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 11:5 mean?

Explanation

John 11:5 is a simple yet profound statement conveying Jesus' deep, personal affection for three individuals: Martha, her sister (presumably Mary), and Lazarus.

This verse is part of the preamble to the narrative of the raising of Lazarus, which immediately follows.

It establishes Jesus' special bond with this family, which is crucial for understanding His subsequent actions, particularly His emotional response to Lazarus's death and the subsequent miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead.

While the verse may appear straightforward, it shows Jesus exhibiting human emotions, indicating His ability to form close and loving relationships with others during His earthly ministry.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 11 encompasses the account of Lazarus’s resurrection and is situated in the Gospel of John, which was likely written towards the end of the first century.

The account is set in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem.

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are mentioned multiple times in the Gospels, notably in Luke 10:38-42 with the story of Martha and Mary's differing responses to Jesus' visit.

This particular verse provides a context for Jesus' deep investment in the welfare of this family, setting the stage for one of his most significant miracles.

At that time, the display of such public affection by a Rabbi for women and their brother was countercultural, highlighting Jesus' disregard for societal norms in favor of authentic, loving relationships.

Theological Insights

This verse offers significant theological insights across different Christian traditions.

In Catholicism, the portrayal of Jesus' love can be seen as an example of divine love manifested in human relationships.

Protestant interpretations may focus on the personal nature of Jesus' relationship with believers, as evidenced by His love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, reflecting a personal relationship with God that is available to all believers.

Eastern Orthodox theology might emphasize the incarnation through this verse, showing that Jesus, fully divine, also fully participated in human emotions and relationships.

In all cases, the verse demonstrates that Jesus does not merely offer abstract teachings but engages personally with individuals and their lives.

Practical Applications

John 11:5 reminds believers of the importance of forming and nurturing deep, personal relationships based on love.

It encourages people to love one another as Jesus loves, fostering relationships that transcend cultural or societal boundaries.

This teaching can be applied in daily life through acts of kindness, empathy, and emotional support for friends and family.

It also serves as a comforting reminder that Jesus is capable of a deep, personal love for each individual, providing an example for how people are to love each other.

Cross-References

John 11:35-36: "Jesus wept.

Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!"

Luke 10:38-42: "Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house."
John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Romans 12:9-10: "Let love be without dissimulation.

Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word used for "loved" is ἠγάπα (ēgapā), the imperfect tense form of ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which signifies a continuous or ongoing love.

Agape love is understood as the highest form of love, which is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional, the type of love that characterizes God.

It is important to note that this is not merely a statement of emotion but also of will and action, indicative of Jesus' commitment to the wellbeing of these three individuals.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient myths and religious interpretations, the expression of love by a deity or divine figure towards humans is not uncommon.

However, in many of these stories, the love of the gods is often capricious or self-serving.

In contrast, the New Testament portrayal of Jesus’ love is of a different quality, selfless, enduring, and personal.

This sort of divine-human relationship is a unique characteristic of the Christian faith, setting it apart from many other ancient religious narratives where deities are often removed and unapproachable.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, love is often studied as a complex set of emotions and behaviors with evolutionary, biological, psychological, and social dimensions.

However, Jesus' love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as described in John 11:5 transcends the scientific analysis, as it reflects a spiritual dimension that science does not fully encompass.

While science can study the effects of love and human relationships on health and wellbeing, the spiritual love expressed by Jesus operates within a different realm, inviting a contemplation that incorporates theology and spirituality alongside scientific understanding.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have considered John 11:5 pivotal in understanding Jesus' humanity and divinity.

Some commentaries note that the love Jesus had for these siblings reveals His relational nature and His capacity to be emotionally invested in people's lives.

Others suggest that this verse serves to heighten the drama of the ensuing narrative, the delay in Jesus’ arrival and the ultimate miracle of Lazarus's resurrection.

Commentators also often discuss how this verse contrasts with the later verses where Jesus is deeply moved and troubled, showing that His love also involves a profound empathy and shared sorrow.

This passage is widely viewed as an important demonstration of the incarnate deity's ability to love as a human, which is central to Christian theological reflections on God's nature.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:5 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 11:5 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?