John 12:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

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."

Context

This verse describes a significant meal taking place in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. It occurs six days before the Passover, shortly after Jesus had performed the astonishing miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. While the host of the house is identified as Simon the Leper in the parallel account in Matthew (Matthew 26:6) and Mark (Mark 14:3), John focuses on the presence and actions of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, highlighting the impact of Jesus' recent miracle. The atmosphere is likely one of gratitude and celebration, centered around the one who brought life back to their brother.

Key Themes

  • Hospitality: The making of the supper demonstrates devotion and hospitality towards Jesus.
  • Service: Martha continues her characteristic role of actively serving, showing her love through practical action, reminiscent of her earlier role in Luke 10:40.
  • Testimony of Resurrection: Lazarus's presence at the table is a powerful, living testimony to the power of Jesus over death. His very being there is a source of wonder and attracts many to see him and believe in Jesus (John 12:9).
  • Setting for Further Events: This meal serves as the backdrop for Mary's costly act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume (John 12:3) and Judas Iscariot's revealing complaint and true motive (John 12:4-6).

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "served" is from the Greek diakoneō (διακονέω), which means to serve, minister, or wait upon. It is the root word from which we get "deacon" and emphasizes practical, often humble, service. Martha's service here is portrayed matter-of-factly as her typical way of contributing.

Reflection

John 12:2 paints a picture of a community expressing gratitude and devotion to Jesus. Martha serves, Lazarus is a living testament to Jesus' power, and Mary will soon offer a lavish gift. This scene reminds us that there are different ways to honor Christ – through active service, through being a living example of His work in our lives, and through sacrificial worship. Lazarus simply being present was a powerful witness. Our own lives, transformed by God's grace, can also be a quiet but profound testimony to others.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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