Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 12:9

"The common people therefore of the Jews learned that he was there: and they came, not for Jesus` sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead." — John 12:9 (ASV)

The response of the crowds to Jesus brought another crisis to his enemies. So many were becoming his followers that the priestly party was sure that their fears as expressed by Caiaphas were justified. Their resolution to destroy Jesus was strengthened, and in their wild madness of unbelief they even contemplated the possibility of removing Lazarus, since his restoration to life was an undeniable witness to Jesus’ power.