John 12:18

KJV

For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this {G5124} cause {G1223} the people {G3793} also {G2532} met {G5221} him {G846}, for that {G3754} they heard {G191} that {G846} he had done {G4160} this {G5124} miracle {G4592}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It was because of this too that the crowd came out to meet him — they had heard that he had performed this miracle.

Berean Standard Bible

That is also why the crowd went out to meet Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign.

American Standard Version

For this cause also the multitude went and met him, for that they heard that he had done this sign.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 12:18 explains the overwhelming popular reception Jesus received as He approached Jerusalem, attributing the large gathering to the widespread news of His most recent and spectacular miracle: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This verse highlights the immediate and powerful impact of Jesus's signs, drawing immense public attention and setting the stage for the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, even as it subtly hints at the superficial nature of some of this popular acclaim.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed immediately after the climactic account of Lazarus's resurrection in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"). The raising of Lazarus, a well-known figure, from the grave after four days was an undeniable and public display of Jesus's power over death, solidifying His reputation and intensifying the conflict with the Jewish authorities. [John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus") reveals that this miracle prompted the Sanhedrin to plot Jesus's death, fearing He would draw all the people to Himself and provoke Roman intervention. Thus, [John 12:18](/john/12-18 "John 12:18 - The Crowd Gathers") directly explains *why* the crowd was so large and enthusiastic for Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem, connecting it explicitly to the "this miracle" (Lazarus's resurrection), which had become the talk of the region. It also serves as a bridge to the Triumphal Entry narrative in the subsequent verses, providing the motivation for the crowd's actions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem was timed for the Passover festival, a pilgrimage feast that drew hundreds of thousands of Jews from across the Roman Empire to the city. This created a densely populated environment, ripe for the spread of news and the formation of large crowds. The Jewish people at this time were under Roman occupation and harbored strong Messianic expectations, often envisioning a political deliverer who would overthrow Roman rule and restore the Davidic kingdom. The news of a man who could raise the dead would naturally ignite such hopes, as it resonated with prophecies of a powerful, divinely appointed king. The cultural practice of going out to meet important figures, especially those believed to be prophets or the Messiah, was common, and the act of spreading cloaks and waving palm branches (mentioned in the verses immediately following [John 12:18](/john/12-18 "John 12:18 - The Crowd Gathers")) were traditional signs of homage to royalty or a conquering hero.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the **power and purpose of Jesus's signs**. John consistently presents Jesus's miracles not merely as displays of power but as "signs" pointing to His divine identity and mission (e.g., [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - First Sign at Cana"), [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). The raising of Lazarus was the ultimate sign, demonstrating Jesus as "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Secondly, it highlights the **impact of testimony and witness**. The crowd gathered because "they heard" about the miracle, emphasizing the ripple effect of eyewitness accounts and the importance of sharing what God has done. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **popular acclaim and its limitations**. While the crowd's enthusiasm is evident, their excitement is largely based on a spectacular event and their own expectations of a political Messiah, rather than a deep spiritual understanding of Jesus's true kingdom. This foreshadows the fickle nature of the crowd, who would later turn against Him (e.g., [John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'Crucify Him!'")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Greek, _óchlos'_):** This term (G3793) refers to a "throng" or "multitude," often implying a large, undifferentiated crowd, sometimes even a "rabble." In the context of the Gospels, it frequently denotes the general populace, distinct from the disciples or the religious leaders. Here, it emphasizes the sheer number of individuals drawn to Jesus, highlighting the widespread public awareness and excitement generated by His actions.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** The verb (G191) means "to hear" in various senses, including to give audience, to come to the ears, or to understand. In this verse, it signifies that the news of Lazarus's resurrection had spread widely and effectively, reaching a vast number of people who then acted upon that information. It implies not just passive reception but an active engagement with the report.
* **miracle (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** This crucial term (G4592) translates to "sign" or "token." In John's Gospel, Jesus's works are consistently called "signs" rather than merely "miracles" or "wonders." This emphasizes their indicative nature: they are not just displays of power but pointers to a deeper spiritual reality about Jesus's identity, His divine origin, and the nature of His mission. The raising of Lazarus was the seventh and culminating "sign" in John, demonstrating Jesus's ultimate authority over life and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this cause the people also met him":** This phrase directly links the crowd's action to the preceding events. The "cause" refers to the news of Lazarus's resurrection. The "people" (the large multitude) actively went out to "meet" Jesus, indicating a deliberate and eager reception, not a chance encounter. This sets the scene for the Triumphal Entry, where the crowd's enthusiasm is further elaborated.
* **"for that they heard that he had done this miracle":** This clause provides the explicit reason for the crowd's gathering. Their motivation was not necessarily deep theological conviction or a full understanding of Jesus's spiritual kingdom, but rather the compelling report of a spectacular and undeniable act of divine power—the raising of Lazarus. The phrase "this miracle" specifically points back to the event in [John 11](/john/11 "John 11 - The Resurrection of Lazarus"), underscoring its profound impact on public perception.

#### Literary Devices
John employs **Causality** by explicitly stating the "cause" (`For this cause... for that they heard`) linking the crowd's action directly to the news of the miracle. This clear cause-and-effect relationship highlights the immediate and powerful impact of Jesus's signs. There is also a subtle **Irony** present: the very miracle that leads the crowd to hail Jesus as king is the same event that solidifies the religious leaders' determination to kill Him ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). This contrast underscores the differing responses to Jesus's divine power. Furthermore, the use of "miracle" as `sēmeîon` (**Symbolism**) is crucial; John consistently uses this term to signify that Jesus's powerful acts are not ends in themselves but rather "signs" pointing to His true identity as the Son of God and the nature of His heavenly kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 12:18 powerfully illustrates the magnetic draw of divine power and the spread of testimony. The resurrection of Lazarus, a public and undeniable act, served as a catalyst, drawing a vast multitude to Jesus. This highlights that God's acts, when witnessed and proclaimed, naturally generate curiosity and attention, pointing people toward the source of such power. However, it also subtly introduces the theme that popular acclaim, while initially enthusiastic, can be superficial. The crowd's excitement was based on a spectacular "sign" and their own temporal expectations of a king, rather than a full comprehension of Jesus's spiritual mission or the nature of His kingdom. This distinction between superficial admiration and genuine, transformative faith is a recurring motif in John's Gospel.

* [John 6:26](/john/6-26 "John 6:26 - Seeking Loaves, Not Signs")
* [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")
* [Acts 4:16](/acts/4-16 "Acts 4:16 - Undeniable Miracle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 12:18 reminds us of the compelling nature of God's power and the importance of our witness. Just as the news of Lazarus's resurrection drew people to Jesus, so too can the transformative power of God in our lives serve as a compelling "sign" to those around us. Our personal testimonies of God's grace, healing, and redemption are powerful tools for evangelism, sparking curiosity and drawing others to investigate the source of such change. However, this verse also serves as a crucial caution: true faith must move beyond mere fascination with spectacle to a deeper, personal understanding and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior. It challenges us to examine the foundation of our own faith—is it rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ, or merely in the benefits or "miracles" we seek from Him? We are called to embody a faith that endures beyond initial excitement, grounded in the truth of His word and the spiritual reality of His kingdom, not just the sensational.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "miracles" or transformative acts of God in your life have you "heard" about or personally experienced that have drawn you closer to Him?**
* **How can you effectively share your testimony of God's work in a way that points others to Jesus, rather than just the event itself?**
* **In what ways might popular acclaim or superficial excitement about spiritual things distract from a deeper, more committed relationship with Christ?**
* **How can we ensure our faith is rooted in the person of Jesus and His teachings, rather than solely in extraordinary experiences or perceived benefits?**

### FAQ

**Why was the raising of Lazarus such a significant "miracle" that it drew such a large crowd?**

Answer: The raising of Lazarus was profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, Lazarus had been dead for four days ([John 11:39](/john/11-39 "John 11:39 - Lazarus in the Tomb")), a period long enough to ensure undeniable death and decomposition, thus ruling out any possibility of a mere swoon or trick. Secondly, it was performed publicly in Bethany, a village just two miles from Jerusalem, ensuring many witnesses ([John 11:18](/john/11-18 "John 11:18 - Bethany Near Jerusalem")). This made it an irrefutable demonstration of Jesus's power over death itself, a power previously unseen on such a scale. This "sign" validated Jesus's claim to be "the resurrection, and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")) and was the ultimate proof of His divine authority, creating immense buzz and drawing the attention of both followers and opponents.

**Does this verse suggest that the crowd's faith was superficial?**

Answer: While the verse itself doesn't explicitly state their faith was superficial, it strongly implies that their motivation was primarily based on the spectacle of the miracle rather than a deep spiritual understanding of Jesus's true identity or the nature of His kingdom. The term "people" (Greek: _ochlos_) often refers to the general populace, whose enthusiasm could be fickle. John's Gospel often contrasts this kind of event-driven excitement with genuine, enduring faith (e.g., [John 6:26-27](/john/6-26-27 "John 6:26-27 - Seek Spiritual Food")). The subsequent narrative of the Triumphal Entry and the crowd's eventual cry for Jesus's crucifixion ([John 19:15](/john/19-15 "John 19:15 - 'Crucify Him!'")) further confirms the often-superficial and politically motivated nature of their initial acclaim.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 12:18, though describing a historical event, profoundly points to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The crowd's enthusiastic reception of Jesus, driven by the news of Lazarus's resurrection, foreshadows the universal recognition of Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, though in a way far grander and more spiritual than they could comprehend. Their acclamation, rooted in a desire for a powerful earthly deliverer, subtly highlights the spiritual nature of Christ's true kingship. He is not merely a miracle-worker who raises the dead temporarily, but the very source of eternal life, the one who conquered death once and for all through His own resurrection ([Romans 6:9](/romans/6-9 "Romans 6:9 - Christ Conquered Death")). The "miracle" (sign) of Lazarus's resurrection was a powerful preview of Jesus's victory over the grave, which secures true life for all who believe in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). Thus, the crowd's response, however imperfectly understood at the time, was a testament to the drawing power of the One who would soon lay down His life and take it up again, fulfilling the ultimate sign of God's love and power, and establishing a kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 12:11

Because that by reason of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.