Notes on John 11: 32 - 44
Our first thought following our read through was the relevance of verse 34 to the themes in John’s gospel. Here, though, it is Jesus who is invited to “Come and see”, just as he invited disciples in chapter 1. What Jesus is invited to see makes him weep, but what we see is the glory of God (v40). Our second thought was how much easier it would have been for readers if this story had not been included. At first it was difficult to see the necessity of its inclusion. However, after our initial discussion we soon came to the conclusion that this story was most necessary, as it showed Jesus as both divine and human. Add to that the obvious parallels between it and Jesus’ own death and resurrection - there was a lot to discuss.
Although this passage is self-sufficient, a reading from the start of chapter 11 is helpful to understand, in particular, verses 17 – 27. These verses are interesting because we see another side to Martha: for here it is Martha who leaves the house to meet Jesus and Mary, who stays at home. It is Martha who in these verses expresses her faith in Jesus, allowing Jesus the opportunity to reveal his nature – verse 25 “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die will live, and everyone who believes in me will never die.” At verse 39, though, Martha reverts to type by mentioning the stench that is likely to come out of the tomb when it is opened. Does the non-mention of the smell after the opening of the tomb mean that Lazarus is already alive before Jesus speaks?
Our reading begins with Mary’s repeating her sister’s remark about Jesus’ late arrival. Mary’s obvious distress and that of those with her makes Jesus weep. This action shows Jesus’ humanity and solidarity with our sufferings more than any other verse in the gospels. Here we see Jesus the man, weeping for a friend and his family in their bereavement. Jesus’ following action shows Jesus the divine, as he performs an act of God: the raising of Lazarus. In two actions, human and divine, Jesus reveals his identity as both God and man.
Although the raising of Lazarus parallels Jesus’ own crucifixion and resurrection in many ways, it is not the same. Lazarus wakes to real life again, but presumably to die again at some point in the future. (Chapter 12: verse 1 Lazarus is giving a dinner party. Chapter 12 verse 10 the chief priests wish to kill Lazarus). Jesus’ resurrection is not to life on earth but life in the Spirit which can reach all people (Verse 25).
We did briefly wonder how it is that those who had watched the raising of Lazarus did not understand when Jesus was resurrected. But it soon became obvious to us that the nature of Jesus’ resurrection was completely different to this event. Jesus did not rise to live and die again. This is evidenced by several differences - unlike Lazarus, who came from the tomb bound in his grave cloths, Jesus was freed from the trappings of burial. Unlike Lazarus, the risen Jesus is no longer restricted by earthly limitations: he can pass through locked doors. Jesus rose and is experienced now in Spirit. We thought that it is the difference that the Holy Spirit makes that readers are expected to understand in this story.
One of us had a translation which added an extra word to the end of verse 44. In most versions the last verse reads: “Jesus said to them ‘Unbind him and let him go.’” In one version this reads: “Jesus said to them ‘Unbind him and let him go free’”. The addition of this one word makes a significant difference to one’s interpretation and understanding of this passage. We felt that, with this inclusion, the passage lent itself to a message about being in sin, dead in sin; bound in sin and the releasing power of Jesus’ words and voice for those in this situation. However, these sorts of sermons are long gone; but it might be interesting to give it a go.
The raising of
Lazarus is a sign, one of the many which John includes in his gospel, which
points to who Jesus is. The clue is in a verse not included in the lectionary
(verse 26). It is about belief. This sign occurs as Jesus is on his way to
John’s gospel is used in funeral services, but how appropriate is it for families who do not hold the faith?
Ps
What would we preach on?
Come and see
Wait and pray – the passage speaking to in our bereavement or sadness.