went to the Pharisees
The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judea known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They held significant influence over the Jewish people and were often in opposition to Jesus due to His teachings and actions, which they perceived as threats to their authority and interpretations of the Law. The act of going to the Pharisees indicates a deliberate choice to report Jesus' actions to those who were already hostile towards Him, suggesting a motive of opposition or concern over the implications of His miracles.

and told them what Jesus had done
The miracle of raising Lazarus was a significant demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and power over life and death, which was a direct challenge to the religious leaders' understanding of God and the Messiah. By informing the Pharisees, the witnesses were escalating the situation, leading to increased tension and plotting against Jesus. This act of reporting can be seen as fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant, as it sets in motion the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. The miracle itself is a type of Christ's own resurrection, foreshadowing His victory over death and His role as the resurrection and the life.

• The “some” are part of the crowd that had just watched Jesus call Lazarus out of the tomb (John 11:45).

• Their reaction contrasts sharply with those who “believed in Him,” showing how a single divine act can divide observers (John 9:16; 12:37).

• Scripture repeatedly records mixed responses to God’s works—think of the healed ten lepers where only one returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:15-18). The verse reminds us that physical evidence alone does not guarantee faith.

• Rather than pondering the miracle, these witnesses hurry to the religious authorities who are already plotting against Jesus (John 11:53, 57).

• Similar informant behavior appears when the healed blind man is brought to the Pharisees (John 9:13) and when temple guards report Jesus’ words (John 7:32, 45-46).

• This movement toward the power center highlights mounting tension: each revelation of Jesus’ authority forces Israel’s leaders either to submit or to resist (John 12:19).

• The verb suggests deliberate, perhaps anxious reporting. These people feel compelled to relay everything—much like the man healed at Bethesda who “went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well” (John 5:15).

• Motives could include:

– Fear of being expelled from the synagogue (John 9:22)

– Desire for approval from influential leaders (John 12:42-43)

– Open hostility toward Jesus (John 15:24-25)

• Ironically, their report only spreads the news of the miracle further, paralleling the guards who later inform authorities of the empty tomb (Matthew 28:11-15).

• The content of their message is nothing less than resurrection power: “He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’” (John 11:43).

• Every sign in John points to Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30-31), and this climactic sign unmistakably declares His authority over death itself (John 5:25-29).

• Previous signs—turning water into wine (John 2:11), healing the official’s son (John 4:50-53), feeding the five thousand (John 6:11-14)—all build toward this moment, making the leaders’ rejection even more striking (John 12:10-11).

John 11:46 exposes the human heart in the face of undeniable divine power. Rather than embracing the One who raises the dead, “some” rush to protect their religious system, carrying news of the miracle straight to the Pharisees. Their choice illustrates the sobering truth that witnessing Jesus’ works demands a response; neutrality is impossible. Faith welcomes the Light, while unbelief seeks to extinguish it—even as the very act of opposition broadcasts His glory.

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