John 11: 17-27, In Bethany

Jesus, aware that Lazarus is sick, has journeyed to Bethany, outside Jerusalem.

John 11: 17, In the tomb

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 

Jesus had deliberately delayed his trip for several days, apparently so that his power here would be clear.

John 11: 18-24, In Bethany

Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 

19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 

20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 

22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Martha's response demonstrates a common Jewish belief -- "Yes, in the Last Day the dead will be resurrected." It is a statement of faith, but also a statement of grief and acceptance of her brother's death.

John 11: 25-27, The resurrections and the life

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 

26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Although "the resurrection and the life" has become a Christian phrase, one should ask here what it really means.  Both seem to be singular -- the resurrection is a future event.  To the Jews it would have been viewed as a very physical event, the revival and renewal the physical body.  As to "the life" -- are we talking about "the eternal life" or "the only life worth living?"  Jesus elaborates on this a little and Martha gives a clear affirmation of her commitment to this.

In the next passage, Jesus demonstrates his power over the resurrection.