preaching / teaching on john 7
Raising Lazarus
11:1. Bethany was close to Jerusalem (v. 18); emphasizing Jesus’ Galilean ministry, Mark omits this miracle and is followed by Matthew and Luke.
11:2–5. Visiting and praying for the sick was a pious obligation in Judaism, but Jesus’ reputation as a healer is undoubtedly the main reason for informing him of Lazarus’s sickness. Informing him would serve as a polite request (cf. 2:3).
11:6. It is a long walk from where Jesus is to Bethany, but Lazarus is already dead, perhaps by the time the messengers reach Jesus (11:14, 17)—it was only a day’s journey each way, just over twenty miles. For temporary rebuffs to test faith, cf. 2:4.
11:7–8. Although the Jerusalem priesthood was respected in Galilee, it wielded more power and influence in Judea; Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, did not tolerate direct interference in his territory. (In John’s day, the Pharisaic establishment was also settled in Judea, where it undoubtedly wielded more influence than in Galilee.)
11:9–10. On walking in darkness and stumbling, see comment on 8:12.
11:11–16. Again the disciples interpret Jesus too literally (v. 12)—although “sleep” was a common metaphor for death in Jewish texts and throughout the ancient world (Greek myth even portrayed Sleep and Death as twin brothers). But even though they may not understand that Jesus’ death is the cost of giving Lazarus (and others) life, they are prepared to die with him (v. 16). As much as disciples loved their teachers, this is a rare expression of commitment in practice; in general, Jewish people emphasized only being prepared to die for God and his law.
My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? 20 The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to