John 12:11 - because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

Generated Verse: John 12:11

What does "John 12:11" mean?


John 12:11, "because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus," refers to Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead in the preceding chapter (John 11). Let's break down the verse and its implications:

"Because on account of him...": This directly refers to Lazarus. His resurrection was a public and undeniable miracle.

"...many of the Jews went away...": This indicates that people were leaving (perhaps physically leaving the Jewish religious establishment or at least intellectually leaving their prior skepticism) to investigate the claims about Jesus. It doesn't necessarily mean they were all geographically leaving the area. More likely, they were distancing themselves from the official stance of the Jewish leaders.

"...and believed in Jesus.": This is the key outcome. The resurrection of Lazarus was a powerful catalyst that led many people to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God, or at least a prophet with divine power.

In summary, the verse means that Lazarus's resurrection served as a significant sign, convincing many Jews to believe in Jesus as a result.

Here's why this verse is important:

Confirmation of Jesus's Divine Power: The resurrection of Lazarus was arguably Jesus's most spectacular miracle. It demonstrated power over death itself, which was considered to be God's domain. This was not simply healing the sick or casting out demons; it was bringing someone back from complete, documented death.

Conflict with Jewish Authorities: The raising of Lazarus provoked strong opposition from the Jewish leaders. They saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and worried about the growing number of his followers. John 11:47-53 describes how the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and plotted to kill Jesus because of his miracles. The resurrection of Lazarus accelerated their plans to eliminate Jesus.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: Many Jews at the time were looking for a Messiah who would perform great signs and wonders. The resurrection of Lazarus seemed to fulfill those expectations for many.

Evidence for the Resurrection: It is crucial to the narrative of the Gospels as it lays out Jesus as one who will later be resurrected Himself.

In conclusion, John 12:11 highlights the transformative impact of the resurrection of Lazarus. It shows how this miracle served as a catalyst, leading many to believe in Jesus and also intensifying the conflict with the Jewish authorities.

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