John 11:46 – “But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.”

An Extended Explanation of the Verse

This verse follows immediately after one of Jesus’ greatest miracles—raising Lazarus from the dead. While many of the people who witnessed the event believed in Jesus (John 11:45), others had a very different reaction. Instead of trusting in Him, they went to report His actions to the Pharisees.

The wording here suggests that their motive was not curiosity or excitement but opposition. Instead of rejoicing that a man who had been dead for four days was now alive, they chose to alert the religious leaders, who were already looking for ways to stop Jesus.

This reveals a sad reality: miracles do not always lead to faith. Some people see the power of God and still reject it. Instead of being amazed and convinced, these individuals felt threatened by Jesus and saw Him as a danger to their traditions and way of life.

Historical Context

The Pharisees were the religious leaders of the Jewish people. They were known for their strict adherence to the law and their influence over the people. By this time, Jesus had already been in conflict with them multiple times. They saw Him as a threat to their authority because He performed miracles, taught with divine authority, and challenged their legalistic traditions.

Previously, the Pharisees had already discussed ways to stop Jesus (John 10:39). This miracle—raising a man from the dead—was a breaking point. If people continued to believe in Jesus, He would gain too much influence, and they feared losing control.

The people who reported Jesus to the Pharisees may have done so out of loyalty to their leaders or fear of what Jesus’ growing popularity might mean. Instead of embracing the truth, they aligned themselves with those who opposed Him.

Theological Implications

1. Miracles Do Not Guarantee Faith – This verse proves that seeing the power of God does not automatically lead people to believe. Some choose to resist even when confronted with clear evidence.
2. The Divisive Nature of Jesus – Jesus forces people to make a decision. Some will believe and follow Him, while others will reject Him. There is no neutral ground (Matthew 12:30).
3. Religious Power vs. True Faith – The Pharisees were supposed to lead people to God, but their concern for power made them blind to the truth. This warns us that religious structures can sometimes resist God’s work rather than embrace it.

Literary Analysis

This verse provides a contrast to the previous one (John 11:45). While many believed, some rejected. This theme of division is central to the Gospel of John—Jesus’ presence always forces people to choose where they stand.

The phrase “some of them went to the Pharisees” suggests a deliberate action. These people were not just informing the Pharisees; they were setting the stage for Jesus’ arrest and eventual crucifixion. Their actions contribute to the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities.

The use of “told them what Jesus had done” also carries weight. Instead of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, they treat His miracle as a problem to be dealt with. This mirrors how people today can hear about the works of Jesus but refuse to accept Him.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• John 3:19-20 – “Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (Some reject Jesus even when He is clearly revealed.)
• Matthew 12:30 – “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (There is no middle ground with Jesus.)
• 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.” (Even great miracles will not convince those who refuse to believe.)
• John 12:9-10 – The religious leaders later plotted to kill Lazarus as well, proving their hardened hearts.
• Acts 4:16-17 – The religious leaders react similarly after Jesus’ resurrection, trying to silence His followers rather than believe.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that not everyone will accept Jesus, even when confronted with undeniable truth. Some people reject Him not because of a lack of evidence, but because they are unwilling to surrender to Him.

It also challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we like those who believed (John 11:45), or are we like those who ran to the Pharisees, resisting Jesus because He challenges our way of life?

Furthermore, this verse prepares believers for opposition. If people rejected Jesus despite seeing His miracles, we should not be surprised when people reject the gospel today. Our responsibility is to share the truth faithfully and trust that God will work in people’s hearts.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is patient, but He does not force anyone to believe. Even though Jesus performed miracles, He allowed people to make their own choice. This verse shows that God’s love does not override free will—He gives people the opportunity to accept or reject Him.

At the same time, this verse reveals God’s mercy. Despite opposition, Jesus continued His mission all the way to the cross, where He provided the ultimate proof of His love. Even those who opposed Him were not beyond redemption if they would turn to Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus’ Mission Led to the Cross – The report given to the Pharisees set in motion the events that would lead to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. This was not accidental—Jesus came to lay down His life for sinners (John 10:17-18).
2. Jesus Divides the World – Some believe in Him, while others reject Him. This pattern has continued throughout history. Jesus Himself said that He came not to bring peace, but a sword of division (Matthew 10:34-36).
3. Jesus’ Power Over Death Exposes the Hardness of the Human Heart – Even after seeing a resurrection, some people still refused to believe. This highlights how desperately we need God’s grace to open our eyes to the truth (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think some people rejected Jesus even after witnessing His miracles?
2. Have you ever encountered resistance when sharing your faith? How does this verse help you understand people’s reactions?
3. What does this passage teach us about religious leaders who resist God’s truth?
4. How does this verse challenge you to respond to Jesus’ works in your own life?
5. What can we learn from the contrast between those who believed (John 11:45) and those who ran to the Pharisees (John 11:46)?

John 11:46 is a sobering reminder that not everyone will accept Jesus, even when the truth is undeniable. Some people will believe, while others will resist Him out of fear, pride, or personal interests. Our role is to remain faithful in sharing the gospel and trust God with the results. Just as in Jesus’ time, hearts today are either softened or hardened by His message. The question is: how will we respond?