Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook that the text doesn't just say "many Jews believed," but specifies "many of the Jews who had come with Mary." This detail highlights that their belief stemmed directly from witnessing Jesus' incredible act, not from prior acquaintance or theological study, revealing how powerful, undeniable encounters with God can ignite faith. This encounter served as a direct catalyst, drawing them to believe in Jesus based on the concrete evidence of their own eyes.
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, a profound public miracle that draws a large crowd. Many witnesses to this event believe in Jesus because of what they saw, but a portion of these believers report the miracle to the hostile religious authorities. This leads the chief priests and Pharisees to convene a council, fearing Jesus' growing influence and the potential consequences from the Roman government, ultimately setting the stage for Caiaphas' infamous prophecy about Jesus' death.
Imagine attending a funeral, not just to grieve, but to witness a miracle that shatters the boundaries of life and death. This is precisely where our verse finds us.
The context of John 11 is crucial here. Jesus arrives at Bethany, the home of Mary and Martha, who are deep in mourning over the death of their brother Lazarus. Jesus's famous response, 'I am the resurrection and the life,' is delivered before the astonishing event that follows: He calls Lazarus back from the dead.
Miracles can have astonishing effects, but they don't always lead to universal agreement. In fact, they often highlight the deep divisions in people's hearts.
John 11:45 presents a powerful picture of how a single, undeniable event can split people into two distinct groups. While many Jews who witnessed Lazarus's resurrection believed in Jesus, the narrative immediately pivots to those who did not.
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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.
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish religious and political party committed to the strict observance of the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions of the elders. They were often in conflict with Jesus regarding his teaching and authority.
The dramatic raising of Lazarus by Jesus directly triggered a pivotal moment where the religious elite, fearing Jesus' growing popularity and the threat of Roman intervention, made the fateful decision to plot his death. This event solidified the opposition against Jesus and set the stage for his crucifixion.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Popularity
Jesus travels throughout Galilee and Judea, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God. His fame grows, attracting large crowds but also drawing suspicion from religious authorities.
c. AD 30— this verse
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, a powerful public miracle witnessed by many Jews who had come to comfort Mary and Martha.
c. AD 30
Council Convenes Against Jesus
Following the resurrection of Lazarus, the chief priests and Pharisees assemble the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council) to discuss the threat Jesus poses. They fear his growing influence and the potential reaction from Rome.
c. AD 30
Caiaphas Proposes Jesus' Death
High Priest Caiaphas suggests it is expedient for Jesus to die to prevent unrest and preserve the nation from Roman intervention, inadvertently prophesying Jesus' atoning sacrifice.
c. AD 30
Jesus Withdraws from Public
After the council's decision, Jesus withdraws from open ministry in Jerusalem and retreats to the region near the wilderness to avoid immediate capture.
This passage describes how the chief priests plotted not only to kill Jesus but also to kill Lazarus, the very proof of Jesus' power, highlighting the escalating opposition to Jesus in the face of undeniable miracles.
Luke 16:31This verse presents the idea that even a resurrection from the dead wouldn't convince those hardened in disbelief, echoing the reaction of some Jews to Lazarus's revival who still refused to believe in Jesus.
John 12:10-11These verses directly follow the reaction of the crowds and religious leaders, showing that the miracle of Lazarus, while causing many to believe, also spurred the authorities to seek Jesus' death, demonstrating the stark division caused by Jesus' works.
Acts 4:16This passage mirrors the dilemma faced by the Jewish leaders; they acknowledged Jesus performed a notable miracle but were more concerned with its implications and suppressing Jesus' influence than embracing the truth it revealed.
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 easy to overlook that the text doesn't just say "many Jews believed," but specifies "many of the Jews who had come with Mary." This detail highlights that their belief stemmed directly from witnessing Jesus' incredible act, not from prior acquaintance or theological study, revealing how powerful, undeniable encounters with God can ignite faith. This encounter served as a direct catalyst, drawing them to believe in Jesus based on the concrete evidence of their own eyes.
Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, a profound public miracle that draws a large crowd. Many witnesses to this event believe in Jesus because of what they saw, but a portion of these believers report the miracle to the hostile religious authorities. This leads the chief priests and Pharisees to convene a council, fearing Jesus' growing influence and the potential consequences from the Roman government, ultimately setting the stage for Caiaphas' infamous prophecy about Jesus' death.
Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead, a profound public miracle that draws a large crowd. Many witnesses to this event believe in Jesus because of what they saw, but a portion of these believers report the miracle to the hostile religious authorities. This leads the chief priests and Pharisees to convene a council, fearing Jesus' growing influence and the potential consequences from the Roman government, ultimately setting the stage for Caiaphas' infamous prophecy about Jesus' death.
"Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done." — It's easy to overlook that the text doesn't just say "many Jews believed," but specifies "many of the Jews who had come with Mary." This detail highlights that their belief stemmed directly from wi…
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Last reviewed October 2026