ISB ~ John 11 v1 - 44

The raising of Lazarus is the sixth of seven “signs” that Jesus performs in John (12:18), giving emphatic support to his claim to give “life” (5:25-29; 6:40). There is a dark side to the episode as well, as it provokes Jewish opposition that will precipitate Jesus’ death (11:45-53). Similar miracles are recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, such as the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mk 5:21-43) and the raising of the widow’s son from Nain (Lk 7:11-17) (CCC 994). See word study:Signs at Jn 2.

• Precedent for raising the dead was set by the prophets Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:32-37).