Christ. Her example challenges us to identify our gifts and use them to serve others and the Lord, not seeking recognition but simply out of love. Lazarus, on the other hand, reminds us that sometimes our most profound testimony is simply our transformed presence. Having been brought from death to life by Jesus, his very existence was a powerful witness, drawing others to believe. This teaches us that our lives, changed by God's grace, are living sermons, quietly but powerfully proclaiming the resurrection power of Christ. We are called to both active service and to be living examples of God's redemptive work, inviting others to encounter the One who gives life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like Martha, express my devotion to Jesus through practical service?**
* **How does my transformed life, like Lazarus's presence, serve as a quiet but powerful testimony to others about Jesus?**
* **What does it mean for me to "sit at the table" with Jesus, experiencing intimate fellowship with Him in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Who hosted the supper mentioned in John 12:2?**

Answer: While John 12:2 does not explicitly name the host, parallel accounts in [Matthew 26:6](/matthew/26-6 "Matthew 26:6 - Jesus Anointed in Bethany") and [Mark 14:3](/mark/14-3 "Mark 14:3 - Jesus Anointed in Bethany") indicate that the supper took place at the house of Simon the Leper in Bethany. It's possible that Simon was a relative or friend of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, or perhaps a former leper whom Jesus had healed, hosting this celebratory meal in gratitude.

**Why is Lazarus's presence at the table so significant in this verse?**

Answer: Lazarus's presence is profoundly significant because he had recently been raised from the dead by Jesus, as recounted in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Raising of Lazarus"). His reclining at the table, alive and well, served as irrefutable, living proof of Jesus's divine power over death. This public miracle had caused many to believe in Jesus ([John 12:9-11](/john/12-9-11 "John 12:9-11 - Many Believe Because of Lazarus")), and his continued presence was a powerful testimony that attracted crowds and further infuriated the religious authorities, who even plotted to kill Lazarus because of his witness ([John 12:10](/john/12-10 "John 12:10 - Plot to Kill Lazarus")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:2, while describing a supper for Jesus, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of life and fellowship. Lazarus's resurrection and his presence at the table vividly prefigure Jesus's own triumph over death, which would occur just days later. Jesus, who is the [resurrection and the life](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life"), brings Lazarus from the tomb, demonstrating His power to grant new life. This act foreshadows His own glorious resurrection, which secures eternal life for all who believe in Him ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Raised to New Life")). Furthermore, Martha's service, while commendable, finds its highest expression in Christ, who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The intimate supper itself, where Jesus reclines with His friends, anticipates the [Last Supper](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper") and ultimately the [marriage supper of the Lamb](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where believers will share eternal fellowship with the resurrected Christ, who has conquered death once and for all.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 22:27

For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? [is] not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Luke 10:38

¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

Luke 10:42

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Revelation 3:20

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Mark 14:3

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

John 12:9

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

John 12:10

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;