The raising of Lazarus is a remarkable story, and not only because of the event it records; the Johannine author's ability at weaving this lengthy story together is a wonder in itself. The story works on so many levels at once that any reader can look forward to exploring this text again and again in search of buried treasure.

John perches the story of Lazarus' resurrection at the pinnacle of Jesus' miracles or signs. The first 12 chapters of John's gospel are referred to as the "Book of Signs." Within this book, the Lazarus miracle stands as the seventh and greatest of Jesus' wonderworks. In John's gospel, there are no other resurrection miracles except for this one - a fact that increases the singular status John accords this story.

Furthermore, this author has tucked into the story all …