New Testament
John 12:18
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That was also why the crowd went out to meet him — they had heard that he had performed this miracle.
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For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
What John 12:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment where a large crowd gathers to meet Jesus. Their motivation for coming out is clear: they have heard about the miracle he performed, which likely refers to the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This miracle had a profound impact on the people, stirring their curiosity and excitement about Jesus. The crowd's reaction illustrates how miracles can draw people to faith and interest in Jesus' ministry. It also highlights the growing popularity of Jesus at this time, as many were eager to witness his works firsthand. The gathering of the crowd signifies a pivotal moment in Jesus' journey, as it sets the stage for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which is celebrated by many as a king. This verse emphasizes the power of Jesus' miracles to attract attention and inspire belief among the people.
How to apply John 12:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the impact of Jesus' actions in our lives. Just as the crowd was drawn to Jesus because of his miracles, we should seek to share our experiences of faith and transformation with others. Our testimonies can inspire curiosity and lead others to explore their own faith journey.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Triumphal Entry (John 12:12–19)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying John 12:18
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Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 12:18 mean?
John 12:18 describes a moment when a large crowd gathered to meet Jesus because they had heard about the miracle he performed, likely the raising of Lazarus. This shows how Jesus' miracles attracted attention and curiosity, highlighting his growing popularity.
What is the significance of the crowd in John 12:18?
The crowd in John 12:18 signifies the increasing interest in Jesus and his ministry. Their gathering illustrates how impactful miracles can be in drawing people to faith and anticipation of Jesus' message.
What miracle is referred to in John 12:18?
The miracle referred to in John 12:18 is generally understood to be the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This event had a profound effect on the people, prompting them to seek out Jesus.
What does this verse tell us about Jesus' popularity?
This verse indicates that Jesus was becoming increasingly popular due to his miraculous works. The crowd's eagerness to meet him reflects the excitement and curiosity surrounding his ministry.
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