The Raising of Lazarus

The Resurrection of Lazarus
-John 11-

1. This is the first we hear of Lazarus, but Jesus had previously used the same name to make a strong point which connects that story to this story (1, Luke 16:31)

2. John writes as if his readers were already familiar with Mary despite the fact that she had not yet been mentioned. This shows the fulfillment of prophecy (2-3, Mt 26:13)

3. The family wanted Jesus to come heal Lazarus right away, but sometimes the most loving answer God can give is not quite what we ask for (4-6)

4. Jesus set His schedule with the fear of God in mind rather than the fear of man (7-10)

5. For God’s people, death is a temporary state likened to sleep. Jesus considered proper belief about resurrection to be key for His followers (11-15, 26)

6. Often, our disappointment with God is due to our misunderstanding of what He has promised (4, 21, 32)

7. Martha placed her focus on what could have been in the past (21) and what could be in the future (24), but was hesitant to focus on what Jesus wanted to do in the present (22, 25, 27)

8. Eternal life is accessed by relationship to Jesus Christ (25-26, 5:24-26)

9. Jesus’ weeping has been explained by anger (at Mary’s doubt), empathy (for the human condition), or sadness (for Lazarus, since he was being brought back to earth) (35)

10. Sometimes the words we pray need to be heard by those we love (42)

11. Being given new life is the beginning of a process, not an end. After being made alive, we also need to have the remnant of sin unraveled (44)