📖 Passage
John 11:28–37 Read John 11:28–37 (NKJV)
🧠 Context & Background
After her confession of faith, Martha calls Mary to meet Jesus privately. Mary’s deep grief and the shared mourning of the crowd set the stage for one of the most moving moments in the Gospels: Jesus’ compassion and His weeping over Lazarus’ death. This section reveals not only Jesus’ divine authority but also His full humanity, showing that the Son of God enters into our sorrow.
🌿 Key Themes
- Shared Grief — Jesus enters into the sorrow of His people.
- Compassionate Savior — Christ’s tears reveal His love and empathy.
- Witnesses Present — Many Jews observe, foreshadowing the impact of the miracle.
- Faith and Misunderstanding — The crowd’s comments mix belief with doubt.
- Human Emotion in the Divine Son — Jesus’ grief is real and unashamed.
📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
John 11:28–31
"The Teacher is here and is calling for you." - Personal Invitation — Jesus seeks Mary personally, affirming His pastoral care. - Mary’s Quick Response — Her eagerness mirrors her devotion to Him. - Witness Gathering — The mourners follow, expecting her to weep at the tomb.
John 11:32–34
"Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." - Echo of Martha’s Words — A similar expression of grief and belief. - Jesus’ Emotional Response — He is “deeply moved” (indignant compassion) at death’s intrusion. - Invitation to the Tomb — The moment moves toward confrontation with death.
John 11:35–37
"Jesus wept." - Shortest Verse, Deepest Meaning — His tears affirm His humanity and empathy. - God’s Heart Revealed — The Creator grieves over the effects of sin and death. - Mixed Reactions — Some see His love; others question His power, revealing the varied hearts of witnesses.
🔍 Trusted Insight
Charles Spurgeon observed, “The Maker of the universe wept like any other man. This is no contradiction but a marvel — that He who holds the stars in His hand should wipe tears from His own eyes.” This moment teaches that divine power is not cold or detached; it is clothed in perfect compassion. Summary: Jesus enters into the grief of His people, revealing the heart of God toward human suffering.
🧩 Review Questions
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- Why is it significant that Jesus personally called for Mary?
- How does Jesus’ emotional response shape our understanding of His nature?
- What do the crowd’s mixed reactions reveal about faith and doubt?
- How does this passage prepare the reader for the miracle to follow?
🔍 Definitions
- Deeply Moved — A Greek term implying intense emotional agitation, often mingled with indignation.
- Wept — Shed tears, expressing genuine grief.
- Mourners — Those who gathered to lament, often including hired professionals in Jewish custom.
- Teacher (Rabbi) — A title of respect for one who instructs in God’s law.
🙋 Application Questions
- How does Jesus’ weeping shape your view of God’s character?
- How can you follow His example in entering into others’ grief?
- In times of sorrow, how do you hold both faith in God’s power and honest lament?
🔤 Greek Keywords
- Dakryō (Wept) — To shed quiet tears, reflecting deep compassion.
- Embrimaomai (Deeply moved) — To be stirred with strong feeling, even indignation.
- Phileō (Love) — Affectionate, relational love.
📚 Cross References
- Isaiah 53:3 — The Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief.
- Hebrews 4:15 — Our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses.
- Romans 12:15 — Weep with those who weep.
- Psalm 34:18 — The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.
- Luke 19:41 — Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.