John 11:45
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's striking that the verse highlights not just those who believed, but implicitly points to the ones who didn't. Even after witnessing such an undeniable miracle as someone being raised from the dead, some turned away to report it to the Pharisees, revealing how deeply entrenched prejudice could be. This shows that a powerful demonstration of God's power doesn't automatically guarantee belief; the heart must be open to receive it.
In the wake of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the impact of this powerful miracle is evident. Many of the Jewish onlookers who witnessed this astounding event, coming to Mary's home to offer comfort, are moved to believe in Jesus. However, this same event ignites fear and suspicion among the religious leaders, prompting them to convene a council to decide how to deal with Jesus' growing influence and the potential threat he poses to their nation and their relationship with Rome.
What does it take for someone to truly believe? This verse points to a powerful, undeniable encounter.
The miracle of raising Lazarus was not just a display of power; it was a deeply personal event. Many of the Jewish visitors who came to comfort Mary and Martha had just witnessed this incredible act. Their belief wasn't based on hearsay or abstract theology; it was a direct response to seeing Jesus' divine power firsthand.
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One incredible event, two vastly different reactions. Why do some believe and others harden their hearts?
While many Jews who witnessed Lazarus' resurrection believed, the text also reveals a starkly contrasting reaction: some went to the Pharisees. This highlights a crucial truth about divine intervention – it doesn't automatically lead everyone to faith.
Understand the original words
Ioudaios · Greek Noun
A term used in John's Gospel to refer to the Jewish leaders or the Jewish community generally, often highlighting their struggle or division in response to the identity and claims of Jesus.
The raising of Lazarus was a pivotal moment, deeply dividing the crowds and forcing the hand of the religious elite, setting the stage for Jesus' crucifixion and highlighting the stark contrast between belief and opposition.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, teaching, healing, and performing miracles, gathering a following and attracting the attention of religious authorities.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, a powerful and public miracle witnessed by many.
c. AD 33
Council of Jewish Leaders Convenes
Following the raising of Lazarus, the chief priests and Pharisees, fearing Jesus' growing influence and potential disruption of Roman rule, meet to discuss how to deal with Him.
c. AD 33
Caiaphas's Prophecy
High Priest Caiaphas advises that Jesus must die to prevent a Roman crackdown, unknowingly prophesying Jesus' atoning sacrifice for the nation and beyond.
c. AD 33
Jesus Withdraws from Public
After the council's decision, Jesus withdraws from public view in Judea, moving to the region near the wilderness of Ephraim.
This passage describes Jesus' first miracle at Cana, where His glory was revealed and His disciples believed in Him, echoing the theme of belief stemming from witnessing Jesus' powerful deeds.
John 12:9-11Here, the crowd's belief is contrasted with the chief priests' fear, showing the divisive impact of Jesus' miracles, similar to the reaction after Lazarus' resurrection.
Acts 4:4This verse shows that many who heard the apostles preach and saw their signs also believed, highlighting the ongoing pattern of belief following miraculous works.
Hebrews 2:3-4This passage speaks about the salvation announced by the Lord and confirmed by signs and wonders, underscoring the significance of miracles in validating Jesus' message and prompting belief.
calvinJohn 11:45-52: "Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him."
- Many therefore of the Jews, who had come to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46. But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them what Jesus had done. 47. Then the chief priests and Pharisees assembled the council, and said, What do we? for this man doth many miracles. 48. If we let him go on thus, all will believe on him; and the Roma…
expositorsJohn 11:45: "Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him."
Chapter 24JESUS THE SCAPEGOAT. “Many therefore of the Jews, which came to Mary and beheld that which He did, believed on Him. But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done. The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs. If we let Him thus alone, all men will believe o…
It's striking that the verse highlights not just those who believed, but implicitly points to the ones who didn't. Even after witnessing such an undeniable miracle as someone being raised from the dead, some turned away to report it to the Pharisees, revealing how deeply entrenched prejudice could be. This shows that a powerful demonstration of God's power doesn't automatically guarantee belief; the heart must be open to receive it.
In the wake of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the impact of this powerful miracle is evident. Many of the Jewish onlookers who witnessed this astounding event, coming to Mary's home to offer comfort, are moved to believe in Jesus. However, this same event ignites fear and suspicion among the religious leaders, prompting them to convene a council to decide how to deal with Jesus' growing influence and the potential threat he poses to their nation and their relationship with Rome.
In the wake of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the impact of this powerful miracle is evident. Many of the Jewish onlookers who witnessed this astounding event, coming to Mary's home to offer comfort, are moved to believe in Jesus. However, this same event ignites fear and suspicion among the religious leaders, prompting them to convene a council to decide how to deal with Jesus' growing influence and the potential threat he poses to their nation and their relationship with Rome.
"Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him," — It's striking that the verse highlights not just those who believed, but implicitly points to the ones who didn't. Even after witnessing such an undeniable miracle as someone being raised from the…
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