John 11

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.)

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

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.

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.

Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.

But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

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.

And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

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.

Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.

Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

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?

She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.

Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

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.

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.

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.

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all,

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?

Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

What does John 11:15 mean?

Explanation

This verse is part of the narrative of the death and raising of Lazarus found in the Gospel of John, chapter 11.

Jesus, speaking to His disciples, makes a statement concerning His absence at the time of Lazarus's death.

He expresses that His absence was for the benefit of the disciples, so that they might believe.

Jesus is suggesting that the event of Lazarus’s resurrection from the dead is to be a definitive sign that would lead to the strengthening or initiation of belief in Him.

This is both a literal statement about a particular event and carries a deeper meaning about understanding and trusting in Jesus' power over life and death.

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Historical Context

The verse is set in the context of Jewish culture in Roman-occupied Judea in the first century.

Bethany, the town where Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha lived, was close to Jerusalem.

During this time, Messianic expectations were high, and signs and wonders played an important role in the recognition of the Messiah.

The raising of Lazarus would serve as a pivotal sign for many of the Jewish spectators, therefore enhancing its significance.

It was also a period when Jesus' ministry was under close scrutiny by the Jewish authorities, and this miracle would have significant repercussions.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse speaks to the theme of divine timing and purpose - that events occur not just by chance but are orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes.

From a Christian perspective, miracles, such as the raising of Lazarus, serve to confirm the divine nature of Jesus Christ.

For non-believers or those struggling with belief, this event is an invitation to reconsider the evidence of Jesus' divinity.

Different Christian denominations agree on the centrality of such signs in establishing the authority of Jesus, though they might differ on their significance for current belief and practice.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse can be applied to individuals facing situations where God's presence and timing seem unclear.

It provides comfort and reassurance that God is aware of our circumstances and that even in His seeming absence, there is a purpose meant to bolster faith.

This perspective encourages patience and trust in divine providence when facing trials.

Cross-References

John 20:29: "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
John 11:40: "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Language Study

A key phrase in the original Greek text is "ἵνα πιστεύσητε" (hina pisteusēte), which translates as "that ye may believe." The word "πιστεύω" (pisteuō) in Greek has the connotation of faith and trust that goes beyond mental agreement and includes personal surrender and reliance on Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greek and Egyptian narratives, the concept of returning from the dead speaks to a profound understanding of life after death.

However, in Jewish thought, the resurrection at the end of days was far more significant than individual resuscitations.

The raising of Lazarus is unique in Christian scriptures because it is an immediate physical resurrection, not eschatological (end-times) and serves as a clear sign pointing to Jesus' own resurrection and identity as the Son of God.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, death is viewed as the irreversible cessation of all biological functions. Modern understanding does not support the concept of resurrection as described in the Lazarus narrative.

However, this verse is generally seen by believers not as a scientific account but as a miraculous event that transcends natural law, intended to authenticate Jesus' supernatural authority.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer a variety of interpretations of John 11:15.

Some see it as evidence of Jesus' foreknowledge and His deliberate actions to serve a greater good.

Commentaries often discuss the paradox of divine love – that sometimes what appears to be a delay or absence is actually part of a greater plan for spiritual growth or revelation.

They might also explore the nature of faith that this verse promotes, one that is not based solely on visible signs but also trusts in God's unseen work.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 11:15 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?