John 11:5

John 11:5

The verse simply states, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” In the midst of illness and Jesus’ delay, John pauses to affirm the personal affection Jesus had for this family. This pastoral note counters any impression that Jesus is detached from human pain. It also deepens the relational texture of the story: love accompanies truth-telling and purposeful action. The timing of the affection matters; Jesus’ love does not cancel the necessity of the coming miracle.

Affirming Jesus’ love here reinforces the fullness of the divine-human mediator: He is not distant. Theologically, it grounds trust in the reliability of Jesus’ character—he loves those who call on him. It also frames the subsequent miracle as a demonstration of that love in concrete action: resurrection as the ultimate expression of care.

In your life, remember that God’s love does not always align with your preferred timeline, but it is active and personal. When you don’t feel loved in the moment, recall Jesus’ affection for this family and allow that assurance to steady your heart. Practical habits: meditate on how God’s love has shown up in past seasons, engage in acts of love within your community, and reach out to someone who is in need as a tangible expression of God’s love.

Cross-References

- John 13:23

- John 15:9-10

- Romans 8:38-39

- Psalm 63:3