Definition: Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:3 together: “Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” Basically, it means: "Lord, we see that you love [him/her] very much. But he's sick! Can you do something to help him feel better?" Let’s unpack it a little further: “Therefore his sisters sent unto him…” – This means the sisters (likely Jesus’s sisters) were worried and went to him. They were concerned about him. “…saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.” - This is a direct plea from the sisters. They're telling him that he is ill. “Thou lovest” means "you love" in the past tense – it’s a way of saying he was deeply loved by God. What does this tell us about Jesus? This verse shows: Compassion: Jesus cares deeply for people, even when they are suffering. Concern: He recognizes someone who is hurting and wants to help alleviate their pain. Humanity: It highlights that Jesus is a human being – he feels empathy for others’ struggles. It's a foundational moment in the Bible. It’s one of the earliest examples of Jesus showing concern for humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Provide more context about this passage? Or perhaps discuss its significance in a broader biblical story?

Definition: Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this short verse from John 11:30. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious part of the story about Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus was still in the area where Martha and Lazarus were meeting him. Let's unpack that: “Jesus was not yet come into the town”: This means Jesus wasn't yet here in Jerusalem – he was still nearby. “…but was in that place where Martha met him.” This is key. It’s like Jesus was hanging out, just a little bit away from the bustling center of the city. He was in a location that was important to his followers and those who were waiting for him. Why is this significant? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that Jesus was preparing for his ministry. It suggests he was: Thinking about the future: He was aware of what was coming – the arrival of his disciples and the people he would soon meet. Waiting for something: He wasn't just enjoying a quiet moment; he was anticipating a significant event. It’s a bit of an open-ended statement. It doesn't tell us exactly what Jesus was doing, but it suggests he was actively involved in the preparations for his coming. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story? Discuss the possible interpretations of this verse?

Definition: The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from John 11:31. It’s a really interesting passage about Jesus’s resurrection and the Jewish reaction. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was crucified. He died for our sins. After his death, Mary, Jesus’s mother, was incredibly saddened. She was worried because she knew he would soon return to life. What Happened Next? Jewish people were gathered with her in the house – they were grieving and mourning. When they saw Mary, she immediately started moving away from them. She went out, saying, “I’m going to the grave to weep there.” What Does That Mean? “She rose up hastily” : This means she left quickly, without a proper goodbye or farewell. “Followed her” : She continued to follow her, as if she were going to be with him in the grave. “Saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.” : This is the key part – she was going to the grave. She wasn’t just visiting; she was going to be with Jesus after he dies. The Significance: This verse shows that Mary understood something important about Jesus’s resurrection: He’s returning to life! She wasn't mourning a dead man, but a living one who was going to be reunited with him in the afterlife. It was a sign of hope and anticipation for her. In short: Mary was incredibly eager to see Jesus again after he died, and she went to his grave – it was a very emotional and hopeful moment. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind her leaving the house? Explain the significance of the "grave" in this context?

Definition: Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:32. It's a really powerful and poignant passage about grief and faith. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: Mary, Jesus’s mother, is traveling to see him. She arrives at his presence, and she sees him – and she falls down at his feet. She then says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother… would he not have lived?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “When Mary was come where Jesus was…” : This tells us that Mary is traveling to meet Jesus. It’s a moment of profound anticipation and hope. “…and saw him…” : She witnesses Jesus, but not in a way that suggests a normal, earthly encounter. It's a special, transcendent experience. “She fell down at his feet…” : This is the key image. Mary’s grief and sorrow are so intense that she collapses before Jesus. “saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” : This is the core of the verse's meaning. She’s expressing a deep sense of loss and asking why Jesus didn’t stay to help her brother. What does it mean? This verse speaks about unfulfilled hope and the power of faith. It highlights: The pain of loss: Mary is grieving the death of her beloved brother, Joseph. Her heart aches with sorrow. Faith in a future promise: She's asking why Jesus didn’t come to help her brother before he died. This suggests that Jesus's presence and power are greater than even our own efforts. It speaks to the idea that Jesus is eternally present and will always intervene when we need him most. The importance of continuing faith: It emphasizes that our belief in a future event – Jesus’s return – can be incredibly powerful, even if it doesn't immediately happen. In essence, this verse is a beautiful expression of love, sorrow, and unwavering hope. It reminds us that even when things seem hopeless, faith in Jesus can bring about a miraculous and comforting outcome. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its symbolism or meaning in more detail?

Definition: When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from John 11:33. It's a really important and emotionally charged verse that speaks to Jesus’ compassion for those who were grieving. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus felt deeply sorry for the women who were mourning. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping…” – This tells us Jesus noticed that someone was crying. It wasn’t just a casual moment; he saw them. “…and the Jews also weeping which came with her…” - The Jewish people were grieving too, and they were along for the ride. They were mourning because of the death of John's mother, Mary. “he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” – This is the key part. "Grew in the spirit" means he felt a deep sadness, a pain, and perhaps even some anxiety. The word “troubled” suggests he was experiencing significant emotional distress. So, what does this tell us about Jesus? He felt empathy: He didn’t just notice; he felt their sorrow. It shows that he deeply cared for them. He understood their pain: The fact that he groaned in the spirit implies he grasped the depth of their grief and recognized it as something significant. It’s a moment of profound connection: Jesus' reaction – feeling burdened by their sadness – suggests a powerful, intimate relationship with his followers. It wasn’t just about acknowledging their loss; it was about experiencing it alongside them. Why is this important? This passage is often seen as a sign that Jesus was deeply connected to humanity and felt their pain. It's a glimpse into his compassion and understanding – a moment where he moved beyond simply being a divine figure and became a human being who felt for others. Do you want me to: Explain another part of John 11? Connect this verse to a larger theme in the Bible (like forgiveness or love)?

Definition: And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:34. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is arriving at a place where he was crucified. A man named John had been killed by crucifixion. What the People Said: When Jesus arrives, people say to him, “Lord, come and see!” What Happened Next: Jesus replies with this simple but profound statement: "Where have you laid him?" Meaning & Interpretation – It’s a bit more than just a question! This verse is packed with meaning and it's often interpreted as a sign of deep sympathy and understanding from Jesus. Here's what it suggests: Jesus Understands the Pain: The fact that Jesus responds with "Where have you laid him?" shows he gets about the pain and suffering John experienced. It’s not just a simple inquiry; it’s acknowledging the difficulty of his death. He's Offering Comfort: It’s like he's saying, “I understand this is hard for you.” He's recognizing that grief and sorrow are natural responses to loss. A Moment of Connection: It suggests a moment of connection between Jesus and someone who has experienced profound sadness. Why is it important? This verse is one of the most famous examples of Jesus’ empathy. It highlights his willingness to connect with people on a human level, even in the face of death. In short, this verse shows that Jesus isn't just concerned with what happened but also how those who grieve are feeling. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore a specific aspect of its meaning (like symbolism)?

Definition: Jesus wept.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous passage from the Bible – John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.” It's one of the most poignant and thought-provoking moments in the Gospel of John. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: Jesus was crying while he mourned the death of John the Baptist, who had announced Jesus as the Messiah (the promised King). In simpler terms: He was deeply sad and heartbroken about the loss of someone so important to him – someone who was a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus. Why it’s significant: Humanity & Grief: It shows that even God, who is often seen as powerful and distant, experiences sadness and pain. It's a glimpse into his humanity. The Importance of Witnessing: The fact that he cried suggests he was deeply moved by the news of John’s death. He wasn't just passively observing; he felt a profound sense of loss. A Moment of Connection: It portrays Jesus as being connected to and experiencing the emotions of others - particularly those who were anticipating his arrival. It’s not about why he wept – it’s about how he felt. It's a moment of raw emotion, a sign of his love and compassion for those he was mourning. Does this mean he was sad because he was disappointed? No, the Bible doesn’t say that. It’s more about recognizing the profound impact of loss. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (like when it happened)? Talk about the symbolism behind weeping in biblical literature?

Definition: Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from John 11:36 – “Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!” Here's a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse is about Jesus’s incredible love for humanity. It’s a really powerful expression of his compassion and willingness to sacrifice himself. Let’s unpack it: “Then”: This word sets up a moment in time, like a snapshot. “said the Jews…” : This is key! It's not just any Jews speaking; these were Jesus’s closest followers – the people who had been with him for years and believed in him deeply. “…Behold how he loved him!” : This is the core of the verse. “Behold” means "look" or "see." The Jews are reacting to something that happened – they're witnessing Jesus’s actions. The phrase “how he loved him!” emphasizes what he was loving. What it suggests: The Jewish people were incredibly upset and shocked by what Jesus did. They were accustomed to following strict religious rules, and this act of seemingly selfless love—particularly sacrificing himself—was a profound challenge to their understanding of God’s plan and his teachings. In essence, the verse is a reminder that Jesus's love wasn’t just about being nice or kind; it was a radical and remarkable display of devotion. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning behind this specific verse in more detail?

Definition: And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:37. It's a really interesting and slightly surprising one! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Someone performed a miracle – they opened the eyes of a blind man. People are questioning if this miracle was possible, and suggesting that this person (the one who did the miracle) couldn’t have caused this man to die in the first place. Let's unpack it layer by layer: “And some of them said…” – This tells us there were people present who were discussing what happened. “…Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” – This is the core of the question. They're asking, "Could this person, who did this incredible thing, have made this man die?" What it’s really suggesting: The verse highlights a moment of intense disbelief and perhaps a little suspicion. It implies that the miracle was so remarkable – opening someone’s eyes – that people are struggling to understand how it could have happened. It's not just about the fact that the man is now seeing; it’s about why he’s seeing. Why it’s a bit complex: This verse is often interpreted as a subtle challenge to human understanding and perhaps even a statement about God's power. It suggests that God can accomplish seemingly impossible things, and that our limited human minds might not fully grasp the nature of miracles. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound events defy our expectations. In short: The verse is asking why someone could have performed such a miraculous act and then somehow prevented a tragic death. It's a question about God’s ability and a subtle way of acknowledging the power of miracles. --- Do you want me to explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: About the context of this passage in John 11? What different interpretations exist about this verse?

Definition: Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 11:38 together. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about Jesus’ arrival at the tomb. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is feeling sadness and pain as he’s looking at the empty tomb. He’s essentially acknowledging that something significant has happened – his death – and recognizing the loss of his followers. Let's unpack the details: "John 11:38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave." This is the key part. “Groaning” means experiencing pain, distress, or sorrow. "Cometh to the grave" means he’s coming to the place where his body lies buried. It's not a dramatic, heroic arrival; it’s a quiet, personal experience of grief. “It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.” This paints a picture: A Cave: The tomb is a dark, enclosed space – a place of secrecy and isolation. It's a physical location associated with death. A Stone: There’s a single, large rock placed on top of the grave. It symbolizes something that was buried or protected – perhaps a burial marker, a forgotten story, or even a barrier preventing resurrection. What does this all mean? This verse is rich with symbolism and it's often interpreted as: Jesus’ Anticipation of Resurrection: The most common understanding is that Jesus is expecting his resurrection to happen. He’s acknowledging the possibility that he will rise again, even though he’s already dead. Acknowledging His Own Death: It speaks to the profound reality of his sacrifice and death on the cross. It's a moment of quiet recognition of what he has done. A Moment of Grief & Reflection: The verse suggests that Jesus is experiencing a genuine human response to loss – feeling sadness, acknowledging the ending of something significant. Important Note: This is one of the most debated passages in the Gospels. There's no single definitive interpretation. Different theologians and biblical scholars have offered various explanations over the centuries. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Explore other interpretations of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the cave and stone?