John 12:12

¶ On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

On the next day {G1887} much {G4183} people {G3793} that were come {G2064} to {G1519} the feast {G1859}, when they heard {G191} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} was coming {G2064} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414},

The next day, the large crowd that had come for the festival heard that Yeshua was on his way into Yerushalayim.

The next day the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

On the morrow a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

John 12:12 opens the dramatic account of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, often commemorated as Palm Sunday. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant events in Holy Week, marking the beginning of Jesus' final week before His crucifixion.

Context

The phrase "On the next day" directly follows the narrative of Jesus' anointing at Bethany by Mary and the dinner at Martha's house, where Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead, was also present. The news of Lazarus' resurrection had spread rapidly, drawing many to see both Jesus and Lazarus (John 12:9). Jerusalem was bustling with "much people" – pilgrims who had gathered for the annual Feast of the Passover, one of the most important Jewish festivals. This influx of people created a massive audience, amplifying the impact of Jesus' arrival. The anticipation was palpable as word spread that Jesus was nearing the city.

Key Themes

  • Public Anticipation and Recognition: The verse highlights the widespread awareness and fervent expectation surrounding Jesus. The crowds were not merely accidental bystanders but had specifically come to the feast and were actively seeking out Jesus due to His growing fame and miraculous deeds.
  • The Passover Setting: The timing, during the Passover feast, is crucial. This festival commemorated Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt, fostering a climate of messianic hope and nationalistic fervor. The crowds' subsequent actions (shouting "Hosanna!") reflect their belief that Jesus might be the long-awaited deliverer.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, Jesus' deliberate approach to Jerusalem and the crowds' reaction begin to fulfill ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah's entry into the city, particularly Zechariah 9:9, which is referenced in the following verses.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "much people" (Greek: ho ochlos polys) emphasizes the sheer size and density of the crowd. This was not a small gathering but a significant portion of the pilgrims attending the Passover, underscoring the public nature and widespread impact of Jesus' entry. The term "feast" (Greek: heorte) refers specifically to the Passover, a time of national pilgrimage and deep religious significance for the Jewish people.

Significance and Application

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, demonstrating His public acknowledgment as a significant figure, even a potential king, by a large segment of the population. For us today, it reminds us of the importance of recognizing and anticipating Christ's presence in our lives and in the world. It also serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst great public acclaim, Jesus remained focused on His ultimate mission – to fulfill God's plan for salvation, which would lead Him to the cross just days later. The verse invites us to consider our own expectations of Christ and whether they align with His true identity and purpose, as revealed throughout the Gospels, including the detailed accounts found in Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, and Luke 19:28-44.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 11:7

    And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

  • Mark 11:10

    Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

  • Luke 19:35

    And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

  • Luke 19:38

    Saying, Blessed [be] the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

  • Matthew 21:4

    All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

  • Matthew 21:9

    And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

  • John 11:55

    And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

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