Charles Ellicott Commentary John 12:2

"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 (ASV)

There they made him a supper.—Compare Notes on Matthew 26:6 and following, and Mark 14:3 and following, which are clearly accounts of the same supper. Here the details peculiar to Saint John, who was an eyewitness, will be noted.

Saint Matthew gives no indication of the day. Saint Mark seems to place it two days before the Passover; but compare Notes on Mark 16:1-2. Both the other accounts tell us that the supper was in the house of Simon the leper. Saint John does not define the place more definitely than to say that it was in Bethany; but he alone adds the facts that Martha was still serving, and that Lazarus was present as a guest.

And Martha served.—The tense of this verb differs from that of the others in the verse, and implies the continued act of serving, while “made a feast” is the statement of the fact as a whole .

Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.—This is a natural touch answering to the impression that the fact made. It is closely connected with the statement of the preceding verse, Lazarus had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. Here was one sitting at the table with them who had lain in the tomb four days.

The meal is in his case, as afterwards in that of our Lord Himself (Luke 24:41–43), a physical proof of the Resurrection; and his presence by the side of our Lord calls forth from Mary the anointing, which testifies to her gratitude and love.