Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 36
Meaning
When the Jews said "Behold how he loved him!" in this verse, they were expressing admiration for the deep bond of affection that Jesus had for Lazarus. The context of this verse is the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus wept when he saw the grief of Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha, and this display of emotion moved the Jews to marvel at the love that Jesus had for his friend. This verse serves as a reminder of the compassion and empathy that Jesus showed towards those he cared about, demonstrating his humanity and his capacity for love. It also emphasizes the importance of loving relationships and the impact that they can have on others. Overall, this verse highlights the profound love that Jesus had for his friends and the significance of expressing love and compassion towards one another.
Theological Overview
When the Jews observed Jesus' deep affection for Lazarus, they remarked, "Behold how he loved him!" This simple phrase speaks volumes about the nature of Christ's love and how it was perceived by those around Him. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the profound and unconditional love that Jesus had for his friend, demonstrating the human side of the divine. The word "loved" can be further explored in its original Greek context, agapao, which denotes a selfless, sacrificial type of love. This word study sheds light on the depth and sincerity of Christ's love for Lazarus, revealing a bond that transcended earthly relationships. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the compassionate nature of Jesus and His ability to demonstrate love in the most profound ways.