Introduction

John 11 is a pivotal chapter that narrates the profound event of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. This miracle not only underscores Jesus’ power over life and death but also serves as a catalyst for the events leading to His crucifixion. Through this narrative, themes of divine timing, faith, and the revelation of Jesus’ identity as the Resurrection and the Life are explored in depth.

The Death of Lazarus

Initial Message to Jesus

The chapter opens with Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus, sending a message to Jesus that their brother is sick. Despite His love for the family, Jesus stays where He is for two more days after hearing the news, stating that this sickness will not end in death but is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it (John 11:1-6).

Jesus Decides to Visit Lazarus

After a delay, Jesus tells His disciples that they must go back to Judea. His disciples are concerned about His safety due to the recent threats on His life, but Jesus emphasizes the necessity of His visit, illustrating the importance of working during the “daylight” of His mission (John 11:7-10). He informs them plainly that Lazarus has died and that He is glad for their sakes that He was not there, so that they may believe (John 11:11-15).

Jesus and the Sisters of Lazarus

Martha’s Faith

Upon His arrival, Martha meets Jesus and expresses both grief and faith: if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died, yet she still believes that God will grant whatever Jesus asks. Jesus assures her that her brother will rise again and proclaims Himself as the Resurrection and the Life, promising eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 11:17-27).

Mary’s Grief

Mary then comes to Jesus, weeping, and accompanied by mourners. Deeply moved and troubled by their grief, Jesus asks to be taken to Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:28-34).

The Raising of Lazarus

At the Tomb

At the tomb, Jesus, again deeply moved, orders the stone to be taken away despite Martha’s concern about the odor since Lazarus has been dead four days. Jesus reminds her of the promise of God’s glory if she believes (John 11:38-40).

The Prayer and Miracle

Jesus prays aloud to the Father, thanking Him for hearing Him, and then calls Lazarus to come out. Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in grave clothes, alive (John 11:41-44).

The Plot to Kill Jesus

Jewish Leaders’ Reaction

Many Jews who had come to mourn with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him. However, some go to the Pharisees and report what Jesus had done. This leads to a convening of the Sanhedrin, where they plot to kill Jesus to prevent Him from gaining further followers and provoking Roman intervention (John 11:45-53).

Jesus’ Withdrawal

Due to the growing threat, Jesus no longer moves openly among the people but withdraws to a region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, where He stays with His disciples (John 11:54).

Theological Themes and Connections

Connection to Jesus Christ

John 11 vividly demonstrates Jesus’ divine authority and messianic identity, specifically through His power over death and His self-identification as the source of resurrection and life. His deliberate delay in visiting Lazarus highlights His sovereignty over life events and His purposeful timing in manifesting God’s glory.

God’s Love for the World

This chapter illustrates God’s love in Jesus’ compassionate responses to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. His weeping with those who mourn and His profound miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead display His deep empathy and commitment to alleviating human suffering.

Contemporary Relevance

John 11 remains profoundly relevant today as it addresses issues of death, grief, and hope. It challenges believers to confront death with a robust faith in Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. The narrative encourages faith in God’s timing and purposes, even when His ways are beyond human understanding.

Conclusion

John 11 not only enriches theological understanding but also provides practical insights into dealing with loss and adversity. It invites believers to deepen their trust in Jesus, secure in the knowledge that He holds power over life and death and promises eternal life to those who believe in Him. This chapter’s message of hope and resurrection power is as pertinent today as it was at the time of Lazarus.