Raising of Lazarus
24 February 2013 – John 11:1-46 – Scott Childs
Introduction: The death of a loved one is one of the most painful events you will face. When God recalls the breath of life, the body stops functioning. The spirit immediately goes to heaven or hell and loved ones grieve the absence.
Transition: In this chapter, we find encouragement, assurance, comfort, and promises to help us face the death of our loved ones.
I. Lazarus is Sick John 11:1-5
A. Lazarus and his sisters lived in Bethany
1. Bethany was about 3.3km from Jerusalem. Jesus often spent nights in Bethany, probably at Lazarus’ home (Mr 11:11).
2. Lazarus lived with is two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary was the one who sat at Jesus’ feet listening to him teach (Lu 10:39).
3. John tells us that it was this same Mary who would soon anoint Jesus with costly ointment (Jn 12:3).
B. Lazarus was sick
1. Scripture tells us nothing of his sickness except that it was fatal.
2. Jesus was about a day’s journey away at Bethabara. His close friends, Mary and Martha knew where he was and sent him word of Lazarus’ sickness.
3. Jesus responded that his sickness would not end in death (not the final state of death) but in the glory of God.
4. John may have stressed that Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary because what Jesus was about to do seemed unloving.
II. Jesus Delays His Visit John 11:6-14
A. Jesus purposely delayed his visit
1. On the surface, this seemed uncaring and unkind.
2. His delay was intentional. The Jews commonly believed the soul hovered about the body until the third day. Waiting until the fourth day would make the miracle more obvious.
“Delays are not denials. How often love permits pain. There are qualities which unrelieved suffering alone can perfect.” – Lockyer, Miracles, p. 228
Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
3. Even Christ benefited from suffering.
Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.
God’s delays are for our good and his glory. When bad things happen, it doesn’t mean God doesn’t care. Keathley
B. The return to Bethany troubled the disciples
1. They reminded Jesus that not long ago the Jews tried to stone him in Jerusalem (v.8).
2. Jesus illustrated walking in the daytime as opposed to night walks. With God there is no fear of darkness.
Psalm 139:12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
3. Jesus said that Lazarus was asleep. The disciples mistook this for resting. Then Jesus told them plainly that he was dead.
4. When Lazarus died, this must have severely tested the faith of the sisters.
III. Jesus Returned to Bethany John 11:15-19
A. Jesus delayed but now went
1. He said the delay was in part for the disciples, that they might believe.
2. Thomas, the doubter, suggests that they all go with Jesus to die with him. The disciples truly anticipated death. The Jews made their hate obvious.
B. Family and friends were mourning
1. The closeness of Bethany to Jerusalem enabled many friends to visit.
2. The time of grieving was long and difficult.
Trench tells us, The days of mourning were thirty: of these the three first were days of weeping; then followed seven of lamentation; the remaining twenty of mourning.
IV. Jesus Talks with Martha and Mary John 11:20-37
A. Martha went out to meet Jesus before he arrived
1. She went out but Mary sat in the house. Perhaps Mary was more devastated my Jesus’ delay.
2. Notice Martha’s first words to Jesus (v. 21-22). Though tempted to doubt, she still had faith in Christ.
Lange points out that this is “not the language of reproach, but of regret.”
3. Jesus promised that Lazarus would rise again. Martha mistook this as referring to the future resurrection.
4. Jesus declares his omnipotence (v. 25-26).
a) Not only is Jesus able to resurrect the dead – he is the resurrection
b) Not only can Jesus give life – he is life.
c) He will give (eternal) life to believers who are physically dead.
d) Believers who are still alive will never die (eternally).
Science cannot define life because God is life (Jn 14:6). He breathed into Adam the breath of mortal life (Ge 1:27). He gives all things their mortal life (Ac 17:25). He also supplies immortal life to all who believe on Christ to rescue them from hell. Whether they die physically or not, will live eternally because they are in Christ and Christ IS the resurrection and the life.
5. Martha confirmed her faith that Jesus was the Christ [Messiah], the Son of God (v.27).
B. When called, Mary went out to meet Jesus
1. Jesus was still outside town.
2. Mary’s friends followed her when she left quickly. They thought she was going to weep at the grave.
3. Her first words to Jesus copied those of Martha (v. 32).
4. Her weeping broke Jesus’ heart. He also wept in empathy with her.
a) Mary’s weeping was a mournful, lamenting, sob or wailing.
b) Jesus’ weeping was simply shedding tears – a totally different word.
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
5. Those present could see that Jesus truly loved Lazarus (v.36).
6. Others wondered why this miracle worker did not prevent his friend’s death (v.37).
V. Jesus Raised Lazarus from the Dead John 11:38-46
A. Jesus went to the grave site
1. Here for the second time John tells us that Jesus groaned (v.33, 38). This was not an expression of anger as some translate it. It expresses a strong emotional sigh or stirring in his spirit.
2. Lazarus was buried in a cave with a heavy stone rolled in front of the opening.
3. Jesus commanded to have the stone removed. Martha protested because his body had already begun to decay. Evidently, she thought it was too late for Jesus to bring him back to this life.
4. Jesus lovingly reassured her of his resurrection power that would glorify God.
B. Jesus called Lazarus back to life
1. Jesus prayed a short prayer that those watching would believe that he came from the Father.
This miracle was also for authentication of his Person.
2. Jesus called out in a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth! Lazarus arose and obediently came out, still wrapped in his grave clothing.
3. Even in this amazing miracle, the crowd had mixed feelings.
a) Many believed on Christ.
b) Some went to the Pharisees and reported it.
Even seeing a resurrection will not make everyone believe.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Conclusion: Christ knows our weaknesses. His timing is always perfect to bring glory to himself. When God tests our faith, we must remain steadfast. We can always take our cares to the Lord and know that he understands. When a believing loved one dies, we can be sure they will rise again one day because Jesus IS the Resurrection and the Life. Death often comes when it is least expected. Are you ready if you should die tonight?
Song: Does Jesus Care 289