Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:1

"Jesus therefore six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus raised from the dead." — John 12:1 (ASV)

At this point Jesus’ time schedule becomes more definite than previously in this gospel. Martha and Mary gave a dinner for Jesus. The notation that Lazarus was among the guests seems unnecessary at first reading. If the dinner was an expression of gratitude for the restoration of Lazarus (ch. 11), he would naturally be expected to attend it. Perhaps the writer is suggesting that after Lazarus’s restoration to life he retired from any public appearance since he did not want to be an object of curiosity (cf. v.9). On this occasion he may have come out of seclusion to honor Jesus.