John 11
best place to buy priligy online Bonnie’s notes on Dr. Dave’s Comments — John 11
This is a real straightforward chapter, but fruitful. Doesn’t everyone love the story of the raising of Lazarus?
From all the scriptures that mention this household we can know a few things. Martha was the housekeeper (she received Jesus into the home in Luke) and Mary is her sister. Lazarus is most probably the younger brother. John puts Mary first perhaps because she was well known in the village as seen by the number of mourners who came to the funeral. It’s clear that this was a place where Jesus felt “at home.”
v. 1 — We know that Jesus stays and sleeps at this house of His friends (Luke 10:38 . . .).
v. 2 — See Mark 14:3-9 (not the harlot Mary of Luke 7) and Matt. 26:6-13 where the same incident is noted that is recorded later in this book (chapter 12). Mary is devoted to the Lord. He is very close to them as a family member would be. See verse 5 of this chapter. This ointment that she uses is the equivalent of a year’s wages. It’s safe to assume that they are a somewhat wealthy family.
v. 3 — Jesus is in the Judean wilderness — a day away by foot (v. 40 of ch. 10). He deliberately waits 2 more days. The body had to be buried within 24 hours of death. This period of time will assure that Lazarus is dead and the mourners are there. The phrase “he whom thou lovest” gives us another indication of the fondness Jesus had for this family. Closer relationships are usually those with whom we are more in sync or likeminded. They would be obedient and respectful to Him and eager to share and learn. The Lord has a closer relationship to two of the disciples also. The limitation of our relationship with the Lord is determined by us. If we are devoted to Him, we’ll be closer. He doesn’t force people. Until we get to heaven and see Him face to face, we share with Him in prayer. Prayer and praise should involve talking to the Lord as if He were sitting beside us. How very comforting it is to know that He is available 24/7 and we can talk to Him anytime, anywhere, and in any circumstance! Loss of personal liberty cannot take that away from us.
v. 4 — This was apparently a serious sickness because the sisters initially call for the Lord to heal their brother. Some sickness is unto death, but not here. In this case the sickness was for the glory of God to be shown to men. Jesus is rightfully claiming His own proper deity and glory. Bigger issues than just momentary discomfort are seen here because this show of power will result in some salvations.
Morris writes that “this is the first of 24 occurrences of the name “Jesus” in the 11th chapter of John’s Gospel. John especially wrote to show the deity of Christ (20:30-31), yet he used the human name “Jesus” more often than Matthew, Mark, or Luke, and more times here in this central chapter than in any of his 20 other chapters.” <:>
v. 5 — Why wait four days? There was an old superstition that the spirit hovered over the body wanting to make sure it was dead.
v. 7 — Judea was a place the disciples did not like to go. They exhibit a lack of faith and trust when Jesus says this is where they are going. Shouldn’t they know that Jesus knows what He is doing? Don’t we sometimes show this same lack of faith? It’s a natural human reaction, but they really miss the mark this time.
v. 9,10 — Jesus answers mysteriously. He knows what He is doing and why they must do it this way. He must work while He can — a good example for us as well. Walking in the night/dark means without the Lord. Jesus is the light of men (see John 1:4, 7-9). “Walk with Me. Trust Me. Don’t even think of going without Me.” You can’t get into trouble with the Lord on your side. What is the worst that can happen to you? You might die and go to heaven to be with Him. Also notice that walking in the dark is difficult because of the lack of light. John 3:19,20 tells us men hate the light. It’s because they do their evil deeds in the darkness when they think no one is noticing. Dark is often a type for evil. Light is a type for the Lord.
Even though the disciples thought it was dangerous for Jesus to go back into Judea, the Lord knew it was not yet His time and because He is the light, all was safe.
Morris sees this as a proverbial expression Jesus uses for His ministry. There was no danger as long as He (and the disciples with Him) were doing the Father’s will, walking in the light. The time was coming when He would have to walk in darkness but that was the Father’s will also. <:>
v. 11 — “Sleepeth” means death. Jesus knows that death is not serious for the believer — in fact, it’s just like sleep. Wouldn’t we like to be referred to as “our friend” by the Lord? Again, it’s an indication of the close relationship He had with this family and its members. Jesus also said to everyone that “ye are my friend if ye keep my commandments.” Lazarus and his sisters were friends with the disciples, too — like a big extended family.
By the way, truth trumps fellowship and is worth separating over. In today’s popular compromising ecumenical movement, people will give up a lot of truth to look like they are getting along with large numbers of people. We are called to follow truth and light, not cooperation. It can be a lonely experience sometimes.
v. 12 — The disciples don’t understand that when Jesus says sleep, He means Lazarus is dead. Perhaps they think he is on the road to recovery instead.
v. 14-15 — The Lord will be able to strengthen the belief and faith of the disciples in this experience. There are degrees of belief. They are still weaker than they should be after all they have seen and heard.
v. 16 — You’ve got to love Thomas! Here he is loyal — if the Lord is going back into the camp of His enemies then let’s go with Him and die with Him — but a real fatalist (lack of trust). He speaks his mind openly. I also take comfort in the thought that because Jesus knows everything about me on the most intimate level possible, I can be as open and honest as possible with Him. Rather than speak sharply or angrily to others, it is better to take the situation to the Lord in prayer and let Him help us deal with it. Many hurts have been healed or smoothed over in this way with His help. In fact, it may prevent a further situation/uproar with another person and no one is the wiser about the whole matter.
v. 18 — Bethany’s modern Arabic name means “The Place of Lazarus” — a little historical evidence that this incident really happened. It’s a town about two miles from Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, and on the road from Jerusalem down to Jericho and the Jordan River.
v. 19 — This was obviously a well known family, probably with lots of relatives. The fact that “many” came would imply some status or wealth. If they were rich, they would certainly be known. Later, Mary brought expensive ointment with which to anoint Jesus.
v. 20 — Martha comes to meet the Lord while Mary does the conventional thing and stays in the house. According to tradition, Martha should have stayed in the house, too. She is hurt and angry, yet believing in the Lord’s power, so she runs to meet Him. She immediately points blame at Jesus. Look at Luke 10:38-42 where she is instructed by the Lord to consider what things are really important. It’s quite possible that Martha is used to controlling situations and her sister to make sure things were just right. The Lord tells her (and us) to leave the “stuff” and do it later. Spend time with the Lord while you can and when He’s near. Here she has faith that He can raise Lazarus. She knows who He is and what He is capable of doing.
v. 23-24 — Martha is fully aware of the orthodox Jewish doctrine about the resurrection to come later.
v. 25 — Here is another of the “I AM’s.” Jesus is the source of life and has all power over it. “I am the resurrection and the life.” That “the” in the phrase shows exclusivity. “He that believeth in me (speaking of spiritual life), though he were dead (could be those who are already in the grave but in Christ), yet shall he live.” Both those that have gone before that believe in Christ (for example: Abraham in Gen. 15:6) and those who are now spiritually dead, but will believe, will see new life after the body dies. This refutes Calvinism because our Lord uses the words “whosoever” and “believest.” Arminianism is also refuted because it says whosoever believes will never die. Arminians think you can lose your salvation.
Sorenson says, “Death for a believer is only a brief dark portal. It opens on the other side to the brilliant light of eternal life.” <:>
v. 27 — Martha hits the mark and gets an “A.”
v. 28 — It’s not about the crowd. It’s a family thing. Not wanting to draw attention, Martha summons her sister secretly. However, there are mourners in the house and when they see Mary leave they follow. When she says “The Master” she uses it as “teacher” or “Rabbi” (in effect saying He is the Master Teacher). The veneration of modern day pastors violates this idea. Minister is properly a verb, not a noun. “Reverend” is used only in the Bible to describe God. In a survey of introductions to New Testament books, Paul always calls himself by name and uses “apostle” or “servant” to describe himself.
v. 30-35 — When Mary arrives to where Jesus is, she goes to His feet in an attitude of worship and adoration. You will remember in the other story of Jesus in their house, she sat at His feet while Martha tried to express her love by serving and became overwhelmed in it. If, in our service, we don’t take time for quietness, prayer, and meditation, we will not keep our strength up either. She is weeping as is natural in the circumstances. Jesus joins her in weeping, but for more than the family’s loss. 1 Cor. 15:26 — death is an enemy. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people in the city did not accept Him. The Old Testament tells us that there is no pleasure in the death of God’s creations. See Ezekiel 18:23. Jesus is weeping about sorrow, death, sin, destruction, and all that goes with it. He took their sadness on Himself and entered into their sorrow. However, He will soon wipe away those tears in restoring their loved one to life. God does enter into our sorrow. He cares more for us than any other being in the universe. He will make all things right — if not in the moment, surely in the future.
v. 36 — The Jews don’t understand but think of it as human loss only.
v. 37 — They think Jesus let Lazarus die when He could have done more. “He’s good but he’s not that good.”
v. 38 — The Lord is groaning again (a deep mournful sound uttered in sorrow or anguish or deeply sighing) — perhaps a continual burden He bore? He would always have been aware of the reason for the existence of death and the sin that causes it. This cave with a stone and a marker is a rich man’s grave.
v. 39 — Martha gets practical here, thinking of the consequences and not necessarily trusting the Lord to know what He is doing. We don’t have to remind the Lord that we don’t know what’s best for us. He knows that already! We pray equivocally,0 too. Fortunately, God understands His creation very well and is willing to hear our prayers. Check out Psalm 116:1,2 — one of my favorite passages.
Jesus asks the people to move the stone and then to unwrap the body. Did He need their help? No, of course not. He wants us to help Him with the work, then and now. Move the stone, unwrap the body, raise the dead. Which is the hard part? He still does the hard part today. We preach repentance and He still does the hard part of regeneration.
v. 40-42 — Perhaps Jesus called Lazarus by name because other dead people might have come out, too. It is interesting to speculate about that. He was bound, but defied gravity and stood up. How about that — Jesus is Lord of gravity too! This is another creation miracle that fixes Lazarus (rebuilding tissue and giving life, etc.), defies gravity, and restores the spirit of the man. How I would have loved to see the shock of the crowd (gleeful laughter)! That’s why He must give them instructions. Lazarus certainly could not have loosed the tight bindings that he was wrapped with. The good news is that he has life for a time, but the bad news is that he will have to die again! He’s a target now — living, walking proof of the miracle — a real slap in the face to the Pharisees and leaders. There is no further testimony of Lazarus given in Scripture from this point on. He certainly could have drawn big crowds with a story like that! Did Lazarus get a “heads up” or briefing about silence or divulging sensitive information about Paradise before the rising? Maybe. It would be hard not to talk about this whole experience.
v. 44 — If they had swathed Lazarus in the Egyptian fashion, the arms and legs would have been bound separately and he could have moved a little. He would certainly need help unwrapping!
v. 45 — Many got saved and the principle factor was Mary. She had built a lot of relationships with people and her life had brought them here at this time. No one else was ever resurrected 3 days after death except Christ. But note that only Jesus has been resurrected fully – to a glorified body. Lazarus was resuscitated for a time but certainly died again, as did others recorded in the Bible.
v. 46 — Some still did not come over to the right side after witnessing such a remarkable miracle. They felt it necessary to hurry to the Pharisees and tell them what had happened.
v. 47,48 — The chief priests in charge were the Sadducees, but now they pull together (which they almost never did) with the Pharisees on the council to act against Jesus. They are willfully rebellious and foolish here. They see that He “doeth many miracles,” and raises the dead and they still call him a mere man. The Romans already have the nation, but the religious leaders still don’t want to lose their little bit of puppet power against the mysteries of the universe and life after death. On the street, we talk to people about their souls and the punishment of an eternal hell, yet they still want to hang on to their sins (such as adultery, pride, self righteousness etc.) and pass on everlasting life.
v. 49-53 — Expedient means profitable. Here is an unintentional prophecy of the Lord by Caiaphas without him realizing what he was saying. Jesus just raised someone from the dead and you are going to put Him to death?! Such a plan could only work because it’s God’s will. These leaders are the puppets given over to their envy, hatred, and selfishness. It’s a similar situation to Pharaoh being used by God to fulfill His will.
v. 54 — There was lots of talking, speculating, analyzing — almost a foreshadowing of end times when people will turn in others to the authorities. Judas gets the payoff in this situation.
v. 55-57 — Many Jews were now traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. The throngs looked for Jesus knowing that He often came to the major feasts. The authorities were on the lookout, too, for they had issued a warrant for His arrest (the sense of the phrase “take him”). Things are heating up and coming to a close.
~~~Bonnie