Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of John Chapter 12
Metaphysically Interpreting John 12:1-8
12:1Jesus therefore six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead. 12:2So they made him a supper there: and Martha served; but Lazarus was one of them that sat at meat with him.12:3Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. 12:4But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, that should betray him, saith, 12:5Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred shillings, and given to the poor? 12:6Now this he said, not because he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and having the bag took away what was put therein. 12:7Jesus therefore said, Suffer her to keep it against the day of my burying. 12:8For the poor ye have always with you; but me ye have not always.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 12:9-11
12:9The common people therefore of the Jews learned 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. 12:10But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus also to death; 12:11because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.
April 16, 1905: John 12:1-11
Every demonstration over mortal limitations is followed by a realization of Infinite Reality. When we put away the belief in the reality of matter, there follows a realization of the presence of the true substance, of which matter is a mortal concept.
The supper that the household at Bethany gave to Jesus represents this outpouring of the invisible. The “supper” is the consciousness of sustenance for the physical man. Martha “served” and Lazarus “sat,” signifies the giving and receiving of the forces that feed us on the invisible side of life. We may not perceive nor even realize what is going on in the silent functions of soul and body, yet we see the result in the renewed vigor and healthy flesh, so we should believe the testimony of those who do perceive, and accept it as the proper explanation of the cause, until we can see for ourselves. That we are fed from an invisible source, when we come into certain states of soul consciousness, is the testimony of thousands. “Man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word proceeding out of the mouth of God,” has a broader meaning than that usually given it.
Every emotion has a corresponding emanation. When we do a loving, unselfish thing, or even think an unselfish thought, there pours forth from the solar plexus a real substance. Those who are sensitive to odors often catch its sweet perfume, and think it comes from some external source. By centering the attention at the heart, and opening the understanding, one can realize this “precious ointment” which the loving Mary pours forth so freely. By recognizing and acknowledging consciously the Loving Presence, it “fills the whole house,” or body. We should commune with these inner functions as intelligent, having understanding (feet), and thereby gain the only means by which we can know their office and work. All is Mind, and there is no function or form anywhere without an intelligent presiding identity in charge.
The generous outpouring of Love is retarded by the Self-Consciousness (Judas). It argues the many questions of wasted substance through unwise and indiscriminate giving, but the secret motif of its objections is that it desires to absorb the precious ointment itself. If we allow this selfish reason to rule in consciousness, the love-flow turns in instead of out, and eventually congeals.
The “day of my burying” is the state of mind in which the I AM is so absorbed in temporal affairs that, for the time being, its high spiritual estate is forgotten. We often speak of being literally buried in the cares and perplexities of daily life. This is literally true of the condition. If we continue in this way we eventually picture it forth in a buried body. When we do fall under this mortal law, and allow ourselves to be submerged in the darkness of material beliefs, our former loving thoughts and generous deeds sustain us with a real soul substance, the “precious ointment” of a loving Mary.
October 29, 1916: John 12:1-11
What does Bethany, referred to in this lesson, represent in consciousness? Bethany means “a place of fruits” and is realized in the subconscious. When man is quickened of the Spirit, he gets a certain result in mind and body, which is the fruit of his thought.
What in consciousness do Mary and Martha represent? Mary represents the inner, devotional side of the soul, while Martha represents the outer, practical expression.
What lesson is taught in the anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary? The anointing of the feet represents the willingness of love to serve. Love is the fruit of devotion and thanksgiving expressed by Mary.
What does Judas Iscariot symbolize? Judas Iscariot symbolizes the sense consciousness of man. Its satisfaction is in personal gains and it is continually opposed to the outpouring of Love.
How may Judas be redeemed? Judas is transformed and redeemed, when all pertaining to personality is surrendered and the substance of Love is poured into consciousness. Man is continually enriched, as he gives up the things of sense and consecrates himself on purity of purpose and service.
What is the ultimate of love? Love is the factor through which eternal life is demonstrated. Love overcomes all selfishness and transforms the sense man into his pure and original state. The quickening life of Spirit anoints the whole body and resurrects it into newness of life and substance, thus begetting the new creature in Christ Jesus.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 12:12-19
12:12On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 12:13took the branches of the palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried out,
Hosanna:12:14And Jesus, having found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord,
even the King of Israel.12:15Fear not, daughter of Zion:12:16These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. 12:17The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness. 12:18For this cause also the multitude went and met him, for that they heard that he had done this sign. 12:19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Behold how ye prevail nothing: lo, the world is gone after him.
behold, thy King cometh,
sitting on an ass's colt.
March 2, 1947: John 12:12-16
What is signified by Jesus' riding into Jerusalem? Progressive unfoldment, the fulfillment of the time when the I AM is to take control and lift all our animal forces into the spiritual realm of mastery, purity, and peace.
What is the meaning of the name Jerusalem? It means “habitation of peace,” and represents spiritual consciousness.
Why is peace seen today as more desirable than ever before? Peace is desirable and necessary, because without it the race now has the means and the knowledge to destroy itself and with it civilization. The only sure safety lies in good will and understanding among the nations.
What are the essentials of permanent peace? We need to understand the conditions that lead to war, to study the things that make for peace, and to develop in ourselves an active will to work for peace.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 12:20-26
12:20Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast: 12:21these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. 12:22Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: Andrew cometh, and Philip, and they tell Jesus.12:23And Jesus answereth them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. 12:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a grain of wheat fall into the earth and die, it abideth by itself alone; but if it die, it beareth much fruit. 12:25He that loveth his life loseth it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. 12:26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will the Father honor.
August 15, 1948: John 12:20-22
Has the feast that “certain Greeks” attended in the lesson especial significance? A feast represents appropriation in large measure. “Certain Greeks” may be said to symbolize those modern scientific thinkers who seek common ground with religion.
What represents the scientific approach to truth? Bethsaida (meaning “house of fishing” or “place of nets”) represents a consciousness of increase of ideas, of gathering substance.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 12:27-36a
12:27Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause came I unto this hour. 12:28Father, glorify thy name. There came therefore a voice out of heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 12:29The multitude therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it had thundered: others said, An angel hath spoken to him. 12:30Jesus answered and said, This voice hath not come for my sake, but for your sakes. 12:31Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself. 12:33But this he said, signifying by what manner of death he should die. 12:34The multitude therefore answered him, We have heard out of the law that the Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?12:35Jesus therefore said unto them, Yet a little while is the light among you. Walk while ye have the light, that darkness overtake you not: and he that walketh in the darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. 12:36While ye have the light, believe on the light, that ye may become sons of light
February 28, 1937: John 12:20-33
What does a feast represent? A feast represents appropriation in a large measure, or the laying hold of divine potentialities.
What do “certain Greeks” mentioned in this lesson, signify? Greeks represent intellectual reasoning, and the “certain Greeks” mentioned in the text of today's lesson represent that branch of modern scientific thought which interprets the universe in terms understandable to both science and religion.
Explain the metaphysical meaning of Bethsaida. Bethsaida (“house of fishing,” “place of nets”) represents a consciousness of increase of ideas, of gathering of substance. It also represents a mental state of continual search after new ideas, and of endeavor to gain them by every means possible. This approach is typical of both science and religion in that both seek Truth with complete lack of self-interest.
On what does the possibility of increase in the spiritual realm depend? On disinterestedness or unselfishness. The life that is lived to and for itself alone must be given up in favor of the larger life that is lived for all, before man can deepen and enrich his life consciousness.
Compare the prayer of Jesus when in trouble with that of the natural man. Jesus said, “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say ? ... Father, glorify thy name.” The natural man when in trouble prays, “Father, save me from this hour.”
How is God's name glorified? When man brings his intellectual reasonings into contact with the Spirit of truth and permeates his reason with the wisdom that is from above, God's name is glorified; that is, the good of mankind is increased.
Explain the saying of Jesus “Now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” Ignorance and superstition rule the race mind. With the dawn of a better understanding of life and the part that man is fitted to play in it, these negative states disappear.
March 2, 1947: John 12:20-32
Why is the sense man combative by nature? The sense man sees life as a continuous struggle in which he must fight to attain the goal that he is seeking.
What is greater than any power that the material world exhibits? The power of Spirit or the Christ.
How does the transformation of the earthly nature into the spiritual take place? First in the individual. As the individual becomes a spiritual leader, spiritually [spirituality?] extends through him to society at large.
What is needed to make the Christ consciousness a universal actuality? That everyone who learns the way of the Christ Spirit teach it to others. Jesus spent much time teaching His disciples to do the same kind of work that He did. After the Resurrection He impressed on them the importance of continuing the work. Today the great need is leadership in the way of the Christ.
Can the race impulse toward mass action be turned to account in bringing the Christ consciousness into universal acceptance? It can and should be. The uniting of men in praise and appreciation of spiritual truth is one instance. Others can be begun and persevered in, until men learn to work together to realize the kingdom of Truth.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 12:36b-43
These things spake Jesus, and he departed and hid himself from them. 12:37But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him: 12:38that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake,
Lord, who hath believed our report?12:41These things said Isaiah, because he saw his glory; and he spake of him. 12:42Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 12:43for they loved the glory that is of men more than the glory that is of God.
And to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
12:39For this cause they could not believe, for that Isaiah said again,
12:40He hath blinded their eyes,
and he hardened their heart;
Lest they should see with their eyes,
and perceive with their heart, And should turn,
And I should heal them.
Metaphysically Interpreting John 12:44-50
12:44And Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 12:45And he that beholdeth me beholdeth him that sent me. 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me may not abide in the darkness. 12:47And if any man hear my sayings, and keep them not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 12:48He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day. 12:49For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 12:50And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 01-08-2014
