[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 11
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26)
“Jesus wept” (John 11:33)
“Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
THE DEATH OF LAZARUS (vs. 1-16)
There was a man from Bethany named Lazarus who was sick. He was the brother of Martha and Mary. Mary was the woman who poured perfume on Jesus’ feet. Martha and Mary sent words to Jesus that “the one you love is sick” (v. 3). When Jesus heard that, He stayed there for 2 more days. Then Jesus told the disciples that He will go back to Judea. The disciples were hesitant to go back because the Jews were trying to stone Jesus. But Thomas said: “Let us all go that we may die with him” (v. 16). Although Lazarus was dead, Jesus told the disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep.
JESUS COMFORTS THE SISTERS (vs, 17-37)
Upon arrival, Lazarus was already in tomb for 4 days. There were many people from Jerusalem who came to comfort Martha and Mary. Both Martha and Mary told Jesus that had He been here earlier, her brother would not have died (vs. 21, 32). But Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (vs. 25-26). When Jesus saw them weeping, He was deeply moved and He also wept (v. 35)
JESUS RAISES LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD (vs. 38-44)
Jesus went to the tomb and told them to take away the stone at the entrance. Martha cautioned Jesus that it had been 4 days since Lazarus had died, so there must be bad odor. But Jesus wanted them to see the glory of God. He prayed to the Father and called in a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43).
When Lazarus came out, his hands and feet were wrapped with strips of linen and cloth around his face. Jesus said to them: “Take off the grave clothes and let him go (v. 44)
THE PLOT TO KILL JESUS (vs. 45-57)
Many Jews who saw the resurrection of Lazarus believed in Jesus. But some reported to the Pharisees what Jesus had done. The chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. Caiaphas, the chief priest for the year said: “It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (v. 50). So from that day on, they plotted to take his life (v. 53).
LESSON:
- Jesus purposely delayed His visit to Lazarus because it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it (v. 4). So, when you have unanswered prayers, remember that His delay is not His denial. There is always a reason and a purpose, and that is to manifest His glory.
- Jesus considered death as “fallen asleep”. All believers who died were “asleep” until the day of resurrection when all shall rise again. This gives the hope that one day we shall see and meet with our departed ones.
- Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in Him will live and never die because they will have eternal life.
- Jesus also wept because He understands our struggles and sorrows. He is our greatest comfort in times of grief.
- When Lazarus arose, Jesus told them to take off his grave clothes. Christians should “put off” the grave clothes and “put on” the new clothes and live a victorious life.
- The miracle made many believe in Christ. But it also moved the chief priest to set the plot to kill Jesus. Which group do you belong?
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