Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:17

"The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, bare witness." — John 12:17 (ASV)

The second group in this account consists of those who were following Jesus, some of whom had witnessed the raising of Lazarus in Bethany. These people continued to publicize Jesus’ miracle and aroused the curiosity of many in the city. These, in turn, joined the crowd that was on the way to meet Jesus as he neared Jerusalem.