John 11
11:1–12:19 The Final Passover: The Ultimate Sign and the Aftermath. The raising of Lazarus constitutes the final and ultimate messianic “sign” of Jesus in this Gospel (see note on 2:11). This spectacular miracle (recorded only by John) anticipates Jesus’ own resurrection and reveals Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” (11:25). The raising of Lazarus also serves as a final event triggering the Jewish leaders’ resolve to have Jesus arrested and tried for blasphemy (11:45–57).
whom you love is sick Lazarus is not yet dead when Jesus hears this report.
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).
11:4 not to death Jesus predicts that Lazarus will not die in the sense that he will not be permanently dead.
glory of God The greatness and glory of God will be shown so as to bring Him acknowledgment and honor.
Doxa Word Study
Son of God See note on Matt 4:13; and see note on John 1:34.
may be glorified This circumstance will demonstrate Jesus’ greatness as well as God’s.
Throughout John’s Gospel, Jesus makes decisions that seem irrational to the people around Him, but they accomplish God’s greater purposes.
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.)
Walking in darkness (cf. Jn 9:4; 11:9) is a natural metaphor for stumbling (Is 59:10; Jer 13:16), falling from the right way (Jer 18:15; Mal 2:8) or being destroyed (Ps 27:2; Jer 20:11).
11:11 Fallen asleep means “died,” as the following conversation (vv. 12–14) makes clear. The OT equivalent is “slept with his fathers” (see, e.g., 1 Kings 2:10 and throughout 1–2 Kings and 1–2 Chronicles). Occasionally, death is compared to a deep sleep from which people will one day be awakened (e.g., Dan. 12:2).
11:15 that you may believe Jesus knows this situation can result in something good. He is intentional with His decision to use it to demonstrate His power (vv. 4, 6).
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.