John 11:18
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
John 11:18 (KJV)
Context
John 11 recounts the miraculous resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus. This chapter highlights Jesus’ power over death and serves as a precursor to His own resurrection. Prior to Lazarus’ resurrection, he had fallen ill and passed away. Jesus arrives in Bethany, the town where Lazarus lived, after Lazarus had been dead for four days. This verse sets the geographical context for the events that follow.
Bethany was a village located near Jerusalem, around two miles away (fifteen furlongs), as mentioned in the verse. A furlong (stadion) was about 600 feet, so fifteen furlongs was nearly two miles (approximately 1.8 miles or 2.8 kilometers). It was a place where Jesus was well-known and had friends, including Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus had visited Bethany on previous occasions, and it is significant that this was the place where He performed one of His most remarkable miracles.
The verse mentions that Bethany was close to Jerusalem. This geographical detail is important because it sets the stage for the events that take place. Jerusalem was the centre of religious and political authority, and the presence of Jesus and the unfolding of miraculous events in nearby Bethany would not go unnoticed. The proximity also explains why many Jews from Jerusalem came to comfort Mary and Martha after Lazarus’s death (John 11:19), and it made it easy for news of Jesus’s presence and the subsequent miracle to reach the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem.
Bethany lay directly east of Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. The nearness of Bethany to Jerusalem underscores the public nature of the miracle and the heightened risk Jesus took in going there. The miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection occurred within easy walking distance of the religious authorities who would soon plot Jesus’s death (John 11:45-53).
The proximity of Bethany to Jerusalem also foreshadows Jesus’ own journey to Jerusalem, where He would face His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. Bethany serves as a launching point for Jesus’ final days on Earth and highlights the significance of His mission and the eternal life He offers.
Application
Importance of proximity: Like Bethany’s proximity to Jerusalem, we should strive to be close to God and His presence. Drawing near to Him through prayer, reading His Word, and seeking fellowship with other believers is crucial for our spiritual growth and experiencing His power and miracles in our lives.
Hope in the face of death: The story of Lazarus’ resurrection is a reminder of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, He offers us the assurance of eternal life through faith in Him. When faced with the reality of death, we can trust in Jesus, who conquered death, and find comfort and hope in Him.
Preparation for our final destination: Bethany’s close proximity to Jerusalem reminds us of our ultimate destination as believers. Just as Jesus set His face towards Jerusalem, we should set our hearts and minds on our heavenly home. We should live with the awareness that our time on Earth is temporary and strive to live in a way that brings glory to God and points others to Him.
John 11:18 sets the stage for the resurrection of Lazarus, emphasising the geographical context and highlighting the significance of Bethany’s proximity to Jerusalem. It reminds us of the importance of drawing near to God, the hope we have in Jesus’ victory over death, and the need to live with an eternal perspective.
