📖 Passage

John 11:1–16 Read John 11:1–16 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

John 11 begins the account of Jesus raising Lazarus, one of His closest friends, from the dead. This event occurs in Bethany, near Jerusalem, in the days leading up to His crucifixion. The miracle is both a display of divine power and a deliberate sign pointing to Jesus as “the resurrection and the life.” The chapter also reveals the deep love of Jesus for His friends and His sovereign control over life and death. This opening section shows His purposeful delay in going to Lazarus, ensuring that the miracle would unmistakably display the glory of God.

🌿 Key Themes

• God’s Glory in Suffering — Lazarus’ illness serves God’s purposes.
• Divine Timing — Jesus delays to accomplish greater works.
• Love and Sovereignty — His compassion is coupled with perfect authority.
• Faith Through Trial — The disciples are taught to trust beyond immediate understanding.
• Courage in Danger — Going to Judea means facing mortal threats.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 11:1–4

"This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God..." - Identifying the Family — Lazarus, Mary, and Martha are beloved friends of Jesus.
- Purpose in Affliction — Illness becomes a stage for God’s glory.
- Foreshadowing the Resurrection — Points to Christ’s own victory over death.
- Christ-Centered Outcome — The event will reveal Jesus’ identity.

John 11:5–8

"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus." - Intentional Delay — Love does not always mean immediate rescue.
- Teaching Through Waiting — The delay deepens the eventual testimony.
- Risk of Returning to Judea — Disciples remind Jesus of the threats to His life.
- Faith Over Fear — Jesus moves according to the Father’s will, not danger.

John 11:9–13

"Are there not twelve hours in the day?" - Symbol of Mission — Daylight represents the allotted time of Christ’s earthly work.
- Spiritual Perception — Those walking in God’s light will not stumble.
- Misunderstood Statement — Disciples think Lazarus is merely sleeping.
- Gentle Imagery — Death for the believer is likened to rest.

John 11:14–16

"Let us go to him." - Plain Speaking — Jesus declares Lazarus’ death directly.
- Purposeful Delay Affirmed — This is for the disciples’ faith.
- Thomas’ Bold Statement — “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” shows loyalty, though tinged with misunderstanding.
- Foreshadowing the Cross — The journey to Bethany moves Jesus closer to His own death.

🔍 Trusted Insight

D.A. Carson notes that Jesus’ delay is an act of sovereign love, not neglect. By waiting, He ensures that Lazarus is unquestionably dead, making the miracle undeniable. This event shows that God’s purposes often transcend immediate relief, aiming instead at ultimate revelation of His glory.
Summary: Jesus’ deliberate delay and journey to Bethany display divine timing, deepen the disciples’ faith, and set the stage for one of His greatest signs.

🧩 Review Questions

1. How does Jesus’ delay reveal His love and sovereignty?
2. Why is Lazarus’ illness described as being “for the glory of God”?
3. What does Jesus’ statement about “twelve hours in the day” teach about mission and timing?
4. How does Thomas’ statement reveal both faith and misunderstanding?
5. In what ways does this passage prepare the reader for the miracle to come?

🔍 Definitions

• Bethany — A village near Jerusalem, home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.
• Glory of God — The manifestation of God’s character and power.
• Sleep (metaphorical) — A biblical euphemism for death, especially of believers.
• Twelve Hours of Day — A symbolic reference to the appointed time for Jesus’ earthly work.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How should believers respond when God delays answering prayer?
2. In what ways can illness or hardship be an opportunity for God’s glory?
3. How does trusting God’s timing change your response to fear?
4. What situations in your life require faith over immediate understanding?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Doxa (Glory) — The revealed majesty of God.
• Phōs (Light) — Symbol of truth and divine guidance.
• Koimaō (Sleep) — Figurative for death, implying rest and future awakening.
• Pisteuō (Believe) — To trust or have faith in.

📚 Cross References

• Psalm 31:15 — “My times are in Your hand.”
• Isaiah 55:8–9 — God’s ways and timing are higher than ours.
• Mark 5:39 — Jesus refers to death as sleep.
• John 9:4 — Working while it is day before night comes.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:14 — Those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ will rise.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 11:17–27