John 12:12
The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that a "large crowd" had already come to Jerusalem for the feast, meaning these weren't just locals, but visitors drawn by the religious celebration, who then learned Jesus was arriving. This detail emphasizes how widespread the news of Jesus and the events surrounding him had become, reaching even those attending the feast from afar.
The day after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, crowds who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast heard He was arriving in the city. Many of these visitors, eager to see both Jesus and the man He had resurrected, rushed out to meet Him. This event marks Jesus' deliberate and public presentation of Himself as the promised King, fulfilling prophecy as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, sparking a mix of adoration and consternation.
Thousands had gathered for Passover. They weren't just tourists; they were a volatile mix of devout pilgrims and eager onlookers. What were they hoping for?
The Passover feast in Jerusalem drew massive crowds, transforming the city into a bustling hub. These weren't just locals; many were pilgrims from afar, seeking a deeper connection with God and their heritage.
A City Alive
This wasn't a quiet town. The feast meant a surge of people, a mix of the devout, the curious, and perhaps even those looking for any kind of stir. This atmosphere created fertile ground for a significant event.
Rumors and Expectations
News traveled fast, especially when it involved a miracle worker like Jesus, who had recently raised Lazarus from the dead. The crowd's eagerness to hear about Jesus' arrival shows their anticipation, fueled by his reputation and the recent spectacular event.
The crowds hailed Jesus as King, but his kingship was unlike anything they, or we, might expect. What was the true nature of this arrival?
The crowds, hearing Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, rushed out to meet him, shouting "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel!" This was a moment of intense popular acclaim.
A Different Kind of Royalty
While the people saw a king, Jesus deliberately presented a different kind of royalty. His choice of a humble donkey over a warhorse, and his fulfillment of Zechariah's prophecy, pointed to a kingdom not of earthly power, but of peace and divine authority.
A Message for All
This entry was a public declaration. Jesus wasn't just entering Jerusalem; he was presenting himself as the promised Messiah, the King who came in the name of the Lord. This was a pivotal moment, confirming his identity and purpose, even as it set him on the path to the cross.
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 event occurs on the Sunday before Passover, known as Palm Sunday, a significant day in Jewish tradition as it was the day the Passover lamb was selected.
c. AD 30, Friday evening
Jesus arrives in Bethany
Jesus and his companions arrive in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, the evening before the Sabbath. They spend the Sabbath there.
c. AD 30, Saturday
Feast in Bethany
While Jesus is in Bethany, many people hear of his presence and come not only to see him but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
c. AD 30, Sunday— this verse
Jesus enters Jerusalem
The day after the feast, a large crowd hears Jesus is coming to Jerusalem and goes out to meet him, waving palm branches and shouting praises. This marks Jesus' public presentation of himself as the promised King of Israel.
c. AD 30, Sunday
Pharisees' alarm
Witnessing the crowd's enthusiastic reception of Jesus, the Pharisees express concern and frustration, recognizing that the world is following Jesus.
This passage parallels John 12:12 by describing the crowd's enthusiastic response to Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, highlighting the widespread knowledge of His coming and the immediate anticipation.
Mark 11:7-9Similar to John 12:12, this account details the crowd's excitement and their decision to go out and meet Jesus as He approached Jerusalem, emphasizing the collective awareness of His arrival.
Luke 19:37-38This passage echoes John 12:12 by showing the multitudes proclaiming Jesus as King upon His approach to Jerusalem, demonstrating the widespread recognition of His significance even before He entered the city.
John 11:55-56This passage provides context for John 12:12, explaining that many people came to Jerusalem for the Passover feast and were actively seeking Jesus, thus creating the large crowd that would soon hear of His arrival.
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 a "large crowd" had already come to Jerusalem for the feast, meaning these weren't just locals, but visitors drawn by the religious celebration, who then learned Jesus was arriving. This detail emphasizes how widespread the news of Jesus and the events surrounding him had become, reaching even those attending the feast from afar.
The day after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, crowds who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast heard He was arriving in the city. Many of these visitors, eager to see both Jesus and the man He had resurrected, rushed out to meet Him. This event marks Jesus' deliberate and public presentation of Himself as the promised King, fulfilling prophecy as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, sparking a mix of adoration and consternation.
The day after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, crowds who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast heard He was arriving in the city. Many of these visitors, eager to see both Jesus and the man He had resurrected, rushed out to meet Him. This event marks Jesus' deliberate and public presentation of Himself as the promised King, fulfilling prophecy as He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, sparking a mix of adoration and consternation.
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"The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem." — The verse highlights that a "large crowd" had already come to Jerusalem for the feast, meaning these weren't just locals, but visitors drawn by the religious celebration, who then learned Jesus was…
