John 12:18

This scene describes the highest point of the popularity of Jesus. At this time, large crowds followed him. Many people were excited about his teaching and his miracles.

• In this part of John’s Gospel, two stories move forward at the same time.

  First, more and more people begin to praise Jesus. Their excitement reaches a high point when crowds welcome him into Jerusalem with shouts of joy (12:12–13).

  Second, the religious authorities become more determined to arrest Jesus and put him to death. As public support grows, their opposition grows as well.

• John's Gospel describes three events that happened only days before Passover (12:1–11, 12–19, 20–36). Then he explains why most of the people refused to believe and describes the final public message spoken by Jesus (12:37–50).