John 12:20 - Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast.
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What does "John 12:20" mean?
John 12:20, "Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast," has several layers of meaning and significance:
Gentiles seeking Jesus: These "Greeks" were likely Gentile converts or God-fearers—non-Jews who were drawn to Judaism and worshipped the God of Israel but hadn't fully converted (usually by not undergoing circumcision). Their presence at the Passover festival indicates they were seeking a deeper connection with God. This verse suggests that the appeal of Jesus was extending beyond the Jewish community, as Gentiles were also interested in him.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' ministry was prophesied to be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). The arrival of these Greeks could be seen as a sign that this prophecy was beginning to be fulfilled.
Turning Point: The fact that these Greeks sought an audience with Jesus through Philip is a pivotal moment in John's Gospel. It prompts Jesus to speak about his impending death and glorification (John 12:23-33). He sees their arrival as a signal that "the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). Their coming represents the world's turning to Jesus, and his death being the means to draw all people to himself (John 12:32).
Universal Salvation: The verse underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission. It shows that his message wasn't just for the Jewish people, but for all nations.
In summary, John 12:20 is significant because it shows Gentiles seeking Jesus, fulfilling prophecy, acting as a turning point in Jesus' ministry, and emphasizing the universal scope of Jesus' mission and salvation.
John 12:20 - Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast.
What does "John 12:20" mean?
John 12:20, "Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast," has several layers of meaning and significance:
Gentiles seeking Jesus: These "Greeks" were likely Gentile converts or God-fearers—non-Jews who were drawn to Judaism and worshipped the God of Israel but hadn't fully converted (usually by not undergoing circumcision). Their presence at the Passover festival indicates they were seeking a deeper connection with God. This verse suggests that the appeal of Jesus was extending beyond the Jewish community, as Gentiles were also interested in him.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' ministry was prophesied to be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6). The arrival of these Greeks could be seen as a sign that this prophecy was beginning to be fulfilled.
Turning Point: The fact that these Greeks sought an audience with Jesus through Philip is a pivotal moment in John's Gospel. It prompts Jesus to speak about his impending death and glorification (John 12:23-33). He sees their arrival as a signal that "the hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" (John 12:23). Their coming represents the world's turning to Jesus, and his death being the means to draw all people to himself (John 12:32).
Universal Salvation: The verse underscores the universal scope of Jesus' mission. It shows that his message wasn't just for the Jewish people, but for all nations.
In summary, John 12:20 is significant because it shows Gentiles seeking Jesus, fulfilling prophecy, acting as a turning point in Jesus' ministry, and emphasizing the universal scope of Jesus' mission and salvation.