Meaning of John 11:46

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, occurring immediately after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). The witnesses to this miraculous event, specifically "some of them" who were present, chose to report Jesus' actions not to their own community or to seek further understanding, but rather to the Pharisees. This highlights a significant tension and division within Jewish society at the time regarding Jesus' identity and ministry. The Pharisees, a prominent religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and their often adversarial stance towards Jesus, were precisely the group most likely to view Jesus' actions with suspicion and hostility, as they perceived his power and teachings as a threat to their authority and established order.

Context and Background

The raising of Lazarus was a public and undeniable miracle, a profound demonstration of Jesus' divine power over death. This event intensified the existing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities. The Pharisees, along with the chief priests, were already plotting to arrest Jesus (John 11:47-53). The report from these witnesses, therefore, served to provide them with concrete evidence of Jesus' growing influence and the potential destabilization he represented. Their immediate reaction was not one of awe or inquiry, but of strategic concern for their own position and the perceived threat to their religious and political power.

Key Themes and Messages

• Division and Opposition: The verse underscores the deep divisions within the Jewish leadership and populace concerning Jesus. While some were convinced by his miracles, others, particularly the Pharisees, were moved to alarm and action against him.
• Witness and Reporting: It demonstrates how even miraculous events can be perceived and reported through lenses of pre-existing bias. The witnesses' choice of audience reveals their own allegiances and intentions.
• The Nature of Belief: The reaction of these witnesses, and subsequently the Pharisees, contrasts sharply with the faith of Martha and Mary, Lazarus' sisters, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah (John 11:27). It shows that seeing a miracle does not automatically lead to belief; belief is often a matter of the heart and will, influenced by prior convictions.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse serves as a reminder that not all who witness or hear about God's power will respond with faith. Our reporting of spiritual experiences and encounters should be guided by truth and a desire for genuine understanding, rather than by a desire to fuel opposition or division. It also highlights the importance of discerning the motives of those who report spiritual events; the Pharisees' interpretation was colored by their agenda. For believers today, it is a call to be discerning witnesses and to understand that the reception of truth is often met with resistance from those who hold firmly to established, often ungodly, systems.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 11:46 is a crucial stepping stone towards the crucifixion of Jesus. The Pharisees' decision to act upon this information directly leads to the Sanhedrin's council to kill Jesus, a decision articulated by Caiaphas in John 11:49-50. This verse, therefore, marks a significant escalation in the plot against Jesus, setting in motion the events of his Passion. It illustrates the recurring theme in the Gospels of Jesus being rejected by the very people he came to save, particularly by the religious establishment.

Analogies

Imagine a groundbreaking scientific discovery is made. Some individuals who witness the demonstration immediately report it to a scientific society that is known for its skepticism of new theories, hoping to create controversy rather than foster understanding. This is akin to the witnesses in John 11:46 reporting Jesus' miracle to the Pharisees, who were already predisposed to reject Jesus' claims. Another analogy: a community is divided over a new leader; some embrace the leader's actions, while others, fearing for their own influence, immediately report these actions to those who are actively seeking to discredit the leader.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse finds echoes in other passages where Jesus' miracles provoke fear and opposition from religious leaders. For instance, the healing of the man born blind (John 9) led to similar confrontations with the Pharisees, who were unwilling to accept Jesus' divine authority. Jesus' own words in Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves," foreshadow the kind of opposition he and his followers would face, and the careful discernment required when dealing with those who are hostile to the truth. Furthermore, the Pharisees' reaction here is consistent with their broader portrayal in the Gospels as antagonists to Jesus' ministry, as seen in verses like Matthew 12:24 where they accuse him of casting out demons by Beelzebul.