John 11 - NIV LifeConnect Study Bible

11:17 Many Jews believed that the soul remained near the body for three days after death in the hope of returning to it. If this idea was in the minds of these people, they obviously thought that all hope was gone—Lazarus was irrevocably dead.

11:28 That Martha called Jesus “Teacher” is significant: Rabbis would ordinarily not teach women, although Jesus did so frequently.

11:31 Wailing at a tomb was common, and the Jews immediately assumed that this was in Mary’s mind.

11:44 The “strips of linen” were narrow strips of cloth, like bandages. Sometimes a shroud, like a large sheet, was used. The “cloth around his face” was a separate item.

11:47 In all four Gospels, the Pharisees appear as Jesus’ principal opponents throughout his public ministry (see the notes on Mt 3:7; Lk 5:17). But they lacked political power, and it was the chief priests (see the note on Mt 2:4) who were prominent in the events that led to Jesus’ crucifixion.

11:54 After Lazarus’s raising, Jesus withdrew to Ephraim, most likely a small town about 12 miles (19 km) north of Jerusalem. But as the Passover approached, he returned to Bethany (see 12:1).

11:55 Being ceremonially clean was especially important at a time like Passover. Otherwise, it would not have been possible to keep the festival (see the note on 2:6).