The Gospel of John Chapter 11

Vv 1-3) The request

This is arguably the most remarkable miracle Jesus performed. One might say that it is foolish to think one miracle is more difficult than another, but this seventh sign of John’s gospel is truly unique.

There is no other parallel whatsoever for the raising of a man who had been dead for four days and whose body had begun to putrefy.

It is surprising that the other gospel writers omit this remarkable account. Because some of the finest traits in our Lord’s character are at display here.

The likest reason the other authors omitted this story is because they probably wrote their histories during the life of Lazarus; and they did not mention him for hear of exciting the malice of the Jews against him.

Lazarus is the greek form of Eleazar meaning, “God is my Help.”

Jesus has a very close relationship with this family. When Lazarus got sick it was natural for them to bring their need to Jesus. It was expected that if He miraculously met the needs of so many others, He would meet their need too.

Is that a wrong line of thinking?

Wrong in the sense we do not have any control over God. Right in their thinking that God cares about them too.

The sisters Mary and Martha did not specifically ask Jesus to come and heal Lazarus.

They felt they did not need to, that it was enough to simply tell Jesus what the problem was.

Was this line of thinking correct?

The Love of Jesus does not separate us from the common necessities and infirmities of human life. Men of God are still men.

Vv 4-6) Delay

Jesus said, “This sickness does not lead to death”

Lazarus was already dead when Jesus said this. Jesus knew the end result would be the glory of God, not death.

Interesting side note is that Jesus knew that the events recorded here would set the religious leaders in determination to kill Jesus.

This meant the end result would be that the Son of God may be glorified in His death and resurrection.

Why did Jesus wait so long?

He knew and foresaw all of what was to happen from the start.

John reminds us that Jesus did genuinely loves this family. This was for the testing of their faith not a denial of His love.

I think that the separate mention of the three persons is probably meant to put some stress on Jesus’ affection for each one individually.

He didn’t simply love the family. He loved Martha and he loved Mary and He loved Lazarus.

It seems strange that Jesus did not immediately act upon this great need. The delay again was probably mystifying to the disciples and agonizing to Mary and Martha.

Why would Jesus allow the sisters to suffer for two more days?

A rabbi of the time is quoted to say, “Grief reaches its height on the third day. For three days the spirit hovers about the tomb, if perchance it may return to the body. But when it sees the fashion of the countenance changed, it retires and abandons the body.”

In John’s Gospel there are three times when someone dear to Jesus asked Him to do something. John 2:1-11 and John 7:1-10. In each of these three cases, Jesus responded in the same way.

First refusing to grant their request and then He fulfilled it after showing that He does things according to the timing and will of God, not man.

Through His actions Jesus demonstrated that His delays were not denials. They would bring great glory to God.

Numbers 6:24–26 ESV

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.