John 12:18

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

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}.

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

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

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

Context

John 12:18 immediately follows the profound account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany (John 11:43-44). This astonishing miracle, performed just outside Jerusalem, had created immense buzz and served as a powerful testament to Jesus's divine authority. As Jesus approached Jerusalem for the Passover, the news of Lazarus's resurrection preceded him, causing a massive crowd to gather and welcome him with great fanfare, forming part of what is known as the Triumphal Entry. This verse explains why such a large multitude came out to meet Him: they had heard about this incredible sign.

Key Themes

  • The Impact of Miracles: The verse highlights how Jesus's miracles, particularly the raising of Lazarus, served as undeniable evidence of His divine power and drew significant public attention. These acts were not merely displays of power but "signs" (John 2:11) pointing to His true identity as the Son of God, meant to lead people to belief (John 20:31).
  • The Power of Testimony: The crowd's response demonstrates the compelling nature of eyewitness accounts. Those who had seen or heard about the resurrection of Lazarus were compelled to testify, leading others to seek out Jesus. This underscores the ripple effect of sharing what God has done.
  • Popular Acclaim and Its Nature: While the verse shows great popular enthusiasm for Jesus, it also subtly foreshadows the often-fickle nature of crowds. Their excitement was largely based on a spectacular miracle and their Messianic expectations, rather than a deep spiritual understanding of His kingdom. This same crowd would later turn against Him (John 19:15).

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "this miracle" translates the Greek word semeion (σημεῖον), which literally means "sign." In John's Gospel, Jesus's miracles are consistently presented not just as acts of power, but as profound "signs" pointing to deeper spiritual truths about His identity and mission. The raising of Lazarus was the ultimate sign of Jesus's power over death and His identity as "the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).

Significance and Application

John 12:18 offers valuable insights for believers today:

  • The Draw of God's Power: God's powerful acts, whether miraculous interventions or transformative changes in lives, naturally draw attention. As Christians, our transformed lives and testimonies of God's work can be compelling "signs" that point others to Jesus.
  • Beyond Spectacle to Substance: While initial curiosity or excitement might be sparked by extraordinary events, true faith requires moving beyond mere spectacle to a deeper understanding of Jesus's person and His spiritual kingdom. We are called to seek a relationship with Him, not just His wonders.
  • The Role of Witness: The verse affirms the importance of sharing our experiences of God's goodness and power. Authentic testimony can be a powerful tool for evangelism, drawing others to hear about Jesus and His saving grace.
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.

  • John 12:11

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

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