Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 11

At this point Lazarus is introduced, though Mary and Martha are mentioned in Luke (10:38–42). Apparently Jesus was frequently a guest in their home when he visited Jerusalem (cf. Mark 11:11). Of Lazarus, however, nothing is known apart from John. The identification of Mary by the action recorded later in this gospel (12:1–10) is unusual, unless the author presupposed some knowledge of her action on the reader’s part. John mentions it in order to identify Lazarus and to indicate Jesus’ relations with the family.

At this point Lazarus is introduced, though Mary and Martha are mentioned in Luke (10:38–42). Apparently Jesus was frequently a guest in their home when he visited Jerusalem (cf. Mark 11:11). Of Lazarus, however, nothing is known apart from John. The identification of Mary by the action recorded later in this gospel (12:1–10) is unusual, unless the author presupposed some knowledge of her action on the reader’s part. John mentions it in order to identify Lazarus and to indicate Jesus’ relations with the family.

Knowing Jesus’ interest in them and the power of God to heal the sick, the sisters sent for him when Lazarus became ill. The malady must have been serious, for they were sufficiently alarmed to call Jesus back to the area where a price had been set on his head. The appeal was on the basis of love, and they felt confident that he would be prompt.

Jesus’ reaction was optimistic and purposeful. He gave assurance to the disciples that Lazarus’s illness would not terminate in death, and stated that Lazarus’s illness would be an important aspect of his own glorification. Having said that, he deliberately stayed in Perea two more days. His action may have appeared to the disciples, and almost certainly to the sisters, as unfeeling and selfish. Since he had the power to heal Lazarus, why should he not reply instantly (cf. Lk 7:11-16; 8:41–42, 49-56)? Perhaps the disciples were not particularly puzzled, for their subsequent remarks indicated that they were well aware of the danger that threatened him in Jerusalem.

Jesus’ reaction was optimistic and purposeful. He gave assurance to the disciples that Lazarus’s illness would not terminate in death, and stated that Lazarus’s illness would be an important aspect of his own glorification. Having said that, he deliberately stayed in Perea two more days. His action may have appeared to the disciples, and almost certainly to the sisters, as unfeeling and selfish. Since he had the power to heal Lazarus, why should he not reply instantly (cf. Lk 7:11-16; 8:41–42, 49-56)? Perhaps the disciples were not particularly puzzled, for their subsequent remarks indicated that they were well aware of the danger that threatened him in Jerusalem.