The Raising of Lazarus

1. Introduction

A. Names for Bible Miracles (Heb. 2:4)

The word miracle emphasizes the power needed to perform it.

The word “sign” emphasizes the purpose of these miracles. They were signs that the individual was from God. In the case of Jesus, it was proof that he was the Son of God (John 20:30-31). (John 10:37-38)

Wonders describes the effect the miracle had on the audience. It caused wonder, marvel or amazement.

B. As we study the miracles of Jesus we should stand amazed at the power demonstrated. It should strengthen our faith that Jesus is the Son of God.

2. The Story - John 11:1-57

1. The Death of Lazarus (vv.1-16)

A Request is Brought to Jesus (vv.1-3)

Jesus Delays Going to Lazarus (vv.4-6)

Jesus Decides to Go to Judea (vv.7-10)

Jesus Tells the Disciples Plainly About Lazarus’ Death (vv.11-16)

2. Jesus Meets Martha and Mary (vv.17-32)

Many had gathered to console Martha and Mary (vv.17-19)

Jesus Conversation with Martha (vv.20-27)

Martha: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died” (vv.21-22)

Jesus: “Your brother will rise again’ (v.23)

Martha: “I Know that he will rise..in the last day” (v.24)

Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life….Do you believe this?” (vv.25-26)

Martha: “I believe that You are the Christ” (v.27)

Mary Runs to See Jesus (vv.28-32)

Martha secretly calls Mary (v.28)

Mary quickly arise to go to Jesus (vv.29-30)

The Jews follow Mary thinking she is going to the tomb (v.31)

Mary falls at Jesus feet saying, ““Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v.32)

3. The Raising of Lazarus (vv.33-44).

Jesus anger and compassion over Lazarus’ death (vv.33-37)

Jesus asks the stone to be taken away (vv.38-39)

Jesus prays to God (vv.40-41) Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the grave (v.43).

Lazarus comes out of the tomb (v.44)

4. Reactions to the Resurrection of Lazarus (vv.45-52)

3. Lessons from the Resurrection of Lazarus

A. First, We Learn That Jesus is the Son of God

This was the primary person of the Lord’s miracles (John 20:30-31)

This is the effect that the miracle had on “many of the Jews” who were with Mary (John 12:45)

The Jewish leaders were afraid that it along with other signs would convince everyone to believe (John 12:47-48)

The evidence of Lazarus’ resurrection was so strong that the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death (John 12:9-11).

B. The Love and the Compassion of Jesus

Jesus is a perfect example of love. We know love because of God and Jesus.

1 John 4:19

1 John 3:16-23

Jesus loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:3,5).

We see his love demonstrated by his reaction to the pain that Mary and Martha were going through.

“He groaned in spirit and was troubled” (John 11:33).

NLT - “a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled.”

Jesus was angry because he saw that hurt that death had caused on those he deeply cared about.

He was probably angry at the one behind death and the hurt that he had caused his friends (Heb 2:14-15).

“Jesus Wept” (John 11:35)

This is more than simply the shortest verse in the Bible. It reveals the tender mercies and compassion of Jesus.

He wept even though he knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead.

When we love one another we will:

We need to put on tender mercies and kindness (Col 3:12-14).

“Weep with those who weep”. (Romans 12:15).

I am reminded of Jesus’ love because the power that raised Lazarus could have prevented his own death. He died not because he HAD to but because HE WANTED to die to save us from our sins.

John 10:15; John 15:13

Matthew 26:53

C. The Power of Jesus to Raise the Dead

Jesus raised the dead on three occasions.

Jesus raised the son of the Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17)

Jesus raised Jarius’ daughter (Luke 8:40-56)

In our story, Jesus raised Lazarus (John 11:1-44).

The greatest resurrection of Jesus was his own resurrection (John 10:18).

The power of Jesus over death should:

Deliver us from the fear of death (Heb 2:14-15).

Give us the hope of being resurrected from the dead (1 Cor 15:12-34)

Most importantly Jesus can raise us from the dead spiritually.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:35).

We were dead but now we are alive in Christ (Eph 2:1-5)

Both the idea of spiritual and physical resurrection are found in the Lord’s words to Martha.

(1) Dan King - “The Lord’s “I am” saying in this context identifies him with the true spiritual life which matters most of all, but also wraps it up together in a bundle with the concept of life generally. So much so, in fact, that he closes this part of the discussion with the claim that “whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” Possessing a relationship with the Son of God is so all-important that it is as if death did not exist at all. When those who are related to Jesus Christ in trusting, obedient faith pass from this world into the next, it is as if nothing unpleasant or distasteful has happened. Believing that this is so is what caused Paul to write thus: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21); and again, “For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1). So, these words rendered in vv. 25-26 are, perhaps the most beautiful and precious in all of human language to the dying Chris- tian. Death is only an uncomfortable transition from this world to the next. It should pose no threat or gender fear in the heart of the redeemed of the Lord.”

(2) If we have been raised spiritually then death is a gain for us (Phil 1:21-22)

B. Some Will Not Hear or Believe in Spite of the Evidence

The death and resurrection Lazarus could not be denied (John 11:47).

Instead of being convinced by the miracle , they began plotting to kill Jesus (John 11:53-54).

These men could not deny or explain away the miracle, but still they rejected the conclusion that Jesus was the Messiah.

When this happens today, we should, like Paul and others, turn our attention to those who are wiling to listen (Acts 13:46, 51; Acts 18:6).

D. God’s Plan May Not Be Our Plan

This sisters wanted Jesus to heal Lazarus and prevent him from dying (John 11:32).

Jesus could have healed Lazarus from far off (Luke 7:6-8).

Jesus delayed instead of immediately rushing to Bethany (John 11:6).

Jesus had a greater miracle in mind. The death of Lazarus and his resurrection was to glorify the Father and the Son.

John 11:4

They saw the glory of God in Lazarus being raised (John 11:40)

God’s ways are not our ways or his thoughts our thoughts (Isa 55:8-9).

If must learn to accept God’s plan even if I don’t understand it.

Conclusion:

1. The resurrection of Lazarus is one of the most notable miracles in the Bible. It should encourage and strengthen our faith.

2. Do you have the faith in Jesus of Mary and Martha?

Questions:

Define Miracles In Your Own Words?

What was the purpose of the miracles of Jesus?

3. Why did Jesus delay coming?

4. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.”?

Sleep is a description of Death

Those who sleep in the dust - Dan. 12:2

Jairus’ daughter - Mark 5:35-39

Those resurrected at Jesus’ death - Matthew 27:52

The Resurrection Passage - 1 Cor. 15:20

5. What did Martha tell Jesus?

6. What was the response of Jesus?

7. What did Mary tell Jesus?

8. What was Jesus response when he saw Martha and Mary mourning over the loss of Lazarus?

9. What was the reaction of the people watching the Miracle?

10. What Do You Know John 11:35 for?

11.