John 11:1-16 – Jesus’ Inner Circle
(Nameun Cho)
John 11:1-16 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
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The last two days, we’ve been exploring what it looks like to grow in intimacy with Jesus. In today’s passage, Jesus displays a rare instance in which he discloses who he personally is relationally close to. The family of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus is one whom Jesus has a special friendship. He’s often found enjoying the benefits of their hospitality in the comforts of their home. Of the seven signs Jesus performs in the gospel of John, this is the last one and only miracle in which Jesus is relationally tied to those involved. We don’t know who the wedded couple was at Cana (2:1-11), we’re not told the names of the official, his son (4:46-54), the paralyzed man at Bethesda (5:1-15), the boy who shared his lunch (6:5-13), or the man born blind (9:1-7). But for the purposes of this last miracle, John paints a picture of what was at stake- not only for Mary and Martha- but for Jesus himself.
Messengers carry word to Jesus letting him know that Lazarus, “his friend whom he loves,” is in grave danger. Everything Jesus does from this point on in the narrative is to convey his unique love for this family. While it would seem more fitting to respond in haste towards the situation, Jesus opts for the “more loving thing” (according to John) by waiting to meet them for two more days. With a broader perspective, we know that this was for the purposes of unveiling the power of resurrection to his dear friends. Healings they’ve seen before, but Jesus was wanting to save the privilege of witnessing the miracle of life from death for those whom he loves.
And to cement his affinity for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jesus risks his own life to tend to his friends in Judea. Having just narrowly escaped a stoning for his controversial statements, Jesus wants to lead his disciples back into the jaws of persecution. An alternative means of avoiding this potential danger would be to try and enter into the city under the cover of night. But Jesus’ response is vv. 9-10 is most peculiar. He actually denounces those who “walk in darkness,” connoting that those who “walk in the day” are better off. Jesus did not have in mind the best paths towards getting back into Jerusalem unscathed – quite the opposite. Those who “walk in the day” are those who obediently follow God; they “do not stumble” because they “see the light of the world.” Jesus doesn’t wish to meet Mary and Martha undetected, but is fully aware that his return to see them would actually serve as a procession to his own death. Out of his love for his friends, Jesus is willing to start the countdown for the “hour that is to come” of his inevitable crucifixion.
We are made friends, co-heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, and adopted sons and daughters of the living God through the obedience of Jesus willingly walking towards death on our behalf. Jesus knows us deeply and intimately. He knows what is best for us, even if we can’t see the rhyme or reason for it at the time. And he encompasses all of this knowledge in the ultimate affirmation of love for us: dying the death we should have died and giving us the fullness of life only he deserved. Be followers of Christ knowing that he is the only one worth of our trust. Deepen your affection for him knowing that there is no depth he has not or did not already go for you.
Weekly Prayer Focus: Outreach to Neighbors
Daily Prayer Request: “Other churches in the Greenfield area.” We have found partnerships with Steel City Church and Church at Mon River (both Baptist Churches.) Pray that God would bless their ministry and that the Spirit would work great fruitfulness on their midst. St. Rosalia’s parish (RCC) has been one of the historic spiritual cornerstones of the community, but their attendance and vitality have been reduced in recent years.