SCRIPTURE: JOHN 11
THE DEATH OF LAZARUS (vs. 1-16)
Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha was from Bethany. He was sick so the sisters sent word to Jesus that the one he loves is sick. When Jesus heard this, he said: “This sickness will not end in death, No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (v. 4) Jesus stayed there for two more days. Then Jesus told his disciples that Lazarus has fallen asleep and he is going there to wake him up. So the disciples told Jesus that if he sleeps, he will get better. There is no need to go there because it is dangerous to travel to Judea because the Jews were trying to stone Him. But Thomas said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (v. 16)
JESUS COMFORTS THE SISTERS (vs. 17)
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for 4 days. Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them for the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but May stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus: “Lord, if you had been her, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (v. 21) Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23) Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (v. 24) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believers in me will live, even through he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (vs. 25-26) She answered: “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” (v. 27)
Martha then went to call her sister Mary telling her that The Teacher is here and is asking for you. When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Upon reaching the place where Jesus was, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v. 32). When Jesus saw her weeping , he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. He asked: “Where have you laid him?” (v. 34). Jesus wept.
JESUS RAISES LAZARUS FROM THE DEAD (vs. 38-44)
When Jesus came to the tomb, he told them to take away the stone had had laid across the entrance. Then Martha said: “But Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days” (v. 39) Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (v . 40) So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” (v. 41-42) Then Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43) The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a 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)
When many Jews saw what Jesus did to Lazarus, they put their faith in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. They were saying that if they let Jesus go on performing many miraculous signs, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both their place and their nation. Then Caiaphas said: ” You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish” (v. 50). So the chief priests and Pharisees gave orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him. therefore, Jesus no longer moved abou8t publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.
THOUGHTS:
THE MANIFESTION OF LOVE IN THIS CHAPTER: (By Warren Wiersbe)
- Love hears – Mary and Martha sent message to Jesus about the death of Lazarus. Jesus heard their cries. God’s love keeps His ears open to our cries.
- Love waits – Jesus delayed his visit which brought a greater blessings. God’s delay is not His denials. God’s promise never fails.
- Love risks – It was dangerous for Jesus to return to Judea because the religious leaders were after him. But He went just the same. God gave his life in order to rescue us from sin.
- Love comforts – Jesus went to listen to the sisters and assured them with His word. We have to move from “Lord, if …….” to “Yes Lord, I believe”.
- Love weeps – Jesus wept with the sisters and friends. He identifies with our sorrows.
- Love serves – Jesus went to raise Lazarus from death. A loving heart will always find a way to bear others’ burdens.
Mary and Martha turned to Jesus for help when their brother was very sick. When we need extraordinary help, don’t hesitate to ask him for assistance.
When trouble comes, do not grumble, complain and blame God. See your problem as an opportunity to honor him.
Jesus loved the pain of the family but he did not respond immediately. His delay had a specific purpose to glorify God. God’s delay may make us thing he is not answering our prayers. But He will meet all our needs according to His perfect time and purpose.
The death of Lazarus displayed the resurrection power of Jesus. Resurrection is an essential belief of Christians. Jesus not only raised himself from the dead but he also has the power to raise others.
The disciples knew the dangers of going with Jesus to Jerusalem and they tried to prevent him from going there. But Thomas often known as “the doubter” demonstrated his love and courage. He was willing to go and even die with Jesus. The high cost of being Jesus’ disciples involves the dangers in doing God’s work.
Being human, Jesus has emotions of compassion, empathy, sorrows and frustration. He wept with Mary and Martha. So, do not be afraid to reveal your true feelings to Him. He understands and experiences them. So be honest and don’t try to hide anything from Him.