John 12:17-19
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. So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights how the people who witnessed Lazarus being raised didn't just see a cool trick; they became the primary witnesses, actively "bearing record." Their testimony, fueled by the sheer power of seeing life return to the dead, was the very force that drew the crowds to meet Jesus, not just as a performer, but as the Messiah.
The story is building towards Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Just before this, crowds are celebrating Jesus, even those who had recently come to believe because Lazarus had been raised. This verse explains why so many people are flocking to Jesus: the eyewitnesses to Lazarus' resurrection are actively testifying about the miracle they saw. This testimony is what fuels the excitement and anticipation surrounding Jesus' arrival, leading directly to the popular welcome he receives.
Imagine seeing a miracle with your own eyes – someone brought back from the dead! What would you do? The people present at Lazarus's resurrection didn't just stand there; they became immediate witnesses.
The verse highlights the immediate and powerful impact of witnessing Jesus's miracles.
The Power of Testimony
The people who were with Jesus when He called Lazarus from the tomb didn't just observe; they "bore record." This means they actively testified about what they saw. This testimony wasn't passive; it was a declaration that spread the news and drew more crowds to Jesus. It shows us that firsthand experience with God's power naturally leads to sharing.
Spreading the Word
Commentaries note that this testimony quickly spread, exciting attention and drawing people to meet Jesus. It wasn't just a whisper; it was a shout that echoed through the community, fueling the excitement that led to the Triumphal Entry. This underlines how powerful eyewitness accounts are in spreading the good news.
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It wasn't just Lazarus who was brought back to life; the miracle had a profound effect on those who witnessed it, changing them from mere observers to active messengers.
The resurrection of Lazarus was a pivotal event that transformed the understanding and actions of those who saw it, directly influencing the events of the Triumphal Entry.
The Miracle's Ripple Effect
The scholars point out that the testimony of those present at Lazarus's resurrection was the primary reason for the large crowds who came out to meet Jesus. They had heard directly from eyewitnesses about the incredible miracle.
A Divine Appointment
This wasn't a spontaneous gathering; it was a response to powerful evidence. The 'people therefore' mentioned are directly linked to the miracle, showing that God orchestrated this event to fulfill prophecy and reveal His Son. Even the disciples didn't fully grasp the significance until later, highlighting how God's plans unfold, sometimes beyond immediate understanding.
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.
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and oral traditions; they were often characterized by their opposition to Jesus, prioritizing religious legalism over the recognition of God's work.
The verse highlights how powerful, undeniable miracles, like the resurrection of Lazarus, become the very foundation of public witness and belief, directly fueling the events leading up to Jesus' Triumphal Entry.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
Jesus calls his friend Lazarus out of his tomb, bringing him back to life after four days. This profound miracle witnesses many Jews from Jerusalem coming to believe in Jesus.
c. AD 30
Eyewitnesses spread news of Lazarus' resurrection
Those who saw Lazarus raised from the dead share the incredible news throughout Jerusalem and surrounding towns. This testimony fuels popular support for Jesus.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
A large crowd, hearing of the miracles and particularly the resurrection of Lazarus, gathers to welcome Jesus into Jerusalem. They hail him as king, laying cloaks and branches before him.
c. AD 30
Pharisees react to Jesus' popularity
Observing the growing crowds following Jesus, the Pharisees express frustration, recognizing their efforts to discredit him are failing. They see the 'world' going after Jesus.
This passage immediately precedes John 12:17, showing the initial reaction of the chief priests and Pharisees to Lazarus's resurrection, highlighting their fear and plotting against Jesus because of the widespread witness to the miracle.
Luke 19:37-38This passage describes the joyful crowd during Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, echoing the sentiment of the crowd in John 12 who were celebrating Jesus, partly fueled by the witness of Lazarus's resurrection.
Acts 4:16-17This shows how the religious leaders tried to suppress the testimony of Jesus's miracles, specifically mentioning the undeniable sign of Lazarus's resurrection, paralleling the concern the Pharisees had in John 12:19.
John 11:42This verse is Jesus's own prayer before raising Lazarus, demonstrating His awareness of God's will and power, which is the very miracle that the people in John 12:17 are testifying about.
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…
This verse highlights how the people who witnessed Lazarus being raised didn't just see a cool trick; they became the primary witnesses, actively "bearing record." Their testimony, fueled by the sheer power of seeing life return to the dead, was the very force that drew the crowds to meet Jesus, not just as a performer, but as the Messiah.
The story is building towards Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Just before this, crowds are celebrating Jesus, even those who had recently come to believe because Lazarus had been raised. This verse explains why so many people are flocking to Jesus: the eyewitnesses to Lazarus' resurrection are actively testifying about the miracle they saw. This testimony is what fuels the excitement and anticipation surrounding Jesus' arrival, leading directly to the popular welcome he receives.
The story is building towards Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Just before this, crowds are celebrating Jesus, even those who had recently come to believe because Lazarus had been raised. This verse explains why so many people are flocking to Jesus: the eyewitnesses to Lazarus' resurrection are actively testifying about the miracle they saw. This testimony is what fuels the excitement and anticipation surrounding Jesus' arrival, leading directly to the popular welcome he receives.
"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. So the Pharisees said to o…" — This verse highlights how the people who witnessed Lazarus being raised didn't just see a cool trick; they became the primary witnesses, actively "bearing record." Their testimony, fueled by the sh…
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