Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 3

When Jesus' sisters sent word to him that the one he loved was sick, they were expressing their faith and belief in his ability to heal. The message from his sisters was not just a notification of their brother's illness, but a plea for help and a demonstration of their confidence that Jesus could ultimately heal their brother. This verse highlights the deep bond of love and friendship that Jesus shared with Lazarus, and portrays the concern and urgency felt by his loved ones. The message also serves as a powerful reminder of the faith that those closest to Jesus had in his divine abilities and the miracles he was capable of performing. Ultimately, this verse underscores the profound trust and reliance that his sisters placed in Jesus as a healer and as their beloved Lord.

In this verse, we see the profound theological truth that Jesus had a deep, personal relationship with Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. The sisters sent word to Jesus that Lazarus was sick, not demanding healing or questioning why Jesus had allowed this to happen, but simply stating the fact and trusting in Jesus' love and ability to help. The phrase "he whom thou lovest" is significant as it reveals the special bond Jesus had with Lazarus. This phrase emphasizes that Jesus had a unique, deep love for Lazarus, which is a reminder of God's love for each of us as individuals. The sisters believed that because Jesus loved Lazarus, he would come and heal him, showcasing their faith in Jesus' power and compassion. This verse teaches us about the intimate relationship Jesus had with his friends and the trust his followers had in his ability to heal and restore. It also points to the compassionate nature of Jesus, as he was moved by the love and faith of Lazarus' sisters.