John 11:45, "Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him," refers to the immediate aftermath of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Let's break down the meaning:
"Therefore": This word indicates that the verse is a direct result of something previously mentioned, which in this case is the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus.
"Many of the Jews, who came to Mary": These are Jews who had come to Bethany to comfort Mary and Martha after the death of their brother, Lazarus. They were likely friends, neighbors, or acquaintances. It's important to note that "Jews" in the Gospel of John can sometimes refer specifically to the Jewish leaders or those opposing Jesus. However, in this context, it seems to refer to a broader group of Jewish people.
"and saw what Jesus did": This is the crucial part. These individuals were eyewitnesses to the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead after being in the tomb for four days. Seeing this extraordinary event had a profound impact on them.
"believed in him": As a direct result of witnessing the miracle, many of these Jews became convinced that Jesus was who he claimed to be – the Messiah, the Son of God. Their belief was a direct consequence of seeing firsthand evidence of Jesus' divine power.
In essence, the verse means that the miracle of raising Lazarus led many Jewish people who witnessed it to believe that Jesus was the Messiah.
Significance of the Verse:
Evidence of Jesus' power: The verse highlights the power of Jesus and the impact of his miracles. The raising of Lazarus was a powerful sign that convinced many of his divine nature.
Growth of Jesus' following: It shows that Jesus' ministry was gaining momentum, with more people becoming believers.
Foreshadowing of conflict: While some believed, the same miracle also intensified the opposition from some Jewish leaders, as they feared Jesus' growing influence (John 11:47-53).
Faith through seeing: It illustrates that seeing miracles can lead to faith, although the Gospel also emphasizes that blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (John 20:29).
John 11:45, "Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him," refers to the immediate aftermath of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Let's break down the meaning:
"Therefore": This word indicates that the verse is a direct result of something previously mentioned, which in this case is the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus.
"Many of the Jews, who came to Mary": These are Jews who had come to Bethany to comfort Mary and Martha after the death of their brother, Lazarus. They were likely friends, neighbors, or acquaintances. It's important to note that "Jews" in the Gospel of John can sometimes refer specifically to the Jewish leaders or those opposing Jesus. However, in this context, it seems to refer to a broader group of Jewish people.
"and saw what Jesus did": This is the crucial part. These individuals were eyewitnesses to the miraculous raising of Lazarus from the dead after being in the tomb for four days. Seeing this extraordinary event had a profound impact on them.
"believed in him": As a direct result of witnessing the miracle, many of these Jews became convinced that Jesus was who he claimed to be – the Messiah, the Son of God. Their belief was a direct consequence of seeing firsthand evidence of Jesus' divine power.
In essence, the verse means that the miracle of raising Lazarus led many Jewish people who witnessed it to believe that Jesus was the Messiah.
Significance of the Verse:
Evidence of Jesus' power: The verse highlights the power of Jesus and the impact of his miracles. The raising of Lazarus was a powerful sign that convinced many of his divine nature.
Growth of Jesus' following: It shows that Jesus' ministry was gaining momentum, with more people becoming believers.
Foreshadowing of conflict: While some believed, the same miracle also intensified the opposition from some Jewish leaders, as they feared Jesus' growing influence (John 11:47-53).
Faith through seeing: It illustrates that seeing miracles can lead to faith, although the Gospel also emphasizes that blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed (John 20:29).
