John 11:36 – “Then the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse follows one of the most well-known moments in the Gospels—Jesus weeping at the tomb of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35). Those standing nearby, witnessing Jesus’ tears, responded by recognizing His deep love for Lazarus.
Their statement, “See how he loved him!” acknowledges Jesus’ genuine and personal affection for Lazarus. It highlights not only His sorrow but also the reality of His close relationships. Jesus was not merely a distant teacher or a miracle worker—He was a friend who loved deeply.
However, some in the crowd saw His weeping differently. The very next verse (John 11:37) shows that others questioned why Jesus, who had performed miracles, did not prevent Lazarus from dying. This contrast reveals how people can interpret God’s actions differently. Some see His love, while others question His power.
Historical Context
The setting is Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. Lazarus had been dead for four days, and Jesus had just arrived. Mourning in Jewish culture at the time was a communal event, with friends and family gathered to grieve. It was common for people to weep and wail loudly, expressing their sorrow openly.
Jesus’ weeping, however, stood out. It was not just the ritual mourning of the time—it was real and personal. His display of emotion caused those present to recognize His deep love. In Jewish culture, love was often demonstrated through action and presence, and Jesus’ presence at the tomb showed His commitment to Lazarus and his family.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals a key truth about God’s nature: He is a God of love. Jesus did not merely teach about love—He embodied it. His love was evident not only in His miracles and teachings but also in His emotions and relationships.
Some people think of God as distant and impersonal, but John 11:36 reminds us that Jesus, who is God in the flesh, loved in a way that people could see and recognize. His love is not abstract—it is real, deep, and personal.
This verse also highlights the contrast between belief and doubt. Some recognized Jesus’ love, while others questioned why He did not act sooner. This tension still exists today—some people see God’s love even in hard times, while others struggle with doubt when they don’t understand His timing.
Literary Analysis
John 11:36 is a response to John 11:35 (“Jesus wept”), making it part of a larger emotional moment in the passage. The structure is simple, yet powerful. The verse uses the exclamation “See how he loved him!”, which emphasizes the visible nature of Jesus’ love.
The phrase “Then the Jews said” is significant because the term “the Jews” in John often refers to those who were skeptical or opposed to Jesus. Yet even they recognized His deep love for Lazarus. This suggests that Jesus’ love was so evident that even those who might not have fully understood His mission could not deny it.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Jesus’ love goes beyond emotion—it leads to action.)
- Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (God’s love is shown in Jesus’ sacrifice.)
- 1 John 4:9-10 – “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” (Love is at the heart of God’s plan.)
- Mark 10:21 – “Jesus looked at him and loved him.” (Jesus’ love is personal and individual.)
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a reminder that God’s love is not just a theological concept—it is real and personal. Jesus’ love was visible to those around Him, and it should be visible in the lives of His followers as well.
For Christians today, this means we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus’ love is not just for those in the Bible—it is for us too. His love is not dependent on our performance or worthiness; it is based on His nature.
It also challenges believers to demonstrate love in a way that others can see. Just as people saw Jesus’ love for Lazarus, people should be able to see Jesus’ love in us through our actions, kindness, and care for others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse directly connects to the heart of God. Many people struggle with the idea of whether God truly loves them. John 11:36 offers reassurance—if Jesus’ love was evident to those around Him, then it is just as real for us today.
God is not indifferent to human pain and suffering. He does not merely observe from a distance; He enters into it with us. Jesus’ love for Lazarus reflects God’s love for all of humanity. His willingness to weep with those who weep shows that He is a God who understands and cares.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ love for Lazarus foreshadows His greater love for all humanity. Just as He was deeply moved by the death of His friend, He was also moved by the spiritual death of all people. His love compelled Him to go to the cross and offer Himself as the way to eternal life.
In John 11:25-26, just before this moment, Jesus declared: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” His love was not just about friendship—it was about salvation.
Lazarus’ resurrection was a preview of Jesus’ own resurrection, which would demonstrate the ultimate victory of His love. His love was not just emotional—it was powerful and life-giving.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ love in this verse encourage you in your personal relationship with Him?
- Have there been times when you have doubted God’s love because of difficult circumstances? How does this verse challenge that doubt?
- In what ways can you show love in a way that others recognize, just as people recognized Jesus’ love?
- Why do you think some people in the crowd saw Jesus’ love while others questioned His power?
- How does Jesus’ love for Lazarus compare to His love for us today?
John 11:36 is a simple but profound reminder of the love of Jesus. His love is visible, real, and personal. It is not just an idea—it is something that can be seen and experienced. And just as those standing near the tomb recognized His love, we are called to recognize it in our own lives and share it with others.