The Greeks had heard of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Some supposed, and had circulated the report, that He had driven the priests and rulers from the temple, and that He was to take possession of David's throne, and reign as king of Israel. The Greeks longed to know the truth in regard to His mission. "We would see Jesus," they said. Their desire was granted. When the request was brought to Jesus, He was in that part of the temple from which all except Jews were excluded, but He went out to the Greeks in the outer court, and had a personal interview with them.

Grækerne havde hørt om Kristi indtog i Jerusalem. Nogle mente og havde udbredt dette rygte, at Jesus havde uddrevet præsterne og rådsherrerne fra templet, og at han ville tage Davids trone i besiddelse og herske i Jerusalem som Israels konge. Grækerne længtes efter at lære sandheden at kende med hensyn til hans virksomhed. "Vi vil gerne se Jesus," sagde de. De fik deres ønske opfyldt. Da anmodningen blev bragt til Jesus, befandt han sig i den del af templet, hvorfra alle, med undtagelse af jøder, var udelukkede, men han gik ud til grækerne i den ydre forgård og havde et personligt møde med dem.