John 11:37

John 11:37 captures a moment of human questioning and doubt amidst profound grief, as onlookers ponder Jesus's power in light of Lazarus's death. This verse sets the stage for one of Jesus's most significant miracles, revealing both the limitations of human perception and the boundless nature of divine power.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus's emotional arrival at the tomb of Lazarus and His weeping (John 11:35). The scene is filled with mourners, including Martha and Mary, who had both expressed their belief that Lazarus would not have died if Jesus had been present (John 11:21, John 11:32). The phrase "some of them" refers to a segment of the crowd, a mix of mourners, curious onlookers, and perhaps some skeptics or opponents of Jesus. They recall His previous, undeniable miracles, specifically the healing of the man born blind in John 9, and question why that power wasn't applied to prevent Lazarus's death.

Key Themes

• Human Skepticism and Doubt: Even in the presence of Jesus's undeniable power, some struggled to reconcile the death of Lazarus with His ability to perform miracles. This highlights the ongoing human tendency to doubt or misunderstand God's ways, even when faced with compelling evidence of His power.
• The Nature of Jesus's Power: The question implicitly acknowledges Jesus's divine power demonstrated in past miracles, yet it reveals a limited understanding of the *purpose* and *timing* of His work. It suggests a human desire for immediate intervention, overlooking God's larger, often unseen, plan.
• Preparation for a Greater Miracle: Unbeknownst to these questioners, their doubt and the apparent finality of death set the stage for Jesus's most dramatic public miracle, the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead, which would powerfully affirm His authority over life and death.

Linguistic Insights

The rhetorical question, "Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?" in the Greek (οὐκ ἠδύνατο οὗτος... ποιῆσαι ἵνα καὶ οὗτος μὴ ἀποθάνῃ;) conveys a sense of frustration, wonder, and perhaps a subtle challenge. It underscores the observers' human perspective, struggling to reconcile Jesus's known power with the current dire situation, unaware of the divine purpose unfolding.

Related Scriptures

• The miracle of healing the man born blind is detailed in John 9:1-7.
• Jesus's profound statement, "I am the resurrection, and the life," is found earlier in this chapter in John 11:25.
• The dramatic raising of Lazarus from the dead follows shortly in John 11:43-44.

Practical Application

This verse offers several practical insights for believers today:

• Trusting God's Timing: It reminds us that God's plans and timing often differ from our immediate expectations. What appears to be inaction or a missed opportunity from a human perspective may be part of a greater divine purpose, designed to reveal His glory more profoundly (John 11:4).
• Faith Amidst Doubt: It is natural to have questions and even doubts, especially when facing difficult circumstances or when God's ways seem unclear. However, the narrative encourages us to persist in faith, knowing that God's power is supreme, even over death and seemingly impossible situations.
• Recognizing God's Greater Work: Sometimes, God allows a situation to worsen or reach a point of human despair so that His glory can be revealed in a more dramatic and undeniable way. This challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and trust in God's overarching, perfect plan.