1. The Lord had been praying about this matter before He came to the grave: "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me."Notice that past tense. Perhaps He had done so when He first received the news of Lazarus' sickness. He had prayed and had received the assurance that His prayer was answered. When He started back across the Jordan, it was with the full assurance that Lazarus would be raised to life.
2. He was conscious, also, of a life of unceasing prayer. There was unbroken and constant co-operation between Him and the Father. He always did the things that pleased God and God was always answering Him. This, also, might be our constant experience.
3. Christ made this prayer that those who stood around, as they saw the effect of prayer, should understand that prayer alone can work great miracles, which become the credentials of Christ, and of all who love and obey Him. His people similarity can do great miracles, as missionaries, Christian workers, and philanthropists. [source]
Chapter Summary: John 11
1Jesus raises Lazarus, four days buried 45Many Jews believe 47The high priests and Pharisees gather a council against Jesus 49Caiaphas prophesies 54Jesus hides himself 55At the Passover they enquire after him, and lay wait for him
Greek Commentary for John 11:36
Loved [επιλει] As in John 11:3 which see. Imperfect active. Even the Jews saw that Jesus loved Lazarus. [source]
John 11:42The people [τὸν ὄχλον] In view of the distinction which John habitually makes between the Jews and the multitude, the use of the latter term here is noticeable, since Jews occurs at John 11:19,John 11:31,John 11:36. It would seem to indicate that a miscellaneous crowd had gathered. Rev., the multitude. See on John 1:19. [source]
Greek Commentary for John 11:36
As in John 11:3 which see. Imperfect active. Even the Jews saw that Jesus loved Lazarus. [source]
Not the word in John 11:5. See on John 5:20, and compare John 20:2. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 11:36
In view of the distinction which John habitually makes between the Jews and the multitude, the use of the latter term here is noticeable, since Jews occurs at John 11:19, John 11:31, John 11:36. It would seem to indicate that a miscellaneous crowd had gathered. Rev., the multitude. See on John 1:19. [source]