📖 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
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- How does the four-day delay remove any doubt about the miracle?
- What does Martha’s response reveal about her faith?
- How does Jesus’ claim to be “the resurrection and the life” expand our understanding of eternal life?
- Why is Martha’s confession significant in this moment?
- 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
- How would your life change if you lived daily in the reality that Jesus is the resurrection and the life?
- How do you respond when God’s timing feels delayed?
- What would it look like to make Martha’s confession your own?
- 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.