What does John 11:36 mean?

"The Jews" referred to here are most likely the friends and neighbors of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha (John 11:17–19). The group may also include some of Jesus' religious critics from nearby Jerusalem. John uses this phrase—"the Jews"—mostly in reference to those religious leaders and their immediate followers. Prior verses show that Jesus was agitated at the pain the mourners were experiencing (John 11:33). Despite having come specifically so He could raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:11–15), Jesus still weeps in compassion over what has happened (John 11:35).

The depth of His emotion is shown here. The exact term used in the prior verse was a reference to quiet tears; it is usually translated as "weeping." Others in this passage have been labeled using Greek terms that might be rendered as "sobbing" or "wailing." Onlookers recognize it as genuine, however. In fact, the depth of Jesus' sorrow makes quite an impression on the assembled crowd.

That compassion is especially amazing, in that Jesus is God incarnate (John 1:1–4). Rather than being a distant, disconnected Creator, He is a compassionate and loving Savior.