1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.
3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “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.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”
12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.”
13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep.
14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died,
15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.
18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.
20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
29 When she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him.
30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.
31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out. They followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
35 Jesus wept.
36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.
43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”
44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him,
46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.
48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”
49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all.
50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.”
51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,
52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.
53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.
54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.
55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves.
56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?”
57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.
The True Meaning of John 11
This passage from the Gospel of John provides a powerful account of one of Jesus’ most remarkable miracles – the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The author, John, was one of the twelve disciples who walked closely with Jesus and witnessed firsthand the profound impact of his ministry. Jesus responds to the news of Lazarus’s illness and eventual death in this chapter. The events that unfold not only demonstrate Jesus’ divine power but also foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice he will make for all of humanity. As we delve into this passage, we will witness the depth of Jesus’ love and the profound implications of his actions, which reverberate throughout the Gospels and the entire biblical narrative.
The chapter opens with Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus, falling ill. Jesus’ delay in responding to the news sets the stage for a remarkable display of his authority over life and death. We will see how Jesus’ words and actions challenge the understanding of his disciples and the people around him, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the religious authorities that will set in motion the events leading to his crucifixion.
John 11:1-16
The story in John 11:1-16 introduces a certain man named Lazarus of Bethany, the brother of Mary and Martha. This family is well known throughout the Gospels for their close relationship with Jesus. Martha is busy with serving and Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus in another narrative where we see Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. This scene hints at the depth of their relationship with Jesus, setting the stage for the events that will unfold in John 11.
When Lazarus falls ill, his sisters send a message to Jesus, informing him of their brother’s condition. They don’t specifically ask for Jesus to come, but rather send word of the situation, perhaps trusting that Jesus would know what to do. This demonstrates a level of faith and reliance on Jesus’ ability to heal and intervene in their time of need.
Despite receiving the news of Lazarus’ illness, Jesus chooses to stay where he is for two more days before deciding to go to Judea. This decision may seem puzzling at first glance, but it serves a greater purpose in the overall narrative. Jesus explains to his disciples that Lazarus has fallen asleep, using it as a metaphor for death. This foreshadows the miraculous event that is about to take place – the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus sets out for Judea, and his disciples are concerned for his safety due to the hostility towards him in that region. Thomas, known for his doubting nature (as seen in John 20:24-29), expresses his willingness to go with Jesus even if it means facing death. This highlights a moment of growth in Thomas’ faith, as he is willing to follow Jesus regardless of the danger that may await them.
The events leading up to Lazarus’ death and resurrection in John 11 carry significant messages about faith, trust, and the power of God. The delay in Jesus’ arrival, the dialogue with Martha and Mary, the public witnessing of the miracle, all contribute to the greater purpose of revealing Jesus’ divine authority over death. Through this powerful display of his power, Jesus strengthens the faith of his followers and prepares them for the ultimate victory over death through his own resurrection. The raising of Lazarus serves as a precursor to Jesus’ own resurrection and underscores his role as the giver of life and the fulfillment of God’s promises throughout the Bible.
John 11:17-27
Jesus meets Martha after the death of her brother Lazarus in John 11:17-27. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, while Mary remained at home. The first point to highlight is Martha’s deep faith in Jesus. When she saw Jesus, she expressed her belief that if he had been present, her brother would not have died. This shows the strong bond of faith she had in Jesus and the trust she had in his power to heal and perform miracles.
Martha’s conversation with Jesus is a powerful and emotional one. Jesus assures Martha that her brother will rise again, and Martha responds affirmatively, showing her understanding of the resurrection at the last day. This dialogue reveals Martha’s understanding of Jesus’ divine nature and her hope in the future resurrection. Jesus then makes a profound statement saying, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” This statement is crucial as it emphasizes the centrality of belief in Jesus for eternal life and resurrection.
Martha’s response to Jesus’ question is a confession of her faith. She declares her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world. This is a significant declaration of faith and a recognition of Jesus as the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. Martha’s confession reflects the essential aspect of recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and the belief in his salvific role.
This passage in John 11:17-27 emphasizes several important themes that resonate throughout the Bible. One of the key themes is the power of faith. Martha’s unwavering faith in Jesus, even in the midst of her grief over her brother’s death, serves as a powerful example of trusting in God’s plan and believing in His power to overcome all obstacles. This story underscores the importance of holding onto faith in times of difficulty and trusting that God’s timing and purposes are always perfect.
Another important theme is the concept of resurrection and eternal life. Jesus’s assertion that he is the resurrection and the life points to his divine authority over life and death. It highlights the foundational Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. This statement by Jesus echoes throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the hope and assurance that believers have in the promise of resurrection and eternal life through Christ. John 11:17-27 captures a poignant moment between Jesus and Martha, showcasing Martha’s faith, Jesus’ power over death, and the significant truths about resurrection and eternal life. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, the promise of resurrection, and the centrality of Jesus in granting eternal life to those who believe in him. It encourages readers to reflect on their own faith in Jesus as the source of life and resurrection, and to hold fast to the hope of eternal life promised through Him.
John 11:28-37
Martha, the sister of Lazarus who had died, goes to meet Jesus in a pivotal moment in the passage in John 11:28-37. When Martha reaches Jesus and falls at His feet, she expresses her anguish at the loss of her brother, stating that if Jesus had been there, her brother would not have died. This interaction highlights Martha’s deep faith in Jesus and her belief in His ability to heal and perform miracles. It also showcases her vulnerability and raw emotions in the face of grief.
Martha’s statement, “But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you,” reflects her enduring faith in Jesus despite her brother being dead for four days. Her faith demonstrates a profound understanding of Jesus’s divine power and authority. This conversation between Jesus and Martha emphasizes the themes of belief, faith, and the power of God’s miracles in the face of death and despair.
Jesus responds to Martha’s faith by assuring her that her brother will rise again. This sets the stage for one of the most powerful displays of Jesus’s miraculous power in raising Lazarus from the dead. The subsequent events in John 11, where Jesus commands Lazarus to come out of the tomb and witnesses the miracle of Lazarus being brought back to life, serve as a testament to Jesus’s identity as the Son of God and the resurrection and the life.
The reaction of the people present at the tomb, who see Lazarus restored to life, is mixed. While some believe in Jesus and the miracle they have witnessed, others go to the Pharisees to report what Jesus has done. This division among the people reflects the ongoing conflict and disbelief that surrounds Jesus’s ministry and divine authority, setting the stage for the events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. The raising of Lazarus serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus’s own resurrection in the broader context of the Bible. It also underscores the theme of the triumph of life over death through faith in Him. The account of Lazarus’s resurrection not only reinforces Jesus’s power over death but also underscores the importance of faith and belief in Him as the source of eternal life. John 11:28-37 delves deep into the intertwining themes of faith, miracles, and the power of Jesus over death. Through the interactions between Jesus, Martha, and the people witnessing Lazarus’s resurrection, the passage underscores the significance of unwavering faith in Jesus as the path to eternal life and the resurrection. The events in this passage serve as a testament to Jesus’s divinity and the miraculous nature of His ministry, echoing throughout the Bible as a beacon of hope and salvation for believers.
John 11:38-44
We witness a powerful and miraculous moment in the Gospel of John in John 11:38-44. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this verse into important sections and delve into their meanings. “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. Jesus in this section is deeply moved by the grief and sorrow of those around Him, particularly Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus. This profound empathy demonstrates Jesus’ humanity and compassion towards His followers. It also serves as a reminder to us that Jesus understands our pain and suffering, and He is always with us in our times of need.
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“It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.”
The fact that Lazarus was buried in a cave with a stone across the entrance is significant. This setting closely mirrors Jesus’ own burial, as He was laid in a tomb with a stone rolled against its entrance after His crucifixion. This parallel foreshadows Jesus’ impending resurrection and emphasizes His power over death. -
“Take away the stone,” he said.
When Jesus commands the stone to be rolled away from the tomb, He is not just performing a physical act but also symbolically preparing to reveal God’s glory through the resurrection of Lazarus. This action challenges Martha’s faith, who expresses concern about the stench that may arise from Lazarus’ decaying body. Jesus uses this moment as an opportunity to strengthen her faith and the faith of others present. -
“So they took away the stone. Jesus performs one of the most astounding miracles during His earthly ministry in this simple act of obedience. The removal of the stone signifies our willingness to trust in Jesus and to allow Him to work in our lives, even in situations that seem impossible or hopeless to us.
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“Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.”
The climax of this passage occurs when Jesus calls out to Lazarus, who responds by emerging from the tomb alive, still wrapped in burial clothes. This miracle not only displays Jesus’ power over death but also serves as a preview of His own resurrection. It is a profound demonstration of Jesus’ authority and reinforces His identity as the Son of God.
The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead is not merely a historical event recorded in the Gospel of John, but it holds timeless messages for us today. It illustrates Jesus’ power as the giver of life and the conqueror of death, offering hope and comfort to believers. It challenges us to have faith in the face of seemingly impossible situations, knowing that God is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a preview of the ultimate victory over death through Jesus’ own resurrection, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:20). Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He calls each of us to come out of spiritual death and into new life in Him (Romans 6:4).
John 11:45-53
A pivotal moment follows the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus in John 11:45-53. Let’s identify the subject: “We.” Now, rewrite the sentence in active voice: “We will break down this verse and delve into its significance for the overall message of the Bible.”
Starting with verse 45, “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” This verse emphasizes the power of Jesus’s miraculous deeds to inspire faith in those who witnessed them. The raising of Lazarus from the dead was a significant miracle, not only demonstrating Jesus’s authority over death but also revealing his divinity. The response of the people shows that when we witness God’s work in our lives, our faith is strengthened. This moment is a testament to the transformative power of Jesus’s miracles and teachings, and it foreshadows the ultimate miracle of his own resurrection.
Moving on to verses 46-48, “But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. ‘What are we accomplishing?’ they asked. ‘Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation. We see a stark contrast in reactions to Jesus’s miracles in these verses. While many believed in him, some were threatened by his growing influence and sought to suppress it. The religious leaders were more concerned with maintaining their power and authority than recognizing the divine truth manifested through Jesus’s actions. This sets the stage for the escalating conflict that would lead to Jesus’s crucifixion.
Verse 49-53 continue, “Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, ‘You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.’ He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one.” Here, we see the irony of Caiaphas’s words, as he unwittingly prophesies about the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for all people. Despite his intentions to preserve the status quo, God works through even the actions of those who oppose him to bring about His ultimate plan of salvation. This demonstrates the sovereignty of God over human affairs and the fulfillment of prophecy through Jesus’s sacrificial death for the redemption of all humanity. John 11:45-53 captures the tension between belief and disbelief, faith and skepticism, and foreshadows the unfolding events that will lead to Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection. It highlights the significance of Jesus’s miracles in strengthening faith, the resistance of religious authorities to his message, and the fulfillment of prophecy through his sacrifice. This passage serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature, the power of God to work through even the most challenging circumstances, and the ultimate victory of His redemptive plan.
John 11:54-57
Several important sections in John 11:54-57 can be examined to help understand the context and significance of the events that transpired in the Gospel of John.
Firstly, let’s look at the opening of this passage which states, “Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead, he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.” This verse highlights the caution that Jesus took in response to the growing opposition and threats against him. Jesus withdrew to a less populated area to ensure his safety and prepare for the fulfillment of his ultimate purpose, which was his crucifixion and resurrection. This decision to withdraw also symbolizes the approaching climax of Jesus’ ministry on earth. It shows his obedience to the Father’s will and his willingness to lay down his life for the salvation of humanity. This act of withdrawal reflects the humility and sacrifice of Jesus, setting an example for believers to follow in times of difficulty and persecution.
The next section mentions the approaching Passover festival, which was a significant Jewish celebration commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This timing is crucial as it foreshadows Jesus, who is the ultimate Passover Lamb, about to offer himself as a sacrifice for the redemption of all mankind. John is emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system by placing the events within the context of the Passover festival. This allusion to the Passover also links to Jesus’ role as the one who brings liberation from the bondage of sin and death, mirroring the Israelites’ liberation from bondage in Egypt. This connection to the Passover deepens the theological significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and highlights the divine plan of salvation unfolding through him.
Furthermore, the passage mentions how the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should report it so that they could arrest him. This sets the stage for the escalating tension and hostility towards Jesus as the religious leaders plotted against him. The fear of Jesus’ growing influence and popularity among the people led the religious authorities to view him as a threat to their power and religious practices. Their misguided attempts to suppress Jesus’ ministry reveal their spiritual blindness and hardened hearts, ultimately fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus being rejected by his own people (Isaiah 53:3). This opposition from the religious elite serves as a stark contrast to the faith and devotion of those like Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and believed in his power to overcome even death. The passage in John 11:54-57 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry as he withdraws from public view, the Passover approaches, and the religious leaders plot his arrest. These events not only set the stage for the culmination of Jesus’ redemptive work through his sacrificial death and resurrection but also highlight the contrasting responses to his message of salvation. We reflect on these passages, reminding us of the price Jesus paid for our sins, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in his life, and the importance of standing firm in faith even in the face of opposition and persecution. The passage serves as a powerful reminder of the divine plan of salvation and the transformative power of believing in Jesus as the Son of God.
After John 11
Jesus displayed His authority over death itself by raising Lazarus from the dead in this chapter. The people were amazed and many believed in Him because of this incredible sign. Jesus showed His compassion for His friends and His divine power as the Son of God. Our Lord is always with us, ready to bring life out of death, so let us remember that nothing is impossible as we reflect on this miraculous event. Jesus has instilled faith and hope in us through His miraculous works as we move forward into the next chapter. His timing and His plans should be trusted, knowing that He is always working for our good. May we continue to follow Him with steadfast hearts, knowing that He is the way, the truth, and the life.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.