John 11:45
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
John 11:45 (KJV)
Context
John 11 records the miraculous event of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus was the brother of Martha and Mary, who were close friends of Jesus. When Jesus arrived in Bethany after Lazarus had been dead for four days, He called Lazarus out of the tomb, and Lazarus came back to life. This astounding miracle caused many witnesses, including Jews who came to comfort Mary, to believe in Jesus.
The raising of Lazarus is the seventh and final sign in John’s Gospel. It is a turning point in the narrative, for the same miracle that led many to believe also prompted the Pharisees to report it to the council, setting in motion the events leading to the cross. The verse records the immediate aftermath of this great sign: many of the Jews who had come to Mary and had seen what Jesus did believed on him.
Meaning
The phrase “believed on him” indicates that these Jews recognized Jesus as the true Messiah, the Son of God. Their faith was not based on abstract teaching but on a concrete demonstration of Jesus’ authority over death. They had come to mourn with Mary, yet their encounter with Jesus’ power transformed their mourning into belief. The verse emphasizes that faith is a direct response to the observable evidence of Jesus’ divine power.
Jesus’ ability to bring the dead back to life demonstrates that He is the source of life and has authority over both physical and spiritual death. This miracle is a foreshadowing of His own resurrection, which would take place shortly after this event. The Jews who believed were eyewitnesses to the glory of God, and their belief is recorded as an example for all who read this account.
Biblical connections
The response of the Jews in this verse is contrasted with the reaction of the Pharisees in the following verse, who reported the miracle to the council, leading to plots against Jesus. The same evidence that caused some to believe led others to reject and oppose Him. This shows that Jesus’ miracles serve as signs that reveal His identity, and they demand a response of faith.
Application
Strengthening Our Faith: Reflect on the miracles recorded in the Bible, including the resurrection of Lazarus. Let these accounts remind you of Jesus’ power and faithfulness. They can strengthen your own faith in challenging times, knowing that the same God who worked miracles in the past is with you today.
Sharing Your Testimony: Consider sharing your personal encounter with Jesus and the ways in which He has transformed your life. Your testimony can have a powerful impact on others, leading them to believe in Jesus and experience His love and grace.
Choosing to Believe: When faced with Jesus and the claims He makes, respond in faith. Allow the evidence of His power, love, and sacrifice to guide you in accepting Him as your Lord and Savior. Embrace the opportunity to believe and trust in Jesus, allowing Him to transform your life.
Reflection
The Jews in this verse were not distant observers but individuals who personally witnessed the miraculous event. They saw the reality of Jesus’ power and grace with their own eyes. Personal encounters with Jesus are influential in bringing people to faith. The response of these Jews reminds us that when we encounter Jesus, we too are faced with a decision: to believe in Him and respond in faith or to reject Him. May you be encouraged by the truth of God’s Word and grow in your faith as you consider the evidence of His power.
