The Resurrection and the Life: Exploring John 11 – The Raising of Lazarus

✨ Executive Summary ✨

John 11, centered on the raising of Lazarus, is far more than a simple miracle story. It is a profound declaration of Christ’s divine power over death and a foreshadowing of His own glorious resurrection. Our Lord’s deliberate delay in arriving at Bethany, His poignant dialogue with Martha and Mary, and the sheer magnitude of Lazarus emerging from the tomb after four days all point to a deeper theological truth: Jesus is the resurrection and the life. This chapter underscores the importance of faith, the reality of death, and the eternal hope offered through Christ. It calls us to examine our own faith, to confront our fears of mortality, and to embrace the promise of eternal life through belief in Jesus Christ, the ultimate conqueror of death. This event, a pivotal moment in Christ’s ministry, solidifies His identity and foreshadows the ultimate victory over death offered to believers – a victory we remember and celebrate within the Coptic Orthodox Church every Pascha (Easter).

The gospel of John teaches us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Let us delve into the richness of John 11, verse by verse, to uncover the spiritual treasures contained within this powerful narrative.

📖 Commentary Sections 📖

John 11:1-2

KJV: 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.)

NKJV: Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.

Lazarus’s illness and the mention of Mary, the one who anointed Jesus, set the stage for a deeply personal and significant event. Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem, becomes the backdrop for this demonstration of divine power. The familiarity established in verse 2 reminds us of the intimate relationship Jesus shared with this family. The mention of Mary’s act of devotion prepares us to understand their deep trust in Jesus. This emphasizes the importance of love and relationship as a precursor to experiencing God’s miraculous intervention. In our lives, are we cultivating a similar intimacy with Christ, allowing Him into our homes and hearts?

Spiritual Application: Remember the power of intimacy with Christ. Seek a deeper relationship through prayer, fasting, and service, just as Mary demonstrated her love. For those looking for web hosting, see if wordpress hosting meets your needs.

John 11:3

KJV: Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

NKJV: Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”

The sisters’ message is simple yet profound: “He whom You love is sick.” This conveys their faith and expectation that Jesus would respond. They don’t demand a miracle, but rather appeal to His love. This mirrors our own prayers. We should approach God not with demands but with trust and reliance on His love and mercy. Their appeal underscores the power of intercessory prayer, a central practice in the Coptic Orthodox Church. We remember the intercessions of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and the Saints who continually pray for us before the throne of God.

Spiritual Application: Imitate Martha and Mary’s humble appeal to God’s love in your own prayers. Trust that He hears and cares, even when His response isn’t what you expect.

John 11:4

KJV: 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.

NKJV: When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”

Jesus’ response is initially perplexing. He states that the sickness is “not unto death,” even though Lazarus does die. This statement reveals a higher purpose: the glorification of God. The sickness and subsequent death are not an end in themselves, but rather a means to reveal God’s power and glory through the Son. This is a crucial point: suffering can be a vehicle for God’s glory to be displayed. As St. Athanasius said, (Ἀθανάσιος) “Ὁ γὰρ θάνατος τοῦ σώματος, ζωή ἐστι τῇ ψυχῇ” (The death of the body is life for the soul) (Athanasius, *De Incarnatione*, 21). This highlights the Coptic understanding of death as a transition, not an end.

Spiritual Application: Remember that even in suffering, God’s glory can be revealed. Trust that He has a purpose, even when you don’t understand it.

John 11:5-6

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

Despite His love for the family, Jesus delays His arrival. This delay is not due to indifference but is intentional. It allows Lazarus’s condition to worsen, ultimately magnifying the miracle that will follow. This teaches us that God’s timing is not always our timing. We may not understand His delays, but we must trust that He knows what is best. This resonates with the Old Testament story of Joseph (Genesis 45:5-8) where his years of suffering ultimately served God’s greater plan to save his family.

Spiritual Application: Practice patience and trust in God’s timing, even when it doesn’t make sense to you.

John 11:11-14

KJV: 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.

NKJV: These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.”

Jesus uses the metaphor of “sleep” to describe death, a common practice in Scripture (see also 1 Corinthians 15:20). This highlights the Christian understanding of death as a temporary state for believers, a resting place until the resurrection. The disciples’ misunderstanding reveals their limited perspective and their struggle to grasp the reality of death and resurrection. Jesus’ clarification, “Lazarus is dead,” underscores the gravity of the situation. There’s no mincing words; Lazarus is truly dead, setting the stage for an undeniably divine intervention.

Spiritual Application: Meditate on the concept of death as “sleep” for believers, finding comfort in the hope of resurrection.

John 11:17-19

KJV: 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.

NKJV: So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

Lazarus had been dead for four days. This detail is crucial. Jewish tradition held that the spirit lingered near the body for three days, but after four days, decomposition would have been evident, confirming the finality of death. The presence of many mourners emphasizes the significance of Lazarus’s death within the community. This highlights the cultural context of the time, where mourning was a public and communal expression of grief. The proximity of Bethany to Jerusalem also underscores the public nature of this event and its potential impact on those in the city.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on the finality of death and the power of God to overcome it. Appreciate the importance of community support during times of grief.

John 11:25-26

KJV: 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?

NKJV: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

This is the central declaration of the chapter: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus doesn’t just offer resurrection; He *is* resurrection itself. This is a profound statement of His divine identity and His power over death. He offers two promises: that those who die believing in Him will live, and that those who live and believe in Him will never truly die. This promise of eternal life is the core of the Christian faith. As St. Cyril of Alexandria notes, (Κύριλλος Ἀλεξανδρείας) “Ζωὴ γὰρ ἐστιν ἡ ἀνάστασις” (For resurrection is life) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John*, Book VII, Chapter 2). This emphasizes that Resurrection isn’t simply an event; it IS Life itself!

Spiritual Application: Embrace Jesus as the source of life and resurrection. Live in the assurance of eternal life through faith in Him.

John 11:33-35

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept.

Jesus’ emotional response to Mary’s weeping and the mourning of the crowd is deeply moving. He “groaned in the spirit” and was “troubled,” indicating a profound sorrow and empathy. Then, simply, “Jesus wept.” This is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet it speaks volumes. It demonstrates Jesus’ humanity, His compassion for those who are grieving, and His shared experience of the pain of death. His tears are not a sign of weakness but of profound love and connection.

Spiritual Application: Allow yourself to feel the pain of others and offer compassion and support to those who are grieving. Remember that Jesus understands and shares your sorrow.

John 11:39-44

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

The climax of the chapter. Jesus commands the stone to be removed, despite Martha’s objection about the stench. This highlights the tension between human logic and divine power. Jesus then prays to the Father, acknowledging His constant hearing and emphasizing the purpose of the miracle: that others may believe. His loud command, “Lazarus, come forth!” is a powerful demonstration of His authority over death. The fact that Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still bound in grave clothes, underscores the completeness of the miracle. Jesus then instructs the crowd to “loose him, and let him go,” emphasizing the restoration of Lazarus to full life and freedom.

Spiritual Application: Trust in God’s power to overcome even the most impossible situations. Allow Him to remove the “stones” of doubt and fear from your heart. Participate in God’s work by “loosing” others from the bonds of sin and death.

🤔 Key Reflections and Teachings 🤔

This chapter offers several key reflections and teachings for us:

• 🕊️ The Divinity of Christ: The raising of Lazarus powerfully demonstrates Jesus’ divine power over death, confirming His claim to be the resurrection and the life.
• 💡 The Importance of Faith: Martha and Mary’s initial faith, even when mixed with doubt, paved the way for the miracle. Faith is essential for experiencing God’s power.
• 📖 The Reality of Death: The chapter confronts the reality of death and its impact on those who are left behind. It reminds us of the temporary nature of earthly life.
• 📜 The Hope of Resurrection: The raising of Lazarus offers hope for the resurrection of all believers. It assures us that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life.
• ✨ God’s Glory in Suffering: The sickness and death of Lazarus ultimately served to glorify God and reveal His power. Suffering can be a vehicle for divine glory.
• 🤝 Community and Compassion: The presence of mourners and Jesus’ own tears demonstrate the importance of community support and compassion in times of grief.

❓ FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about John 11:

• Q: Why did Jesus wait so long to come to Lazarus?
  A: Jesus waited intentionally to allow Lazarus’s death to be undeniable, thereby magnifying the miracle and revealing God’s glory through His resurrection. This delay showcases that God’s timing is perfect, even when we do not understand it.
• Q: What is the significance of Lazarus being dead for four days?
  A: According to Jewish tradition, the spirit was believed to linger near the body for three days. After four days, decomposition would have set in, confirming the absolute finality of death. This makes Lazarus’s resurrection all the more remarkable.
• Q: What does it mean that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
  A: It means that Jesus is not just offering resurrection; He *is* resurrection itself. He is the source of eternal life, and those who believe in Him will experience that life, even after physical death. This is the core of Christian hope.
• Q: How does the raising of Lazarus foreshadow Jesus’ own resurrection?
  A: The raising of Lazarus serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection, demonstrating His power over death and validating His claim to be the Son of God. It provides a glimpse of the ultimate victory over death that Christ offers to all believers.

⭐ Conclusion ⭐

John 11, the narrative of the raising of Lazarus, is more than a miracle story; it is a profound theological statement. It underscores that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, offering hope and eternal life to all who believe in Him. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we understand death as a temporary separation, a “sleep” for those who are in Christ. The raising of Lazarus prefigures Christ’s own resurrection and assures us of our future resurrection. This chapter calls us to deepen our faith, to confront our fears of death, and to embrace the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let us live in the light of this truth, knowing that even in the face of death, we have hope in the One who conquered it all.

Tags

John 11, Lazarus, Resurrection, Jesus Christ, Miracle, Faith, Bethany, Death, Eternal Life, Coptic Orthodox

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Explore John 11 – The Raising of Lazarus! Deep dive into the miracle, Jesus’ divinity, and eternal life in this verse-by-verse Coptic Orthodox commentary.