‘Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus.’ It is now emphasised that Jesus loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The author wishes it to be known that what followed was not to be seen as an indication that Jesus did not care, but rather that He cared deeply. Notice how he also balances out Martha and Mary. Mary had been especially mentioned in John 11:2, so Martha was especially mentioned here. read more
‘When therefore he heard that he was sick he abode at that time two days in the place where he was.’ On hearing the news of Lazarus’ illness, which would take some time to reach Him, Jesus remained where He was for a further two days. We are probably not to see this as a deliberate act to enhance the miracle, but rather as a statement of fact, and an indication that all things, even the terminal illness of a beloved friend, had to take their place as far as His ministry was concerned. He... read more
John 11. The Raising of Lazaras. John 11:1-Acts : . The Miracle.— The withdrawal to Peræ a is brought to a sudden end by the illness of Jesus’ friend Lazarus. Bethany, to distinguish it from the Bethany beyond Jordan ( John 1:28), is described as the home of Mary and Martha, the younger sister being the better known in Christian tradition as the woman who anointed the Lord. The author assumes knowledge of the story, which he does not relate till a subsequent chapter. The sisters send to tell... read more
He doubtless loved them with a special, distinguishing love, as persons chosen in him to eternal life before the foundation of the world, given unto him by an eternal donation, called by him with an effectual calling, to own and receive him as their Saviour; but this text seemeth to speak of him as loving this family with a human love, which inclineth man to a complacency in an object beloved: he had a kindness for the whole family; they had showed them kindness in his state of humiliation, and... read more
Though he loved him and his sisters with a tender love, yet he did not presently go to them, to comfort Mary and Martha in their sorrow; nor yet to cure Lazarus, and prevent his death; but stayed still two days in the place where he was. He loved Mary, and Martha, and Lazarus, but he more loved the honour and glory of his Father, which was to be manifested in his raising of Lazarus from the dead. We must not judge of Christ’s love to us by his mere external dispensations of providence; nor... read more
EXPLANATORY AND CRITICAL NOTESTHE RAISING OF LAZARUSJohn 11:1-2. The various theories as to the reason why this great miracle is not recorded by the other Evangelists need not be fully discussed in this commentary, nor the rationalistic theories which seek to explain it away. But see note, pp. 70–72. Lazarus.—I.e. לַעְוָר, a shortened form of אֶלְעָוָר, Eleazar. Bethany.—See note, John 12:1. Town (κώμη).—I.e. village. Mary and her sister Martha.—They are thus mentioned as people whose names... read more
John 11:0 In selecting this word we are struck with the frequency of its occurrence in this chapter. There is: I. The "If" of wisdom. Jesus answered "If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not." The Lord is laying down a great philosophy of work, he is indicating that there are times and seasons for labour; and that not only is work to be done, but done at the proper time the light for labour, the darkness for rest. II. The "If" of hope shadowed by fear. "Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well."... read more
The gospel according to John, chapter 11.Now we remember that John is carefully picking out certain incidents in the life of Jesus by which he might prove that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God, bringing people to a faith in Him, as such, that through that faith they might have the life of Christ imparted to them. And he testifies there were many other things that Jesus did which he did not record, but these he recorded that you might believe. And so John is writing from a slant,... read more
John 11:2 . It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment. The allusion to this anointing is obscure. It could not be to the similar occurrence in Luke 7:0., for that was a woman of the city; and Mary Magdalene is distinguished from this Mary by two of the evangelists. Luke 10:39; Luke 24:10. John 20:1. See the note also on Matthew 26:7. John 11:9 . Are there not twelve hours in the day? Then, though the jews sought to stone the Saviour, he assigns a reason why we should go on... read more
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James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary - John 11:6
DIVINE DELAY‘When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was.’ John 11:6 It is impossible not to remark an intentional and most instructive connection between this verse and the preceding one. Our Lord loved the family of Bethany, all three of them; and yet when He heard Lazarus was sick, instead of hastening at once to Bethany to heal him, He quietly remained at Bethabara for two days, without moving. I. This delay was intentional and of... read more