So when Jesus came, he found that he had been in the tomb four days already.
John 11:17–31
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Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 18. About fifteen furlongs. About two Italian miles. Witham.
15 stadia is about 2.8 kilometers or 1.7 miles
Many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their brother.
Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house.
Therefore Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you would have been here, my brother wouldn’t have died.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 21. If thou hast been here. These words shew that the faith of the two sisters was but weak; as if the Son of God was not everywhere: or as if he could not restore him to life when dead and buried. Witham.—Martha believed in Christ, but not as she ought to have done. She did not yet believe him to be God, but addresses him as one who is remarkable for virtue, and approved of by heaven. Saint John Chrysostom hom. 61 in Joan.
Even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.”
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 23. Thy brother shall rise again. Martha took notice that Christ did not express, whether immediately, or at the general resurrection, which she and the Jews generally believed. Witham.
Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 25. I am the resurrection, and the life. That is, the author of both. Witham.—I am the resurrection, I am he who will at the last day raise him up; I can, therefore, if I will, raise him up now also. Saint Augustine
Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 27. Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. Martha breaks out into an act of perfect faith. See Calmet. 1 verse 49. Witham.
When she had said this, she went away and called Mary, her sister, secretly, saying, “The Teacher is here and is calling you.”
When she heard this, she arose quickly and went to him.
Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met him.
Then the Jews who were with her in the house and were consoling her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 31. It was customary to visit, occasionally, the sepulchres, there to weep over the deceased. V.