In John’s gospel, readers were told that when Lazarus of Bethany was on his deathbed, Martha and Mary sent Jesus an urgent message alerting Him that they urgently needed His assistance. However, Jesus stayed where He was for two more days (11:6).
The name Lazarus is synonymous with the Hebrew, “Eliezer.” It means “my God is help.” Bethany in Hebrew means, “house of the poor,” which may cause us to think that the area where the family lived was dedicated to the ministry of mercy in the Judean region that Josephus refers to in Jewish Wars (2.124). The irony here is significant.
Jesus was at least one day’s journey away from Bethany (10:40). By the time the message reached him, Lazarus had already died (11:11). Jesus waited for two additional days, timing His arrival to take place exactly on the fourth day after Lazarus’ death (11:17). But why?
The answer may lie in a Jewish tradition that can be traced back to the time of Jesus. The soul of a deceased person was believed to linger behind, hovering over the dead body for three days, desperately trying to get back inside the body.
“Berei and R. Pappi, R. Joshua of Sikhnin in the name of R. Levi: ‘For the first three days after death the soul floats above the body, thinking that it will return to the body. When the soul sees the body, that the appearance of the face has changed, it leaves the body and goes its way.'” (Jerusalem Talmud, Yebamot 16:3)
When Jesus arrived, He declared: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies…” (11:25). Being deeply moved by the sorrow of His fellow Jews over the death of Lazarus, He resurrected him from the dead at exactly the time He had planned to do so all along (11:36-38).
Why was Jesus late? He was late to show that resurrection is not something that He does; resurrection is something that He is!
He is never late, He is always there right on time! 10.12.17. Detaching spirits/souls lingers for plus/minus 3 days *depending* on how earth bound the spirit is. Even the Jewish Jesus, possessing Divine Power, could only *lawfully recall* a spirit back into its body provided the spirit hasn't *completely* severed itself from its body with which it wishes to continue to communicate, which can even take months. Why was no Jewish tradition considered by Jesus in other instances? Who Is, and where is The Spirit of Truth promised by The Jewish Jesus Christ Himself in John 16:13, Who will surely lead us into *all* Truth?! "Seek and he shall find!" Jesus Chuck, admittedly I am not as smart as I may look to some. What are you trying to say? Do you care to rephrase? We are glad that you are finding our articles enlightening. You’ve already started your path into Scripture, but there’s so much more that awaits you! Consider enrolling in our immersive online courses: Jewish Insights Into Scripture I or The Jewish Gospel of John I: The Arrival of the King. We guarantee that they will deepen your understanding of Scripture and enrich your faith experience.
Hi I was meant understand biblicajy that the dead know nothing for their love and hatred is peished. And King Solomon said plaiely that the dead know not anything. And John quoted jesus saying time Is coming when the dead shall hear that voice of Christ and shall resurrect unto life eternal and some to condemnation. The question now is what is going to be resurrected when some soul are departed leaving the body to rot in the ground. The boy consists of three things. Ie Body. = The ability to use 5 sences Soul = The intelligence Spirit ability I know Jesus didn't believe that Jewish 3 day Hocus pocus, and resurrected Lazerus on the fourth day to prove it was Hocus as well as to prove he is the resurrection and the life. Chuck Lasekan, you sir are either ignorant or trying to start trouble. There are at least a few instances mentioned in the Bible when someone dies and was brought back to life. This instance as was well explained was to prove the resurrection. Chuck Lasekan What does God mean by soul? in Gen 2 God blew into Adams nostrils the breath of life and man became a breathing soul or creature. We breath we live we stop breathing and we die.. Once dead we need the resurrection when Jesus returns to live. A very powerful portion of Scripture indeed. But when ever I read it, l always ask myself why did Jesus weep? (John 11:35) Excellent explanation of the reason many thanks.
I've put in off long enough. In January when I get paid I will start a basic course. How do I pay.i have no credit card.also can you explain about the length of the course is it by month.thankyou You can register with debit card. See tuition page. Above. I think that possibly Jesus was not grieved so much about the death of his friend, (he was about to have him back alive) but for the false grief that these pharisee's were showing. These same men would be conspiring to kill Lazarus AGAIN in the very next chapter. John 12:10
Funny how no one sees the mystery here. Eliezer represents the son of Aharon and the Priesthood, which in the 1st century was corrupt and about to die (Hebrews 8 I believe). It was allowed to die, but is to be resurrected by Yeshua when he returns as pictured in Ezekiel's Temple. Too little space to explain here- but contemplate it. Good article. Why do you think that there is a connection between Eliezer's death and corruption of the priesthood? I think you can make your point clear in 100 words. :-) The problem with most people is that they fail to see what tge temple if Israel represents, the polluted human body. The 3rd temple of Ezekiel is Christ's glorified body. The body we will take up when we are ressurected. There does not have to be a third temple built for Jesus to return to, he is the 3rd temple. Satan cannot pollute this temple so it cannot be built by hands for him to pollute. I have no doubt satan will build a third temple for him to sit in and set up his worldly kingdom.
I would eagerly join your learning comunity, but it is something beyond my possibilities because my incomes are extremingly short. May the Lord Jeshua bless you while you make His name known. Thank you so much for the kind words. Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including Jewish Insights Into Scripture I and The Jewish Gospel of John I: The Arrival of the King. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
This is beautiful once again I love your teachings! When time is right I believe God will provide funds for me to join & learn more, until then thank you so much for the opportunity to learn in free lessons! I learn the little I can on my own. You are right. He was late because he wanted to demonstrate that regardless how long ago one dies, he will resurrect and the author of it was present. According to Jewish thinking, (some), at that time, no one could bring back to life after 3 days...the body starts to decay and even stinks by the day 4. He wanted to show, just before his Crucifixion, that he Christ was the son of God and was sent by God. Few people, at that time, understood Moses' teaching that some one like him was to be brought up among them to be Yes (especially to the first point), but notice that came only ONE DAY late. Why? I think CS Lewis was right. God never waists human pain. Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including Leviticus and The New Testament and Revelation in a Jewish Context II : Discovery. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Well didn't it say for God's Glory! He wasn't late he showed two lessons he is able to feel our infirmity weep or rejoice with us and nothing is impossible for God it was his plan second point was the reason. I think. Israel Bible Center equips you with the tools you need to enter into the Jewish world of Scripture. We provide first-rate teaching, and the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s top scholars. As a student, you will be able to interact personally with our teaching faculty, and gain access to hundreds of hours of Bible courses, including The Stories of the Jewish Christ: First Century Diversity and The Story of Our Hebrew Fathers: Abraham and Isaac. Become a part of the community of teachers and students at Israel Bible Center today!
Something to think about ? Larzarus is a representative of the Jews that have passed away before the NOEL of Christ. If you don't know the meaning of the word NOEL look it up, Jesus was born 4 thousand years after Adam so in waiting an additional 2 days Christ completed the 4 thousand years that the Jews that were dead were waiting for there Messiah. Remember this is something to think about . Jonny, anything could be thought about. I agree. No harm is done. My current thinking is that Lazarus represents Lazarus :-) Jesus came after five and half days that is 5500
Load more commentsyes. :-) Amen Yes I agree with you, sir, Jesus was not late and is never late. He stated the reason for His "delay,":for the glory of God and to show the glory of the Son of God. (My paraphrase ) Glory to be to the Lord ANOTHER reason YESHUA waited until the 4th day was that there was a Jewish tradition, I believe it may be in the Talmud, that ONLY THE MESSIACH could raise someone from the dead. It was another way for YESHUA TO PROCLAIM HIMSELF THE MESSIAH!
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It's multi-faceted, and I recommend this article: https://reasonsforhopejesus.com/why-did-jesus-weep-jesus-wept/ We ask this question because popular Christian theology overemphasize divinity of Jesus at the expense of his humanity (that's one thing), the second thing is that Jesus was able mourn and connect with people suffering as no one else possibly could. He wept because He knew that even while many who witnessed would become Believers, far more of His People would not. He knew that even as He would rise from the dead, many would continue to refuse to believe into Him. The Jews had every advantage and threw them away. if you continue reading: Jesus was deeply moved. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus. He wept for him because even He was Son of God at that point He understood with His human heart how painfull is to loose for good someone very dear to you. He risen up him to show one more time that is God.
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