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 11:7 mean?

Explanation

John 11:7 portrays a moment when Jesus decides to return to Judea despite the potential danger awaiting Him there. Previously in the Gospel according to John, Jewish leaders had sought to stone Jesus for blasphemy, prompting His departure from that region.

This verse serves as a pivotal transition into the narrative of the raising of Lazarus, a key event in the ministry of Jesus, showcasing His power over death and foretelling His own resurrection.

The underlying message in this verse underscores Jesus’ courage, obedience to His divine mission, and His control over life and death.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The verse from John 11:7 occurs within the narrative of Jesus's ministry in the historical region of Judea, which at the time was under Roman rule.

This was a period of social tension, religious conflict, and expectation of a Messiah among the Jewish people.

Judea, and particularly its central city of Jerusalem, was a flashpoint for religious authorities who were wary of Jesus's growing influence.

The historical context of this statement highlights the growing opposition to Jesus, which would eventually lead to His crucifixion.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse suggests several key insights:

Sovereignty of God: It reflects Jesus' divine knowledge and His awareness of the unfolding of God's plan, including the necessity of Lazarus' death for the glory of God.
Discipleship: The verse implicitly addresses the concept of discipleship, where the disciples are called to follow Jesus even into dangerous situations.
Omniscience and Omnipotence: Jesus’ decision to go back to Judea demonstrates His divine attributes - that He is all-knowing and all-powerful, knowing what awaits and still choosing to proceed.

The verse thus adds to the rich theological tapestry of the Christian faith regarding Christ's nature and the unfolding of redemption history.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Christians can draw inspiration from this verse to face adversity with courage, trusting in God’s greater plan.

It suggests a model of obedience, where one may need to encounter difficult situations in alignment with divine guidance.

The verse demonstrates leadership by example and could be considered in making decisions that reflect integrity and mission even when risks are involved.

Cross-References

John 10:31-39: This passage chronicles the attempted stoning of Jesus and His escape, which precedes the events in John 11:7.
John 11:8-16: The disciples' reactions to Jesus’ decision provide context to the courage and faith required to follow their teacher.
John 11:43-44: This is where Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, proving His Lordship over life and death.

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the phrase "Ἀγωμεν πάλιν εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν" ("Agomen palin eis tēn Ioudaian") for "Let us go into Judaea again." The imperative "Ἀγωμεν" (Agomen) suggests an authoritative decision by Jesus.

Understanding the original language nuances enhances the interpretation of the text.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, leaders who face danger for the fulfillment of their mission are common.

For example, in various ancient myths, heroes often undertake perilous journeys with higher purposes.

Comparing Jesus's journey to Judea with other cultural stories of sacrificial leadership can offer a broader understanding of His actions in a global and historical context.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, there is often a focus on the natural laws that govern life and death. John 11:7 serves as a prelude to a supernatural event that challenges these natural laws, the raising of Lazarus.

While science does not substantiate such miracles, the narrative invites reflection on the relationships between faith, science, and the understanding of phenomena beyond current scientific explanations.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars have commented on John 11:7, noting its significance in the narrative of the Gospel of John. They highlight that Jesus, knowing the risks, purposefully chooses to return to Judea to reveal His glory through Lazarus' resurrection.

Commentators recognize the verse as a turning point that sets the stage for one of Jesus' most profound miracles that ultimately reinforces the belief in Him as the Son of God and brings many to faith.

Analysts often discuss the theological and Christological implications of Jesus's decision and how it resonates with the overall theme of obedience to God's will throughout the Christian scriptures.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:7 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 11:7 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?