The Saviour had reached Bethany only six days before the Passover, and according to His custom had sought rest at the home of Lazarus. The crowds of travelers who passed on to the city spread the tidings that He was on His way to Jerusalem, and that He would rest over the Sabbath at Bethany. Among the people there was great enthusiasm. Many flocked to Bethany, some out of sympathy with Jesus, and others from curiosity to see one who had been raised from the dead.

Frelseren var først nået til Betania seks dage før påsken, og som han plejede, havde han søgt hvile i Lazarus hjem. De mange rejsende, der drog videre til hovedstaden, udspredte meddelelsen om, at han var på vej til Jerusalem, og at han ville tilbringe sabbatten i Betania. Der var stor begejstring blandt folket. Mange flokkedes i Betania nogle af sympati for Jesus og andre af nysgerrighed efter at se en, der var blevet opvakt fra døden.