Analysis: John, Chapter 11
John chapter 11, centered on the resurrection of Lazarus, is a pivotal narrative within the Gospel of John, illustrating Jesus' mastery over life and death and serving as a profound theological statement on His identity as the Son of God. This chapter not only recounts a miraculous event but also delves into the themes of human suffering, divine timing, faith, and the foretelling of Jesus' own death and resurrection, making it a cornerstone of Christian theology.
The narrative begins with Jesus receiving news of Lazarus's illness. Despite the urgency conveyed by Lazarus's sisters, Mary and Martha, Jesus intentionally delays His visit, stating, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). This initial response introduces a recurring theme in the Gospel of John: Jesus' actions and timing are always in alignment with the Father's will, aimed at revealing divine glory.
As the story unfolds, Jesus' declaration to His disciples that Lazarus has died "for your sake, so that you may believe" (John 11:14-15) further underscores the event's purpose: to strengthen faith and reveal His divine authority. Upon arrival in Bethany, Jesus encounters Martha and later Mary, offering profound theological revelations in His interactions with them. His assertion, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25), directly links belief in Jesus to eternal life, positioning Him not only as a miracle worker but as the source of life itself.
The raising of Lazarus from the dead, witnessed by many Jews who had come to mourn, stands as a powerful testament to Jesus' claim to divinity and His victory over death. This miracle, however, elicits mixed reactions: while many believe in Jesus, others report the event to the Pharisees, catalyzing the plot to kill Him (John 11:45-53). This division highlights the growing tension between Jesus and the religious authorities, foreshadowing the events leading to His crucifixion.
Theologically, the chapter emphasizes several key aspects of Christian faith: the belief in Jesus as the precondition for eternal life, the affirmation of Jesus' unity with the Father, and the illustration of Jesus' compassion and empathy in the face of human suffering. Moreover, the narrative reinforces the theme of resurrection, central to Christian eschatology, providing a foretaste of Jesus' own resurrection and the hope it offers to believers.
In conclusion, John chapter 11 is significant both historically and theologically. Historically, it situates Jesus within the context of Second Temple Judaism, interacting with Jewish traditions and confronting the religious leaders of His time. Theologically, it affirms Jesus' identity as the Son of God, His authority over life and death, and the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him. Through the lens of Lazarus's resurrection, the Gospel of John invites readers to confront the reality of death through the hope of the resurrection, underlining the central message of Christian faith: in Jesus, death is not the end, but the doorway to eternal life with God.
The Scripture: John, Chapter 11
John Chapter 11 (KJV)
1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.
8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
31 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.
32 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.
33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
37 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?
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
49 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
51 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
55 And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
56 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
A Letter to Jesus: John, Chapter 11
Dear Jesus,
As I sit down to reflect on the profound events and teachings of John chapter 11, my heart is moved by the depth of Your love, the power of Your word, and the revelation of Your divine nature. The story of Lazarus's resurrection is not just a narrative about a miracle; it is a testament to Your mastery over life and death, and a profound insight into the heart of God.
Your deliberate delay in going to Lazarus's side upon hearing of his illness puzzles me at first. Yet, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Your timing is always perfect, designed to reveal God's glory in ways that our immediate desires might not comprehend. "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). This teaches me to trust in Your timing and to look for Your purpose in every situation, even when it seems contrary to my expectations.
Your declaration to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26), strikes at the core of what it means to follow You. In these words, I see a promise that extends beyond the physical realm into the eternal, offering hope and assurance that belief in You transcends even death itself. This moment of teaching, amidst grief and despair, illuminates the depth of Your mission to bring life where there is death, hope where there is despair.
The scene at Lazarus's tomb is a powerful display of Your humanity and divinity intertwined. You wept for Lazarus (John 11:35), showing a deep compassion that resonates with our own experiences of loss. Yet, You also commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb, demonstrating divine authority over death. This act of raising Lazarus is a foreshadowing of Your own resurrection, serving as a sign to all of us about the power of God to breathe life into what was once dead.
The varied reactions to this miracle, from belief to the plotting of Your death, encapsulate the polarized responses to Your ministry. It's sobering to see how the same act of divine love and power that brings some to faith leads others to further harden their hearts. This division is a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the opposition that the light faces when it shines into the darkness.
In meditating on John chapter 11, I am reminded of the central truths of our faith: that You are the Lord over life and death, that belief in You brings eternal life, and that Your timing and purposes, though sometimes mysterious, are always for the glory of God. Help me to live in the light of these truths, to trust in Your timing, and to find comfort in Your sovereignty and love.
With a heart full of gratitude and awe,
Your ever loving disciple, Michael.
Summary: John, Chapter 11
John chapter 11 holds profound theological significance within the Gospel narrative, centered around the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. This miraculous event, unique to John's Gospel, serves not only as a powerful demonstration of Jesus' divine authority over life and death but also as a pivotal moment that deepens the revelation of His identity as the Son of God and foreshadows His own resurrection.
The chapter begins with the illness of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, and the message sent to Jesus by Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary. Despite hearing of Lazarus' sickness, Jesus delays His visit, stating, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). This response introduces a key theme of the chapter: the use of Lazarus' death and resurrection as a means to reveal God's glory and to authenticate Jesus' claims about His identity and mission.
Upon His arrival in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days, a detail that underscores the finality of Lazarus' condition and the miraculous nature of what follows. Jesus' interactions with Martha and Mary upon His arrival reveal deep theological insights into the nature of resurrection and life. To Martha's statement of faith, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26). This declaration is central to the chapter's theological significance, emphasizing belief in Jesus as the pathway to eternal life and identifying Him explicitly as the source of both resurrection and life.
The emotional depth of Jesus' humanity is also on display in this chapter, most notably when He weeps at Lazarus' tomb, a moment that demonstrates His compassion and empathy (John 11:35). Yet, Jesus' prayer of thanksgiving to the Father before calling Lazarus out of the tomb highlights His divine authority and His intimate relationship with the Father, reinforcing the theme of Jesus acting in accordance with God's will and for His glory.
The resurrection of Lazarus is a sign that catalyzes a range of responses. Many who witness the miracle believe in Jesus, while others go to the Pharisees, leading to a council where the decision is made to put Jesus to death (John 11:53). This plot sets the stage for the events leading to the Passion, illustrating the growing opposition to Jesus and the lengths to which His opponents will go to silence Him.
In summary, John chapter 11 is theologically rich, offering profound insights into Jesus' identity as the resurrection and the life, His authority over death, and the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him. The raising of Lazarus serves as a powerful sign of Jesus' divine mission, revealing God's glory through a miraculous act of compassion and foreshadowing the ultimate victory over death that will be achieved through Jesus' own death and resurrection. Through this narrative, the Gospel of John invites readers to confront the reality of death through the lens of hope and belief in Jesus Christ.
Interpretation: John, Chapter 11
John chapter 11, featuring the story of Lazarus's resurrection, stands as one of the most profound narratives in the New Testament, encapsulating the essence of Jesus's ministry, His power over life and death, and the path to belief in Him as the Son of God. This chapter not only showcases a miraculous event but also delves deep into the theological implications of Jesus's identity, the nature of faith, and the inevitability of physical and spiritual resurrection.
The Delay and Its Purpose
The chapter begins with Jesus receiving news of Lazarus's illness but choosing to stay two more days in the place where He was (John 11:6). This delay, perplexing at first glance, is rooted in Jesus's intention to reveal His glory and strengthen the faith of His followers. He explicitly states, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). Jesus's timing underscores a crucial theme: God's timing often defies human expectations, serving higher divine purposes.
Jesus, the Resurrection, and the Life
Central to this chapter is Jesus's declaration, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26). This proclamation, made to Martha before Lazarus is raised, is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It affirms Jesus's authority over life and death and His role as the source of both physical resurrection and eternal life. This statement invites believers to a faith that transcends the fear of death, promising a future resurrection for those who trust in Him.
The Power of Jesus's Prayer
Before performing the miracle, Jesus prays to the Father, thanking Him for hearing Him, and clarifies that His prayer is for the benefit of the bystanders, that they may believe (John 11:41-42). This moment highlights the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, underscoring the unity of their mission and the power of prayer. It also serves as a model of faith, demonstrating the assurance in God's responsiveness.
The Reaction to the Miracle
The raising of Lazarus provokes a spectrum of responses, from many Jews believing in Jesus (John 11:45) to the Pharisees and chief priests plotting His death (John 11:53). This polarized reaction encapsulates the varied responses to Jesus's ministry throughout the Gospel of John. The miracle, while a profound demonstration of Jesus's divine authority, accelerates the conflict leading to His crucifixion, illustrating the cost of divine revelation and the path to redemption through the cross.
Conclusion
John chapter 11 not only narrates a miraculous event but also deepens the theological discourse on life, death, and resurrection. Through the raising of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates His power over death and previews His own resurrection, offering hope and a new understanding of eternal life to all believers. This chapter challenges readers to confront their beliefs about Jesus, urging them to see Him as the source of life and victory over death. In doing so, it calls for a faith that is robust, capable of transcending the trials of this life, and anchored in the promise of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.
A Letter to a Friend: John, Chapter 11
Hey Friend,
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share some insights on John chapter 11 with you.
This chapter tells the remarkable story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead by Jesus. It begins with Lazarus falling ill, and his sisters, Mary and Martha, sending word to Jesus, informing him of their brother's condition. Despite their plea for help, Jesus delays his visit to Lazarus, stating that his sickness will not end in death but will serve to glorify God.
Upon arriving at Bethany, Jesus learns that Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Both Martha and Mary express their grief and faith in Jesus, expressing regret that he did not arrive earlier to prevent Lazarus's death. Jesus comforts them, assuring Martha that Lazarus will rise again and revealing himself as the resurrection and the life.
When Jesus asks for the stone covering the tomb to be removed, Martha expresses concern about the odor due to Lazarus being dead for four days. Jesus responds by reaffirming the importance of faith, stating that those who believe will see the glory of God. He then proceeds to call Lazarus out of the tomb, commanding him to come forth, and Lazarus emerges, alive and well.
This miraculous event leads many witnesses, including some Jews who had come to console Mary and Martha, to believe in Jesus. However, it also stirs opposition among the religious leaders, who fear that Jesus's growing popularity will lead to Roman intervention and the loss of their authority.
The chapter concludes with the chief priests and Pharisees plotting to kill Jesus, viewing him as a threat to their power and influence. This foreshadows the events that will ultimately lead to Jesus's crucifixion.
John chapter 11 demonstrates Jesus's power over death and foreshadows his own resurrection, underscoring his identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life. It also highlights the themes of faith, belief, and the ongoing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities.
I hope you find these insights helpful as you reflect on this powerful chapter. Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions!
Take care, Michael