查經資料大全

 

| Back to Home Page | Back to Book Index |

 

John Chapter Eleven

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Son of God the Savior Raised Lazarus up

  A. When He heard that Lazarus was sick He stayed two more days in the place where He was (v.1-6).

  B. He revealed that He would go and wake Lazarus up (v.7-16).

  C. He talked about the resurrection with Martha (v.17-27).

  D. He sympathized with Mary (v.28-37).

  E. He raised Lazarus up (v.38-44).

  F. The reactions of the chief priests and the Pharisees (V.45-57).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

John. 11:1 “Now a certain man was sick Lazarus of Bethany the town of Mary and her sister Martha.”

   YLT: “And there was a certain one ailing Lazarus from Bethany of the village of Mary and Martha her sister --”

   Meaning of Words: Lazarus”: God is my help; “Bethany”: date-house; “Mary”: rebellion bitterness; “Martha”: mistress;

   Literal Meaning:Bethany” a place in the areas of Judea lay in the east part of the Mount of Olives. t was a small village 3 kilometers away from Jerusalem (see v.18). This Bethany was different from that in the eastern part of the Jordan which had been mentioned in other places of this book (see 1:28; 10:40).

   Spiritual Meaning: “the house of Bethany” symbolizes a typical church which carries three characteristics: (1) the manifestation of the Lord’s risen life ---- Lazarus (see v.43-44). (2) The devotion of love ---- Mary (see v.2). (3) The reality of service ---- Martha (see 12:2; Luke 10:40).

 

John. 11:2 “It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair whose brother Lazarus was sick.”

   YLT: “and it was Mary who did anoint the Lord with ointment and did wipe his feet with her hair whose brother Lazarus was ailing --”

   Literal Meaning: it was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair.” ---- The detailed description was recorded in the next chapter (v.1-8).

   Enlightenment in the Word: the Holy Spirit takes delight in Mary’s love and devotion to the Lord. The Lord likes men who are of Him to pour their love to Him.

 

John. 11:3 “Therefore the sisters sent to Him saying "Lord behold he whom You love is sick."”

   YLT: “therefore sent the sisters unto him saying `Sir lo he whom thou dost love is ailing;'”

   Literal Meaning: behold he whom You love is sick” it can be seen from these words that the Lord Jesus have deep fellowship with the three ones of Bethany

   Spiritual Meaning: behold he whom You love is sick” it typifies the necessary prayer of believers: (1) when we pray to the Lord we shall tell Him our state and need rather than how to deal with it. (2) We pray to Him because of His love to us ---- He loves us so He cares about us. (3) Prayer means entrusting something to the Lord and He has the authority to decide whether he will come and what He will do for our matter.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) “Lord behold he whom You love is sick.” ---- Obviously the one whom the Lord loves may sometimes get ill. The believers’ sickness may not be so bad for it is sometimes for the sake of edifying us.

     2) The Lord asks from all those whom the Lord loves for more than that from others. The Lord makes them learn things more difficult than others. And the Lord may do greater things on them than on others.

     3) When believers meet troubles we are able to approach to the Lord who loves us to pour out heart before Him thus receiving mercy from Him and finding grace for seasonable help (see Heb 4:16).

     4) Let your requests be made known to God in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (see Phil 4:6). We can pour out heart before Him but should not supply ideas for the Lord.

 

John. 11:4 “When Jesus heard that He said "This sickness is not unto death but for the glory of God that the Son of God may be glorified through it."”

   YLT: “and Jesus having heard said `This ailment is not unto death but for the glory of God that the Son of God may be glorified through it.'”

        Literal Meaning: “this sickness is not unto death.” ---- It did not mean that He would not die but death was not the final outcome of this sickness.

“But for the glory of God” the glory of God would be manifested though this matter (see v.40) i.e. having seen the wonderful works of God men would praise believe and worship God.

“That the Son of God may be glorified through it.” ---- God answered the Lord’s prayer to convince men that God sent Him (see v.42).

If the Lord only healed the sickness of Lazarus like what He had done to others sick person God would receive but little glory. However though the Lord allowed the death of Lazarus Lazarus would never be always confined in the death ---- it had greatly manifested the glory of God.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) “This sickness is not unto death.” ---- It remarks that the risen Christ surpasses the fact. Though the death was set before Him (see v.14) His vision went beyond the fact and saw the resurrection after death. We shall also have this surpassing insight when we see in Christ.

     2) Troubles that believers have met are not meaningless at all for they may usually be disguising blessings from God. Through troubles our faith will be increased and the works of God will be manifested thus glorifying God.

     3) Death seems like a disaster in the view of men. However the glory of God will be truly manifested in such a desperate way. Therefore when we believers come into a blind alley we shall remember that it may be the very chance to manifest the glory of God.

 

John. 11:5 “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.”

   YLT: “And Jesus was loving Martha and her sister and Lazarus ”

   Meaning of Words: “love”: agapao (in the original);

   Literal Meaning: Jesus loved…” the tense in the original shows the love of the Lord is a continual one ---- he had not only ever loved but also loves continually now.

         Enlightenment in the Word: if our families has encountered some unfavorable things (e.g. sickness) we should not think that is because the Lord dislikes us. On the contrary He makes us endure chastening (see Heb 12:6) just for He loves us.

 

John. 11:6 “So when He heard that he was sick He stayed two more days in the place where He was.”

   YLT: “when therefore he heard that he is ailing then indeed he remained in the place in which he was two days ”

   Literal Meaning: He stayed two more days in the place where He was.” ---- The whereabouts of the Lord is not at will but of special purpose. “Stayed two more days” He waited intentionally for a suitable chance to set out. Otherwise the effect of His works might be weakened if He went earlier.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) The two days that the Lord “stayed” were not “delayed”. The Lord has His time when He works. He will do nothing until the time comes.

     2) The Lord always works according to the will of God not men’s expectation. Therefore though we should pray to the Lord when something has happened to us we should not expect that the Lord has to answer us according to what we have asked Him.

     3) If our prayer have not been answered immediately it shall be possible that the Lord teaches us to wait. If we wait patiently we will find that the Lord is able to do far exceedingly above all which we ask or think (see Eph 3:20).

 

John. 11:7 “Then after this He said to the disciples "Let us go to Judea again."”

   YLT: “then after this he saith to the disciples `We may go to Judea again;'”

Literal Meaning: the word “again” connects this journey with the previous conflict (see v.8; 10:31-39).

 

John. 11:8 “The disciples said to Him "Rabbi lately the Jews sought to stone You and are You going there again?"”

   YLT: “the disciples say to him `Rabbi now were the Jews seeking to stone thee and again thou dost go thither!'”

   Literal Meaning: this verse indicated that obviously there would be danger if they went to Judea.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Having been fully aware of the danger the Lord Jesus still went there for the sake of the one whom He loves. We shall also be willing to do the dangerous works for the Lord we love.

     2) The Lord does not consider His own safety but cares about the glory of God (see v.4) and the faith of men (see v.15).

 

John. 11:9 “Jesus answered "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world.”

   YLT: “Jesus answered `Are there not twelve hours in the day? if any one may walk in the day he doth not stumble because the light of this world he doth see;”

  The Background: according to the Roman’s measure of time there are 12 hours from the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same in the day. There are four watches at night and each has three hours.

   Literal Meaning: “are there not twelve hours in the day?” ---- There is ample time for men’s actions and works.

    If anyone walks in the day he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world.” ---- If one walks in the “day” when there is light he will not stumble because of seeing unclearly.

   Spiritual Meaning: “are there not twelve hours in the day?” ---- The Lord Jesus use “day” to symbolize the period when God sent Him to work on the earth (see 9:4).

    If anyone walks in the day he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world.” ---- Before the completion of the Lord’s days on the earth which was ordained by God the Father He is the light of the world. Therefore He should seize the opportunity to work and will surely not confront any danger.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) “Are there not twelve hours in the day?” ---- Every believer has his daytime we have sufficient time to do what we should do but have not time for us to fiddle away.

     2) “If anyone walks in the day he does not stumble.” ---- The Lord tells us that: (1) if we believers walk with Him in the world we will never stumble. (2) Once we leave the Lord and do not walk in His light we will possibly stumble.

     3) If we walk with the Lord we will do what He has ordered us. None authority in the world can do harm to us before the completion of the hour that God has made.

 

John. 11:10 “But if one walks in the night he stumbles because the light is not in him."”

   YLT: “and if any one may walk in the night he stumbleth because the light is not in him.'”

   Spiritual Meaning: but if one walks in the night” “night” refers to lose the presence of the Lord thus losing that guiding “light” (see 1John 2:10-11).

    For the Lord Jesus Himself this verse indicated that His suffering “night” would come after the period that God had ordained for the Lord’s works.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) The mystery of believers’ being preserved is walking in the light so we should diligently hold the light.

     2) If we do not want to lose the light we should: (1) love the Lord’s words for His words are the light (see Ps 119:105); (2) have fellowship with the Lord constantly (see 1John 1:5-6); (3) follow the Lord and then obtain the light of life (see 8:12).

 

John. 11:11 These things He said and after that He said to them "Our friend Lazarus sleeps but I go that I may wake him up."

YLT: “These things he said and after this he saith to them `Lazarus our friend hath fallen asleep but I go on that I may awake him;'”

Spiritual Meaning: “our friend Lazarus sleeps” “sheep” means “die”. Though those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished their spirit will not die but sheep (see 1Cor 15:18).

  I go that I may wake him up.” ---- It means the Lord will make him rise from the dead. When Christ comes again He shall descend from heaven with trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first (see 1The 4:16).

Note: the resurrection of Lazarus this time was a resurrection in the flesh and he would be die again ---- which was different from the resurrection of us in the future for we shall be raised incorruptible and be changed (see 1 Cor 15:52).

Enlightenment in the Word:

   1) “Our friends” the Lord’s friends are our friends. Let this mind be in you which also in the Lord and let the delight be in us which also in the Lord.

     2) Many times we think the Lord have not cared for us because of His deferment. Actually He is caring about us and never forgets us.

 

John. 11:12 Then His disciples said "Lord if he sleeps he will get well."

YLT: “therefore said his disciples `Sir if he hath fallen asleep he will be saved;'”

Meaning of Words: get well”: heal preserve;

Literal Meaning: having misapprehended the Lord’s words the disciples thought the Lord meant Lazarus was normally “asleep” (see v.13). If so it would indicate that he had passed the danger and his state of illness was improved then they would not necessarily go to Judea.

 

John. 11:13 However Jesus spoke of his death but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

YLT: “but Jesus had spoken about his death but they thought that about the repose of sleep he speaketh.”

Meaning of Words: taking rest”: repose;

Literal Meaning:Jesus spoke of his death” it refers to His words in verse 11.

 

John. 11:14 Then Jesus said to them plainly "Lazarus is dead.

YLT: “Then therefore Jesus said to them freely `Lazarus hath died;”

Meaning of Words: “plainly”: freely openly frankly boldly;

Spiritual Meaning:Lazarus is dead.” ---- It typifies that: (1) the Israel rebelled God thus falling into the state of being dead before God. (2) The world is dead in trespasses and sins (see Eph 2:1).

 

John. 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him."

YLT: “and I rejoice for your sake (that ye may believe ) that I was not there; but we may go to him;'”

Literal Meaning:I am glad that I was not there” it indicated that the Lord was not on the spot when Lazarus was dead and He was glad for His absence here. The Lord did not glad for the death of Lazarus but for the greater profit for those who were of Him because His coming.

  “For your sakesyou may believe” the Lord Jesus did not come in season to heal Lazarus for He was going to reveal that He could raise the dead up thus convincing His disciples that He is the Son of God. In fact His disciples had early believed Him (see 2:11; 6:68-69; Matt 16:16) but had not been assured in the faith firmly (see Col 2:7) and had to be strengthened.

  Nevertheless let us go to him.” ---- Note that the Lord’s words indicated that He still regarded Lazarus as a living person.

Enlightenment in the Word: “that you may believe” though we have believed the Lord our faith still need to be strengthened and established.

 

John. 11:16 Then Thomas who is called the Twin said to his fellow disciples "Let us also go that we may die with Him."

YLT: “therefore said Thomas who is called Didymus to the fellow-disciples `We may go -- we also that we may die with him '”

Meaning of Words: “Thomas”: the twin; “Twin”: a Syrian word;

Literal Meaning:Thomas who is called the Twin” many Bible exegetes thought he was probably the twin brother of Matthew (see Matt 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15).

    Let us also go that we may die with Him.” ---- They went along with the Lord Jesus to go to Judaea where was threatened by growing crisis.

 

John. 11:17 So when Jesus came He found that he had already been in the tomb four days.

YLT: “Jesus therefore having come found him having been four days already in the tomb.”

Literal Meaning:had already been in the tomb four days” two matters can be inferred therein: (1) there was one day’s walk from Bethany to the place where the Lord stayed at that time (see 10:40) so the messenger had spent a whole day on the way. The Lord then remained two days after hearing the news (see v.6) and He spent another day to come to Bethany. Therefore there were altogether four days. (2) Lazarus might have been dead soon after the massager left Bethany.

 

John. 11:18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem about two miles away.

YLT: “And Bethany was nigh to Jerusalem about fifteen furlongs off ”

Literal Meaning:about two miles away”:15 stadions in the original (one stadion equals to 185 meters). So it was approximately 3 kilometers or 2 miles.

 

John. 11:19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their brother.

YLT: “and many of the Jews had come unto Martha and Mary that they might comfort them concerning their brother;”

The Background: according to the ancient Jewish customs after the family who held the funeral affairs had buried the dead the mourning would last about thirty days. Neighbors and relatives would come to visit and condole this family. The first three days were in the deepest sorrow. Besides the family members they still hired other women to help to wail. Three days later the atmosphere of condolence would be weakened.

Literal Meaning:many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary” “the Jews” here referred to the inhabitants of the Jews in Jerusalem. Obviously the family of Martha and Mary might be a distinguished family.

Enlightenment in the Word: the consolation of men is of no avail. Only the Lord’s consolation will truly serve to encourage the afflicted souls (see Matt 11:28; 2Cor 1:4).

 

John. 11:20 Now Martha as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming went and met Him but Mary was sitting in the house.

YLT: “Martha therefore when she heard that Jesus doth come met him and Mary kept sitting in the house.”

Literal Meaning:but Mary was sitting in the house” for she did not know the Lord Jesus was coming (see v.28-29).

 

John. 11:21 Now Martha said to Jesus "Lord if You had been here my brother would not have died.

YLT: “Martha therefore said unto Jesus `Sir if thou hadst been here my brother had not died;”

Literal Meaning: it seemed that Martha believed the Lord could heal her brother and deliver him from death if He was at present. It suggested the two thoughts of Martha: (1) the Lord could heal only when He was on the spot. (2) Since man had been dead the Lord could do nothing. Actually both of them were wrong (see Luke 7:7 14-15).

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Our faith in the Lord is more or less limited by our thoughts. We often believe He can do things that are possible in our perspective but dare not to believe He can do what we think impossible.

     2) With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible (see Matt 19:26). Though we are in utter despair we should also still be bold in believing God.

     3) When we are in grief we may also speak randomly like Martha e.g. if some certain medicine was discovered earlier our beloved one would not have died. However we should believe that all things work together for good to us (see Rom 8:28).

 

John. 11:22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God God will give You."

YLT: “but even now I have known that whatever thou mayest ask of God God will give to thee;'”

Literal Meaning:whatever You ask of God” the word “ask” Martha used here was usually employed to describe the case that a creature asked the Creator. Obviously Martha then did not fully know the Lord Jesus thinking that He was merely a great prophet or a man of God

 

John. 11:23 Jesus said to her "Your brother will rise again."

YLT: “Jesus saith to her `Thy brother shall rise again.'”

Literal Meaning: the Lord Jesus meant that her brother would rise at once (see v.11).

 

John. 11:24 Martha said to Him "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

YLT: “Martha saith to him `I have known that he will rise again in the rising again in the last day;'”

Literal Meaning: the resurrection that Martha knew was not the “immediate resurrection” (see v.23) that the Lord had referred to here but “the resurrection at the last day”. “The last day” refers to the day when Christ comes again (see 6:39).

Enlightenment in the Word: the old knowledge and prejudiced concepts may veil us and hinder us from understanding new revelation.

 

John. 11:25 Jesus said to her "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me though he may die he shall live.

YLT: “Jesus said to her `I am the rising again and the life; he who is believing in me even if he may die shall live;”

Literal Meaning: the Lord did not say “I promise” or “I reward” men the resurrection and the life. Instead He said “I am” the resurrection and the life. The resurrection and the life are not a matter beside the Lord so they can not be separated from the Lord. Once we have obtained the Lord we have also obtained the resurrection and the life at the same time.

  Some Bible exegetes think there will be two kinds of believers when the Lord comes again: one is the dead one and the other is the living one. Therefore “resurrection” is on account of the dead believers making them rise. “Life” is on account of the living believers making them never die (see v.26).

Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) I am the resurrection. Resurrection is not a matter which will happen in the last day but the Lord Himself. When we have experienced the Lord we have experienced the resurrection.

     2) The Lord Himself is the resurrection for He is life and mortal may be swallowed up by life (see 2Cor 5:4). Whenever we live in the Lord we will live in the state of the resurrection.

 

John. 11:26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"

YLT: “and every one who is living and believing in me shall not die -- to the age;”

Literal Meaning:shall never die” it does not mean one’s flesh but one’s spirit shall never die and lives forever. Death has no place in believers for their life is hid with the Christ in God (see Col 3:1 3).

  Do you believe this?” ---- If a man wants to experience the resurrection in his spiritual life he should believe this truth.

Enlightenment in the Word:whoever lives and believes in Me” one should believe the Lord when he still lives in the world for it will be too late after his death (see Luke 16:22-26).

 

John. 11:27 She said to Him "Yes Lord I believe that You are the Christ the Son of God who is to come into the world."

YLT: “believest thou this?' she saith to him `Yes sir I have believed that thou art the Christ the Son of God who is coming to the world.'”

Literal Meaning:I believe that You are the Christ the Son of God.” ---- This is a declaration of faith which is exactly necessary for every believer (see 20:31).

  “Who is to come into the world” what the Jews had expected was the savior sent by God.

  The confession of Martha had verily manifested her knowledge about the ministry of the Messiah. However judging from the Lord’s words concerning Himself such knowledge was still imperfect.

Enlightenment in the Word: Martha had objective faith but lacked real living and triumphant faith.

 

John. 11:28 And when she had said these things she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister saying "The Teacher has come and is calling for you."

YLT: “And these things having said she went away and called Mary her sister privately saying `The Teacher is present and doth call thee;'”

Meaning of Words: “secretly”: privately;

 

John. 11:29 As soon as she heard that she arose quickly and came to Him.

YLT: “she when she heard riseth up quickly and doth come to him;”

 

John. 11:30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town but was in the place where Martha met Him.

YLT: “and Jesus had not yet come to the village but was in the place where Martha met him;”

 

John. 11:32 Then when Mary came where Jesus was and saw Him she fell down at His feet saying to Him "Lord if You had been here my brother would not have died."

  YLT: Mary therefore when she came where Jesus was having seen him fell at his feet saying to him `Sir if thou hadst been here my brother had not died;'

Literal Meaning: the Scripture recorded that Mary had done two good things (see 12:3; Luke 10:39 42) and had said a wrong sentence in her life. If she only fell down at His feet this time ---- hear only but not speak ----how perfect it would be!

  Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) When we confront difficulties we should be diligent to fall down at His feet.

     2) We believers should give heed to our words for fear of speaking unsuitable words unheedingly.

 

John. 11:33 Therefore when Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her weeping He groaned in the spirit and was troubled.

  YLT: Jesus therefore when he saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her weeping did groan in the spirit and troubled himself and he said

  Meaning of Words: weep: wail aloud bewail;

Literal Meaning: He groaned in the spirit in the original it referred to the extreme fluctuation of ones emotion and it also implicated an unpleasant or indignant feeling. There were three perspectives concerning the sentiment of the Lord Jesus here: (1) He identified with mens bitterness so He sympathized with them here (see Heb 4:15). (2) He was much indignant at the enemy of death (see 1Cor 15:26) especially the one who had the might of death and hid behind death that was the devil (see Heb 2:14). (3) He was antipathetic to the hypocritical mourning of the professional criers and the insincere consolation of the Jews.

 

John. 11:34 And He said "Where have you laid him?" They said to Him "Lord come and see."

  YLT: `Where have ye laid him?' they say to him `Sir come and see;'

 

John. 11:35 Jesus wept.

  YLT: Jesus wept.

Meaning of Words: weep: shed tears without voice;

Literal Meaning: the weep here meant ones eyes were welled up with tears which were different from wail in verse 33 ---- their situation and motivation were distinct. The world wailed for the death of flesh but the Lord wept for the death of mens spirit (men were insensitive to sins).

  Enlightenment in the Word: it is not wrong that Christians may weep when seeing the departure of their beloved ones. But the sadness of Christians is not different from that of men who have no hope in the world.

 

John. 11:36 Then the Jews said "See how He loved him!"

  YLT: The Jews therefore said `Lo how he was loving him!'

 

John. 11:37 And some of them said "Could not this Man who opened the eyes of the blind also have kept this man from dying?"

  YLT: and certain of them said `Was not this one who did open the eyes of the blind man able to cause that also this one might not have died?'

Literal Meaning: this Man who opened the eyes of the blind it referred to the matter in chapter nine (see 9:1-7).

 

John. 11:38 Then Jesus again groaning in Himself came to the tomb. It was a cave and a stone lay against it.

  YLT: Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the tomb and it was a cave and a stone was lying upon it

The Background: there were two kinds of tombs of the Jews: one was chiseled in a cave and there was a huge rock blocking at the mouth of the cave. The other one was dug underground and there was a slate covering on. The tomb of Lazarus was apparently the former one.

Literal Meaning: Jesus again groaning in Himself the cynically doubtful attitude of the Jews (see v.37) again evoked His righteous wrath.

 

John. 11:39 Jesus said "Take away the stone." Martha the sister of him who was dead said to Him "Lord by this time there is a stench for he has been dead four days."

  YLT: Jesus saith `Take ye away the stone;' the sister of him who hath died -- Martha -- saith to him `Sir already he stinketh for he is four days dead;'

  The Background: he has been dead four days it was said that the Jews generally believed ones soul would remain around his body after death so it was possible that he might revive again within three days. Four days later his soul would depart and his body began to rot thus having no possibility of revival at all.

Spiritual Meaning: take away the stone stone typifies all the obstructions in ones natural life especially the opinions of various men in this chapter.

  Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) The Lord likes to work together with Him and He asks us to learn and take part in His works. Moreover learning to obey the words of the Lord is the first step of working with the Lord together.

     2) We should get rid of all the natural concepts and perspectives (take away the stone) if we want to experience the power of the Lords resurrection.

 

John. 11:40 Jesus said to her "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"

YLT: Jesus saith to her `Said I not to thee that if thou mayest believe thou shalt see the glory of God?'

  Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Men in the world see first and believe afterwards. However we believers believe first and see hereafter (see 2Cor 5:7; Heb 11:1).

     2) The fact in sight is not the real end for only what one has seen in faith is true.

     3) We are usually restricted by the surrounding conditions but God surpasses every condition. If we receive His works in faith we will see the glory of God. There is nothing too hard for God (see Jem 32:17). Once one has contacted with God by faith the glory of God will immediately be manifested.

 

John. 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said "Father I thank You that You have heard Me.

  YLT: They took away therefore the stone where the dead was laid and Jesus lifted his eyes upwards and said `Father I thank Thee that Thou didst hear me;

Spiritual Meaning: the stone blocking at the mouth of the tomb symbolizes the religious concept of the natural men which are manifested in every mans opinion in this chapter. If it has not been moved away one will not experience the risen power of the Lord.

  Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Then they took away the stone from the place. ---- Men should express their obedience to the Lord through the action of faith. If we can believe and obey the words of the Lord His surpassing power will be revealed.

     2) Father I thank You that You have heard Me. ---- God has known our need before our prayers (see Ps 65:2-4). God has heard it even though we have not spoken out.

 

John. 11:42 And I know that You always hear Me but because of the people who are standing by I said this that they may believe that You sent Me."

  YLT: and I knew that Thou always dost hear me but because of the multitude that is standing by I said that they may believe that Thou didst send me.'

  Enlightenment in the Word: when we pray before the public we not only pray to God but also let the prayer be heard by others thus encouraging them and making them believe the Lord.

 

John. 11:43 Now when He had said these things He cried with a loud voice "Lazarus come forth!"

YLT: And these things saying with a loud voice he cried out `Lazarus come forth;'

  Enlightenment in the Word: Lazarus come forth! ---- If He did not call the name all the dead would rise up.

 

John. 11:44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them "Loose him and let him go."

  YLT: and he who died came forth being bound feet and hands with grave-clothes and his visage with a napkin was bound about; Jesus saith to them `Loose him and suffer to go.'

The Background: according to the funeral custom of the Jews the corpse should be bound up in linen with the spices and the head should be wrapped by napkin.

Literal Meaning: bound hand and foot with grave clothes clothes refer to the strips of clothes.

Spiritual Meaning: bound hand and foot with grave clothes and his face was wrapped with a cloth both grave clothes and cloth symbolize the imprisonment of death in men.

  Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Loose him and let him go. ---- The Lords salvation of life not only makes men live but also deliver men out of every bond completely.

     2) Loose him and let him go. ---- He who uses some additional knowledge to confine the believers does not obey the commandment of the Lord and the Lord will definitely judge him.

     3) All those who have received the provision of the risen Christ will experience the glorious deliverance from every sin the world moral religion letters and customs ---- loose and go forward in the power of resurrection ---- go.

     4) The life does not carry any scent of death. The resurrection will not remain any stamp of death.

 

John. 11:45 “Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary and had seen the things Jesus did believed in Him.”

   YLT: “Many therefore of the Jews who came unto Mary and beheld what Jesus did believed in him;”

 

John. 11:46 “But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.”

   YLT: “but certain of them went away unto the Pharisees and told them what Jesus did;”

   Literal Meaning: the Lord’s works always divides the world into two kinds ---- the belief and the unbelief like the consequence of the resurrection of Lazarus. Many of the Jews believed Him and some other ones who harbored malicious intentions told it to the Pharisees.  

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) Men show different reactions to the same matter: some believes (v.45) and some only regards it as merely news. One’s attitude to the Lord decides whether He will become our personal savior.

     2) If a man is unwilling to repent even the greatest sign is difficult to touch his heart (see Luke 16:30-31).

 

John. 11:47 “Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.”

   YLT: “the chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered together a sanhedrim and said `What may we do? because this man doth many signs?”

   Literal Meaning: the chief priests and the Pharisees” during the Lord’s ministration of that three years and a half the Pharisees were always playing the leading role of opposing Him but they had none political authority. Before the Lord’s crucifixion the chief priests appeared in the scene and cooperated with the Pharisees. Obviously it was supervised by the authority of God.

Gathered a council” it could be inferred from the original that they gathered a temporary council rather than an official one.

What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.” ---- “This man” it carried a despising tone. They did not deny the authenticity of the signs done by the Lord Jesus but they did not believe Him because of their unbelieving.

 

John. 11:48 “If we let Him alone like this everyone will believe in Him and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation."”

   YLT: “if we may let him alone thus all will believe in him; and the Romans will come and will take away both our place and nation.'”

Literal Meaning: “If we let Him alone like this everyone will believe in Him”. ---- It meant that if they let Him preach or do signs all the time the people would believe that He is the Messiah so that they would go against the Roman Empire.

“And the Romans will come and take away both our place.” ---- “Our place” might refer to Jerusalem or the Temple therein (see Acts 21:28). The Jews unanimously regarded them as the center. Some Bible exegetes interpreted their “place” as their “ministry” or “position”.

“Our nation” the “nation” refers to the Jewish nation.

This verse meant: if the people believed the Lord Jesus was the Messiah there would create a great riot. The Roman government would take the repressive measures ---- ruined the Temple and drove the Jews. The whole Jewish nation and religion would meet the great adversity. Observe that what they were afraid of was that they would obtain nothing ---- they could not obtain the people nor the land the honor the status authority. Even the Holy places and the Temple would not belong to them any longer.

What they cared for actually became true in 70 AD but it was not because the Jews received the Lord Jesus but rejected Him.

 

John. 11:49 “And one of them Caiaphas being high priest that year said to them "You know nothing at all”

   YLT: “and a certain one of them Caiaphas being chief priest of that year said to them `Ye have not known anything ”

   Literal Meaning: Caiaphas” he held the position of the high priest during 18-36 AD about 18 years.

“Being high priest that year” high priest was not appointed by annual election but the system of life tenure. So it can be interpreted “being high priest that year during his tenure of office”. “That year” the word “that” was emphatic in the original for that year was possibly worthy of remembrance ---- because in that year the savior had fulfilled the great salvation on the cross.

“You know nothing at all.” ---- It was not polite. It was said that such style was a typical speaking style of the Sadducees (most of the chief priests and high priests were the Sadducees.)

 

John. 11:50 “nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people and not that the whole nation should perish."”

   YLT: “Jesus therefore when he saw her weeping and the Jews who came with her weeping did groan in the spirit and troubled himself and he said ”

        Literal Meaning: nor do you consider that one man should die for the people” one man dying for us would rather good than all the people suffering the disaster. Here he proposed to deliver the Lord Jesus to the Roman government thus making Jesus be condemned in place of the people.

“And not that the whole nation should perish” so that the whole nation would not be attacked by the army of Roman thus avoiding the whole Jewish nation from the crisis of being destroyed. In the viewpoints of Caiaphas Jesus must be condemned to death if the Jewish nation wanted to be preserved.

    “It is expedient for us” this proposal was good doing the whole people good and not evil. However the scheme would eventually be of void for the Lord’s death was not on account of delivering the Jewish nation from the dominance of Roman Empire. Therefore in 70 BC the Roman army still destroyed the Jerusalem city.

 

John. 11:51 “Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation ”

   YLT: “And this he said not of himself but being chief priest of that year he did prophesy that Jesus was about to die for the nation ”

  Literal Meaning: but being high priest that year” “high priest” who represented God before the people was therefore employed by God unconsciously speaking profound words.

    “He prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation” “prophesy”: a man under the power of Holy Spirit speaks the things that will be fulfilled. The words of Caiaphas indicated that the individual death of the Lord Jesus would deliver the whole nation from destruction. However he had never expected that his words coincided with the council of salvation administered by God only prophesying for God unconsciously.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) A false man may speak right words so we shall neither “refuse the words because of the speaker” nor “believe the speaker simply through his words”.

     2) In the assembly we should not only hear one’s words but also observe one’s walks. Many preachers can speak “clearly and logically” on the platform but have none testimonies in their life.

 

John. 11:52 “and not for that nation only but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.”

   YLT: “and not for the nation only but that also the children of God who have been scattered abroad he may gather together into one.”

   Literal Meaning: the children of God who were scattered abroad” it referred to the gentile believers (see 10:16; 17:21).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

     1) The death of Christ on the cross broke down the middle wall of enclosure making us unto one (see Eph 2:14-18).

     2) We should only deliver our natural life unto death thus coming into one with others.

 

John. 11:53 “Then from that day on they plotted to put Him to death.”

   YLT: “From that day therefore they took counsel together that they may kill him;”

   Literal Meaning: they plotted to put Him to death” they schemed to condemn the Lord Jesus after their council but without causing uproar among the people (see Matt 26:4-5).

 

John. 11:54 “Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews but went from there into the country near the wilderness to a city called Ephraim and there remained with His disciples.”

   YLT: “Jesus therefore was no more freely walking among the Jews but went away thence to the region nigh the wilderness to a city called Ephraim and there he tarried with his disciples.”

   Literal Meaning: went from there” although the Lord Jesus knew that He would be crucified on the cross He never acted rashly before the hour of God. Therefore when the Lord perceived that the opponents schemed to kill Him He left them thereafter.

         “To a city called Ephraim” some Bible exegetes thought this city was at the north side of Jerusalem seven or eight kilometers away from the northeast part of Bethel (see 2Sam 13:23).

 

John. 11:55 “And the Passover of the Jews was near and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves.”

   YLT: “And the passover of the Jews was nigh and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the passover that they might purify themselves;”

   Literal Meaning: before the Passover to purify themselves” the unclean Jews can not have the Passover (see 18:28).

 

John. 11:56 “Then they sought Jesus and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple "What do you think--that He will not come to the feast?"”

   YLT: “they were seeking therefore Jesus and said one with another standing in the temple `What doth appear to you -- that he may not come to the feast?'”

   Literal Meaning: He will not come to the feast?” ---- According to the idiomatical grammar he who raised such question was expecting a negative answer.

  

John. 11:57 “Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command that if anyone knew where He was he should report it that they might seize Him.”

   YLT: “and both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command that if any one may know where he is he may shew so that they may seize him.”

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

I. Death in the First and Resurrection Afterwards

A.   The House of Bethany is an Epitome of the Church:

1.    Martha serves the Lord and Mary loves the lord and Lazarus manifests the Lords life of resurrection (v.1-2).

2.    The Lord loves those who are of Him (v.3 5).

3.    Sickness symbolizes the abnormal state of believers spiritual life (v.3).

4.    The Lord shall glorify God through those who are of Him (v.4).

B.   The Lord Will not Work Until Men Has Totally Died:

1.    The Lord remained two days when hearing Lazaruss sickness (v.6).

2.    The Lord usually does not heal insignificant disease but the dead one (v.11-14).

3.    The Lord did not act until man was dead thus establishing mens faith (v.15).

C.   Men Did Not Know the Will of the Lord:

1.    The disciples saw only the environment but could not be in one mind with the Lord (v.8-16).

2.    Martha and Mary murmured that the Lord did nothing to save Lazarus from death (v.21-32).

3.    Martha had only objective knowledge about resurrection (v.22-27).

4.    The Jews doubted the Lords power (v.37).

D.   The Lord is the Resurrection and the Life:

1.    One will experience that the Lord is the resurrection and the life only through faith (v.25-26).

2.    Men should have been dead and have even stunk (v.29).

3.    The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God (v.43-44; 5:25).

E.   The Lord Needs the Cooperation of Men:

1.    Men shall pray to the Lord for others (v.3).

2.    They took away the stone (v.41) ---- hear and obey.

3.    Loose him and let him go (v.44) ---- help the weak.

F.    The Scheme of Religion Fulfilled the Will of God:

1.    The will of God is that one man should die for the people (v.50-51).

2.    The Lord gave His life through life thus establishing those who were of Him into one in life (v.52).

3.    The religionists schemed to kill Him (v.53).

 

II. The Experiences of Lazarus

  A. Lazarus was sick (v.3) ---- which symbolized that a believer had sickness in his spiritual life.

  B. Lazarus was dead (v.14) ---- which symbolized a believer’s spiritual death and being lacking in life.

  C. Lazarus had already been in the tomb (v.17) ---- which symbolized that a believers was in despair

  D. There is a stench (v.39) ---- which symbolized that a believer gave out the scent of death.

  E. Lazarus come forth! (v.43-44a) ---- which symbolized that a believer experienced the power of resurrection.

  F. Lazarus was still bound with cloth (v.44b) ---- which symbolized that a believer was bound with some letters and customs.

  H. Lazarus was loosed (v.44c) ---- which symbolized that a believer had enjoyed the true freedom in Christ (see Gal 5:1).

 

III. Functions that Men Had Performed in the Resurrection of Lazarus

A. Sent the message and prayed for him (v.3)

B. Took away the stone (v.41).

F. Loosed the graveclothes (v.44).

 

IV. The Resurrection of Lazarus Typified the Resurrection of Believers in the Future

  A. Believers are the beloved ones of the Lord (v.3).

  B. They fall asleep when the Lord delays His coming (v.6 11).

  C. When the Lord comes again believers who have been dead will rise up (v.25).

  D. When the Lord comes again believers who still lives will change and never die (v.26).

  E. The Lord will come again with ten thousands of his saints (v.15; Jude 14).

F. There will be an assembling shout (v.43 5:25; 1The 4:16).

G. Believers who have been dead shall rise and be set free from the bondage of corruption (v.44a; Rom 8:21).

H. Their body will be redeemed and shall be into the liberty of the glory of the children of God (v.44b; Rom8:23).

I. They will enjoy the feast with the Lord in the kingdom (12:2).

 

V. Men’s Mind Blocked the Works of the Risen Lord

A. The Lord was not dominated by men’s mind (v.3-6).

B. The disciples thought the Lord should not go there (v.7-10).

C. The disciples thought again the Lord was unnecessary to go (v.11-12).

D. Thomas even thought they might die with the Lord there (v.13-16).

E. Martha murmured that the Lord came late (v.17-21).

F. Martha misapprehended the meaning of resurrection which the Lord had mentioned (v.22-27).

G. Mary also murmured that the Lord’s lateness (v.28-32).

H. The Jews satirized the Lord that He made Lazarus die (v.33-37).

I. Martha thought it was unnecessary to move the stone for he had stunk already (v.38-39).

 

VII. The “Quick”s of Martha

  A. Quick ears ---- she heard that Jesus was coming (v.20a).

  B. Quick legs ---- she went and met Jesus (v.20b).

  C. Quick mouth ---- she spoke before the Lord (v.21-22).

  D. Quick thoughts ---- she regarded the resurrection that the Lord had mentioned as the resurrection in the last days (v.23-24).

  E. Quick hands ---- when the Lord asked others to take away the stones she tried to hold it back (v.39).

 

VIII. Martha’s Faith

  A. Faith in the past ---- Lord if You had been here my brother would not have died (v.21).

  B. Faith in the future ---- I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day (v.24).

  C. Faith in small matters ---- she believed the Lord could heal the disease but dared not believe the Lord would restore the dying to life.

  D. Faith in things that had nothing to do with her ---- I know that whatever You ask of God God will give You (v.22).

  E. Faith in the objective knowledge (which could not be connected with personal difficulties) ---- I believe that You are the Christ the Son of God (v.27).

 

VIII. Three Different Kinds of “Weeping”s

  A. Mary’s weeping (v.33a) ---- the living wept for the dead.

  B. The Jew’s Weeping (v.33b) ---- the living wept for the living

C. The Lord’s weeping (v.35) ---- the Lord of life wept for sinners.

 

IX. Three Different Kinds of Responsibilities

  A. The responsibility of the Lord ---- He cried with a loud voice "Lazarus come forth!" (v.43).

  B. The responsibility of Lazarus himself ---- He who had died came out (v.44a)

C. The responsibility of others ---- Loose him and let him go (v.44b).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou