Reading for March 6th

 Read John 11.17-44. In 11.17-27: Jesus and Martha. In verse 17: Jewish custom was to bury on the same day as death. After three days death was believed to be final. In verse 19: Many of the Jews, not the Jewish leaders (compare 11.31, 45 and 8.31). Jewish mourning practices were elaborate. In verse 20: Except for visiting the tomb, a family in mourning did not leave home during the first week. Martha must have left the house undetected (see. 11.31). In verse 21: If you had been here (see 11.4-7, 11-15, 21, 32, 37), Lazarus' death could have been avoided. It had a place in in God's purpose (see 11.14-15). In verses 22-27: Many Jews believed in a resurrection (and judgment) on the last day (5.27-29; 6.39, 44, 54; compare Dan 12.2). The "I am" saying affirms that resurrection and life overlap for the believer. For coming into the world, see 1.9-10; 3.19; 17.18; 18.37. In verses 28-37: Mary and Jesus. In verse 31: The Jews followed Mary because and became the audience for the meeting of Jesus with Mary. In verse 32: Knelt, expressing petition. In verses 33-36: Jesus' deep emotional response balances his earlier detachment (11.6-7, 14-15). In verses 38-44: Jesus and Lazarus. Cave tombs with rolling stone seals were common at this time (compare 20.1). In verses 41-44: Address to God as Father characterizes the prayer of ch. 17 (vv. 1, 5, 11, 21, 24, 25). On binding and wrapping the body, see 20.6-7. Comments or Questions..