“The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.” — John 12:19
“He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” — Isaiah 27:6
When the Lord Jesus entered Jerusalem, the Pharisees were troubled. Their influence was fading. They said in frustration, “Behold, the world is gone after him.” Though spoken in anger, their words unknowingly revealed God’s greater plan. Centuries earlier, God had already declared that His people would “blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.” God’s work cannot be stopped by opposition, jealousy, or unbelief. When God plants something, it takes root, grows, and spreads.
The Pharisees thought they were losing control. In reality, God’s kingdom was expanding exactly as He promised. When Christ is lifted up, people will follow Him. The gospel spreads like a vine that God Himself planted.
Illustration #1 — Joseph in Egypt
“And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.” (Genesis 41:57). Joseph was a rejected man, sold by his own brothers. Yet God raised him up, and the nations of the world came to Egypt for bread. What began in betrayal ended in blessing for many people. Just as Joseph became a source of life to the nations, Christ would become the true Bread of Life, drawing people from every nation to Himself.
Illustration #2 — The Spread of the Gospel
“These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” (Acts 17:6). When the apostles preached Christ, their enemies complained that the gospel was spreading everywhere. What began with a small group of disciples in Jerusalem soon spread across the Roman Empire. Men tried to stop it — but God had already determined that His message would fill the world with fruit.
God’s work often begins quietly — with one life, one testimony, one seed planted in faith. But when God blesses it, the fruit spreads farther than anyone expects. The enemies of Christ once said in fear, “The world is gone after him.” One day that statement will be completely true.
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:10–11
The vine God planted will one day fill the whole earth with fruit.