John 11:41

Stone. See on v. 38.

From the place. Textual evidence favors the omission (cf. p. 146) of the explanatory phrase, “from the place where the dead was laid.”

Lifted up his eyes. A common attitude of Jesus in prayer (cf. Mark 6:41; John 17:1). As far as the people were concerned the custom is seldom mentioned. More commonly, at least according to a tradition of the 2nd century A.D., which, however, probably reflected earlier custom, the eyes were directed toward the Temple (see, for example, Mishnah Berakoth 4.5, Soncino ed. of the Talmud, p. 174).

Father. Jesus’ customary form of address (see Luke 22:42; John 12:27; 17:1, 11, 25). In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus taught His followers to address God by this title (see on Matt. 6:9).

Thou hast heard me. Jesus was in constant communion with His Father. The incidents of His life were in accordance with a plan agreed to before Jesus left heaven (see on Luke 2:49). The outworking of that plan called for a crowning evidence of Christ’s divinity to be given. The prayer was simple, in marked contrast with the incantations of workers of magic. There was no request, simply an expression of thankfulness, but with it was a tacit acknowledgement of the Son’s complete harmony with the will of the Father.