John Chapter 11: The Resurrection of Lazarus
Sermon Title: When Death Meets Life: The Miracle of Lazarus
Sermon Introduction
In John 11, we find a powerful story that shows Jesus’ love, power, and purpose. It’s a story about death, but more importantly, it’s a story about life. Jesus comes to the tomb of His friend Lazarus, a man who had been dead for four days, and does the unthinkable—He brings him back to life. This miracle is more than just an amazing event; it’s a sign of what Jesus can do in your life today.
Historical Context
The story of Lazarus takes place in Bethany, a small village near Jerusalem. Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, were close friends of Jesus. When Lazarus fell ill, the sisters sent word to Jesus, but He delayed His visit. By the time He arrived, Lazarus had already died. This event happened during a time of growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. Raising Lazarus from the dead not only showed His divine power but also intensified the plot to kill Him. Socially and historically, this event challenged the Jewish belief about resurrection and showed Jesus as the true Messiah who has power over life and death.
Expository Outline
1. The Delay That Confuses (John 11:1-16)
- Why did Jesus wait? Jesus delays coming to Lazarus, but His delay has a purpose. Sometimes, God’s timing doesn’t make sense to us, but it always has a higher purpose.
2. The Grief That Overwhelms (John 11:17-37)
- Jesus wept. Jesus shows us that grief is real, and it’s okay to feel it. But He also shows us that in our darkest moments, He is right there with us, feeling our pain.
3. The Command That Changes Everything (John 11:38-44)
- Lazarus, come out! When Jesus speaks, even death has to obey. This moment shows that Jesus has the power to bring life to dead places in our lives.
4. The Reaction That Divides (John 11:45-57)
- Belief or rejection? After the miracle, some believed, and others plotted to kill Jesus. This shows us that every encounter with Jesus demands a response—faith or rejection.
Conclusion
In this chapter, Jesus doesn’t just raise a man from the dead—He reveals Himself as the resurrection and the life. Today, no matter what you’re facing, Jesus can bring life where there seems to be only death. Will you believe in Him?
John Chapter 11: The Resurrection of Lazarus
1. The Delay That Confuses (John 11:1-16)
Explanation of the Section
In this part of the story, Jesus receives the news that Lazarus is sick. Surprisingly, He doesn’t rush to Lazarus’ side. Instead, He stays where He is for two more days. This delay is puzzling, especially since Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha. When He finally decides to go, He explains that Lazarus’ illness is for God’s glory and that His delay is part of a greater plan.
Personal Thoughts
It’s hard to understand why Jesus would delay helping a friend in need. In our own lives, we often feel the same way when God doesn’t act on our timetable. But this story teaches us that God’s delays are not denials. He sees the bigger picture and works everything out for our good, even when it doesn’t make sense to us at the moment.
Personal Commentary
Jesus’ delay challenges our understanding of love. We think love should act immediately, but Jesus shows us that true love sometimes waits. His delay was not because He didn’t care, but because He cared enough to fulfill a greater purpose. This reminds us that God’s love doesn’t always come in the form we expect, but it’s always there, working for our best.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
As disciples, we are called to trust Jesus even when His timing confuses us. Discipleship involves waiting on God and believing that His plan is better than our own. It’s about letting go of our need for immediate answers and learning to rest in His perfect timing, knowing that He is always in control.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth
Waiting on God is a key part of spiritual growth. Patience is not just about enduring time; it’s about growing in trust. When we learn to wait on God’s timing, our faith deepens, and we become more dependent on Him. It’s in these seasons of waiting that we often grow the most, as we learn to lean on His promises rather than our own understanding.
Ask Yourself This Question
Am I willing to trust God’s timing, even when it doesn’t make sense to me?
2. The Grief That Overwhelms (John 11:17-37)
Explanation of the Section
When Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Martha and Mary are grieving, and their grief is raw and real. They both express their sorrow to Jesus, saying that if He had been there, their brother would not have died. In this moment, Jesus doesn’t dismiss their grief; instead, He enters into it. The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept,” shows us His deep compassion and empathy.
Personal Thoughts
Grief is something we all experience, and it’s comforting to know that Jesus understands our pain. He doesn’t just observe our suffering from a distance; He steps into it with us. Jesus’ tears remind us that it’s okay to grieve and that we’re not alone in our sorrow. He’s right there, feeling it with us.
Personal Commentary
Jesus’ response to grief is powerful. He could have simply performed the miracle without showing any emotion, but instead, He chose to weep. This shows us the depth of His humanity and His compassion. He is not a distant Savior; He is one who walks with us through our darkest moments. This brings comfort to those who are mourning, knowing that Jesus mourns with them.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
In Christian discipleship, we are called to bear one another’s burdens. Jesus models this for us by entering into the grief of others. As His followers, we are to do the same—showing compassion, empathy, and love to those who are hurting. Discipleship is not just about teaching and preaching; it’s about being present with people in their pain, just as Jesus was.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth
Grief has a way of bringing us closer to God. In our pain, we often seek Him more earnestly, and in those moments, we find His presence to be the most real. Spiritual growth happens when we allow God to meet us in our grief, trusting that He is with us and that He will bring healing in His time. It’s in our brokenness that we often experience His love most deeply.
Ask Yourself This Question
How do I respond to grief—do I turn to Jesus and let Him comfort me, or do I try to handle it on my own?
3. The Command That Changes Everything (John 11:38-44)
Explanation of the Section
At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus gives a command that seems impossible: “Lazarus, come out!” Despite the fact that Lazarus had been dead for four days, Jesus speaks life into death. The stone is rolled away, and Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still wrapped in grave clothes. This miracle is a powerful display of Jesus’ authority over death and His ability to bring life where there seems to be none.
Personal Thoughts
This part of the story is a vivid reminder of Jesus’ power. No situation is too hopeless for Him. When He speaks, even death has to obey. This gives us hope that no matter how dead or impossible a situation may seem in our lives, Jesus can bring it back to life. His words have power, and His commands bring transformation.
Personal Commentary
The raising of Lazarus is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection. It points to the ultimate victory over death that Jesus would achieve on the cross. This miracle is not just about Lazarus; it’s about showing us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. It’s a reminder that in Him, death does not have the final say. We can trust Him to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and light out of darkness.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
Discipleship means trusting Jesus’ words, even when they seem impossible. It’s about believing that He can do the miraculous in our lives, just as He did with Lazarus. As disciples, we are called to listen for His voice and obey His commands, trusting that His words bring life and transformation. When Jesus says, “Come out,” we are to step out of whatever tomb we’ve been living in, trusting that He will lead us into new life.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth often involves stepping out in faith when Jesus calls us. Just as Lazarus had to step out of the tomb, we are called to step out of our comfort zones, our fears, and our doubts. Growth happens when we respond to Jesus’ commands, trusting that He will lead us into greater life. It’s about letting go of the old and embracing the new life that He offers.
Ask Yourself This Question
What area of my life do I need to trust Jesus to bring back to life?
4. The Reaction That Divides (John 11:45-57)
Explanation of the Section
After Lazarus is raised from the dead, the reactions are mixed. Some believe in Jesus because of the miracle, but others report it to the Pharisees, leading to further plans to arrest and kill Jesus. This moment marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry, as the religious leaders become more determined to stop Him. The miracle of life ironically sets the stage for Jesus’ death, as the tension between Him and the authorities reaches its peak.
Personal Thoughts
This part of the story is a sobering reminder that not everyone will accept Jesus, even when they witness His miracles. Some will believe, and others will reject Him. This division is something we see in the world today as well. Following Jesus often means standing apart from the crowd, knowing that His truth will not always be popular.
Personal Commentary
The division caused by Jesus’ miracles shows us the cost of discipleship. Following Him often means going against the grain and facing opposition. Yet, it also shows us the power of His message. Even in the face of rejection, Jesus continues to move forward in His mission. This challenges us to stay faithful to our calling, even when it’s difficult, knowing that our obedience is for God’s glory.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
Christian discipleship means making a choice—will we follow Jesus or go along with the crowd? This section challenges us to examine where our loyalties lie. True discipleship often requires us to take a stand, even when it’s unpopular. It’s about being willing to face the consequences of following Jesus, trusting that He is worth it.
Personal Reflection Commentary on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth involves making decisions that align with God’s will, even when it’s hard. This section reminds us that growth often comes through challenge and opposition. It’s in those moments that our faith is tested and strengthened. When we choose Jesus over the world, we grow deeper in our relationship with Him and become more like Him.
Ask Yourself This Question
Am I willing to follow Jesus, even if it means facing rejection or opposition from others?
