Breakdown of John 11:1-2

"Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill." — John doesn't just mention Lazarus was sick; he subtly highlights his connection to the women Mary and Martha. This detail isn't just about family ties; it foreshadows how their deep affection for Jes…

John 11:1-2 Meaning Explained

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John 11:1-2

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.

English Standard Version (ESV)

John doesn't just mention Lazarus was sick; he subtly highlights his connection to the women Mary and Martha. This detail isn't just about family ties; it foreshadows how their deep affection for Jesus would become a crucial element in His plan to reveal His power over death.

What John 11:1-2 means

Jesus' friend Lazarus has fallen ill in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem. This news reaches Jesus, who is currently on the other side of the Jordan River. Jesus, though he loves Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary, intentionally delays his departure for two days, a decision that will lead to Lazarus's death and ultimately set the stage for one of Jesus' most profound miracles.

The Ordinary Sickness of an Extraordinary Friend

We often think of Jesus’ miracles as happening only to strangers or those in dire, extraordinary need. But what does it mean that the one to be raised in this pivotal moment was simply a 'certain man' who was 'ill'?

The narrative opens not with fanfare, but with a simple statement: 'a certain man was ill.' This ordinary event—sickness—befell someone Jesus deeply loved. This reminds us that our own struggles, even the common ones like illness, are not beneath God's notice or care. Lazarus wasn't famous before this event; he was a friend. This grounds the extraordinary miracle in the ordinary reality of human suffering, showing that Jesus’ love extends to the everyday pains of life.

Key Idea:

God's Love in the Mundane: Sickness is a common human experience. Jesus’ attention to Lazarus’ illness highlights that God sees and cares even in our most ordinary afflictions. It's not just the dramatic events that capture His heart, but the persistent, loving presence in our day-to-day lives.

Bethany: A Haven of Love and Anticipation

The mention of Bethany, and the sisters Mary and Martha, paints a picture of a close-knit family. What does this intimate setting reveal about Jesus' relationships and the atmosphere surrounding His interaction with Lazarus?

The verse introduces us to Lazarus's home: 'Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.' This detail is significant. John, the author, goes on to explain that it was 'that Mary who anointed the Lord' (John 11:2), indicating a prior, intimate connection. This family was not just acquaintances; they were beloved friends of Jesus. They hosted Him, and He clearly cherished their company and their faith.

Key Insight:

The Value of Friendship: Jesus didn't operate solely as a public figure. He had close personal relationships, and this family in Bethany was clearly a place of refuge and deep affection for Him. The narrative sets the stage by establishing that Jesus’ actions are motivated not just by divine purpose, but by personal love for His friends.

Understand the original words

Original language

LordΚύριος

Kyrios · Greek Noun

A title of supreme authority, respect, and divinity, frequently used for Jesus in the New Testament to signify His sovereignty and lordship over creation and the church.

illἀσθενέω

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.

Historical context

Written: Likely around 90-100 AD.
Author: Traditionally the Apostle John, though some modern scholars suggest a later date or authorship.
Location: Written from Ephesus, in Asia Minor.
Genre: Gospel; features intimate dialogue and theological discourse, emphasizing Jesus' divine identity.

Historical background

This event occurs in the final months of Jesus' earthly ministry, just before his own death and resurrection. The miracle of Lazarus' resurrection significantly escalates the conflict with Jewish leaders, directly leading to the plot to kill Jesus.

c. December
Jesus retreats to Perea
Following an attempt on his life in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, Jesus retreats to the region east of the Jordan River (Perea). He remains here for several months.
c. January— this verse
Lazarus falls ill
While Jesus is in Perea, his friend Lazarus of Bethany becomes dangerously ill. His sisters, Martha and Mary, send word to Jesus.
c. January
Lazarus dies and is buried
Despite Jesus' love for the family, he intentionally delays his return. Lazarus dies and is buried in a tomb near Bethany.
c. late January
Jesus travels to Bethany
Four days after Lazarus' burial, Jesus finally travels to Bethany, arriving after dark and knowing Lazarus is already dead.

Key themes

01Jesus' divine power
02Love in friendship
03Sickness and death
04Hope in resurrection

Cross-references

Luke 10:38-42

This passage highlights Jesus' relationship with Mary and Martha, showing their hospitality and Mary's contemplative nature, which sets the stage for John's narrative where Mary and Martha's love for their brother, Lazarus, prompts them to send for Jesus.

John 1:14

This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. It connects to Lazarus's story by emphasizing Jesus' deep love and personal connection ('the One whom you love') to His friends, demonstrating His incarnate love and compassion.

John 5:24

Jesus declares that whoever hears His word and believes in Him has eternal life and will not come under judgment. This directly foreshadows the theme of life over death that Jesus will powerfully demonstrate through raising Lazarus.

Romans 8:11

This passage assures believers that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will also give life to their mortal bodies. This offers a theological framework for understanding Jesus' power over death, as demonstrated in Lazarus's resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

These verses speak of death being swallowed up in victory through Christ. The raising of Lazarus is a dramatic, earthly manifestation of this ultimate victory over death that believers will experience.

Scholarly commentary

John 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…

calvin

John 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…
henry

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What John 11:1-2 means

Original language

LordΚύριος

Kyrios · Greek Noun

A title of supreme authority, respect, and divinity, frequently used for Jesus in the New Testament to signify His sovereignty and lordship over creation and the church.

illἀσθενέω

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.

Historical background

c. December

Jesus retreats to Perea

Following an attempt on his life in Jerusalem during the Feast of Dedication, Jesus retreats to the region east of the Jordan River (Perea). He remains here for several months.

c. January— this verse

Lazarus falls ill

While Jesus is in Perea, his friend Lazarus of Bethany becomes dangerously ill. His sisters, Martha and Mary, send word to Jesus.

c. January

Lazarus dies and is buried

Despite Jesus' love for the family, he intentionally delays his return. Lazarus dies and is buried in a tomb near Bethany.

c. late January

Jesus travels to Bethany

Four days after Lazarus' burial, Jesus finally travels to Bethany, arriving after dark and knowing Lazarus is already dead.