The Gospel of John

This passage takes place during the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah) in Jerusalem. Jesus is questioned by the Jews about His identity as the Messiah. He responds by referring to His works and His relationship with the Father. He declares that He and the Father are one, which leads to an attempt to stone Him for blasphemy. Jesus defends His claim by referencing Psalm 82:6 and then retreats across the Jordan, where many believe in Him.
Key words and their Greek meanings:
1. "Feast of Dedication" (ἐγκαίνια, egkainia) - v.22 renewal, dedication. *Only occurrence in the New Testament
2. "Messiah" (Χριστός, Christos) - v. Anointed One. *Used throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels and Acts
3. "Works" (ἔργα, erga) - v.25, 32, 37, 38 deeds, actions. *John uses this word frequently to refer to Jesus' miracles (e.g., John 5:36, 7:3, 9:3)
4. "Eternal life" (ζωὴν αἰώνιον, zōēn aiōnion) - v.28 life of the age to come, everlasting life. *Used in key passages like John 3:16, 5:24; 1 John 5:11
5. "Blasphemy" (βλασφημία, blasphēmia) - v.33 slander, speech injurious to another's good name. *Used in similar contexts in Matthew 26:65, Mark 14:64
6. "Believe" (ἐπίστευσαν, episteusan) - v.42 to have faith, trust. (throughout the Gospel of John. e.g., John 3:16, 6:29, 20:31)

John Chapter 11 recounts one of Jesus' most profound miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It not only demonstrates Jesus’ authority over life and death but also emphasizes the themes of faith, divine timing, and the glory of God revealed through suffering. There are several significant keywords in this chapter. Note the context of their usage elsewhere in Scripture - and apply that understanding as you read this chapter.

Death (θάνατος - thanatos) - "death" Here, the term "death" is significant as it represents both physical death and spiritual separation. Lazarus' physical death illustrates the fallen condition of humanity, which is a result of sin (Romans 5:12). This theme of death is also echoed in Genesis 2:17, where God warns Adam that disobedience leads to death, establishing a framework for understanding the necessity of redemption.
Believe (πιστεύω - pisteuō) - "to have faith" The call to believe appears repeatedly as Jesus emphasizes faith as a means to witness God's power and glory. In verse 25, He states, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live." The concept of believing connects to passages like Romans 10:9 and Ephesians 2:8-9, where faith is central to salvation—a foundational truth from Scripture, wherein salvation is by grace alone through faith alone.
Glory (δόξα - doxa) - "glory, honor, praise" The term "glory" as it pertains to God is pivotal in this chapter. Jesus indicates that Lazarus' illness and subsequent death serve "the glory of God" (John 11:4). The glory of God reveals His divine attributes and power. This echoes Isaiah 43:7, where God declares He has created His people for His glory, reinforcing the biblical mandate to live for the honor of God in all aspects of life.
Life (ζωή - zōē) - "life, vitality" Jesus proclaims, "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25). "Life" is more than mere biological existence; it encompasses eternal life, a key teaching of Jesus’ ministry (John 10:10). Eternal life is a present reality for believers, rooted in their union with Christ (Romans 6:23).
Resurrection (ἀνάστασις - anastasis) - "a raising up, resurrection" “Resurrection" is at the core of Christian hope. In John 11:23, Jesus assures Martha that her brother will rise again. This promise anticipates not only Lazarus’ physical resurrection but also the ultimate resurrection of believers, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:14. The end-times significance of resurrection underscores the understanding of "already and not yet," where we (followers of Christ) experience the reality of our resurrection life now through faith, yet we await its full manifestation.

John Chapter 11 brings us to a deeper understanding of the reality of sin (death), the necessity of faith (belief), the revelation of God's glory, the offer of eternal life, and the promise of resurrection. Each of these key terms are important in our understanding of Jesus' ministry as He reveals the nature and character of God, particularly in the contexts of suffering and divine purpose. As we meditate what we read here, remember that God’s sovereign plan covers even the most challenging circumstances, and faith in Christ brings assurance that death is not the end but our transition to eternal life.

47 Therefore the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Sanhedrin together, and were saying, “What are we doing? For this man is doing many signs.

12 On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,