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John 11:1-12:3 – Chiasm
John 11:1-12:3 – When seeing the chiastic structure of the resurrection of Lazarus we learn something surprising: the center is not the dramatic action scene of the resurrection of Lazarus; nor is it the emotionally dramatic scene of Jesus weeping. The center is not on what Jesus does; but on who Jesus is. The center is the confession of Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life.
A – MARY ANOINTED JESUS (11:1-2) – This doesn’t happen until the next chapter so is using it as an inclusio to the story of Lazarus. In some ways, this is Mary’s story as more than Lazarus’ or even Martha’s.
B – MESSAGE SENT TO JESUS (11:3-16) – B and B’ include messages; discussion of the death of one man (Lazarus and Jesus; walking; threats about Jesus’ life.
C – LAZARUS DEAD 4 DAYS (11:17-19) – C and C’ include statements of how long Lazarus was dead; and the comforting of the Jews. C’ completes C by showing Lazarus’ resurrection.
D – MARTHA COMES TO JESUS (11:20-24) – D and D’ contain the identical statements of faith and dismay.
E – MARTHA BELIEVES IN JESUS (11:22-27)
F – JESUS’ “I AM” STATEMENT (11:25a) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.
E’ – MARTHA BELIEVES IN JESUS (11:25b-27)
D’ – MARY COMES TO JESUS (11:28-32)
C’ – LAZARUS RESURRECTED AFTER 4 DAYS – (11:33-45)
B’ – MESSAGE SENT ABOUT JESUS (11:46-57)
A’ – MARY ANOINTS JESUS (12:1-3)
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