“The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.”– John 12:17 (KJV)
“Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb and raise him from the dead, and they were telling others about it.”– John 12:17 (NLT)
“The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead was there, giving witness.”– John 12:17 (MSG)
What Does John 12:17 Mean?
In this verse, we can see how exciting this moment was for the people who witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead. This miraculous event drew a crowd eager to share their experiences. It speaks volumes about the transformative power of Jesus and the importance of testimony in our faith journey. Through the eyes of those in the crowd, we learn how witnessing miracles can deepen our belief and inspire us to share our experiences with others.
Jesus’ act of raising Lazarus illustrates His authority over death itself. The people’s accounts of this incredible miracle encouraged others to believe in Him. As we consider John 12:17, it invites us to reflect on the stories we carry in our hearts and how they can impact others. Each of us has moments of divine intervention and grace, and sharing those can spark hope and faith in someone who might be struggling.
John 12:17 Explanation and Commentary
John 12:17 recounts a significant moment in the ministry of Jesus, reflecting the enthusiasm and urgency among those who witnessed the incredible act of raising Lazarus. These eyewitnesses couldn’t keep silent. They were compelled to share what they had seen. This scenario highlights the way miracles provoke our response. We are not just passive observers in our faith but are called to be active participants, sharing our experiences with others.
Why is this important? When we share the good news and our personal testimonies, we form a connection with others. Testimony is a powerful tool. Just as those who witnessed Lazarus’s resurrection shared their experience, we, too, have the opportunity to relay the works of God in our lives. Recognizing God’s presence around us and articulating that to others can bolster their faith journey.
Additionally, the act of sharing our personal stories and moments of faith fosters a community centered around Christ. When someone hears our testimony, it can foster something remarkable—a collective spirit of hope and trust in God’s promises. Just as the crowd’s accounts caused more people to turn to Jesus, our stories have the potential to attract others to also seek Him.
This verse also serves as an encouragement. We see how the actions of Jesus inspired a wave of witness. Even when we may feel insignificant in our faith or unsure of how to evangelize, remember that sharing our experiences can help plant seeds of faith in others. Let’s use our stories of God’s goodness, just like the crowd who witnessed Lazarus, to encourage others and galvanize their faith.
Context of John 12:17
To grasp John 12:17 fully, we must appreciate the context of this moment in scripture. This passage comes just after one of the most astonishing miracles performed by Jesus—raising Lazarus from the dead. This act was significant for various reasons, primarily the demonstration of Jesus’ power over death and His identity as the Son of God. The people present at this event had witnessed something what many would regard as impossible, creating a stir among the crowd.
Following this miracle, the tension surrounding Jesus increased. The Pharisees were desperate to silence Him. John 12:11 talks about how many of the Jews were believing in Jesus because of Lazarus. This growing belief put Jesus’ ministry in conflict with the established religious authorities. The raising of Lazarus opened the door for many to realize that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, confirming what they had hoped and expected the coming savior would do.
This scene unfolds just days before Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where the crowds would shout “Hosanna!” while laying down palm branches. The significance of this moment cannot be understated, as it sets the stage for the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. The rising fame and influence of Jesus, fueled by miracles and the testimonies of followers, would challenge the religious leaders, culminating in dramatic events that would change the course of history. Understanding this backdrop allows us to appreciate the gravity of what occurred and the responses from the people present.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 12:17
Let’s break down the key components of John 12:17 to get a clearer picture. The phrase “the people therefore that was with him” indicates a distinct group—those who were connected to Jesus and had witnessed His miracle firsthand. Their experience was direct and personal, making their testimony inherently powerful.
The phrase “bare record” denotes an action of sharing. It isn’t a passive act of observing; rather, these individuals actively engaged in the act of recounting their experiences. This illustrates a fundamental principle of witnessing—sharing our stories is an integral part of faith.
When the text mentions “called Lazarus out of his grave,” it emphasizes Jesus’s authority over death. Here we see the miraculous—Lazarus was not merely raised; he was called forth from a state of death, showcasing the life-giving power of Jesus. It signifies that in Jesus, we find life and resurrection, echoing throughout the New Testament as Jesus refers to Himself as “the resurrection and the life” in John 11:25.
By examining these key elements, we understand how they work together to remind us of the intent behind the miracle and the act of sharing faith. It calls us to consider how we can echo the experience of those witnesses in our interactions with others. Our faith stories, no matter how small they seem, have the potential to create waves of influence that guide others toward Christ.
Lessons to Learn From John 12:17
John 12:17 presents us with several valuable lessons. One of the primary teachings is the importance of sharing our testimonies. God works in our lives continually, and we should not keep those experiences to ourselves. By sharing our stories, we participate in the collective faith journey of our community. Our testimonies can inspire hope, reassurance, and faith in those around us.
Another lesson revolves around the concept of witnessing the miraculous. The crowd did not just see Lazarus walk out of the tomb; they bore witness to the truth of Jesus’ divinity. We too are called to be witnesses in our lives, recognizing the moments that display God’s hand in our circumstances. Whether it’s a miraculous healing, a time we felt God’s presence, or even an answered prayer, noting these moments allows us to increase our faith and encourage others.
We should also consider the implications of faith within a community. When we witness something remarkable or experience a significant event, our enthusiasm can be contagious. Just as the crowd shared their experiences of Lazarus’s resurrection, believers today can come together to testify about God’s faithfulness, highlighting the importance of fellowship and connecting with others.
Lastly, John 12:17 encourages us to acknowledge Jesus’ power. When we reflect on what He has done in our lives, it reinforces that He still performs miracles today. By taking time to look back on our journey, we can foster a deeper understanding of who He is and how He continues to work. As we note His goodness, we become an active part of His story, aiding in spreading His love and grace to a world in need.
Final Thoughts
As we look at John 12:17, it’s vital to recognize the weight of this moment in the larger narrative of Jesus’ ministry. The testimony of those who witnessed Lazarus’s miraculous raising from the dead not only speaks to a specific time and place but also to the broader message of faith, hope, and community. Through their actions, we are encouraged to share our experiences as acts of faith.
What can we take away from this verse? Let us remember that our voices matter and that our stories can resonate with others. We have been invited to share the experiences of how God has moved in our lives. By doing so, we become instruments of hope in our communities, shining a light on Jesus’ enduring impact.
Exploring topics such as John 7:13, or Numbers 13:23 may further enhance our understanding of faith and biblical history. As we continue to learn and grow, let’s share our journey and invite others to experience the miraculous love of Christ.