John 11 - Summary

Historical setting

Judaea in the first century lay under Roman occupation, with Jewish religious authority centred in Jerusalem. Jesus has recently fled the region after conflict with Jewish leaders, as the disciples remind him in verse 8: the Jews had sought to stone him. Bethany, mentioned in verse 18 as about fifteen furlongs (roughly two miles) from Jerusalem, is a small village where Lazarus, Mary, and Martha live. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish council of chief priests and Pharisees (verse 47), holds power over religious law and custom but answers ultimately to Rome. A Jewish festival, Passover, is approaching (verse 55), bringing pilgrims to Jerusalem.

Life and customs

Jewish burial custom of the period involved wrapping the dead in cloths and laying them in caves or tombs sealed with a stone, as verses 38 and 39 describe. After four days in the heat, decomposition would be advanced, which is why Martha objects in verse 39 that the dead man "stinketh." The dead were mourned by visitors who came to comfort the family, as verse 19 shows. The Pharisees and chief priests formed the ruling council and viewed Jesus as a threat to their religious and political position. Caiaphas held the office of high priest for a term; verse 49 specifies he was high priest "that same year," a phrase that reflects historical rotation of this office. When Jesus speaks in verses 9 and 10 of hours in a day and walking in light or darkness, he uses language borrowed from common Jewish wisdom teaching.

What the text says

Verses 1 to 5 introduce Lazarus, sick in Bethany, and his sisters Mary and Martha. His sisters send word to Jesus that he whom he loves is ill. Jesus responds in verse 4 that "this sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." Yet verse 6 states he stays where he is for two more days after hearing the news.

Verses 7 to 11 show Jesus then telling the disciples to return to Judaea. They object, citing the danger. Jesus speaks of daytime and nighttime, then says "our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep." The disciples misunderstand, thinking he means rest will cure illness, so verses 13 and 14 clarify: "Jesus spake of his death...Lazarus is dead."

Verses 15 and 16 add that Jesus is glad he was not present, so the disciples may believe, and invites them to go. Thomas resolves they should go and die with him.

Verses 17 to 22 report Jesus finding Lazarus dead four days. Many Jews comfort the sisters. Martha meets Jesus first and says her brother would not have died had Jesus been present, yet expresses confidence that "whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee."

Verses 23 to 27 record Jesus promising "Thy brother shall rise again." Martha interprets this as the resurrection at the last day. Jesus replies, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." He adds that whoever believes in him shall "never die," then asks if she believes. Martha declares faith that he is "the Christ, the Son of God."

Verses 28 to 32 show Martha fetching Mary, who also meets Jesus and makes the same complaint, falling at his feet.

Takeaways

• The passage presents Jesus speaking and acting with both human emotion and divine power over death.
• Martha's confession of faith addresses Jesus directly as the Christ and Son of God before the raising occurs.
• The miracle produces belief in many but hardens the resolve of the authorities to eliminate him, setting the stage for his death.