ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for John 11

John 11:1–12:19 The raising of Lazarus is the ultimate messianic “sign” in this Gospel (see note on 2:11). This spectacular miracle (recorded only by John) anticipates Jesus’ own resurrection. It reveals Jesus as “the resurrection and the life” (11:25).

John 11:1 This is the Bethany most commonly mentioned in the Gospels (see Mark 11:1; 14:3 and parallels; also Luke 24:50; contrast John 1:28).

John 11:4 Lazarus’s illness did not ultimately lead to death though it did lead through death to being raised from the dead. Jesus knew what was going to happen. In vv. 11–14 he tells his disciples clearly that Lazarus has already died.

John 11:5–6 So introduces the reason why Jesus stayed two days longer. He wanted the people to see his power over death, thus seeing his glory (compare 1:14).

John 11:9–10 To walk in the day means to believe and obey God. Walks in the night means not believing and obeying him. For Jesus to go to Judea is part of walking “in the day” for him, even though he is heading toward the cross (vv. 7–8).

John 11:11 Fallen asleep means “died” (see vv. 12–14). The OT equivalent is “slept with his fathers” (e.g., 1 Kings 2:10). Occasionally, death is compared to a deep sleep from which people will one day be awakened (e.g., Dan. 12:2).

John 11:16 Thomas (Aramaic) means the Twin.

John 11:24 Martha’s affirmation of end-time resurrection agrees with the beliefs of the Pharisees (Acts 23:8), the majority of first-century Jews, and Jesus’ teaching (John 5:21; 25–29; 6:39–44; 54).

John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life. Resurrection from the dead and eternal life can be found only in relationship to Jesus. Therefore, believes in me implies personal trust in Christ. “In” ordinarily means “into,” giving the sense that genuine faith in Christ brings people “into” Christ, so that they become united with Christ. (Compare 3:16; 18; 36; 6:35; 7:38; 12:44; 46; 14:12; 1 John 5:10.)

John 11:26 Lives refers to those who have spiritual life now (see note on John 3:16). Those who believe shall never die, in that they will ultimately triumph over death.

John 11:27 who is coming into the world. Compare 12:13 and parallels.

John 11:28 The Teacher was a common way of referring to Jesus (1:38; 3:2; 6:25; 9:2; 20:16).

John 11:33 deeply moved. Jesus felt deep sorrow about his friend’s death and about the grief his other friends felt. He may also have been angry about the evil of death, the final enemy (see esv footnote; see also 1 Cor. 15:26; Rev. 21:4). In his spirit refers to Jesus’ own human spirit.

John 11:35 Jesus wept. Mourning because of death does not indicate lack of faith. It shows honest sorrow at the reality of suffering and death.

John 11:44–45 Remarkably, John does not record Lazarus’s reaction or any of the aftermath of his raising (compare Luke 8:55–56), except for the fact that many of the Jews . . . believed (see John 12:9–11). The focus is on Jesus, not Lazarus.

John 11:47 council. The Sanhedrin.

John 11:48 Our place almost certainly refers to the temple (compare Acts 21:28). Take away . . . our nation may refer to the feared loss of more of the Jews’ freedom under Rome.

John 11:49 that year. In fact, Caiaphas was high priest for 18 years (a.d. 18–36), longer than any other high priest in the first century.

John 11:50–51 That one man should die for the people invokes the memory of the Jewish martyrs who died fighting Rome in the time of the Maccabees (2 Macc. 7:37–38). With the double meaning typical of John, it also anticipates Jesus’ substitutionary atonement.

John 11:52 The Gentiles are the children of God . . . scattered (compare 10:16). John is not suggesting that they are already God’s children but anticipates their future inclusion.

John 11:55 This is the third and final Passover mentioned by John; see note on 2:13. People went up early to purify themselves from any ceremonial uncleanness that would have prevented their participation (Num. 9:4–14).