Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again.
His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept.
Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
John 11 tells the powerful story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, a pivotal event that demonstrates His divine power and love, while simultaneously escalating the conflict with the religious authorities who ultimately plot His demise. This chapter reveals profound truths about faith, death, and the very nature of Jesus as the resurrection and the life. It also highlights the contrasting responses to Jesus, from heartfelt belief to hardened opposition. Understanding the context and nuances of John 11 can deepen our appreciation for Jesus' ministry and its implications for our lives today.
The Context: Setting the Stage for a Miracle (John 11:1-6)
Following Jesus' healing of the man born blind in John 9 and subsequent confrontations with religious leaders in John 10, He strategically moved away from Jerusalem's immediate influence. John 11 opens with Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, falling ill. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were known followers of Jesus, and He had often visited their home in Bethany (Luke 10:38-42). When Lazarus becomes seriously ill, the sisters send word to Jesus, hoping He will come and heal him. Their message is a simple plea, "Lord, the one you love is sick" (John 11:3).
Jesus' response is initially puzzling. He declares that the sickness "will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). However, instead of immediately traveling to Bethany, Jesus delays for two days (John 11:6). This delay is not due to a lack of care; John explicitly states that "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" (John 11:5). Rather, the delay is part of God's plan to reveal His glory in a more profound way. This reminds us that God's timing is often different from our own, and His purposes may not be immediately clear. As Isaiah 55:8-9 states, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
A Journey Back to Judea (John 11:7-16)
After two days, Jesus announces His intention to return to Judea (John 11:7). The disciples are apprehensive, reminding Him that the Jews in that region had recently sought to stone Him (John 11:8). They fear for His safety, but Jesus explains that He must seize the opportunities presented during the "day," referring to His earthly ministry (John 11:9-10). He uses the analogy of light and darkness to illustrate that while He, the light of the world, is with them, they can walk without stumbling.
Jesus then reveals that Lazarus has "fallen asleep" and that He is going to wake him (John 11:11). The disciples misunderstand, thinking He is referring to natural sleep (John 11:12). Jesus clarifies, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe" (John 11:14-15). Even in death, God has a purpose. Jesus' statement highlights that sometimes God allows situations to worsen before they improve, because He has a greater plan in mind, something even better than what we initially requested. Thomas, despite his later doubts about the resurrection (John 20:24-29), demonstrates his loyalty by declaring, "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16).
Martha's Faith and Grief (John 11:17-27)
When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead and buried for four days (John 11:17). Martha is the first to meet Jesus, expressing both grief and faith: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you" (John 11:21-22). Her words reveal a mixture of disappointment and unwavering trust in Jesus' power. She's like the man who cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).
Jesus responds with a profound statement: "Your brother will rise again" (John 11:23). Martha assumes He is referring to the future resurrection (John 11:24), but Jesus declares, "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?" (John 11:25-26). This is a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals Himself as the very source of eternal life. He is not just talking about a future event; He is the embodiment of resurrection and life in the present. Martha affirms her belief: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world" (John 11:27).
Mary's Grief and Jesus' Compassion (John 11:28-37)
Martha then calls her sister Mary, telling her that Jesus wants to see her (John 11:28). Mary rushes to Jesus, and the mourners follow, curious about her sudden departure (John 11:29-31). Upon seeing Jesus, Mary falls at His feet and repeats the same lament as Martha: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32).
Jesus is deeply moved by Mary's weeping and the grief of those around her (John 11:33). He asks, "Where have you laid him?" (John 11:34). The response leads to one of the most famous and shortest verses in the Bible: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). This simple statement reveals the depth of Jesus' humanity and His compassion for those who are suffering. Even though He knows He is about to raise Lazarus, He grieves with His friends over the pain and sorrow caused by death, a consequence of sin. As Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
The mourners react in different ways. Some acknowledge Jesus' love for Lazarus (John 11:36), while others question why He, who healed the blind, could not prevent Lazarus' death (John 11:37).
The Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:38-44)
Jesus, "deeply moved again," approaches the tomb, a cave with a stone covering the entrance (John 11:38). He commands, "Take away the stone" (John 11:39). Martha objects, reminding Jesus that Lazarus has been dead for four days and the body will be decaying. Jesus responds, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). This is a powerful call to faith, urging Martha to trust in His power even when the situation seems hopeless. Faith precedes sight. We must act as if God is telling the truth, allowing Him to demonstrate His glory in our circumstances.
The stone is removed, and Jesus looks up to heaven and prays: "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me" (John 11:41-42). His prayer acknowledges the Father's constant presence and power, and it emphasizes the purpose of the miracle: to lead people to believe in Him.
Then, with a loud voice, Jesus commands, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). And miraculously, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still bound in burial cloths (John 11:44). Jesus instructs, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." This dramatic event is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over death and a foreshadowing of His own resurrection.
Reactions and Consequences (John 11:45-57)
The resurrection of Lazarus has a profound impact. Many of the Jews who witnessed the miracle believe in Jesus (John 11:45). However, others report the event to the Pharisees (John 11:46), leading to a council meeting where the religious leaders discuss how to respond to Jesus' growing influence (John 11:47-48). They fear that His popularity will incite a Roman crackdown, threatening their power and position.
Caiaphas, the high priest, proposes a chilling solution: "It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish" (John 11:50). John notes that Caiaphas' statement is a prophecy, though he himself is unaware of its full meaning (John 11:51-52). Jesus would indeed die, not only for the Jewish nation but also for "the children of God who are scattered abroad." From that day on, the religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus (John 11:53).
Knowing the danger, Jesus withdraws to a region near the wilderness (John 11:54). As the Passover draws near, many people travel to Jerusalem, wondering if Jesus will attend the festival (John 11:55-56). The chief priests and Pharisees issue an order that anyone who knows Jesus' whereabouts should report Him so that He can be arrested (John 11:57). The stage is now set for the events of Holy Week, leading to Jesus' triumphal entry, His crucifixion, and ultimately, His own resurrection.
John 11 is a chapter filled with profound theological significance. It reveals Jesus as the resurrection and the life, demonstrates His compassion and power, and highlights the contrasting responses to His ministry. It also sets the stage for the climactic events of the Passion Week, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation. The story of Lazarus encourages us to trust in Jesus, even when faced with seemingly impossible situations, and to believe that through Him, we too can experience the fullness of life, both now and for eternity.
Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again.
His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept.
Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.
If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;
And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.
Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?
Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
John 11 tells the powerful story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, a pivotal event that demonstrates His divine power and love, while simultaneously escalating the conflict with the religious authorities who ultimately plot His demise. This chapter reveals profound truths about faith, death, and the very nature of Jesus as the resurrection and the life. It also highlights the contrasting responses to Jesus, from heartfelt belief to hardened opposition. Understanding the context and nuances of John 11 can deepen our appreciation for Jesus' ministry and its implications for our lives today.
The Context: Setting the Stage for a Miracle (John 11:1-6)
Following Jesus' healing of the man born blind in John 9 and subsequent confrontations with religious leaders in John 10, He strategically moved away from Jerusalem's immediate influence. John 11 opens with Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, falling ill. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, were known followers of Jesus, and He had often visited their home in Bethany (Luke 10:38-42). When Lazarus becomes seriously ill, the sisters send word to Jesus, hoping He will come and heal him. Their message is a simple plea, "Lord, the one you love is sick" (John 11:3).
Jesus' response is initially puzzling. He declares that the sickness "will not end in death but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it" (John 11:4). However, instead of immediately traveling to Bethany, Jesus delays for two days (John 11:6). This delay is not due to a lack of care; John explicitly states that "Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" (John 11:5). Rather, the delay is part of God's plan to reveal His glory in a more profound way. This reminds us that God's timing is often different from our own, and His purposes may not be immediately clear. As Isaiah 55:8-9 states, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
A Journey Back to Judea (John 11:7-16)
After two days, Jesus announces His intention to return to Judea (John 11:7). The disciples are apprehensive, reminding Him that the Jews in that region had recently sought to stone Him (John 11:8). They fear for His safety, but Jesus explains that He must seize the opportunities presented during the "day," referring to His earthly ministry (John 11:9-10). He uses the analogy of light and darkness to illustrate that while He, the light of the world, is with them, they can walk without stumbling.
Jesus then reveals that Lazarus has "fallen asleep" and that He is going to wake him (John 11:11). The disciples misunderstand, thinking He is referring to natural sleep (John 11:12). Jesus clarifies, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe" (John 11:14-15). Even in death, God has a purpose. Jesus' statement highlights that sometimes God allows situations to worsen before they improve, because He has a greater plan in mind, something even better than what we initially requested. Thomas, despite his later doubts about the resurrection (John 20:24-29), demonstrates his loyalty by declaring, "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16).
Martha's Faith and Grief (John 11:17-27)
When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been dead and buried for four days (John 11:17). Martha is the first to meet Jesus, expressing both grief and faith: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you" (John 11:21-22). Her words reveal a mixture of disappointment and unwavering trust in Jesus' power. She's like the man who cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).
Jesus responds with a profound statement: "Your brother will rise again" (John 11:23). Martha assumes He is referring to the future resurrection (John 11:24), but Jesus declares, "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?" (John 11:25-26). This is a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals Himself as the very source of eternal life. He is not just talking about a future event; He is the embodiment of resurrection and life in the present. Martha affirms her belief: "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world" (John 11:27).
Mary's Grief and Jesus' Compassion (John 11:28-37)
Martha then calls her sister Mary, telling her that Jesus wants to see her (John 11:28). Mary rushes to Jesus, and the mourners follow, curious about her sudden departure (John 11:29-31). Upon seeing Jesus, Mary falls at His feet and repeats the same lament as Martha: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:32).
Jesus is deeply moved by Mary's weeping and the grief of those around her (John 11:33). He asks, "Where have you laid him?" (John 11:34). The response leads to one of the most famous and shortest verses in the Bible: "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). This simple statement reveals the depth of Jesus' humanity and His compassion for those who are suffering. Even though He knows He is about to raise Lazarus, He grieves with His friends over the pain and sorrow caused by death, a consequence of sin. As Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
The mourners react in different ways. Some acknowledge Jesus' love for Lazarus (John 11:36), while others question why He, who healed the blind, could not prevent Lazarus' death (John 11:37).
The Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:38-44)
Jesus, "deeply moved again," approaches the tomb, a cave with a stone covering the entrance (John 11:38). He commands, "Take away the stone" (John 11:39). Martha objects, reminding Jesus that Lazarus has been dead for four days and the body will be decaying. Jesus responds, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:40). This is a powerful call to faith, urging Martha to trust in His power even when the situation seems hopeless. Faith precedes sight. We must act as if God is telling the truth, allowing Him to demonstrate His glory in our circumstances.
The stone is removed, and Jesus looks up to heaven and prays: "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me" (John 11:41-42). His prayer acknowledges the Father's constant presence and power, and it emphasizes the purpose of the miracle: to lead people to believe in Him.
Then, with a loud voice, Jesus commands, "Lazarus, come out!" (John 11:43). And miraculously, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still bound in burial cloths (John 11:44). Jesus instructs, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." This dramatic event is a powerful demonstration of Jesus' authority over death and a foreshadowing of His own resurrection.
Reactions and Consequences (John 11:45-57)
The resurrection of Lazarus has a profound impact. Many of the Jews who witnessed the miracle believe in Jesus (John 11:45). However, others report the event to the Pharisees (John 11:46), leading to a council meeting where the religious leaders discuss how to respond to Jesus' growing influence (John 11:47-48). They fear that His popularity will incite a Roman crackdown, threatening their power and position.
Caiaphas, the high priest, proposes a chilling solution: "It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish" (John 11:50). John notes that Caiaphas' statement is a prophecy, though he himself is unaware of its full meaning (John 11:51-52). Jesus would indeed die, not only for the Jewish nation but also for "the children of God who are scattered abroad." From that day on, the religious leaders plotted to kill Jesus (John 11:53).
Knowing the danger, Jesus withdraws to a region near the wilderness (John 11:54). As the Passover draws near, many people travel to Jerusalem, wondering if Jesus will attend the festival (John 11:55-56). The chief priests and Pharisees issue an order that anyone who knows Jesus' whereabouts should report Him so that He can be arrested (John 11:57). The stage is now set for the events of Holy Week, leading to Jesus' triumphal entry, His crucifixion, and ultimately, His own resurrection.
John 11 is a chapter filled with profound theological significance. It reveals Jesus as the resurrection and the life, demonstrates His compassion and power, and highlights the contrasting responses to His ministry. It also sets the stage for the climactic events of the Passion Week, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation. The story of Lazarus encourages us to trust in Jesus, even when faced with seemingly impossible situations, and to believe that through Him, we too can experience the fullness of life, both now and for eternity.