Just a few weeks before Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, so he was a popular man in Bethany. For them he'd always be the guest of honor whenever he came to town. In her commentary on John's gospel, Gail O'Day writes that John's perspective is always personal. The disciples as a group of men are virtually invisible in John. It is evening.
Lamplight gives the room a soft glow.
The guests recline on elbow around a long table. Martha busies herself serving, the guests talk quietly together, but there's an air of tension in the room. Everybody knows matters are coming to a head now. Everybody knows the teacher is in real danger. Lazarus alive and well there at Jesus' side is the evidence.