Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even though Jesus deliberately delayed going to Lazarus, the text emphasizes that this wasn't due to indifference but to a deep, discerning love—a steadfast affection—for the entire family. This love for Martha, her sister, and Lazarus is presented as the underlying motive for His actions, reminding us that God's timing, though sometimes confusing, flows from a love that sees beyond immediate circumstances.
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
A message arrives: Lazarus, whom Jesus deeply cares for, is gravely ill. While the disciples worry about returning to Judea where Jesus was recently threatened, Jesus explains that this sickness will ultimately serve to reveal God's glory and magnify His Son. It's in this context that John emphasizes Jesus' profound personal affection for this beloved family before he delays his arrival for two more days.
When we're hurting, we often wonder if anyone truly cares. The Gospel writer John gives us a powerful assurance about Jesus' heart.
This verse, John 11:5, is a beautiful snapshot of Jesus' personal relationships. It's not just a statement of fact; it reveals the depth of His human affection. John uses the Greek word 'agape' here, which describes a deep, abiding, and choosing love. This isn't just a general fondness; it's a love that sees the worth in Martha, Mary, and Lazarus and deliberately embraces them. It shows us that Jesus doesn't just love humanity in the abstract; He loves individuals with a profound and personal tenderness. This love is the foundation for His actions, even when they don't immediately make sense to us.
When someone we love is suffering, our instinct is to rush in. So why does Jesus, who loved Lazarus, wait?
This verse, alongside the narrative that follows, presents a profound truth about God's love. Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters dearly, yet He intentionally delayed His response to their plea. This might seem contradictory, but it highlights a key aspect of God's interaction with us. His love doesn't always mean immediate relief or the absence of suffering. Instead, His delays often serve purposes beyond our immediate understanding:
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Understand the original words
agapaō · Greek Verb
A term describing the highest form of selfless, sacrificial, and covenantal love; it is the nature of God's love toward His people, distinct from mere emotional affection.
This verse highlights Jesus' deep personal affection for his friends, a love that motivated his actions even when his response seemed delayed to outsiders.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry in Judea
Jesus was active in ministry around Jerusalem and Judea during this period, a region where Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, lived in Bethany.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Friendship with Lazarus' Family
Jesus developed a close personal relationship with Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus, frequently visiting their home in Bethany.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Lazarus Falls Deathly Ill
Lazarus becomes critically ill, prompting his sisters to send word to Jesus, who is staying east of the Jordan River.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Delays His Journey to Bethany
Despite hearing of Lazarus's sickness, Jesus intentionally stays where he is for two more days before deciding to travel back to Judea.
This passage highlights God's intimate knowledge and constant awareness of us, echoing the deep personal connection Jesus had with Lazarus and his sisters.
Matthew 10:40-42Jesus connects receiving his messengers with receiving Him, showing that His love extends to those who welcome His followers, mirroring His affection for the Bethany family.
John 15:9-13Jesus speaks of His love for His disciples and calls them friends, revealing a deep, personal bond similar to the one He shared with Lazarus and his sisters, even commanding them to love one another.
1 John 4:7-11This passage defines God's love as the source of our own love and salvation, underscoring the divine nature of Jesus' affection for His friends.
Romans 8:35-39Paul proclaims that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, a powerful assurance that parallels the enduring love Jesus demonstrated for Lazarus, even in the face of death.
calvinJohn 11:1-10: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
- And one named Lazarus was sick. The Evangelist passes on to another narrative, which contains a miracle eminently worthy of being recorded. For not only did Christ give a remarkable proof of his Divine power in raising Lazarus, but he likewise placed before our eyes a lively image of our future resurrection. This might indeed be said to be the latest and concluding action of his lif…
henryJohn 11:1-6: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
11:1-6 It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves, to be sick; bodily distempers correct the corruption, and try the graces of God's people. He came not to preserve his people from these afflictions, but to save them from their sins, and from the wrath to come; however, it behoves us to apply to Him in behalf of our friends and relatives when sick and afflicted. Let this reconcile u…
Even though Jesus deliberately delayed going to Lazarus, the text emphasizes that this wasn't due to indifference but to a deep, discerning love—a steadfast affection—for the entire family. This love for Martha, her sister, and Lazarus is presented as the underlying motive for His actions, reminding us that God's timing, though sometimes confusing, flows from a love that sees beyond immediate circumstances.
A message arrives: Lazarus, whom Jesus deeply cares for, is gravely ill. While the disciples worry about returning to Judea where Jesus was recently threatened, Jesus explains that this sickness will ultimately serve to reveal God's glory and magnify His Son. It's in this context that John emphasizes Jesus' profound personal affection for this beloved family before he delays his arrival for two more days.
A message arrives: Lazarus, whom Jesus deeply cares for, is gravely ill. While the disciples worry about returning to Judea where Jesus was recently threatened, Jesus explains that this sickness will ultimately serve to reveal God's glory and magnify His Son. It's in this context that John emphasizes Jesus' profound personal affection for this beloved family before he delays his arrival for two more days.
"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." — Even though Jesus deliberately delayed going to Lazarus, the text emphasizes that this wasn't due to indifference but to a deep, discerning love—a steadfast affection—for the entire family. This love…
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Last reviewed October 2026