John 11
BSB1 At this time a man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (Mary, whose brother Lazarus was sick, was to anoint the Lord with perfume and wipe His feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick." 4 When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, 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 on hearing that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two days, 7 and then He said to the disciples, “Let us go back to Judea." 8 “Rabbi,” they replied, “the Jews just tried to stone You, and You are going back there?" 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks in the daytime, he will not stumble, because he sees by the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks at night, he will stumble, because he has no light." 11 After He had said this, He told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up." 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he is sleeping, he will get better." 13 They thought that Jesus was talking about actual sleep, but He was speaking about the death of Lazarus. 14 So Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." 16 Then Thomas called Didymus said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him." 17 When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already spent four days in the tomb. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, a little less than two miles away, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them in the loss of their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him; but Mary stayed at home. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that God will give You whatever You ask of Him." 23 “Your brother will rise again,” Jesus told her. 24 Martha replied, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. 26 And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 “Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." 28 After Martha had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside to tell her, “The Teacher is here and is asking for you." 29 And when Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met Him. 31 When the Jews who were in the house consoling Mary saw how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. 32 When Mary came to Jesus and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “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 spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they answered. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!" 37 But some of them asked, “Could not this man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept Lazarus from dying?" 38 Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days." 40 Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 I knew that You always hear Me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me." 43 After Jesus had said this, He called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!" 44 The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. “Unwrap him and let him go,” Jesus told them. 45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. 48 If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." 49 But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish." 51 Caiaphas did not say this on his own. Instead, as high priest that year, he was prophesying that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not only for the nation, but also for the scattered children of God, to gather them together into one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. 54 As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples. 55 Now the Jewish Passover was near, and many people went up from the country to Jerusalem to purify themselves before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus and asking one another as they stood in the temple courts, “What do you think? Will He come to the feast at all?" 57 But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was must report it, so that they could arrest Him.
Study Notes — John 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 11
- Themes from John 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the news of Lazarus' illness, which prompts Jesus to delay His journey to Bethany, where Lazarus lives. Upon arriving, Jesus finds that Lazarus has died, and He is met with grief and unbelief from Lazarus' sisters, Martha and Mary. Jesus comforts them with the promise that their brother will rise again, and He ultimately raises Lazarus from the dead, performing a miraculous sign that points to His own resurrection. This event sparks a mixture of amazement, fear, and plotting among the Jewish leaders, who begin to conspire against Jesus. The chapter concludes with Jesus withdrawing to the town of Ephraim, where He remains for a time, anticipating the events that will soon unfold.
Context for the Chapter
John chapter 11 is situated within the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry, following a series of signs and teachings that have established Jesus as the Messiah. This chapter precedes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the events leading up to His crucifixion, serving as a climactic demonstration of Jesus' divine authority and a precursor to the Passion narrative. Theologically, it underscores the themes of life, death, and resurrection, which are central to the Christian gospel.
Heart Application
The story of Lazarus reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus Christ, who has overcome death and offers us eternal life. As believers, we can face the challenges of this life with confidence, knowing that our ultimate victory is secured in Christ. This chapter encourages us to deepen our faith in Jesus, trusting in His power and promises, even in the face of adversity and death.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John chapter 11 tells the story of Jesus raising His friend Lazarus from the dead, showing Jesus' power over death and His promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him, as seen in John 11:25. This miracle points to Jesus' own resurrection and the hope it gives to believers. The chapter teaches us about faith, the nature of eternal life, and the ultimate victory over death through Jesus Christ.
Voices from the Church
“The resurrection of Lazarus is a type of the resurrection of all believers, for as Jesus raised Lazarus, so will He raise all who are in Him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“This miracle was not only a demonstration of Jesus' power but also a testament to His mercy and love for His friends, and through them, for all humanity.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Illness and Death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16) — The chapter introduces Lazarus' illness and Jesus' decision to delay His visit, resulting in Lazarus' death. This sets the stage for the miraculous events that follow.
- Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary (John 11:17-37) — Upon arriving in Bethany, Jesus encounters Martha and Mary, offering them comfort and a promise of resurrection, which Martha confesses to believe in Jesus as the Christ.
- The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-44) — Jesus performs the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, a sign that sparks both amazement and fear among the onlookers.
- The Plot to Kill Jesus (John 11:45-57) — The chapter concludes with the Jewish leaders plotting against Jesus, fearing the implications of His miracle and the potential for Roman intervention.
- Jesus Withdraws to Ephraim (John 11:54) — In anticipation of the events unfolding, Jesus withdraws to the town of Ephraim, awaiting the time for His final journey to Jerusalem.
Core Doctrines
- Resurrection
- This chapter teaches the doctrine of resurrection, highlighting Jesus as the source of life who has power over death, as seen in John 11:25.
- Eternal Life
- The promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus is a central theme, contrasting the temporary nature of physical life with the eternal life offered by Jesus.
- Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus for salvation and the overcoming of death, as demonstrated by Martha's confession.
- Divine Authority
- Jesus' miracle demonstrates His divine authority, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.
Lessons from John 11
- The Power of Faith — The chapter teaches us about the importance of faith in Jesus for overcoming death and experiencing eternal life.
- The Nature of Eternal Life — Through Jesus' conversation with Martha, we learn about the promise of eternal life that surpasses physical death.
- Jesus' Divine Authority — The miracle of raising Lazarus demonstrates Jesus' power over death, affirming His divine authority and identity as the Son of God.
- The Reality of Death — The chapter confronts us with the reality of death but offers hope through Jesus' promise of resurrection and eternal life.
- The Plot Against Jesus — The chapter sets the stage for the final events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting the escalating opposition to Him.
Themes from John 11
- Life and Death — The chapter explores the contrast between physical life and death, and the eternal life offered by Jesus.
- Faith and Belief — The narrative emphasizes the role of faith in believing in Jesus as the source of eternal life and the resurrection.
- Divine Authority — Jesus' miracle and teachings in this chapter reinforce His divine authority and identity as the Messiah.
- Hope and Comfort — The story offers hope and comfort to believers, reminding them of Jesus' power over death and His promise of eternal life.
- Opposition and Plotting — The chapter highlights the increasing opposition to Jesus, leading to the events that will culminate in His crucifixion.
Questions for Meditation
- What does Jesus' statement 'I am the resurrection and the life' mean for your understanding of eternal life and faith?
- How does the story of Lazarus impact your perspective on death and the afterlife?
- What role does faith play in the narrative of John chapter 11, and how can you apply this to your own life?
- In what ways does Jesus' miracle of raising Lazarus foreshadow His own resurrection?
- How does the reaction of the Jewish leaders to Jesus' miracle reflect the ongoing conflict between light and darkness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Lazarus' Illness (John 11:1-5)
| John 11:1 | The chapter begins with the news of Lazarus' illness, a close friend of Jesus. |
| John 11:2 | The sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, send word to Jesus about their brother's condition. |
2. Jesus Delays His Journey (John 11:6-16)
| John 11:6 | Jesus delays going to Lazarus, staying two more days where He was. |
| John 11:7 | Then He said to His disciples, 'Let us go back to Judea.' |
3. Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary (John 11:17-37)
| John 11:17 | On His arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. |
| John 11:18 | Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem. |
4. The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:38-44)
| John 11:38 | Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. |
| John 11:39 | It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. |
5. The Aftermath and Plotting (John 11:45-57)
| John 11:45 | Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him. |
| John 11:46 | But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. |
6. Jesus Withdraws to Ephraim (John 11:54)
| John 11:54 | 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Jesus delaying His visit to Lazarus?
Jesus' delay allowed for a greater miracle to occur, demonstrating His power over death and preparing His disciples for His own death and resurrection, as seen in John 11:4 and John 11:15.
How does the raising of Lazarus foreshadow Jesus' own resurrection?
The miracle of raising Lazarus serves as a sign pointing to Jesus' own resurrection, emphasizing His power over death and reinforcing the hope of eternal life for believers, as stated in John 11:25.
What role does faith play in the narrative of John chapter 11?
Faith is a central theme, as seen in Martha's confession and the disciples' growing understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, highlighting the importance of believing in Jesus for salvation and overcoming death, as seen in John 11:25-26.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 11:25 → John 5:24 | Both verses emphasize the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus, contrasting physical death with spiritual life. |
| 2 | John 11:4 → John 9:3 | Both instances illustrate how Jesus uses challenging situations to demonstrate His glory and the Father's will. |
| 3 | John 11:35 → Hebrews 5:7 | Jesus' emotional response to Lazarus' death and the grief of His friends humanizes Him, showing His deep compassion and empathy, characteristics also attributed to Him in Hebrews. |
| 4 | John 11:25-26 → 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 | The theme of victory over death is common to both passages, with Jesus' statement in John 11:25-26 foreshadowing the ultimate triumph over death described in 1 Corinthians 15. |
| 5 | John 11:38 → Matthew 27:52-53 | The raising of Lazarus is a type of the resurrection of the saints, which will occur at Jesus' second coming, as hinted at in Matthew 27:52-53. |
| 6 | John 11:45 → John 12:11 | The belief in Jesus sparked by the raising of Lazarus contributes to the growing number of people going out to meet Him as He approaches Jerusalem, as described in John 12:11. |
| 7 | John 11:49-50 → John 18:14 | Caiaphas' unwitting prophecy about Jesus' death for the nation is later fulfilled, as narrated in John 18:14 and elsewhere in the Gospel. |
| 8 | John 11:54 → Luke 10:38 | Jesus' withdrawal to Ephraim before His final journey to Jerusalem parallels His earlier visit to the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany, where He was received with hospitality, as described in Luke 10:38. |
| 9 | John 11:1-44 → Acts 9:36-43 | The narrative of Tabitha's resurrection by Peter in Acts 9:36-43 shares similarities with the story of Lazarus, highlighting the continuation of Jesus' ministry through His disciples. |
| 10 | John 11:25 → Revelation 1:18 | The declaration 'I am the resurrection and the life' is echoed in Revelation 1:18, where Jesus says, 'I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.' |
Sermons on John 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Desperate Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, Mary had a powerful encounter with God and was described as a brilliant dancer and singer. She was hesitant to go to church because she didn't want to be put in the |
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Dying to Self (Part 2 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of miracles and the power of faith. He mentions the story of Joshua commanding the sun to stand still as one of the greatest mirac |
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Baptism of the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from history and not repeating the mistakes of the past. He highlights the 400 years of captivity that the Israel |
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A Call to the Church (Lazarus, Come Forth) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a gathering where many people were going to Afghanistan for missionary work after three months of court and discipleship. The speaker emphas |
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The Hidden Things of God - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of focusing on the hidden things of God rather than the visible aspects of Christianity. He shares his astonishment at the emp |
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Feet First by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time with the Lord Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Mary, who chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his te |
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An Appeal to Sinners by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal |
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(John) 15 - the Life Saving by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on John chapter 11, which tells the story of the resurrection of Lazarus. The sermon is divided into four sections: the occasion of the miracle, |
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From Groans to Glory by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wonder and complexity of the human body, which God created as his masterpiece. He highlights the unique nature of human interaction, whe |
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Forgive Me Lord for Making You Cry by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of making God cry. He references John 11:55 and emphasizes the importance of believing in a miracle-working God who has everything u |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 11
Matthew Henry's commentary on John chapter 11 delves into the profound significance of Jesus' miracle in raising Lazarus, seeing it as a demonstration of Jesus' power over death and a testament to His divine authority. Henry emphasizes the importance of faith, as exemplified by Martha's confession, and the comfort that believers can derive from Jesus' promise of eternal life. He also reflects on the plot against Jesus, noting how it sets the stage for the events leading to the crucifixion, yet always with the underlying theme of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of Scripture. Throughout, Henry encourages readers to contemplate the deeper spiritual lessons of the narrative, including the victory over death and the hope of resurrection, pointing them to the ultimate source of comfort and salvation in Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Jesus' Delay
Jesus delays going to Lazarus, which might seem counterintuitive given the urgency of the situation. However, this delay allows for a greater miracle to occur, demonstrating Jesus' timing and purpose.
Martha's Confession
Martha's statement of faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world, shows her deep understanding of Jesus' identity and mission.
The Reaction of the Jewish Leaders
The chapter highlights the escalating opposition to Jesus, as the raising of Lazarus prompts the Jewish leaders to seek Jesus' death, illustrating the conflict between light and darkness.