Joh 11:17 | KingComments | STEP | Not only did Lazarus die, but he has also already been in the tomb four days. John mentions this because this fact makes the sign of the resurrection of Lazarus even more impressive. With many signs additional information is given in order to be completely convincing. For example, we read about wine that is missing at a wedding , about food that is needed for more than five thousand people , about the lame one who has been ill for thirty-eight years , about a blind man who has been blind from birth . The location of the village is mentioned as “near Jerusalem”. Bethany lies on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. God arranges all this because He wants to give a testimony of His Son in this area. The family of Bethany will have had many acquaintances in Jerusalem. As God-fearing Jews, they will also have often been in the temple and met many others there. Many have come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. Because of this many are present to witness the testimony that God is going to give of His Son. Grieving over a deceased person is a natural reaction and appropriate for that circumstance ( ; cf. ). This reaction is different for believers than for unbelievers because unbelievers have no hope, while believers do ( ).

‏ John 11:17

The Lord Comes to Bethany

Not only did Lazarus die, but he has also already been in the tomb four days. John mentions this because this fact makes the sign of the resurrection of Lazarus even more impressive. With many signs additional information is given in order to be completely convincing. For example, we read about wine that is missing at a wedding, about food that is needed for more than five thousand people, about the lame one who has been ill for thirty-eight years, about a blind man who has been blind from birth.

The location of the village is mentioned as “near Jerusalem”. Bethany lies on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. God arranges all this because He wants to give a testimony of His Son in this area. The family of Bethany will have had many acquaintances in Jerusalem. As God-fearing Jews, they will also have often been in the temple and met many others there. Many have come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. Because of this many are present to witness the testimony that God is going to give of His Son.

Grieving over a deceased person is a natural reaction and appropriate for that circumstance (Acts 8:2 ; Acts 9:39; cf. 2Chr 21:20). This reaction is different for believers than for unbelievers because unbelievers have no hope, while believers do (1Thes 4:13-14).