John 11:28β37 β Jesus Raises Lazarus
π Passage
John 11:28β37 Read John 11:28β37 (NKJV)
π§ Context & Background
After her confession of faith, Martha calls Mary to meet Jesus privately. Maryβs deep grief and the shared mourning of the crowd set the stage for one of the most moving moments in the Gospels: Jesusβ compassion and His weeping over Lazarusβ death. This section reveals not only Jesusβ divine authority but also His full humanity, showing that the Son of God enters into our sorrow.
πΏ Key Themes
- Shared Grief β Jesus enters into the sorrow of His people.
- Compassionate Savior β Christβs tears reveal His love and empathy.
- Witnesses Present β Many Jews observe, foreshadowing the impact of the miracle.
- Faith and Misunderstanding β The crowdβs comments mix belief with doubt.
- Human Emotion in the Divine Son β Jesusβ grief is real and unashamed.
π Verse-by-Verse Commentary
John 11:28β31
"The Teacher is here and is calling for you." - Personal Invitation β Jesus seeks Mary personally, affirming His pastoral care.
- Maryβs Quick Response β Her eagerness mirrors her devotion to Him.
- Witness Gathering β The mourners follow, expecting her to weep at the tomb.
John 11:32β34
"Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died." - Echo of Marthaβs Words β A similar expression of grief and belief.
- Jesusβ Emotional Response β He is βdeeply movedβ (indignant compassion) at deathβs intrusion.
- Invitation to the Tomb β The moment moves toward confrontation with death.
John 11:35β37
"Jesus wept." - Shortest Verse, Deepest Meaning β His tears affirm His humanity and empathy.
- Godβs Heart Revealed β The Creator grieves over the effects of sin and death.
- Mixed Reactions β Some see His love; others question His power, revealing the varied hearts of witnesses.
π Trusted Insight
Charles Spurgeon observed, βThe Maker of the universe wept like any other man. This is no contradiction but a marvel β that He who holds the stars in His hand should wipe tears from His own eyes.β This moment teaches that divine power is not cold or detached; it is clothed in perfect compassion.
Summary: Jesus enters into the grief of His people, revealing the heart of God toward human suffering.
𧩠Review Questions
- Why is it significant that Jesus personally called for Mary?
- How does Jesusβ emotional response shape our understanding of His nature?
- What do the crowdβs mixed reactions reveal about faith and doubt?
- How does this passage prepare the reader for the miracle to follow?
π Definitions
- Deeply Moved β A Greek term implying intense emotional agitation, often mingled with indignation.
- Wept β Shed tears, expressing genuine grief.
- Mourners β Those who gathered to lament, often including hired professionals in Jewish custom.
- Teacher (Rabbi) β A title of respect for one who instructs in Godβs law.
π Application Questions
- How does Jesusβ weeping shape your view of Godβs character?
- How can you follow His example in entering into othersβ grief?
- In times of sorrow, how do you hold both faith in Godβs power and honest lament?
π€ Greek Keywords
- DakryΕ (Wept) β To shed quiet tears, reflecting deep compassion.
- Embrimaomai (Deeply moved) β To be stirred with strong feeling, even indignation.
- PhileΕ (Love) β Affectionate, relational love.
π Cross References
- Isaiah 53:3 β The Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief.
- Hebrews 4:15 β Our High Priest sympathizes with our weaknesses.
- Romans 12:15 β Weep with those who weep.
- Psalm 34:18 β The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.
- Luke 19:41 β Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.