This coming Sunday is the 5th Sunday of Lent in Lectionary Cycle B. During Ordinary Times, the lectionary selection for readings largely follow the flow the gospel accounts. But this is Lent and the gospels are taken to reflect, not the sequence of gospel events, but large themes important to the Lenten season. Previously on the 4th Sunday of Lent we read from John 3; this week we jump all the way to John 12. This chapter is located at the end of a multi-chapter section called the “Book of Signs” which contains all the miracle stories from the Gospel of John. A quick recounting of preceding events include: the anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary a type of burial anointing, the triumphs entry into Jerusalem, and then our gospel.

The standard treatment is that these stories mark the end of Jesus’ public ministry. In regards to this larger context, O’Day [681] suggests the significance of chapters 11-12 is lost when they are taken as the conclusion to Jesus’ public ministry – the way John is commonly outlined. Rather, in her outline 10:22-42 forms the conclusion and 11-12 “stand as a bridge between Jesus’ ministry and his hour. They belong neither to the public ministry nor to the story of Jesus’ hour, but constitute their own section within the Gospel narrative. John 11-12 move the public ministry into the context of Jesus’ death.”

Her outline of these chapters which she calls: The Prelude to Jesus’ Hour (11:1-12:50) is:

Jesus’ Hour Prefigured (John 11:1-12:11)

1. The Raising of Lazarus (11:1-44)
2. The Decision to Kill Jesus (11:45-54)
3. Jesus’ Anointing at Bethany (11:55-12:11)

Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem (12:12-19) ending with “Look, the whole world has gone after him.”

Jesus Interprets His Death (12:20-36) beginning with Greeks (representing the world) wishing to see Jesus.

The Epilogue to Jesus’ Ministry (12:37-50)

1. The Evangelist’s Commentary on Jesus’ Ministry (12:37-43)
2. A Summary Discourse by Jesus (12:44-50)

End of public ministry or “bridge between Jesus’ ministry and his hour?”  Always interesting to see the differing perspective.

Image credit: The Gentiles Ask to See Jesus, James Tissot (1886-1894) | Brooklyn Museum | PD-US