The “crowd” was composed of pilgrims from various places and unaware of the plot by the Jewish leaders against Jesus.

“demon-possessed” = the people thought that such a wild accusation must be the result of demonic possession. Today the response would be, “You must be crazy!”

It is interesting that the Synoptic gospels tell of many instances of Jesus relieving people of demonic possession, but John tells of none. His only mention of it is the times when Jesus is accused by others of being possessed. (John 8:48, 10:20) Perhaps the reason is that John is not so much interested in the wondrous aspect of the works Jesus did as he is in the fact that they are signs. He wishes to recall miracles which have spiritual significance and point men to God. Besides the display of power they indicate, it is difficult to see how exorcism, which was practiced by many at that time, would be a sign that would separate Jesus from all the other exorcists and elevate Him in the minds of the reader to the position He deserves.