John 11:1
Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John subtly highlights Mary's significance by mentioning her first, even though Lazarus is the one who is sick, emphasizing her role in anointing Jesus later. This detail anticipates a future event, weaving together past, present, and future into the unfolding narrative. It also hints that her deep devotion is as important to the story as Lazarus's illness itself.
Jesus, having withdrawn from Jerusalem where the Jews sought to stone him, is now resting near the Jordan River. His peaceful retreat is interrupted by news that his dear friend Lazarus of Bethany, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. This news leads to a significant delay before Jesus decides to return to Judea, a decision that troubles his disciples given the recent hostility they faced there.
Jesus received the news that His dear friend Lazarus was gravely ill. Yet, He didn't rush to Bethany immediately. Why the delay?
The text tells us "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus" (v. 5). Despite this deep love, Jesus "abode two days longer in the place where he was" (v. 6). This wasn't a sign of indifference, but a divine strategy.
A Higher Purpose
The story of Lazarus isn't just about one man's illness. It speaks volumes about our own spiritual condition.
Lazarus, the beloved friend of Jesus, fell ill and died. This wasn't just a biological event; it was a profound illustration of humanity's fallen state.
The Reality of Death
Understand the original words
astheneō · Greek Verb
A general term for human sickness or physical infirmity; in the Bible, it is often linked to the consequence of the fall, yet here it serves as a platform for demonstrating divine power and glory.
The narrative of Lazarus's illness and resurrection occurs in the final months of Jesus' earthly ministry, as hostility from Jewish leaders escalates, setting the stage for His own crucifixion.
c. AD 30
Jesus Retreats East of Jordan
Following increasing hostility in Jerusalem, Jesus withdraws to a region east of the Jordan River.
c. January AD 30— this verse
Lazarus Falls Ill
During Jesus' absence, his friend Lazarus becomes gravely ill in Bethany.
c. January AD 30
Jesus Delays Return
After hearing of Lazarus's illness, Jesus intentionally stays two more days in the region east of the Jordan.
c. January AD 30
Jesus Returns to Bethany
Jesus decides to travel to Judea, specifically to Bethany, where Lazarus has since died and been buried.
c. January AD 30
Jesus Raises Lazarus
This passage introduces Mary and Martha, highlighting Mary's devotion to listening at Jesus' feet, which is contextually linked to John's mention of Mary anointing Jesus later in chapter 12, directly connecting to the family mentioned in John 11:1.
John 12:1-8This passage describes Mary anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, an event that John directly links to Mary, the sister of Lazarus, in John 11:2, further establishing the identity and significance of this family to Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20This passage discusses the resurrection from the dead and emphasizes its importance to Christian faith, providing a theological framework for understanding the profound implications of Jesus raising Lazarus, as detailed in John 11.
Romans 8:11This verse speaks of the Holy Spirit giving life to our mortal bodies, paralleling the divine power Jesus exercises in John 11 to bring Lazarus back to life, demonstrating God's power over death.
John 1:4This verse introduces Jesus as the source of life, which directly relates to the theme of Jesus being 'the Resurrection and the Life' as demonstrated through the raising of Lazarus in John 11.
calvinJohn 11:1-10: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
- And one named Lazarus was sick. The Evangelist passes on to another narrative, which contains a miracle eminently worthy of being recorded. For not only did Christ give a remarkable proof of his Divine power in raising Lazarus, but he likewise placed before our eyes a lively image of our future resurrection. This might indeed be said to be the latest and concluding action of his lif…
henryJohn 11:1-6: "Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha."
11:1-6 It is no new thing for those whom Christ loves, to be sick; bodily distempers correct the corruption, and try the graces of God's people. He came not to preserve his people from these afflictions, but to save them from their sins, and from the wrath to come; however, it behoves us to apply to Him in behalf of our friends and relatives when sick and afflicted. Let this reconcile u…
John subtly highlights Mary's significance by mentioning her first, even though Lazarus is the one who is sick, emphasizing her role in anointing Jesus later. This detail anticipates a future event, weaving together past, present, and future into the unfolding narrative. It also hints that her deep devotion is as important to the story as Lazarus's illness itself.
Jesus, having withdrawn from Jerusalem where the Jews sought to stone him, is now resting near the Jordan River. His peaceful retreat is interrupted by news that his dear friend Lazarus of Bethany, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. This news leads to a significant delay before Jesus decides to return to Judea, a decision that troubles his disciples given the recent hostility they faced there.
Jesus, having withdrawn from Jerusalem where the Jews sought to stone him, is now resting near the Jordan River. His peaceful retreat is interrupted by news that his dear friend Lazarus of Bethany, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. This news leads to a significant delay before Jesus decides to return to Judea, a decision that troubles his disciples given the recent hostility they faced there.
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Lazarus’s eventual resurrection is a powerful preview of the spiritual resurrection believers experience when they trust in Christ.
Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the tomb, demonstrating His power over death and His divine identity.
c. March AD 30
Jewish Leaders Plot Against Jesus
The public display of Jesus' power, especially the raising of Lazarus, intensifies the opposition from Jewish leaders who now resolve to kill Him.
"Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha." — John subtly highlights Mary's significance by mentioning her first, even though Lazarus is the one who is sick, emphasizing her role in anointing Jesus later. This detail anticipates a future event,…
