John 11:45 – “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse describes the immediate response to one of Jesus’ greatest miracles—the raising of Lazarus from the dead. After witnessing this undeniable act of divine power, “many of the Jews” believed in Jesus.

Their belief was not based on mere words but on what they had seen with their own eyes. Lazarus had been dead for four days, wrapped in burial cloths, and sealed in a tomb. Yet, at Jesus’ command, he walked out alive. This was not just a healing—it was a resurrection, a miracle that proved Jesus had power over death.

However, even though “many” believed, not everyone did. Some refused to accept what they had seen, and instead of following Jesus, they went to report Him to the Pharisees (John 11:46). This shows that miracles alone do not force people to believe. Some hearts remain hardened, no matter how much evidence they receive.

Historical Context

At this time, Jesus’ public ministry was reaching a climax. He had already performed many miracles—healing the blind, feeding thousands, and even calming storms. But raising Lazarus was different. It was done openly, near Jerusalem, with many witnesses present.

Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary and Martha were likely from Jerusalem. They were there to comfort the grieving sisters, as was customary in Jewish culture. When they saw Lazarus raised from the dead, they could not deny that something extraordinary had happened.

However, this miracle also intensified opposition to Jesus. The religious leaders were already looking for ways to stop Him, and this event would push them to take serious action against Him (John 11:47-53).

Theological Implications

1. Faith Based on Evidence – The people in this verse believed in Jesus because of what they saw. While faith does not require miracles, God often gives evidence to help people believe (John 20:30-31).
2. A Dividing Line – This miracle forced people to make a choice: accept Jesus as the Messiah or reject Him. Even today, people must respond to Jesus—there is no neutral position (John 3:18).
3. Jesus as the Source of Life – Raising Lazarus was not just a display of power; it was a confirmation of Jesus’ claim in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life.” This miracle was proof that His words were true.

Literary Analysis

This verse serves as a transition between the miracle and its consequences. The phrase “Therefore many of the Jews” connects the miracle to the belief that followed.

The structure emphasizes both sight and belief:

• “Had come to visit Mary” – They were present for mourning but witnessed something unexpected.
• “Had seen what Jesus did” – Their belief was based on actual experience.
• “Believed in him” – The ultimate purpose of the miracle was to lead people to faith.

However, the next verse (John 11:46) introduces a contrast—some people reacted differently, showing that belief is not automatic, even in the face of miracles.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 20:30-31 – “Jesus performed many other signs… but these are written that you may believe.” (Miracles serve to bring people to faith.)
• John 12:10-11 – The chief priests even planned to kill Lazarus because his resurrection was leading many to believe.
• Luke 16:31 – “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Not all will believe, even with miracles.)
• Acts 2:22-24 – Peter speaks of Jesus’ miracles as proof of His identity.
• John 3:18 – “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already.” (Belief in Jesus is essential.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that faith is a response to what Jesus has done. Many people today seek signs from God, but the greatest evidence has already been given—Jesus’ own resurrection. If raising Lazarus led many to believe, how much more should Jesus’ resurrection lead us to trust in Him?

It also teaches that belief in Jesus often comes through seeing His work. While we may not witness physical miracles, we can see lives changed by Christ. Testimonies of transformed hearts, answered prayers, and God’s faithfulness continue to point people to Jesus.

At the same time, this verse warns us that not everyone will believe, even when confronted with the truth. Some will see and believe, while others will reject Jesus no matter how much evidence is before them. Our role is to share the message faithfully and trust God with the results.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God does not demand blind faith—He provides reasons to believe. Jesus’ miracles were expressions of love and proof of His identity. He did not perform them for personal gain but to reveal the Father’s glory and lead people to salvation.

This verse also shows God’s patience. Even though many had opposed Jesus, He continued to give opportunities for them to believe. God’s love is persistent—He calls people to faith again and again, giving them every chance to turn to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus’ Power Confirms His Identity – Raising Lazarus was proof that Jesus was the Messiah. His miracles were not random acts of kindness but intentional demonstrations of His divine nature.
2. A Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Own Resurrection – This miracle points ahead to Jesus’ resurrection, which would be the ultimate proof of His victory over death (John 20:1-18).
3. The Call to Believe in Jesus – The entire purpose of John’s Gospel is to lead people to faith in Christ (John 20:31). This verse shows that seeing Jesus’ work leads to belief, just as we are called to trust in Him today.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the miracle of Lazarus strengthen your faith in Jesus?
2. What are some ways you have seen God’s power at work in your own life?
3. Why do you think some people believed in Jesus after this miracle, while others rejected Him?
4. How can you help others see the reality of Jesus’ power in today’s world?
5. What does this passage teach us about the importance of faith?

John 11:45 reminds us that belief in Jesus is a personal response to His power and truth. Many saw and believed, but others refused to accept Him. The same is true today—some will hear the gospel and believe, while others will reject it. Our responsibility is to point people to Jesus and trust that God will open their hearts to believe.