Introduction: John 11 tells the story (or maybe better said, the truth) of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We can clearly see in this chapter that Jesus has power over death and his compassion for those who mourn , in Matthew 5:4, Jesus says that the grieving heart shall be comforted. The chapter also shows the growing tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of that day who sought to put an end to his life.
I. The Death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16)
Jesus receives news that his friend Lazarus is sick, but he can’t get there to see him right away. By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days, which was very well known by Jesus; He was about to do something great, perform a great miracle before the people. These verses shows Jesus’ knowledge of God’s timing and his purpose in allowing Lazarus to be in the grave four days before He got there. The Bible tells us in Psalms 27:14, wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD. In Isaiah 55:8, the Bible says, my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. He can do great and mighty things for those who call on Him (Jeremiah 33:3). And lastly, in Romans 8:28, the Bible tells us, and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
II. Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary (John 11:17-37)
Martha and Mary, Lazarus’ sisters, are grieving his death. Jesus comforts them and says that he is the resurrection and the life, He is the way to eternal life. These verses clearly shows Jesus’ compassion and his promise of eternal life to those who trust, believe, and obey Him. Some cross reference verses for this section of verses is Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Isaiah 25:8 – He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces. And 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.
III. Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:38-44)
Jesus goes to the tomb of Lazarus and commands him to come out. Lazarus is raised from the dead, a mighty demonstration of Jesus’ power over death and foreshadowing his own resurrection. These verses should offer great comfort to the believers, knowing that Jesus in whom we trust is completely able to raise us to an incorruptible state, eternally. The Bible tells us in Ezekiel 37:12-14, thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And in Romans 6:4, the Bible says we were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. And finally in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 – But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
IV. The Plot to Kill Jesus (John 11:45-57)
The raising of Lazarus causes many to believe in Jesus, but it also leads the religious leaders to plot his death, seemed to be the last straw for the scribes and pharisees. These verses shows the growing opposition to Jesus and the fulfillment of his mission to die for the sins of the world. Some cross reference verses for this section is Psalm 2:1-2, the Psalmist points out, why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? And in Isaiah 53:3, the Bible says he was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And also in Matthew 26:3-4, scripture says then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him.
Conclusion: John 11 shows Jesus’ power over death by His raising of Lazarus, his compassion for those who mourn, and the growing opposition by the religious leaders. The chapter is a reminder to believers everywhere of the hope we have in Jesus, He is the resurrection and the life, He is the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, He is the Messiah, He is the promised one to come, He is the fulfillment of God’s plan to save the world through his death and resurrection. We should all take comfort in these facts that the Holy Scriptures show us today in year 2024.
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