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John 12

Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him,

Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death;

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

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

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,

Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.

The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.

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

The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:

The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

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.

If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

This he said, signifying what death he should die.

The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:

That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,

He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.

And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

What does John 12:18 mean?

Explanation

This verse, John 12:18, is nestled within the context of Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event that is also recorded in the other synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

The verse specifically suggests a causative link between the gathering of the populace and a miracle Jesus performed, which in the context of the surrounding passages, is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

The people came to meet Jesus because they had heard of this profound miracle and were either curious to see the man who had performed it or believed in his divine authority and wanted to honor him as the Messiah.

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Historical Context

John 12:18 is part of the narrative surrounding the final days before Jesus' crucifixion.

During this period, Jesus was becoming more widely known, and his actions were stirring up both support among the people and concern among Jewish religious leaders.

The miracle referred to is the raising of Lazarus as documented in John 11.

This act increased public interest in Jesus and played a significant role in the crowds' reactions during his entrance into Jerusalem, celebrated in Christian tradition as Palm Sunday.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be seen from various angles. From one perspective, it highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah, showing Jesus as the anticipated savior who has the power over life and death.

From another viewpoint, it demonstrates the importance of witnessing to faith; the people who witnessed the miracle of Lazarus spread the word, which in turn brought more people to Jesus.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to consider the impact of witnessing and sharing their faith experiences.

As the testimony of Jesus' miracle brought people to him, so too can sharing one's experiences of faith bring others to a greater understanding or curiosity about the divine.

It emphasizes the role of personal testimony and storytelling in the spread of religious belief and practice.

Cross-References

John 11:43-44, The miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.
John 12:12-13, The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Psalm 118:25-26, A prophecy often linked to the Messiah, which the crowd referenced during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
Zechariah 9:9, A prophecy concerning the coming of Zion's king, which Christians believe Jesus fulfilled during the triumphal entrance.

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

"Miracle" (σημεῖον, sēmeion) which often denotes a sign, particularly one that reveals divine truth or authority.
"Met" (ὑπήντησαν, hypēntēsan) meaning to come face to face with, or to go to meet.
"Heard" (ἤκουσαν, ēkousan) often signifies not only the physical act of hearing but also understanding or comprehending.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religious cultures, miracles were often associated with gods or divine beings as a way to validate their authority or relationship with the divine.

In the Greco-Roman context, for example, miraculous healings or other supernatural events were occasionally attributed to gods like Asclepius or emperors who were deified.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understanding does not provide a framework for the resurrection of the dead, as described in the miracle of Lazarus. Such events are considered supernatural and are thus beyond the explanatory power of science.

Commentaries

Expert commentaries on John 12:18 focus on the significance of belief in Jesus as the Messiah being catalyzed by his miracles.

Some scholars suggest that the verse demonstrates a growing awareness and acknowledgment of Jesus' power and authority, which was alarming to the religious leaders of the day.

They also note the role of miracles as signs in John's Gospel, which are meant to reveal Jesus' divine nature and mission.

The reaction of the people in this verse is seen as part of the larger Johannine theme of belief and unbelief in response to Jesus' signs.

John 12

John 12

What does John 12:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 12:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?