Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there. And they came not only because of Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews learned that Jesus was there.The gathering of a large crowd indicates the growing popularity and influence of Jesus among the Jewish people. This event takes place shortly after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, a miracle that had a significant impact on the surrounding communities. The term "Jews" here often refers to the people living in Judea, particularly those in Jerusalem and its vicinity. The presence of a large crowd suggests that news of Jesus' miracles and teachings had spread widely, creating a sense of anticipation and curiosity. This moment occurs during the Passover festival, a time when many Jews would travel to Jerusalem, increasing the likelihood of large gatherings. Jhn 11:55-56 Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people… And they came not only because of Him, The crowd's motivation for coming was not solely based on Jesus' reputation as a teacher and miracle worker. This indicates that Jesus' actions, particularly the raising of Lazarus, had sparked a deeper interest and intrigue among the people. The miracles served as signs pointing to Jesus' divine authority and messianic identity, fulfilling prophecies such as those found in Isaiah 35:5-6, which speak of miraculous healings as evidence of the Messiah's arrival. Jhn 6:26 but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.… but also to see Lazarus, Lazarus had become a living testimony to Jesus' power over death, making him a figure of great interest. His resurrection from the dead was a unique and unprecedented event that drew attention not only to Jesus but also to Lazarus himself. This miracle was a foreshadowing of Jesus' own resurrection and served as a powerful demonstration of His claim in John 11:25, where He declares Himself to be "the resurrection and the life." Jhn 11:45-46 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary,… whom He had raised from the dead. The act of raising Lazarus from the dead is one of the most significant miracles recorded in the Gospels, highlighting Jesus' authority over life and death. This miracle is a direct challenge to the religious leaders who questioned Jesus' authority and sought to undermine His ministry. It also serves as a type of Christ's own resurrection, prefiguring the ultimate victory over death that Jesus would achieve. The raising of Lazarus fulfills Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah's power and points to the eschatological hope of resurrection for all believers, as seen in passages like Daniel 12:2. Jhn 11:43-44 After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice… Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusCentral figure in the New Testament, the Son of God, who performed miracles and taught about the Kingdom of God. 2. Lazarus A man from Bethany whom Jesus raised from the dead, serving as a testament to Jesus' divine power. 3. The Jews Refers to the Jewish people who were present in the region, many of whom were curious about Jesus and His miracles. 4. Bethany A village near Jerusalem where Lazarus lived and where Jesus performed the miracle of raising him from the dead. 5. The Large Crowd Represents the growing interest and curiosity among the people regarding Jesus' miracles and teachings. Teaching Points The Power of TestimonyThe resurrection of Lazarus served as a powerful testimony that drew people to Jesus. Our personal testimonies of God's work in our lives can also draw others to Christ. Curiosity Leading to Faith The crowd's initial curiosity about Jesus and Lazarus can lead to deeper faith. Encourage seekers to explore their questions about Jesus. The Impact of Miracles Miracles in the Bible often serve to reveal God's glory and draw people to Him. Reflect on how God's work in your life can be a witness to others. The Role of Witnesses Those who witnessed Lazarus' resurrection played a crucial role in spreading the news about Jesus. We are called to be witnesses of Christ's work in our lives. Seeking Jesus for the Right Reasons While the crowd came to see a miracle, the ultimate goal should be to seek a relationship with Jesus Himself, not just His works. Bible Study Questions 1. What motivated the large crowd to come and see Jesus and Lazarus, and how can this reflect our own motivations in seeking Jesus today?2. How does the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection serve as a testimony to Jesus' divine authority, and how can we share our own testimonies effectively? 3. In what ways can curiosity about Jesus lead to a deeper faith, and how can we encourage others who are curious about Christianity? 4. How do the miracles of Jesus, such as raising Lazarus, reveal His identity and mission, and how should this impact our understanding of who Jesus is? 5. What can we learn from the role of witnesses in spreading the news about Jesus, and how can we be effective witnesses in our own communities? Connections to Other Scriptures John 11:43-44This passage describes the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, which is the event that drew the crowd in John 12:9. John 12:17-18 These verses further explain how the testimony of those who witnessed Lazarus' resurrection continued to spread, drawing more people to Jesus. Luke 19:37-38 This passage describes the crowd's reaction to Jesus' miracles, similar to the crowd's interest in seeing Lazarus and Jesus in John 12:9. Acts 2:22 Peter speaks of Jesus' miracles as evidence of His divine authority, paralleling the crowd's interest in Jesus' miraculous works. People Andrew, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, Judas, Lazarus, Martha, Mary, Philip, SimonPlaces Bethany, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Account, Common, Crowd, Dead, Jews, Large, Lazarus, Laz'arus, Learned, Multitude, News, Order, Raised, Sake, WidelyDictionary of Bible Themes John 12:9Library Easter DayChester Cathedral. 1870. St John xii. 24, 25. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." This is our Lord's own parable. In it He tells us that His death, His resurrection, His ascension, is a mystery which we may believe, not only because the Bible tells us of it, but because … Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons December 28 Evening September 8 Evening September 22 Evening May 8 Morning February 29 Morning June 12. "We Would See Jesus" (John xii. 21). November 19. "We Would See Jesus" (John xii. 21). May 8. "Except a Corn of Wheat Fall into the Ground and Die" (John xii. 24). April 14. "I if I be Lifted up from the Earth Will Draw all Men unto Me" (John xii. 32). After Christ: with Christ The Universal Magnet The Son of Man Love's Prodigality Censured and vindicated A New Kind of King A Parting Warning The Praise of Men. The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith. On the Words of the Gospel, John xii. 44, "He that Believeth on Me, Believeth not on Me, but on Him that Sent Me. " against A Christ Lifted Up Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning Sermon for St. Stephen's Day Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter. Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence that Many Pretending to be Original... Links John 12:9 NIVJohn 12:9 NLT John 12:9 ESV John 12:9 NASB John 12:9 KJV John 12:9 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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