CCVB Community Groups

Week of 10/11/2026

Pastor Jim Gallagher

John 12:17-26 – Snapshots in the book of John

In this passage of scripture, Jesus recently raised Lazarus from the dead. We see in verse 17 that the people (multitude) bore witness. This word bore witness in other translations of the Bible state “Continued to spread the word” in the NIV, “Telling others about it” in the NLT, “Continued to bear witness” in the ESV and in 9 other translations, the word bore witness is translated as “testified”. These people continually told other people what Jesus has done: they encountered the Lord and they told about what He had done. In verse 18, we see another set of people who heard but did not witness the miracle, and those people continued to tell others about Jesus as well.

In addition to this passage where we see people in turn telling others about Jesus, Pastor Jim referenced other verses (John 4:42; John 9:25-27; Mark 5:19-20; Mark 16:15)

Q. What is a common theme seen in the above-mentioned verses and in our text today?

Q. Are you quick to tell others about Jesus? If not, with whom do you find it most difficult to share with?

Q. What keeps a person from telling others about Jesus? How can you overcome the difficulty in sharing with others and how can you gain confidence in this area of your walk?

As we progressed through this passage, we saw just how powerful the Lord’s work has been in the people’s lives. The pharisees (v.19) came together and said “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him.” While this was hyperbole (over exaggeration), and the message was not presently spread across the world, we know that it eventually did. However, in that present time, they saw that they could not do anything to stop what was happening. The powerful witness of what Jesus had done led to others (Greeks) to come to see what this was all about and how they could encounter Jesus.

Q. Have you personally encountered Jesus?

Towards the end of today’s passage, in verses 23-26, Jesus when asked if He would show himself to the Greeks said “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” This “glory” he spoke about was in reference to the imminent death which He faced on the cross to give us abundant and eternal life. We, however as believers are also called to lay down our life for the sake of Him and the furtherance of His Kingdom. Jesus says in v. 25 “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me…”

Q. Are there areas in your life that you are holding onto and not giving over to God?

Q. Why do we struggle giving Him our 100%?

“And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17