John 11:18

"So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already."

Key Reflection

This statement highlights the extent of Lazarus's death and emphasizes Jesus' divine power to bring about resurrection, underscoring the theme of life over death central to Jesus' ministry. It sets up the dramatic scene for Jesus to perform a public miracle, affirming his authority as the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25).

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. Nigh unto Jerusalem. This is added to show that it was easy for many of the Jews to come to the place. The news that Jesus was there, and the account of the miracle, would also be easily carried to the Sanhedrim. Fifteen furlongs. Nearly two miles. It was directly east from Jerusalem. Dr. Thompson (The Land and the Book, vol. 2. p. 599) says of Bethany: "It took half an hour to walk over Olivet to Bethany this morning, and the distance from the city, therefore, must be about two miles.

More from John 11

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