📖 Passage

John 11:17–27 Read John 11:17–27 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Jesus arrives in Bethany after Lazarus has been in the tomb four days — a delay that removes any doubt about the finality of his death. Jewish belief held that the soul lingered near the body for three days; by the fourth day, decomposition set in. Martha’s interaction with Jesus reveals a deep faith in His power but an incomplete grasp of His timing and mission. This section contains one of the most profound declarations in the Gospel: Jesus’ claim to be “the resurrection and the life.”

🌿 Key Themes

• Certainty of Death — Four days in the tomb affirms the reality of Lazarus’ condition.
• Faith Amid Loss — Martha believes in Jesus’ power even in grief.
• Christ’s Identity — Jesus reveals Himself as the source of both resurrection and eternal life.
• Call to Personal Faith — His question to Martha demands an individual response.
• Hope Beyond the Present — Resurrection hope transcends immediate circumstances.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 11:17–19

"Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days." - Finality of Death — Culturally and biologically, Lazarus is beyond natural hope.
- Crowds Gathered — Many Jews come to comfort the sisters, increasing witnesses to the miracle.
- Proximity to Jerusalem — Bethany’s closeness to the city foreshadows heightened opposition to Jesus.

John 11:20–22

"Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." - Faith Mixed with Sorrow — Martha’s grief is tempered by trust in Jesus’ ability.
- Implied Regret — Her statement suggests hope for what could have been.
- Persistent Faith — She still believes Jesus can act even now.

John 11:23–24

"Your brother will rise again." - Future Hope — Martha affirms belief in the general resurrection at the last day.
- Jewish Eschatology — Many Jews held to a final resurrection, rooted in texts like Daniel 12:2.
- Christ as Fulfillment — Jesus will bring this promise into the present.

John 11:25–27

"I am the resurrection and the life." - Exclusive Claim — Jesus identifies Himself as the very source of resurrection and eternal life.
- Victory Over Death — Those who believe will live even if they die.
- Present and Future Promise — Eternal life begins now and continues beyond death.
- Personal Confession — Martha responds with a statement of faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.

🔍 Trusted Insight

RC Sproul notes that Jesus’ statement here is not simply about performing a miracle — it is a declaration of His divine nature and authority over life itself. The raising of Lazarus serves to validate His claim and strengthen the faith of His followers.
Summary: In the midst of grief, Jesus reveals His identity as the source of all life, calling His followers to personal faith in Him.

🧩 Review Questions

1. How does the four-day delay remove any doubt about the miracle?
2. What does Martha’s response reveal about her faith?
3. How does Jesus’ claim to be “the resurrection and the life” expand our understanding of eternal life?
4. Why is Martha’s confession significant in this moment?
5. How does this conversation prepare us for the miracle to come?

🔍 Definitions

• Resurrection — The act of being raised from the dead, both spiritually and physically.
• Life (Zōē) — Eternal, spiritual life found only in Christ.
• The Last Day — The future time when God will raise the dead for judgment and reward.
• Christ — The Anointed One, God’s promised Messiah.

🙋 Application Questions

1. How would your life change if you lived daily in the reality that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
2. How do you respond when God’s timing feels delayed?
3. What would it look like to make Martha’s confession your own?
4. In what ways can this passage encourage believers facing grief?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Anastasis (Resurrection) — Rising from the dead.
• Zōē (Life) — Eternal life given by God through Christ.
• Pisteuō (Believe) — To trust, commit, and rely upon.
• Christos (Christ) — The Messiah, God’s anointed King.

📚 Cross References

• Daniel 12:2 — Promise of resurrection for both the righteous and wicked.
• Isaiah 25:8 — God will swallow up death forever.
• John 5:28–29 — All who are in the tombs will hear His voice.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20–22 — Christ as the firstfruits of resurrection.
• Revelation 1:17–18 — Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 11:28–37