John 11: Up From The Grave He Arose!

I'm noticing a trend here.  Jesus feeds a crowd of 5000 people with a few loaves.  He states: "I am the bread of life."  He boldly declares, "I am the light of the world."  He proceeds to give sight to a man born blind.  In this chapter, Jesus proclaims, "I am the resurrection and the life," and then raises His friend Lazarus from the grave.

Jesus' ministry is one of enactment, of fulfillment, of consummation.  He doesn't come to just bring salvation in theory; He really does it.  He backs up His word with action.

Some things that I really appreciate about this chapter:

• When Jesus gets the news about John's illness, He doesn't hurry off.  He remains unperturbed and takes His time.
• Thomas has a moment to shine.  He often gets the rap for being a "doubting Thomas."  At least here we get a glimpse of his devotion and commitment to Christ.
• Are there hints of accusation in Martha and Mary's greeting?  "If you had been here, my brother would not have died."
• We are reminded that Jesus is fully human - as well as fully God.  He experiences emotions.  With that shortest verse in the Bible (the favorite of Confirmation students everywhere who are required to memorize scripture verses), we hear "He wept."
• I love how vividly the resurrection scene is described.  There's a cave with a stone.  There is the smell of death in the air.  Lazarus comes out still bound and wrapped up.  This would have been one of my favorite miracles to witness.
• "It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish."  Spoken as political strategy by Caiaphas; revealed as spiritual truth in what is about to happen.