John 11 - New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

11:1–44 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.

11:1 Bethany was located about 2 miles east of Jerusalem. During the final week before the Crucifixion, Jesus spent considerable time there with His friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

11:4 Another example of divine sovereignty amid human suffering, and demonstrating God’s purposes and grace through Jesus’ responses. See notes on 9:1–12; Rom. 9:6–24.

11:6 Jesus’ delay of two days underscores what He had taught consistently, namely, that His marching orders came exclusively from His Father. Neither the need of His closest friends nor the fury of His enemies determined His actions.

11:25 The fifth I am pronouncement declares Jesus to be the resurrection and the life.

11:38–44 The raising of Lazarus was not a resurrection from which followed endless physical life. That was reserved for the Father to initiate in His own Son’s resurrection, thereby inaugurating a new order of life to which all those in Christ are still looking forward in hope. Jesus restored Lazarus to physical life, which would cease at his subsequent death. As with all others who have died in Christ, Lazarus awaits the bodily resurrection promised to all who are Christ’s people.

11:40 See section 4 of Truth-In-Action at the end of John.

11:49 Caiaphas was high priest during A.D. 18–36.

11:55 This is at least the third Passover John mentions and undoubtedly supports the claim that Jesus’ ministry covered approximately three years. See note on 5:1.