21 Days in the Book of JohnSample

The miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead is only written about in the book of John.

Here are a few things I’d like to point out about Chapter 11:

1. In Jewish custom, burials generally occurred the day someone died. The mourning began immediately and lasted for 1 month, though it was divided into 3 periods. Days 1-3 were intense and often involved hiring professional mourners. The family would wear special clothing and remain secluded from the rest of the people. Days 3-7 would be less intense, and friends would be able to come give their condolences. After day 7 they would still be in mourning but could return to their duties.
2. Remember “doubting Thomas”? Here he doubted Jesus’ ability to keep them safe when he proclaimed he would go with Jesus even if it meant death.
3. Traditionally the Jews believed a person’s soul hovered over their body for 4 days before it finally departed. During this time, it was possible for resuscitation to occur. This is why Jesus waited until that period had passed as He wanted the people to have no doubt a miracle had just occurred. This amazing miracle should have changed the hearts of the Pharisees, but it only made them angrier. It now became their public policy to find Jesus and put Him to death.