What does John 11:24 mean?

Explanation

John 11:24 is a statement made by Martha, the sister of Lazarus, to Jesus Christ.

At this point in the Gospel according to John, Lazarus has died, and Jesus has arrived in Bethany where Martha and Mary lived.

Martha, upon meeting Jesus, expresses her faith in the resurrection of the dead, a common Jewish belief at that time.

Her statement reflects a belief that her brother will rise again "in the resurrection at the last day," which refers to the end times, a day of judgment and resurrection of the righteous.

While her statement shows Martha's faith in the future resurrection, it also implies that she does not expect Jesus to raise Lazarus in the present.

The deeper meaning here is the demonstration of Martha's faith, but also a setup for the forthcoming miracle that Jesus is about to perform, which will illustrate His power over death and his identity as the 'resurrection and the life' (as further discussed in John 11:25-26).

Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in a complex historical context.

Many scholars agree that it was composed toward the end of the first century A.D., a time when the early Christian community was defining its beliefs and practices against the backdrop of both Jewish religion and Greco-Roman culture.

Jewish beliefs about the afterlife, during the time of Jesus, were not uniform. The Sadducees, for instance, denied the resurrection of the dead, while the Pharisees affirmed it. Martha's declaration reflects the Pharisaic belief, which was more widely accepted among ordinary Jews.

At the time of Lazarus's death, it was also a common practice to mourn for an extended period. Martha's statement arrives in the midst of this mourning period, which is part of the cultural practices observed by Jews.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 11:24 provides an insight into Martha's belief in the resurrection.

From a Christian theological perspective, this belief is affirmed and expanded upon by the teachings of Jesus, where the resurrection is not only a future event but also a present reality through Him.

Different Christian denominations interpret the resurrection differently, with mainstream Christianity holding to a bodily resurrection of believers, whereas other groups may interpret this in a more metaphorical or spiritual sense.

Martha's statement, therefore, opens up discussions about end times, eternal life, and the nature of the resurrection.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse encourages believers to hold onto hope and faith in difficult times, trusting in the promise of resurrection and eternal life. It can offer comfort to those who are grieving, reminding them of the Christian hope for the future.

Moreover, it challenges individuals to live in a manner that reflects a belief in the resurrection – with integrity, righteousness, and love.

Cross-References

• Daniel 12:2: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt."
• John 5:28-29: "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."
• 1 Corinthians 15:52: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word "resurrection" is translated from “ἀνάστασις” (anastasis), which literally means "standing up again." The phrase "in the resurrection at the last day" speaks of a particular moment in eschatological expectation known as "ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ" (en te eschate hemera), which translates to "at the last day." This term "last day" is eschatological, referring to an end-time scenario when the resurrection is expected to occur.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Martha's belief in the resurrection shares similarities with other ancient beliefs in life after death.

For example, the ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the soul would live on after the physical death of the body.

In Greco-Roman culture, there was a belief in the immortality of the soul, though this often differed from the Jewish and later Christian belief in the bodily resurrection.

In some strands of Judaism, especially those influenced by the Pharisees, the resurrection of the dead was a central hope.

In contrast, the Sadducees denied this concept. This internal diversity within Judaism marks a broader religious and cultural milieu in which various beliefs about death and afterlife were being discussed and developed.

Scientific Perspectives

Relating the concept of resurrection to scientific perspectives involves engaging with metaphysical claims from a worldview largely based on empirical evidence. Since resurrection involves beliefs about supernatural events and eternal life, it exists outside the purview of direct scientific study.

However, disciplines such as anthropology and history study the beliefs and practices surrounding death and the afterlife across cultures.

Commentaries

Many Bible commentaries elaborate on this verse from different perspectives.

For example, the Matthew Henry Commentary emphasizes Martha's deep-seated belief in the doctrine of the resurrection despite the sorrow she felt over her brother's death.

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible highlights Martha's faith in Jesus' teaching and her hope for the future, while noting that her anticipation of the resurrection was yet without full understanding of what Jesus was about to do , raise her brother in the present.

These interpretations show how the verse can be seen both as a reflection of Martha's personal faith and as a prelude to Jesus revealing His power over death.