John 11 - NIV Bible Study Commentary

The key to John’s understanding of Jesus’ raising Lazarus lies in the mourners’ response to his death: “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” (11:37). Jesus saw the death of Lazarus as an occasion to demonstrate that he was “the resurrection and the life” (v.25). Though some who were present believed that Lazarus would “rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (v.24), John shows that those “last days” had arrived in the person of Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus said to them, “The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (vv.25 - 26).

As a result of this miracle, many believed in Jesus (v.45). Ironically, the resurrection of Lazarus also became the turning point for the Jewish leaders. Henceforth, they made plans to kill Jesus (vv.47 - 57). In their plans, however, the will of God would be accomplished. Caiaphas, the high priest, “prophesied” unwittingly that Jesus would give his life “for the Jewish nation” (v.51) as well as for “the scattered children of God” (v.52).

John gives a brief account of Jesus at Bethany having dinner with Lazarus and his family (12:1 - 11). On this occasion, Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. Over Judas’ objection, Jesus praised Mary and said her action prepared him for his own burial, when he would be taken away from them.