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 11:42 mean?

Explanation

John 11:42 is part of the narrative of the resurrection of Lazarus.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His Father, God, in prayer.

He acknowledges that God always hears Him, but He articulates His prayer aloud for the benefit of the bystanders.

Jesus wants those around Him to understand that the miraculous event about to take place, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, is occurring through the divine power and authority given to Him by His Father.

This public declaration is meant to bolster their faith and confirm Jesus' divine mission as the Messiah sent by God.

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Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of Jesus' ministry in the region of Judea during the first century.

The society was heavily influenced by Jewish traditions and expectations of a coming Messiah.

In John's Gospel, this event takes place shortly before the Passover, a time when many Jews were gathering in Jerusalem.

Jesus' raising of Lazarus served as a pivotal sign to the Jews of His divine authority and was a catalyst leading to His eventual crucifixion, as the raising of Lazarus caused many to believe in Him, increasing the threat perceived by religious leaders.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 11:42 demonstrates Jesus' intimate relationship with the Father, highlighting the concept of the Trinity where Jesus and the Father are distinct yet one.

It also touches on the theme of divine omniscience, where Jesus declares that God hears Him at all times, implying continual communion and unity of purpose.

Different denominations might emphasize various aspects of this verse, for instance, the power of prayer, the importance of miracles in Jesus' ministry, or the significance of faith in recognizing Jesus as the Son of God.

Practical Applications

From John 11:42, believers can draw several practical applications. One is the model of praying for the benefit of others; that is, prayer can be used as a teaching tool or encouragement.

Moreover, Christians are reminded that their actions, including miraculous works or service, should point others to God and confirm His presence and authority in their lives. Faith is reinforced by understanding that God always hears prayers, even if the answer is not immediate or obvious.

Cross-References

John 10:25 - "Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me."
John 5:36 - "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me."
John 14:10-11 - "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.

Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key terms include "ἀκούω" (akouo) translated as "hearest" which means to listen or give attention to.

Furthermore, "πάντοτε" (pantote) translates to "always," emphasizing the constancy of God's attention. These words convey the assurance of God's perpetual attentiveness and response to Jesus.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The miracle of raising Lazarus parallels various resurrection stories across ancient cultures and religions. For instance, some might compare it to Egyptian mythological tales of resurrection or the Mesopotamian story of Ishtar and Tammuz.

However, the distinct message of the biblical account is Jesus' identification as the source of life itself and His claim to divine authority.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary scientific understanding does not provide for the possibility of resurrection as described in John 11.

From a strictly materialistic viewpoint, once biological death has occurred, it cannot be reversed after a period as long as four days (the state of Lazarus).

Thus, the event remains in the realm of supernatural miracles that science does not account for.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have offered their insights into John 11:42.

Many note the unique display of Jesus' confidence in His Father and the openness of His prayer, serving as a public affirmation of who He is.

They often explore the dual purpose of Jesus' prayer: communion with God and instruction for the observers.

Specific commentaries may delve into the nature of miracles, the evidential power they hold, and the importance of this particular miracle in the broader narrative of John's Gospel and the path to the crucifixion.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:42 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 11:42 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?