← Back to John

John 11

57 verses

TL;DR

Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, revealing His divine authority and identity as the Messiah while His opponents plot His execution.

Summary

Jesus learns of Lazarus' illness and chooses to stay two days, prompting concern among His disciples. He explains that Lazarus' death will glorify God, hinting at a forthcoming miracle. Upon arriving at Bethany, Jesus weeps over the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and others, demonstrating compassion. He then commands the stone be removed, performs the resurrection, and proclaims Himself as the source of life. The miracle astonishes witnesses, leading many to believe, while others report the event to the Pharisees and chief priests. Faced with growing support for Jesus, the religious leaders begin plotting His death, marking the transition to a more clandestine ministry.

Outline
  1. Jesus delays and explains the purpose of Lazarus’ death.
  2. Jesus weeps, raises Lazarus, and affirms His identity.
  3. Reactions of believers and religious leaders, leading to Jesus' planned death.
Themes
Miracle of ResurrectionFaith and DoubtDivine Authority vs Human Opposition
Keywords
ResurrectionDeathFaithLoveGloryLightStoneGraveJesusLazarusMarthaMaryThomasCaiaphasPhariseesJerusalemBethanyMiracle
People
JesusLazarusMaryMarthaThomas (Didymus)CaiaphasChief priestsPharisees
Places
BethanyJerusalemJudeaEphraimTemple (Jerusalem)
Things
LazarusStoneGrave clothNapkinResurrectionGlory of GodLight of the worldDeathLife
Key Verses
  • John 11:35: Jesus wept, showing His empathy and humanity.
  • John 11:44: Jesus calls Lazarus forth, demonstrating power over death.
  • John 11:25-26: Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and life, central theological claim.
  • John 11:47: The chief priests' fear of Jesus' influence illustrates the political stakes.
Questions
  • How does Jesus’ weeping at the foot of the cross relate to His earlier weeping over Lazarus?
  • What does the miracle of raising Lazarus reveal about Jesus’ identity to those who witnessed it?
  • In what ways do the reactions of the Pharisees and chief priests foreshadow the events of the Passion?
  • How does the theme of faith versus doubt play out in Martha’s and Mary's responses?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter balances sorrow over Lazarus’ death with hope in Jesus’ power over death.