John 11 in the King James Version (KJV) is a powerful chapter of the Bible that recounts one of Jesus Christ’s most profound miracles: the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This chapter not only demonstrates Jesus’ divine power over death but also reveals deep truths about faith, grief, and the glory of God. Let’s delve into the narrative of John 11 Kjv and explore its timeless message.
Lazarus is Sick and Jesus is Told (John 11:1-16 KJV)
The story begins in Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. Lazarus falls gravely ill. His sisters, knowing Jesus’ love for Lazarus and his power to heal, send word to him, stating, “Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick” (John 11:3 KJV). They trust in Jesus’ compassion and ability to intervene.
Upon hearing the news, Jesus declares, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4 KJV). This statement sets the stage for a miracle that will not only heal Lazarus but also reveal Jesus’ divine nature to a greater extent. Despite his love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Jesus delays his departure for Bethany. John 11:5 KJV notes, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.”
After two days, Jesus announces to his disciples his intention to return to Judaea, where Bethany is located. The disciples are apprehensive, reminding Jesus of the recent attempts by the Jews to stone him. They question his wisdom in returning to such a dangerous place. Jesus responds with a metaphor about light and darkness, stating, “If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world” (John 11:9 KJV), implying that he is walking in God’s light and is protected.
Jesus then clarifies that Lazarus is not merely sleeping but is dead, saying, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him” (John 11:14-15 KJV). Thomas, known as Didymus, expresses his devotion, albeit with a hint of despair, urging the other disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16 KJV).
Jesus Arrives in Bethany and Meets Martha (John 11:17-27 KJV)
When Jesus finally arrives in Bethany, he finds that Lazarus has been in the grave for four days. Many Jews from Jerusalem had come to comfort Martha and Mary in their bereavement. Martha, upon hearing that Jesus is approaching, goes to meet him, while Mary remains at home.
Martha expresses her faith and sorrow to Jesus, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (John 11:21 KJV). Yet, she also acknowledges her belief in his power, adding, “But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee” (John 11:22 KJV).
Jesus offers Martha comfort and a profound declaration, “Thy brother shall rise again” (John 11:23 KJV). Martha responds with her understanding of the future resurrection, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (John 11:24 KJV).
Jesus then makes the pivotal statement of John 11 KJV: “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25-26 KJV). This powerful affirmation reveals Jesus as the source of eternal life, transcending physical death. Martha responds with a strong declaration of faith, “Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” (John 11:27 KJV).
Jesus Meets Mary and Goes to the Tomb (John 11:28-37 KJV)
After speaking with Martha, she calls her sister Mary secretly, telling her, “The Master is come, and calleth for thee” (John 11:28 KJV). Mary, upon hearing this, quickly goes to Jesus. The Jews who were comforting Mary follow her, assuming she is going to the grave to weep.
When Mary reaches Jesus, she falls at his feet and repeats Martha’s earlier words, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died” (John 11:32 KJV). Seeing Mary weeping and the Jews weeping with her, Jesus is deeply moved. John 11:33 KJV describes, “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.”
In his sorrow and compassion, Jesus asks, “Where have ye laid him?” (John 11:34 KJV). They lead him to the grave, which was a cave with a stone laid upon it. The poignant verse, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35 KJV), reveals Jesus’ deep empathy and humanity in the face of death and grief. The Jews observe his emotion, remarking, “Behold how he loved him!” (John 11:36 KJV). However, some question his power, wondering, “Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” (John 11:37 KJV).
The Resurrection of Lazarus (John 11:38-44 KJV)
Still deeply moved, Jesus arrives at the tomb. He instructs, “Take ye away the stone” (John 11:39 KJV). Martha objects, reminding Jesus that Lazarus has been dead for four days and decomposition would have begun, “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days” (John 11:39 KJV).
Jesus gently reminds Martha of his promise, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 KJV). They remove the stone. Jesus then looks up to heaven and prays, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 11:41-42 KJV).
With a loud voice, Jesus commands, “Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43 KJV). In an astonishing display of divine power, “And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin” (John 11:44 KJV). Jesus then instructs, “Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:44 KJV). Lazarus is resurrected, brought back to life by the word of Jesus Christ.
Reactions and Aftermath (John 11:45-57 KJV)
The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection has a profound impact. John 11:45 KJV states, “Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.” However, not all react with faith. Some go to the Pharisees and report what Jesus had done.
The chief priests and Pharisees, fearing the growing influence of Jesus and its potential political repercussions, convene a council. They express their concern, “What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation” (John 11:47-48 KJV).
Caiaphas, the high priest, proposes a pragmatic yet sinister solution, prophesying, “it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not” (John 11:50 KJV). Unwittingly, Caiaphas prophesies Jesus’ sacrificial death for the salvation of not only the Jewish nation but all of God’s children.
From that day forward, the religious leaders plot to put Jesus to death. Jesus, aware of the escalating danger, withdraws from public ministry and goes to Ephraim with his disciples. The chapter concludes with the approach of the Jewish Passover and the anticipation surrounding Jesus’ presence at the feast, as the chief priests and Pharisees had given a commandment to arrest him.
Conclusion
John 11 KJV culminates in the magnificent miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, a pivotal event that underscores Jesus’ identity as the resurrection and the life. This chapter is rich in theological significance, highlighting themes of faith, divine power, human emotion, and the foreshadowing of Jesus’ own death and resurrection. The narrative in John 11 KJV powerfully illustrates that belief in Jesus Christ offers hope and eternal life, even in the face of death. The story of Lazarus continues to resonate, offering comfort and strengthening faith for readers of the King James Version and beyond.
