I suggested last time that John 11 is the hinge upon which John's gospel turns. It brings to a conclusion Jesus public teaching, and it foreshadows his own resurrection. In the raising of Lazarus, Jesus demonstrates that the promise to Ezekiel of the raising of the dry bones has come at last. God is going to do all that he promised to do at the end of history, now, in the middle of history.
The raising of Lazarus, then, reveals the glory of Christ, in the same way that the transfiguration reveals his glory in the other gospels.
And we saw that the "prophet" who explained the meaning of this was none other than Caiaphas – the unbelieving high priest. (11:49-52)
Caiaphas was right. Indeed it was better that Jesus should die for the nation! But not only for the Jews! John points out that Jesus will die so that he might "gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad."
Jesus left Judea for a time, and stayed in Ephraim, but now the Passover is at hand. His time is drawing nigh. And the Jews were looking for him. They wondered whether he would dare to come this year!
As we'll see in this passage everyone is looking for Jesus! Either they are looking for him – to arrest him – or they are looking for him – to follow him.
But everyone is going to have to decide what to do with Jesus!
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