John 12:20
“20 And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast.”
Context:Before delving into the verse itself, it is essential to understand the context in which it occurs. John 12:20 takes place during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, specifically in the lead-up to the Passover feast. The verse follows the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19) and sets the stage for significant events, including Jesus’ teaching, the Last Supper, His arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Greeks among them:In this verse, it is mentioned that there were Greeks among the people who came up to worship at the feast. The Greek term used here is “Hellenes,” referring to individuals of Greek descent or those influenced by Greek culture. These Greeks were likely proselytes or “God-fearers” who worshiped the God of Israel but were not of Jewish heritage.
Coming to worship:The Greeks mentioned in this verse came with the purpose of worshiping at the feast. The feast refers to the Passover, an important Jewish festival commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It was customary for devout Jews to travel to Jerusalem to celebrate this significant event.
Significance and symbolism:The presence of these Greeks at the Passover feast holds symbolic meaning. It indicates that the message and influence of Jesus were spreading beyond the Jewish community. It foreshadows the inclusive nature of the Gospel, which would extend to all nations, as Jesus’ sacrificial death would bring salvation to people of every race and background (John 3:16).
Seeking Jesus:Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is implied that these Greeks had a desire to meet Jesus. They likely had heard about His teachings, miracles, and the impact He had on people’s lives. Their presence at the feast suggests their curiosity and longing to encounter Jesus personally.
Foreshadowing Jesus’ universal mission:The presence of the Greeks at the Passover feast highlights Jesus’ mission to bring salvation not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles (non-Jews). It echoes Jesus’ own words in John 10:16, where He speaks of having other sheep who are not of the Jewish fold, whom He will bring into His flock.
Response of Jesus:While John 12:20 only mentions the arrival of the Greeks, Jesus’ response is recorded in the subsequent verses. Jesus declares, “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified” (John 12:23, KJV). This response indicates that the arrival of the Greeks marked a significant turning point in Jesus’ ministry, foreshadowing His impending crucifixion and the fulfillment of His ultimate purpose.
