37-01

Mary

Jesus’ mother was also named Mary. This was a different woman.

This sickness will not end with Lazarus dying

Jesus’ disciples probably thought this meant that Lazarus would not die. But Jesus knew that, although Lazarus would die from his sickness, he would become alive again.

37-02

but he waited where he was for two days

Jesus stayed where he was for two days, even though they wanted him to go and heal Lazarus. He was waiting for Lazarus to die.

Judea

This refers to the southern section of Israel, which was settled by the tribe of Judah.

has fallen asleep, and I must wake him

When Jesus spoke about sleeping, he was talking about death. However, the disciples did not understand that yet.

37-03

he will get better

The disciples thought there was no reason for them to go to Lazarus now, since he was getting well.

I am glad

This did not mean he was happy that Lazarus died, but rather that he was happy that God was going to show how great he is.

37-04

Martha

Martha was the sister of Lazarus and Mary (See: 37:01).

my brother would not have died

Martha believed that Jesus could have prevented her brother from dying.

37-05

I am the Resurrection and the Life

This is one of several very powerful I am statements in which Jesus says something about his essential nature. In this one, Jesus indicates that he is the provider or source of resurrection and life.

will never die

That means they will live forever, even if they die for a short time.

37-06

Mary

This was the same woman as in 37:01, not the mother of Jesus.

fell at the feet of Jesus

Mary knelt down at Jesus’ feet as a sign of respect.

my brother would not have died

Like Martha in 37:04, Mary also believed that Jesus could have kept her brother from dying.

37-07

he told them

He was probably not telling Mary and Martha to roll the large stone away. He was speaking to the men who were with them.

Martha

Martha was the sister of Lazarus and Mary (See: 37:01).

37-08

Did I not tell you

This could mean Remember that I told you. Jesus is not asking this question in order to get an answer, so some languages should translate this as a command.

see God’s power

This could mean see the power of God displayed or see God show how powerful he is.

rolled the stone away

Some languages should say: “rolled the stone away from the opening of the tomb.”

37-10

grave clothes

This refers to the strips of cloth that the Jews wrapped around dead bodies before they buried them.

37-11

envied

The religious leaders were jealous that the people were listening to Jesus instead of listening to them.