“But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.”– John 11:46 (KJV)
“But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.”– John 11:46 (NLT)
“But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.”– John 11:46 (MSG)
What Does John 11:46 Mean?
In John 11:46, we witness a significant turning point in the life and ministry of Jesus. This verse describes how some individuals responded to the miraculous act of Jesus resurrecting Lazarus from the dead. Instead of celebrating this incredible miracle, some people chose to report to the Pharisees, a group of religious leaders, about what they had seen and heard. Their actions raise important questions for us about faith, doubt, and the choices we make based on what we observe.
The act of reporting to the Pharisees indicates a shift in the public perception of Jesus’ ministry. The resurrection of Lazarus was not just a remarkable event; it was a direct challenge to the status quo held by the religious leaders. By witnessing such an extraordinary act, we see a divide beginning. While many would embrace Jesus out of gratitude and admiration, others took a more suspicious route, choosing to consider how Jesus’ actions could threaten their authority and beliefs.
John 11:46 Explanation and Commentary
As we analyze John 11:46, it’s important to keep in mind the context and implications of these actions. We should look at why some people decided to inform the Pharisees rather than join in the celebration of Lazarus’s return. This decision reflects a fear, perhaps one borne out of a desire to maintain their societal norms. A miracle of this magnitude was bound to raise questions about the legitimacy of the religious authorities and their teachings.
The Pharisees had a significant role in Jewish society as interpreters of the Law. They closely guarded their teachings and sought to maintain control over the spiritual narrative of the people. When confronted with the miraculous power of Jesus, their insecurity about their standing might have caused them to view Jesus as a threat rather than a savior.
Here, we can see two contrasting responses to the miraculous: belief and fear. Belief leads to acknowledgment of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, while fear pushes some to reinforce their own territories. The people who went to inform the Pharisees exemplify a choice we all face at some point: will we accept the miraculous in our lives or will we let doubt and fear cloud our judgment?
Additionally, we consider the role of witnesses to Jesus’ miracle. Witnesses are called to share their experiences. These individuals chose to share their observation not with a sense of wonder or excitement, but instead as an act of betrayal and fear. This behavior leads us to wonder about the motivation behind their choices and how it reflects on our own actions today.
When we witness good things happening around us or experience significant breakthroughs in our lives, we can choose to share that joy and lend a hand to uplift others, rather than holding on to doubt or skepticism. We should consider how we respond to Jesus and his work in our lives. Are we excited witnesses, sharing the good news, or do we take the route of the fearful, reporting what threatens our understanding of reality?
Context of John 11:46
To fully grasp the significance of John 11:46, we must consider the broader narrative leading up to this moment. In the preceding verses, we see the story of Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus who had fallen ill and died. Jesus had a close relationship with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. When Jesus hears of Lazarus’s death, He does not rush to Bethany to heal him but instead intentionally arrives four days after Lazarus’s burial.
This delay allowed Jesus to demonstrate the power of God more profoundly, as it was widely believed that a person’s spirit lingered for three days after their death. By waiting until Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus showcased not just a restoration to life, but a stirring call from death itself.
This profoundly affected those who witnessed the miracle. Many began to believe in Jesus after seeing what He could do. However, we also see a contrasting response in those who seek to undermine His authority. As these two groups emerge—those who embrace faith and those who align with the established religious tradition—we begin to understand the dynamics of belief and skepticism in our world today.
In moments of clarity when we experience God’s grace, we often face similar choices. Do we share this grace with others, or do we echo the sentiments of fear and doubt into our communities?
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:46
Every part of this verse carries weight in understanding its full impact. The phrase “But some of them went their ways” indicates an emerging division. It portrays a decision that had a lasting effect. It also reveals the human tendency to take sides. When faced with truth and miracles, some chose to challenge rather than support. We can ask ourselves which side we stand on.
The term “Pharisees” is significant in this narrative, representing the influential religious leaders of the time. Their role as gatekeepers of faith and interpreters of the Law brings to light the pressure to conform to established beliefs when faced with a powerful move of God. The Pharisees are often depicted as those resistant to Jesus’ teachings, demonstrating how fear of loss can lead to an unwillingness to embrace change.
We should examine how their actions resonate in our lives. Are we seeking to uphold traditions and norms that may stifle the miraculous moves God wants to perform in us? The historical context of the Pharisees sheds light on how many seek to build barriers rather than break them down for the sake of the gospel.
Lessons to Learn From John 11:46
This verse invites us to reflect on several important lessons. The choice of some individuals to inform the Pharisees instead of embracing the miracle reveals the conflict we often face when encountering God’s work in our lives. We see that miracles change lives. Some embrace this change, while others resist it for fear of losing control.
This division serves as a reminder of our own need for discernment. When we witness God’s hand at work, do we choose to welcome it with open hearts, or do we allow our fears and doubts to sabotage our witness? The fear of change can often cloud our ability to fully appreciate the miraculous power of God. Striking a balance between reverence for tradition and openness to the new is vital.
Additionally, this passage encourages us to examine how we share our experiences with others. Are we sharing with excitement and positivity, or are we allowing negativity and fear to influence our narratives? Word of mouth can sway public perception significantly, akin to how it influenced the actions of the Pharisees.
Ultimately, in every season, we must strive to be faithful witnesses of God’s grace. Instead of aligning with fear, we find space to align ourselves with faith, which leads to hope and encouragement. Our stories of transformation belong in the story of faith we share with the world.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of John 11:46, we find ourselves faced with a powerful narrative about faith and fear. The actions of those who chose to report to the Pharisees call us into a deeper understanding of our own choices. Are we advocates of the miraculous, or do we cling to our fears?
By observing how Jesus interacted with the world around Him, we gain insight into how we, too, can accept the incredible work God does in our lives. We can either bolster one another in faith or succumb to fear, like the individuals who informed the Pharisees. Embracing the miraculous requires us to share in the celebration of God’s goodness.
As we go forth, let us also explore additional biblical passages, such as John 7:13 and Numbers 13:23, which can inspire us in our spiritual walk together. Together, let’s invite vulnerability and trust and seek to be true witnesses of God’s incredible powers in our lives and communities.