John 12:11 – “for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him.”

Extended Explanation

This verse explains why the religious leaders wanted to kill Lazarus (John 12:10). His resurrection had caused many people to believe in Jesus. Seeing a man who had been dead for four days now alive again was undeniable proof of Jesus’ power. Because of this, more and more Jews were turning away from the religious leaders and putting their faith in Jesus instead.

The phrase “going over to Jesus” suggests that these people were shifting their loyalty. The religious leaders saw this as a direct threat to their authority. Instead of rejoicing in God’s power, they became even more determined to stop Jesus—even if it meant murder.

This verse highlights the two different responses people had to Jesus:

1. Many believed – They saw the miracle and recognized that Jesus was the Messiah.
2. The religious leaders rejected Him – Instead of accepting the truth, they hardened their hearts and tried to destroy the evidence.

This same pattern happens today. When confronted with the truth of Jesus, people either accept Him in faith or resist Him out of pride, fear, or self-interest.

Historical Context

At this time, Jerusalem was filled with Jewish pilgrims coming to celebrate the Passover. News about Lazarus’ resurrection had spread quickly, and large crowds were gathering to see both Jesus and Lazarus (John 12:9).

The religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, had already been plotting to kill Jesus (John 11:53). However, Lazarus’ resurrection made their situation worse. The more people saw and heard about Jesus’ miracles, the more difficult it became for them to control the crowds.

This verse reflects the power struggle that was happening. The Jewish leaders were afraid that if too many people followed Jesus, it would challenge their authority and possibly bring unwanted attention from the Roman government (John 11:48). Their solution? Eliminate both Jesus and Lazarus to stop people from believing.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Power is Undeniable – The resurrection of Lazarus was a public event, witnessed by many. It was so powerful that even Jesus’ enemies acknowledged its impact.
2. Faith Grows Through Evidence – Many people came to believe in Jesus because of what they saw. God uses miracles, testimonies, and His Word to draw people to Himself.
3. Opposition Increases When People Turn to Christ – The more people believed in Jesus, the more the religious leaders resisted Him. This shows that following Christ often leads to opposition (John 15:18-19).
4. Hard Hearts Reject Even the Clearest Truths – The religious leaders had all the evidence they needed, but they still rejected Jesus. This reminds us that unbelief is often a heart issue, not a lack of proof (Romans 1:21-22).

Literary Analysis

John 12:11 highlights a key theme in John’s Gospel: faith vs. rejection. Throughout John’s account, people respond to Jesus in different ways:

• Some believe – like those who saw Lazarus alive and followed Jesus.
• Some resist – like the religious leaders who refused to accept the truth.

This contrast sets the stage for the events of Passion Week. The growing belief in Jesus among the people increases the urgency for the religious leaders to act against Him.

The phrase “on account of him” emphasizes that Lazarus was a living testimony to Jesus’ power. His very existence was proof that Jesus had authority over life and death. This mirrors how Jesus’ own resurrection would later confirm His identity as the Son of God (Romans 1:4).

Biblical Cross-References

1. John 11:43-44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
2. John 11:48-53 – The religious leaders begin plotting to kill Jesus.
3. John 12:9-10 – The crowds come to see Lazarus, and the religious leaders decide to kill him.
4. John 15:18-19 – Jesus warns that the world will hate His followers just as it hated Him.
5. Acts 4:16-17 – After Jesus’ resurrection, the religious leaders try to silence the apostles despite undeniable miracles.
6. Romans 1:21-22 – People reject God, even when the truth is clear.
7. Romans 1:4 – Jesus is declared the Son of God through His resurrection.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

John 12:11 reminds us that true faith leads to change. The Jews who believed in Jesus were not just curious about His miracles—they were shifting their allegiance to follow Him. Today, believing in Jesus means making Him the Lord of our lives, not just admiring Him from a distance.

This verse also teaches us that our lives should be living testimonies like Lazarus. People saw him and believed in Jesus because of what had happened to him. In the same way, our transformed lives should point others to Christ (Matthew 5:16).

However, we also see that following Jesus comes with opposition. Just as the religious leaders wanted to silence Lazarus, the world today often tries to suppress the message of Christ. We should expect resistance but remain faithful, knowing that God’s truth cannot be stopped.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He reveals Himself through His works. He did not perform miracles in secret—He wanted people to see and believe. Lazarus’ resurrection was a demonstration of God’s power and love, showing that Jesus truly is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

God’s love is also seen in how He draws people to Himself. Many of the Jews in this verse believed in Jesus because of what they saw. Even today, God continues to work in ways that bring people to faith, whether through His Word, answered prayers, or changed lives.

At the same time, God’s love does not force belief. The religious leaders had the same opportunity as everyone else, but they rejected Jesus because their hearts were hardened. This shows that while God offers salvation to all, each person must choose to accept or reject it.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

John 12:11 directly points to Jesus’ mission and identity:

1. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life – Lazarus’ resurrection proved Jesus’ claim in John 11:25.
2. Jesus’ Ministry Divides People – Some believe, while others reject Him. This pattern continues throughout His ministry.
3. Jesus’ Power Cannot Be Denied – Even His enemies acknowledged His miracles, but instead of accepting Him, they fought against Him.
4. Jesus Will Soon Face Death – The growing belief in Jesus leads the religious leaders to take more drastic measures, setting the stage for His crucifixion.

Just as Lazarus’ resurrection led many to believe, Jesus’ own resurrection would soon be the ultimate proof of His identity and mission (Romans 1:4).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why did the religious leaders see Lazarus as a threat? What does this reveal about their hearts?
2. What does it mean that many people “went over to Jesus” because of Lazarus? How should true faith lead to change?
3. How can your life be a testimony like Lazarus, showing others the power of Jesus?
4. Why do some people reject Jesus even when the evidence of His power is clear?
5. How can we stay faithful when we face opposition for following Christ?

John 12:11 reminds us that Jesus’ power changes lives. Many people believed because of Lazarus, just as many today come to faith when they see the evidence of Jesus in the lives of His followers. The question is—are we living in a way that points others to Christ?