The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that "much people" who had come to the feast heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. This subtly emphasizes that it wasn't just the Jerusalem locals, but many visitors, potentially from out of town, who were actively seeking out Jesus, showing a widespread awareness and anticipation of his arrival.
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Jesus' raising of Lazarus, a great crowd, drawn by the miracle and the upcoming Passover feast, learned Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. The next day, this eager multitude, anticipating Jesus' arrival, went out to meet him, setting the stage for his dramatic public entrance into the city as King.
Jerusalem was already buzzing with excitement for the Passover feast. Imagine a city packed with visitors, all anticipating a sacred celebration. Into this charged atmosphere, news of Jesus' arrival sends ripples of anticipation through the crowd.
John 12:12 sets the scene for Jesus' dramatic entrance into Jerusalem. The Passover feast was a time of immense national and religious significance, drawing vast numbers of people from all over. This wasn't just a quiet gathering; it was a huge event, full of expectation and tradition.
A City Aflame with Expectation
The text highlights that 'much people that had come to the feast' heard about Jesus. These were pilgrims, many likely from outside Jerusalem, already caught up in the energy of the festival. The news of Jesus, especially after the miracle of Lazarus, spread like wildfire, creating a palpable buzz. It’s like hearing that a major celebrity or a political figure is unexpectedly coming to your town during a huge festival – the excitement would be contagious!
The crowd's excitement wasn't just about a royal visit. It was fueled by a powerful miracle and a deep longing for liberation. They saw Jesus not just as a visitor, but as a potential answer to their prayers.
The mention of 'much people' isn't just about numbers; it points to the diverse motivations within the crowd. While many were drawn by Jesus' fame and the incredible sign of Lazarus' resurrection, their understanding of 'King' was deeply tied to their hope for freedom from Roman oppression and a restored Davidic kingdom.
A Glimmer of Hope in a Tumultuous Time
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This wasn't a crowd of people passively waiting. They had come for a feast that celebrated deliverance, and many were looking for a deliverer. The news of Jesus, coupled with the testimony of Lazarus' return from death, ignited a powerful hope. They weren't just curious; they were actively seeking. Their immediate response to go out and meet Jesus, waving palm branches and shouting praises, shows a deep, almost desperate, yearning for the fulfillment of their messianic expectations.
Understand the original words
heortē · Greek Noun
A designated time for communal religious observance, worship, and celebration, specifically referring in this context to the Passover feast in Jerusalem.
This verse marks the beginning of Jesus' final week, a pivotal moment leading up to his crucifixion. The crowds' enthusiastic welcome, fueled by recent miracles like Lazarus' resurrection, contrasts sharply with the plotting of the religious authorities.
c. AD 30, Friday evening
Jesus arrives in Bethany
Jesus and his companions arrive in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, likely on the Friday evening before Passover week.
c. AD 30, Saturday
Jesus rests on the Sabbath
Jesus spends the Sabbath in Bethany, likely resting and possibly meeting with Lazarus and his sisters.
c. AD 30, Sunday morning— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
The 'next day,' a large crowd hears Jesus is coming to Jerusalem and goes out to meet him with palm branches, shouting praises. This is traditionally known as Palm Sunday.
c. AD 30, Sunday afternoon
Jesus enters the Temple Courts
After his entry, Jesus goes to the Temple, observing the activity there. This event is distinct from the cleansing of the Temple which occurs later in the week.
c. AD 30, Sunday through Tuesday
Jesus Teaches in Jerusalem
During the remaining days before Passover, Jesus teaches in the Temple, engages in debates with religious leaders, and predicts the Temple's destruction and his own return.
This passage from Matthew parallels John 12:12 by describing the same event: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, detailing the crowd's enthusiastic reception and the people's recognition of Him as King.
Mark 11:7-11Mark's account directly follows John's in time and narrative, showing the crowd's excitement upon hearing Jesus was coming and their actions to welcome Him into the city as their King.
Luke 19:36-40Luke's Gospel provides another perspective on the same event, highlighting the people's joy and praise as they heard Jesus was approaching Jerusalem, underscoring the widespread excitement.
John 11:55-57This passage immediately precedes John 12:12 and explains the presence of the 'much people' in Jerusalem, noting that many had come for the Passover feast and were looking for Jesus.
Zechariah 9:9This Old Testament prophecy is directly alluded to by the crowd's actions and cries during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the description of a humble king arriving on a donkey.
barnesJohn 12:12: "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,"
See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 21:1-16 . Also Mark 11:1-11 ; Luke 19:29-44 .
vincentJohn 12:12: "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,"
A great multitude (ὄχλος πολὺς)Some editors add the article and render, the common people.
The verse highlights that "much people" who had come to the feast heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. This subtly emphasizes that it wasn't just the Jerusalem locals, but many visitors, potentially from out of town, who were actively seeking out Jesus, showing a widespread awareness and anticipation of his arrival.
Following Jesus' raising of Lazarus, a great crowd, drawn by the miracle and the upcoming Passover feast, learned Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. The next day, this eager multitude, anticipating Jesus' arrival, went out to meet him, setting the stage for his dramatic public entrance into the city as King.
Following Jesus' raising of Lazarus, a great crowd, drawn by the miracle and the upcoming Passover feast, learned Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. The next day, this eager multitude, anticipating Jesus' arrival, went out to meet him, setting the stage for his dramatic public entrance into the city as King.
"The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem." — The verse highlights that "much people" who had come to the feast heard Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. This subtly emphasizes that it wasn't just the Jerusalem locals, but many visitors, potentiall…
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Last reviewed October 2026