John 11:56

John 11:56 KJV finds people gathered in Jerusalem for the upcoming Passover feast, actively discussing whether Jesus, the Nazarene prophet, would dare to show up. This verse highlights the intense public curiosity and the dangerous atmosphere surrounding Jesus following His miraculous raising of Lazarus.

Context

Immediately prior to this verse, Jesus had performed the astonishing miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany. This event dramatically increased His fame and popularity among the common people, leading many to believe in Him. However, it also solidified the resolve of the chief priests and Pharisees, who, fearing a Roman intervention due to Jesus' growing influence, had convened the Sanhedrin and made the fateful decision to put Jesus to death. The "feast" mentioned is the Passover festival, a pivotal annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem, which was now just days away. The people in the temple were pilgrims who had come to purify themselves before the feast.

Key Themes

• Anticipation and Speculation: The people in the temple were actively "seeking" (Greek: ezētoun) Jesus, indicating a widespread interest and a sense of suspense regarding His appearance at the feast. They questioned among themselves, pondering His next move and whether the Messiah would indeed come.
• Danger and Courage: The underlying tension is palpable. Everyone knew the religious authorities were against Jesus, making His presence in Jerusalem extremely risky. The question "What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?" reflects an awareness of this danger and perhaps a hopeful curiosity that He would still appear.
• Public Interest vs. Official Hostility: This verse beautifully illustrates the divide between the general populace, who were curious and often receptive to Jesus, and the entrenched religious establishment, who viewed Him as a threat and sought His life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sought they for Jesus" comes from the Greek verb ezētoun (ἐζήτουν), which is in the imperfect tense, indicating a continuous or repeated action of seeking. This suggests an ongoing, active inquiry and discussion among the people, not just a fleeting thought. The "temple" (ἱερῷ - hierō) was the central place of worship and gathering, particularly during feasts, making it a natural location for such public discussions about Jesus' expected arrival.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that Jesus was a figure of immense public interest and controversy. Even in the face of grave danger, His presence was anticipated and discussed. For us today, it highlights:

• The Enduring Draw of Christ: Despite opposition and challenges, Jesus continues to be a central figure of discussion and seeking for people across all walks of life.
• Courage in Conviction: Jesus deliberately entered Jerusalem knowing the dangers, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His mission and obedience to God's will. Luke 9:51 also speaks to His resolute determination to go to Jerusalem.
• Varying Responses to Truth: Just as in Jesus' time, people today respond to Him with a spectrum of reactions – from eager seeking and belief to outright hostility and rejection.