The Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

[Hiddenthings]

The irony in this forum is that many Christians do not truly grasp either death or life.

Among Jesus’ closest friends were Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, who lived in Bethany, just over the hill from Jerusalem. John mentions Martha and Mary as though his readers are already familiar with them, one of many instances where he assumes knowledge of the synoptic gospels (see, e.g., John 3:24; 6:53,70; 7:42; 20:2). His reference to Mary’s anointing of Jesus also subtly anticipates the account in the following chapter, unless he is pointing back to the earlier anointing recorded in Luke 7:37–38 (see Study 73). The details, “wiped… feet… hair (v.2)… weeping (v.33)”—all echo that earlier narrative. One might also question whether John would distinguish Mary this way, knowing the description applied to another woman as well.

Lazarus, the brother of these two sisters, was gravely ill. The timing of his sickness can be fairly accurately determined. The disciples said, “Master, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you; and will you go there again?” (v.8). The Greek word rendered “just now” indicates a very recent event (see John 21:10; cf. 11:37), referring to an attempt at stoning that occurred during the Feast of Dedication, roughly Christmas. This places Lazarus’ death around early January, about four months before the crucifixion.

Both Martha and Mary sighed repeatedly, “If only Jesus were here!” as they watched their brother fight a losing battle. Yet they hesitated to send for him, fully aware that his return to the Jerusalem area would put his life at risk.

 

[Hiddenthings]

Delay

“When therefore Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, he set out immediately to help him.” No! In fact, “he remained two days in the place where he was.” This is a dramatic and unexpected twist in the narrative. The love of Christ was testing the faith of Martha and Mary, yet, as their own words would later show, he would not allow them to be tempted beyond what they could bear (1 Cor. 10:13).

A comparison can be made with the way Jesus kept the nobleman at arm’s length when he pleaded for his sick son: “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe . . . Lord, come down before my child dies” (John 4:48–49). Similarly, consider the frustrating delay when Jesus was on his way to heal Jairus’ daughter, he paused on the road to speak with the woman who touched his garment, granting her healing and blessing (Mark 5:22ff).

Why did Jesus wait those two days? He knew Martha and Mary were anguished, and he, too, would have felt their sorrow, for “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus” (v.5). These words demonstrate that his delay was not indifference to their suffering. Yet the pause had a purpose. His prayer at the graveside “Father, I thank you that you have heard me” (v.41) suggests that during those two days he was interceding on Lazarus’ behalf and seeking wisdom for the best course of action in this difficult situation.

Moreover, who can know the transcendent blessings that may have flowed into the lives of nameless men and women in Peraea during those two extra days of bewildered uncertainty before Jesus departed for Bethany? In more ways than one, this delayed answer to prayer served to glorify God.