What is the meaning of John 11:5? Now – The opening word signals a real moment in history, rooting the statement in the unfolding narrative (John 11:1-4). – It connects to Jesus’ deliberate delay: He “remained in the place where He was for two days” (John 11:6), reminding us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow (cf. Galatians 4:4). – The “now” also prepares us for the revelation of His purpose: “so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). God’s sovereign timing and His love never conflict. Jesus loved – Love here is personal, active, and covenantal, mirroring John 3:16 and John 13:1—“Having loved His own…He loved them to the end”. – His love is shown not merely in affection but in purposeful action, culminating in the miraculous resurrection to come (John 11:43-44). – This verse assures us that divine love coexists with suffering; Jesus’ delay does not contradict His compassion (cf. Hebrews 12:6, Romans 8:28). Martha – Martha is often remembered for her service (Luke 10:40), yet Jesus’ love embraces her busy temperament as well as her faith (John 11:24-27). – Her candid dialogue with Jesus reveals that honest questions are welcomed within a loving relationship (John 11:21). – The Lord’s love addresses both her practical needs and her theological understanding, leading her to one of Scripture’s great confessions: “You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27). and her sister – Mary, known for sitting at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39), receives the same explicit declaration of love. • This highlights that devotion and contemplation are cherished by the Lord. • Her later act of anointing (John 12:3) flows from being loved first (1 John 4:19). – Jesus meets her tears with His own (John 11:33-35), underscoring that divine love is empathetic as well as powerful. and Lazarus – Though Lazarus speaks no recorded words, Jesus’ love for him is unmistakable: “Lord, the one You love is sick” (John 11:3). – His death becomes the stage for Jesus to declare, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). – The raising of Lazarus previews the empty tomb (John 20:1-9) and guarantees that all who believe will share in resurrection life (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). summary John 11:5 anchors the coming miracle in unwavering, personal love. Jesus’ timing, words, and actions all flow from that love, assuring Martha, Mary, Lazarus—and us—that even when circumstances seem delayed or dark, His compassionate purpose is at work for God’s glory and our ultimate good. |
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