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 11:8 mean?

Explanation

John 11:8 refers to a dialogue between Jesus and His disciples.

In this verse, the disciples are expressing their concern for Jesus' safety.

They remind Him of the previous hostility He encountered from the Jews, who apparently had attempted to stone Him for blasphemy and other perceived transgressions of Jewish law.

The disciples are puzzled or even alarmed by Jesus' decision to return to Judea, where He had encountered such danger.

Despite the risk, Jesus is determined to go to Bethany, near Jerusalem, in response to the news of His friend Lazarus' illness.

The verse reveals the disciples' deep care for Jesus and their awareness of the real physical danger He faced. It also underscores Jesus' fearless dedication to His mission, even when it entailed personal risk.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse is set in the context of Jesus' ministry in the 1st century Roman province of Judea.

It was a time of substantial tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders.

Jesus' teachings and His claims about Himself, such as being one with God, deeply offended the Pharisees and the Sadducees, leading them to seek ways to silence Him.

Stoning was a method of capital punishment prescribed in the Jewish law for certain offenses, including blasphemy.

Jesus had previously declared statements such as "Before Abraham was, I am," which the Jews deemed blasphemous.

Because of these tensions, His followers understood that returning to the region was dangerous.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse may highlight several insights:

The omniscience of Jesus: He knew the risks but also knew the greater divine plan.
The humanity of Jesus: His disciples' concern reflects Jesus' human vulnerability to opposition and violence.
The courage and faithfulness of Jesus: Despite the risks, He moved forward with His ministry and teaching.
The providence of God: Jesus' actions demonstrate a trust in God’s protection and a focus on fulfilling the divine purpose.

Different denominations may emphasize varying facets of this event. For example, a Calvinist might underscore the sovereignty of God in Jesus’ decision, while an Arminian could highlight the free agency of Jesus in choosing to return to Judea.

Practical Applications

Courage in the Face of Danger: This verse can inspire believers to trust in God and remain steadfast in their convictions, even when facing opposition.
Prioritizing God's Will: It may encourage the prioritization of divine purpose over personal safety.
Community Concern: This interaction between Jesus and His disciples displays a model of care within a community, teaching believers to be mindful of the wellbeing of their leaders.

Cross-References

John 10:31 - Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
John 11:16 - Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
John 8:59 - Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Language Study

In John 11:8, the Greek term for "Master" is "διδάσκαλος" (didaskalos), which means teacher or instructor, and indicates respect and recognition of Jesus' authority.

The word "Jews" (Ἰουδαῖοι, Ioudaioi) refers to the Jewish leaders rather than the entire Jewish population, specifically those who opposed Jesus.

The phrase "sought to stone thee" uses the Greek term "ἐλιθοβόλουν" (lithoboloun), which is in the imperfect tense, indicating a past, continuous action – an ongoing threat or intent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons could be drawn between Jesus' willingness to face danger and other religious figures in history who faced persecution or opposition for their beliefs. For example, figures like the Prophet Jeremiah in the Hebrew Bible also faced hostility for his messages.

Additionally, stories from other religious traditions, like those of the Buddha or even Socrates, also resonate with themes of facing opposition with dignity and commitment to their teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse needs to be examined within its historical and cultural context rather than scientifically analyzed.

However, modern psychological studies on human behavior could shed light on the courage or motivational factors that lead individuals to face danger for a cause they believe in.

Commentaries

Modern biblical scholars and theologians offer varied interpretations of this verse.

Some focus on the historical accuracy and the tensions between Jesus and Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the danger at that time.

Others may delve into the personal dimensions and relationships between Jesus and His disciples, underlining the disciples' genuine concern for their teacher and friend.

Commentaries might also discuss the implications of Jesus ignoring the threats against him, viewing it as a testament to His commitment to His mission and His trust in God's plan.

John 11

John 11

What does John 11:8 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 11:8 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?