Jesus's anointing at Bethany: hermeneutical analysis of John 12:1-8

Principals of Hermeneutics

Principles of Hermeneutics

In the New Testament of the Bible, it discusses the impact of Christ on the world around him and it established the basis foundations for Christianity. The book of John, is discussing these ideas through examining Jesus' ministry. This is accomplished in two sections called the Gospels of John. The first Gospel of John is focusing on Jesus' ministry in general through: discussing and showing how he is interacting with ordinary people. This part of John will go from chapters 1 to 12. The second Gospel of John is focusing on the last week of Christ's life. In this section, Jesus is preparing for his death. At the end of the book, is when there is narrative about the passion and glory of Christ. These elements are important, because they are providing a basic foundation for understanding Christ's ministries and some of the events that led up to his crucifixion. (Tashijan, 2011)

In John 12: 1 -- 8, it is talking about Jesus' interactions with ordinary people and how this should be a reflection on the way everyone is living their lives. As the passage says, "Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom he had raised from the dead. There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. Then, said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him. Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always you have with you; but me you have not always." (Denig, 2006) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049) This passage is basically telling everyone that they should love and respect one another. The reason why is because these kinds of issues and debates will always be around. The ability to remain physically close to Christ will not, with him seeing his eventual death coming. This is signifying how Jesus is teaching everyone about: the way they should treat each other and it is a symbolizing the transition into the Second Gospel of John (i.e. The focus on the last week of Christ's life).

To fully understand the message, hermeneutics will be used during the process of discussing and analyzing the text. As there will be a focus on a number of specific areas to include: the social setting of the text, the authors point-of-view, the genre of the writing, the usage of words, the echoes of other passages, the textual background, the intended audience and the use of folklore. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights as to the underlying meanings from this passage.

Hermeneutics

Hermeneutics is focused on understanding the text by: looking at the passage and discussing its translations. This means there will be focus on looking at other factors that will help everyone to comprehend the emotions and feeling of the passage. When this happens, is the point that the reader will have a more complete understanding of the text and the ideas that are being discussed. (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

At the heart of this approach, are several different areas that are used to improve everyone's knowledge of the John 12: 1- 8. These include: the social setting of the text, the authors point-of-view, the genre of the writing, the usage of words, the echoes of other passages, the textual background, the intended audience and the use of folklore. The combination of these factors will help us to have a thorough comprehension of these ideas. (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

The Author's Point-of-View

Focusing on the author's point-of-view, is when there is an emphasis on what events and ideas influenced the thought patterns of the author. In this particular case, Ephesus (the author) is teaching everyone about Christ and his glory. ("Gospel of John," 2012) This is accomplished by showing how he acts differently in comparison with everyone else. During the course of the conversation, is when Jesus can use this to teach new forms of thinking and interacting with each other. This is signifying, how the author is trying to instill a sense of respect for Christ and his teachings. (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

The genre of writing

The genre of the writing is when you are looking at the scene and determining if it fits with previous passages from the text. In this situation, John 12: 1 -8 is showing Christ's ministries and teachings. At the same time, it is signifying how this is the last week of his life and he knows his ultimate fate. This is giving the reader a sense of momentum in understanding these events and the way these transformations are a larger part of God's plan. (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

Textual peculiarities, such as language (literary words used)

The textual peculiarities are when there a focus on specific words that are used inside a passage to convey the underlying feelings and emotions. In John 12: 1- 8, it is using the word Passover at the beginning to signify changes that are taking place. The way that this is happening, is through using this traditional Jewish meal to: symbolize how this is one of the last times when Jesus and his disciples will be together. As a result, the word Passover is trying to instill: a sense of finality and talk about the Jewish cultural tradition at the same time. ("Passover," 2012) (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

Echoes of other passages

The echoes of other passages are when there will be similarities to texts inside a particular book or the actual Bible. This meaning is very similar to Matthew 26: 45 -- 47. In this passage Jesus is discussing how the end is near with the crucifixion coming soon. In one passage, Christ will identify Judas as the one who betrays him. This is similar to John 12: 1- 8 with Judas once again identified as the person who will betray Jesus. (Holly Bible, 2004, pg. 963)

Textual background

The textual background is when there is focus on historical and social factors from the time period that the text was written. In the case of John 12: 1 -8, it is illustrating how a historical transformation is occurring with the death of Christ. The way this is showing social situations, is to discuss how society is structured with the discussion about the poor. The combination of these factors is illustrating the changes that are taking place in a society (which is often divided among different groups). (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

Audience

The focus on the audience is designed to influence the reader and emotions they are feeling by telling a much larger story. The author's audience was to individuals who were living in biblical times. This is taking place through: showing the strength of Christ and how his teachings will help everyone. Once this happens, is when people will have a better understanding of the challenges they are dealing with. However, the intended audience is future generations that may not know or understand the teachings of Christ. In this aspect, there is an emphasis on taking the basic idea and demonstrating how it can be applied to everyone's lives. (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

Myths and folklore

Myths and folklore is used to show how everyone is practicing similar traditions that are utilized in society. In John 12: 1- 8, this is taking place with the use of feet washing to show respect for Christ and the sense of mysticism that followed him. This helped him to appear to be larger than life. Yet, when he spoke his words, they were based on humble ideas. Once this happens, is the point that the reader will have a greater understanding of the atmosphere surrounding Jesus arriving in a particular area. (Brown, 2007, pp. 20-54) (Holly Bible, 2004, pp. 1049

Conclusion

Clearly, hermeneutics is being used throughout religious studies to help improve the interpretations of various passages of the Bible. This helps to give the reader a greater sense of comprehension for: the background of events and the long-term impact it is having on each person. This is when they can be able to bridge various historical and cultural differences to understand the actual meaning of the text. In John 12: 1- 8, this is utilized to teach humility, set the atmosphere for the situation and let everyone know about the issues they are dealing with. This teaches the reader about Christ's ideas and it is signifying a transformation in his life.