A study of John 11:1-16 reveals Jesus’ close friends and God’s covenant love, the difference between working by day and night, and God’s intentional plan to raise Lazarus from the dead.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals Jesus’ close friends and God’s covenant love.
So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (ESV, John 11:3-4)
The word for love in V.3 that Martha uses to express Jesus’ love for Lazarus is the Greek phileō, which means affectionate love and friendship. It denotes personal attachment, sentiment and feeling. The kind of love we have for close friends and family members. And it gives us a glimpse into the personal life of Jesus. That he, like us, had favorite people he enjoyed spending time with. Something we all need.
But where John says Jesus loves Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in V.5, the Greek word is agapaō, which means to love in a social or moral sense. It is the same word used in John 3:35 to express the father’s love for the Son and in John 3:16 for God’s unconditional love for the world. It expresses committed devotion and purposeful care that acts for the good of the other. And it represents Christ’s deliberate, covenantal love. A love that is deeper, unbreakable, and eternal. The two words tell us that Jesus experienced love both as a human and as God, which is exactly who he was.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals the difference between working by day and night.
Are there not twelve hours in a day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (ESV, John 11:9-10)
When Jesus learns Lazarus is sick, he stays put for two more days. Wait. If he loves Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, shouldn’t he leave as soon as possible? Why wait two more days? Jesus answers the question in V.4. Lazarus’ death would be used for the glory of God and the Son of God. But after waiting two more days he tells the disciples it’s time to go back to Judea.
The disciples were incredulous and asked him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
The city of Bethany in Judea where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived was only a couple of miles from Jerusalem. And Jesus had recently encountered a group of Jews in the temple who almost stoned him. It was a big risk to go anywhere near there.
Working by day and night
Jesus answers with a metaphor that distinguishes between working by day and night. What does he mean by it?
The Jewish day was considered from sunrise to sunset, and night from sunset to sunrise. Roughly divided into 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Since they didn’t have artificial lightling for night like today, work was done during the day. Therefore, the twelve hours of daylight represents God’s appointed time for Christ’s work on earth. As John 8:20 reminds us: Yet no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come. In other words, Jesus would continue working in the daylight of his ministry to accomplish his father’s will because no human plans could stop him.
For Christ followers today, daylight also represents walking in the light of God’s will. And night walking in spiritual darkness where we easily stumble without God’s guidance.
A study of John 11:1-16 reveals God’s intentional plan to raise Lazarus from the dead.
Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (ESV, John 11:14-15)
Why did Jesus tell his disciples he was glad he wasn’t already at Lazarus’ home? Did he not care Lazarus was seriously ill? No. Had he been there while Lazarus was still alive, Jesus might have prevented him from dying. And stopped the father’s plan to raise Lazarus from the dead. This miracle demonstrating God’s power to raise the dead was an important prelude to his own resurrection.
But why wait two days more after hearing of Lazarus’ illness? Scholars suggest it was probably because there was a common belief that when someone died, their spirit hung around on earth for a few days hoping to get back into the body. But after a few days without success, it went on to eternity. Jesus waited beyond those days so there was no questioning the power of God in raising Lazarus from the dead.
Finally, Jesus says it’s time to leave because Lazarus has fallen asleep. Greek word for “asleep” is kŏimaō, which means to put to sleep, to slumber. But it is often used as a euphemism for death and is what Jesus means. However, the disciples take it to literally mean sleep so Jesus explains Lazarus is dead using the Greek word apŏthnēskō, which means dead, death, die, and slain. And this time his meaning is clear.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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