John 12:17-18
The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text highlights that the "people" who saw Lazarus raised from the dead became eyewitness witnesses, not just passive observers. Their testimony ("bare record") actively spread the news, directly fueling the crowds' excitement and desire to meet Jesus.
The crowd that had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead began to spread the news, testifying to the miracle they had seen. This powerful witness fueled the excitement and drew a larger multitude to meet Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, setting the stage for His triumphant, albeit misunderstood, entry into the city. The escalating popular support, driven by such supernatural events, deeply frustrated the religious leaders.
Imagine the scene: Lazarus, back from the grave, is alive! Who was telling everyone about this impossible event?
Verse 17 highlights a crucial element of Jesus' ministry: eyewitness testimony. The 'people therefore that was with him' were not passive observers; they were actively 'bearing record' of Lazarus' resurrection.
From Bystanders to Believers
These weren't just random folks. They were present when Jesus commanded Lazarus to come forth from the tomb. Their firsthand experience transformed them into living proof of Jesus' power over death. Their testimony wasn't a whisper; it spread, creating a buzz that drew more people to Jesus.
The Power of the Spoken Word
This testimony wasn't just about repeating facts. It was about sharing a life-altering event. Their words carried the weight of what they had seen and heard, influencing the crowds who came to meet Jesus, as noted by the commentators. This ripple effect of personal testimony is a powerful tool in sharing faith, even today.
Why did such a large crowd turn out to meet Jesus? It wasn't just a royal procession; it was a response to an extraordinary act.
This verse connects the incredible miracle of raising Lazarus directly to the public reception Jesus received. The 'therefore' in the verse is key – it indicates a cause and effect relationship.
A Resurrected Life Draws Attention
Because the witnesses had seen Lazarus called out of the tomb, their testimony ignited widespread interest. This wasn't a quiet event; it generated excitement and drew people from Jerusalem and surrounding areas. The commentators point out that this miracle was so profound, it naturally led people to seek out the one with such power.
The Miracle as a Messianic Sign
In the context of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the raising of Lazarus served as a powerful sign. It wasn't merely a display of power but a confirmation of Jesus' authority, which many understood as a messianic claim. The crowd's response shows how they interpreted this miracle – as evidence that Jesus was indeed the one they had been waiting for.
Understand the original words
ochlos · Greek Noun
A group of people gathered together; in the Gospels, it often refers to the common people, sometimes portrayed as impressionable or fickle, who follow Jesus as he performs miracles or teaches.
emartyrei · Greek Verb
A person who provides testimony or evidence regarding a truth, event, or experience; in a biblical context, it is the act of testifying to what one has seen or heard regarding Jesus.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
A miracle or supernatural act performed by Jesus that serves as a pointer or indicator to his divine authority, identity, and the presence of the Kingdom of God.
The powerful testimony of those who witnessed Lazarus' resurrection fueled the crowds' enthusiasm as Jesus entered Jerusalem, directly contributing to the Messianic expectations surrounding his arrival.
c. AD 30— this verse
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raises his friend Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, a powerful miracle witnessed by many.
c. AD 30 (Days after Lazarus' resurrection)
Crowds gather in Bethany
News of Lazarus' resurrection spreads, drawing many people to Bethany to see both Lazarus and Jesus.
c. AD 30 (Days after Lazarus' resurrection)
Pharisees plot against Jesus
The chief priests and Pharisees, alarmed by Jesus' growing popularity and the miracle of Lazarus, hold a council to eliminate him.
c. AD 30 (Just before Passover)
Jesus arrives in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, hailed by crowds as the Messiah, with many people who had witnessed or heard of Lazarus' resurrection joining in the celebration.
This passage highlights how the religious authorities were aware of and disturbed by the undeniable miracles performed by Jesus' followers, much like the Pharisees' reaction to the testimony about Lazarus.
John 11:47-48This directly parallels the situation, showing the chief priests and Pharisees' fear that Jesus' miracles, specifically the raising of Lazarus, would cause too much public attention and lead to Roman intervention.
John 11:45This verse shows the immediate impact of the Lazarus miracle, as many Jews who witnessed it believed in Jesus, setting the stage for the continued witness mentioned in John 12:17.
Luke 16:30-31Jesus' parable here speaks to the idea that even extraordinary signs, like the resurrection of Lazarus, might not convince those who are already resistant to the message of God's prophets.
barnesJohn 12:17: "The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record."
Bare record - Testified that he had raised him, and, as was natural, spread the report through the city. This excited much attention, and the people came out in multitudes to meet one who had power to work such miracles.
bensonJohn 12:17: "The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record."
John 12:17-19 . The people, therefore — “Because the forwardness which the multitude now showed to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah was altogether extraordinary, the evangelist assigns the cause thereof. The witnesses of the resurrection of Lazarus had published the miracle far and near. As they were many in number, and persons of reputation, their report gain…
The text highlights that the "people" who saw Lazarus raised from the dead became eyewitness witnesses, not just passive observers. Their testimony ("bare record") actively spread the news, directly fueling the crowds' excitement and desire to meet Jesus.
The crowd that had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead began to spread the news, testifying to the miracle they had seen. This powerful witness fueled the excitement and drew a larger multitude to meet Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, setting the stage for His triumphant, albeit misunderstood, entry into the city. The escalating popular support, driven by such supernatural events, deeply frustrated the religious leaders.
The crowd that had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead began to spread the news, testifying to the miracle they had seen. This powerful witness fueled the excitement and drew a larger multitude to meet Jesus as He entered Jerusalem, setting the stage for His triumphant, albeit misunderstood, entry into the city. The escalating popular support, driven by such supernatural events, deeply frustrated the religious leaders.
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"The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign." — The text highlights that the "people" who saw Lazarus raised from the dead became eyewitness witnesses, not just passive observers. Their testimony ("bare record") actively spread the news, directly…
