John 11:1-44 is about the power of belief in Jesus as the Son of God to bring about resurrection and new life, demonstrating God’s grace and glory.
1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.
2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.
3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.”
4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.”
5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.
6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.
7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.
10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”
12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.”
13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep.
14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died,
15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.
16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.
18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,
19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.
20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.
21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.
22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.”
29 When she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him.
30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him.
31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out. They followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there.
32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.”
35 Jesus wept.
36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?”
38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it.
39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.
43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.”
44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”
Setting the Scene for John 11:1-44
The scene in John chapter 11 opens with Jesus receiving a message from Mary and Martha, the sisters of Lazarus, informing him that their brother is very ill. Jesus is in a different town across the Jordan River when he receives this news. Mary and Martha are deeply concerned for their brother’s well-being and have sent for Jesus, knowing of his miraculous healing powers. The sisters are known to be close friends of Jesus, and they have witnessed his miracles before.
Upon hearing the news, Jesus decides to return to Bethany, where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus reside. As Jesus arrives in Bethany, he finds that Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. The scene is filled with mourning and grief, as many friends and family members have gathered to console Mary and Martha in their loss. The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow and despair as the community mourns the death of Lazarus.
Jesus, moved by the sorrow around him, asks to be taken to the tomb where Lazarus has been laid. The crowd follows him to the tomb, where Jesus performs one of his most famous miracles by calling Lazarus out of the tomb, bringing him back to life. The scene is transformed from one of mourning to one of joy and amazement as Lazarus emerges from the tomb, alive and well, in the presence of his astonished friends and family.
What is John 11:1-44 about?
Imagine the awe and wonder that must have filled the hearts of those witnessing Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Jesus displayed his divine authority over death in this powerful moment, revealing his true identity as the Son of God. This miraculous event not only served as a concrete example of Jesus’ power but also as a profound foreshadowing of his own resurrection that would soon follow. Jesus not only performed a mighty deed but also delivered a powerful message of hope and reassurance by bringing Lazarus back to life. He showed that death does not have the final say, that there is a greater power at work beyond our understanding. We are reminded of the incredible faith we can have in Jesus in this verse, knowing that he holds power over life and death, and that through him, we too can find eternal life. This miraculous event serves as a beacon of light in times of darkness, a reminder of the everlasting hope we can have in Jesus Christ.
Understanding what John 11:1-44 really means
In John 11:1-44, we delve into the poignant narrative of the raising of Lazarus, a story brimming with themes of faith, resurrection, and the incomparable power of Jesus. The stage is set in Bethany, a village where Jesus receives word that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is gravely ill. This small town holds significance as a place where deep relationships are forged, particularly evident in the bond between Jesus and the family of Lazarus.
“This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” These words from Jesus lay the groundwork for the miraculous events to follow, underscoring the purpose behind suffering and trials. “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.” Jesus’ profound declaration about Himself reverberates with theological weight, offering a glimpse into the eternal hope He brings. And in a moment of raw emotion, “Jesus wept,” revealing His humanity and deep empathy for human pain.
Then, with unwavering authority, Jesus commands, “Lazarus, come out!” The sheer power in His words brings about an immediate and awe-inspiring resurrection, showcasing His dominion over death. Connecting this theme of resurrection, John 5:28-29 speaks of a time when all will hear His voice and rise. Romans 8:11 further reinforces this promise, assuring believers of life beyond the mortal realm. Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 4:16 paints a vivid picture of the ultimate resurrection, instilling hope in the hearts of the faithful.
In our modern context, the story of Lazarus serves as a beacon of hope, assuring us of life after death and the transformative power of faith in Jesus. Through this narrative, we witness Jesus’ comforting presence in times of grief, offering solace and understanding to those who mourn. Just as He brought hope to Mary and Martha, Jesus extends His hand of empathy to us today, inviting us to trust in His promises and find strength in His unfailing love.
Consider a personal anecdote where someone found solace and hope in the midst of adversity through their faith in Jesus. This anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the comfort and strength that the promise of resurrection and Jesus’ compassion can bring to those facing challenges. In conclusion, let us hold fast to the truth of Jesus’ power over death, the significance of unwavering faith, and the assurance of resurrection. May we find peace in His promises and draw comfort from His everlasting grace.
How can we deepen our trust in God’s timing?
Deepening our trust in God’s timing involves recognizing that God’s timing is always perfect and that He has a greater plan beyond our understanding. When we face moments of waiting or uncertainty, we can lean on the assurance that God’s timing is purposeful and designed for our ultimate good. We can find comfort in knowing that God sees the bigger picture and knows the right time for things to unfold in our lives.
Reflecting on the story in the verse you mentioned, we see how Jesus arrived after Lazarus had already died. Despite the doubts and questioning from those around Him, Jesus knew the perfect time to display His power and restore Lazarus to life. This serves as a reminder that God’s timing may not always align with our expectations, but it is always for a higher purpose. We can let go of our need for immediate answers and surrender to God’s divine plan with patience and faith by trusting in His timing. Cultivating a heart of faith and reliance on God requires us to deepen our trust in His timing. This includes practicing patience, surrendering our desires to God, and seeking His guidance through prayer and meditation. We can find peace in the waiting periods of our lives by anchoring our trust in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, knowing that His timing is always perfect and His plans for us are good.
Application
Imagine the power of a CEO who can turn a failing company into a thriving business overnight. Reflect on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead—it’s even more staggering. Just as you trust your team to pull through when projects seem impossible, have rock-solid faith in Jesus, the ultimate problem-solver. When life feels like it’s falling apart, He can bring it back stronger. Are you ready to trust in this incredible power and transform your future?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.