John 11:56

They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, "What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?"

Study Bible

They kept looking for Jesus
This phrase indicates a continuous action, suggesting an eager anticipation and a sense of urgency among the people. The Greek verb "ζητέω" (zēteō) implies a diligent search or quest. Historically, this reflects the heightened tension and expectation surrounding Jesus' movements, especially as His miracles and teachings had stirred both hope and controversy. The people were not merely curious; they were actively seeking Him, perhaps with a mix of hope for His messianic fulfillment and fear of the authorities' reaction.

and asking one another
The act of asking "one another" suggests a communal concern and shared curiosity. The Greek word "λέγω" (legō) for "asking" can also mean to speak or to say, indicating that this was a topic of conversation among many. This reflects the social dynamics of the time, where news and rumors spread through word of mouth in public spaces like the temple courts. It underscores the collective nature of their anticipation and the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry.

as they stood in the temple courts
The "temple courts" were central to Jewish religious life, serving as a place of worship, teaching, and community gathering. The Greek term "ἱερόν" (hieron) refers to the entire temple complex, not just the inner sanctum. This setting highlights the religious and cultural significance of the events unfolding. The temple courts were a place where people expected to encounter God, making their search for Jesus there particularly poignant, as He was seen by many as the embodiment of God's presence.

'What do you think?
This question reveals the uncertainty and speculation among the people. The Greek phrase "τί δοκεῖ ὑμῖν" (ti dokei hymin) can be translated as "What seems to you?" or "What is your opinion?" It invites personal reflection and communal discussion, emphasizing the diverse opinions about Jesus' identity and intentions. This reflects the broader theme in John's Gospel of belief and unbelief, as people grapple with understanding who Jesus is.

Will He come to the feast at all?'
The "feast" refers to the Passover, a major Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. The Greek word "ἑορτή" (heortē) signifies a sacred celebration. The question of whether Jesus would attend highlights the tension between His mission and the growing threat from religious leaders. Historically, the Passover was a time of heightened messianic expectation, and Jesus' potential presence would have been seen as significant. This question underscores the anticipation of His actions and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel of John, whose actions and teachings are the focus of the account. At this point, He is being sought after by many.

2. The People
The crowd in the temple courts, likely consisting of Jews who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. They are curious and perhaps anxious about Jesus' presence.

3. The Temple Courts
The location where the people are gathered. This is a significant place for Jewish worship and teaching, and it is where many discussions about Jesus take place.

4. The Feast
Refers to the Passover, a major Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It is a time when many Jews would travel to Jerusalem.

5. The Pharisees and Chief Priests
Though not mentioned directly in this verse, they are the religious leaders who are plotting against Jesus, creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation.

Teaching Points

Anticipation and Expectation
The people's anticipation of Jesus' arrival at the feast reflects a broader expectation of the Messiah. In our lives, we should cultivate a similar anticipation for Christ's presence and work.

Public Curiosity and Division
The mixed reactions to Jesus' presence remind us that the Gospel can be divisive. We should be prepared to encounter varied responses when we share our faith.

The Significance of the Temple
The temple courts as a place of discussion about Jesus highlight the importance of communal worship and study. We should value our church communities as places to seek and discuss Christ.

The Role of Festivals and Traditions
The Passover feast sets the stage for Jesus' actions. Similarly, Christian traditions and celebrations can be opportunities to reflect on and encounter Christ.

Seeking Jesus in Our Lives
Just as the people were actively looking for Jesus, we should continually seek Him in our daily lives, through prayer, scripture, and community.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the anticipation of Jesus' arrival at the feast reveal about the people's understanding of Him, and how does this apply to our expectations of Christ today?

2. How does the setting of the temple courts influence the events of John 11:56, and what does this teach us about the role of our places of worship?

3. In what ways do the reactions of the people in John 11:56 mirror the reactions people have to Jesus today?

4. How can we use our own religious traditions and celebrations to deepen our understanding and relationship with Jesus?

5. Reflect on a time when you actively sought Jesus in your life. What were the circumstances, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 7:11-12
Earlier in the Gospel, people were also looking for Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, showing a pattern of public curiosity and division about Him.

Matthew 21:10-11
When Jesus enters Jerusalem, the whole city is stirred, asking about His identity, similar to the curiosity seen in John 11:56.

Luke 19:47-48
Jesus teaches daily in the temple, and the people are captivated by His words, highlighting the tension between the leaders' plots and the people's interest.