Reading for March 5th

LAZARUS:DEATH AND RESURRECTION

In 11.1-44: The raising of Lazarus foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus, but paradoxically also was a cause of the death of Jesus (see 11.49-53).

 Read John 11.1-16. In 11.1-16: Context. In verse 1: Bethany is on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives (11.18; 12.1), not to be confused with Bethany beyond the Jordan (1.28). In verse 2: The one who anointed: narrated in 12.1-8. The Lord; unusual language before the resurrection; see "my Lord" in 20.13. In verse 3: The message implies a request to come and heal Lazarus, he whom you love (compare 11.5, 36; 13.1, 23; 19.26; 20.2 21.7, 20). In verses 4-6: Jesus' control contrasts with his response at the tomb (vv. 35, 38). God's glory and the glorification of the Son take precedence (compare 2.11; 9.3; 11.40; 13.31-32; 14.13; 17.1). In verses 6-8: Jesus acts in God's time (2.3-4; 7.6). In verses 9-10: The time to act is now, a saying that recalls 9.4-5 (compare 8.12; 12.35-35). In verses 11-15: Our friend has the sense of one loved (see 11.3, 5, 36; compare 15.13,14, 15). Fallen asleep, an early euphemism for death. In verse 16: Thomas asks questions or expresses doubts that reveal the ignorance of the disciples (14.5) or bring about assurances from Jesus, as in the resurrection scene (20.24-29). He was also one of the seven disciples met by the risen Jesus on the seashore (21.2). Comments or Questions..