John 11 is a pivotal chapter in the Bible, recounting the remarkable story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. It’s a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ divine power and his deep love for his friends.
This chapter also reveals the growing opposition to Jesus from the religious leaders, who see his miracles as a threat to their authority. Even though this, Jesus remains focused on his mission and boldly proclaims himself as the resurrection and the life.
Through this incredible miracle, Jesus foreshadows his own death and resurrection, which will eventually provide eternal life to all who believe in him. John 11 is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the unshakable hope we have in Christ.
The Death of Lazarus
By the time Jesus decides to go to Bethany, it’s too late. Lazarus has already died and been in the tomb for four days.
Jesus Receives Word of Lazarus’ Illness
Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, send word to Jesus that their brother is sick. They say, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3 NKJV).
Jesus responds, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4 NKJV). He loves Martha, Mary, and Lazarus deeply.
Jesus Delays Going to Bethany
Even though his love for them, Jesus doesn’t leave immediately. He stays two more days where he is.
After this, he tells his disciples, “Let us go to Judea again” (John 11:7 NKJV). They’re concerned, reminding him the Jews recently tried to stone him there.
Jesus explains:
“Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” (John 11:9-10 NKJV)
He adds that Lazarus has fallen asleep, but he’s going to wake him up. The disciples misunderstand, thinking natural sleep will help Lazarus recover.
Jesus Comforts Martha and Mary
When Lazarus falls ill, his sisters Mary and Martha send for Jesus, their close friend. Jesus loves this family deeply, yet he delays coming to them.
Martha’s Conversation With Jesus
Martha meets Jesus outside the village, expressing her faith: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died”[](John 11:21). She adds, “But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You”[](John 11:22). Jesus assures her, “Your brother will rise again”[](John 11:23). Martha affirms her belief in the resurrection on the last day, but Jesus has a greater revelation for her.
Jesus Proclaims He is the Resurrection and the Life
Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live”[](John 11:25). He asks Martha if she believes this. She responds with a powerful confession of faith:
“Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”[](John 11:27)
Jesus’ words comfort Martha and reveal his divine identity. He’s not just a miracle worker but the source of eternal life.
Mary’s Grief Over Lazarus’ Death
After speaking with Jesus, Martha returns home and privately tells Mary, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you”[](John 11:28). Mary quickly goes to him, followed by the mourners. She falls at Jesus’ feet, weeping and echoing Martha’s words: “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died”[](John 11:32).
Jesus, deeply moved by her sorrow, asks to be taken to Lazarus’ tomb. There, he weeps, showing his humanity and compassion. His tears also foreshadow his own impending death and the grief it will bring to those who love him.
The Raising of Lazarus
Jesus’ arrival in Bethany sets the stage for a miraculous event that will forever change the lives of those who witness it. As he approaches the tomb of Lazarus, the grief-stricken community looks to him for hope and comfort.
Jesus Arrives at the Tomb
Jesus, deeply moved by the sorrow surrounding Lazarus’ death, arrives at the tomb. He asks for the stone to be removed, even though Martha’s concern about the smell of decay, as Lazarus has been dead for four days.
Jesus Prays to the Father
Before performing the miracle, Jesus prays aloud to the Father, stating, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me” (John 11:41-42, NKJV). This prayer demonstrates Jesus’ unity with the Father and his desire for those present to believe in his divine mission.
Jesus Calls Lazarus Forth from the Grave
In a powerful display of his authority over life and death, Jesus calls out, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43, NKJV). Miraculously, Lazarus emerges from the tomb, still bound in grave clothes. Jesus instructs the onlookers to:
- Loose him
- Let him go
This incredible miracle serves as a testament to Jesus’ power and love, foreshadowing his own resurrection and the hope of eternal life for all who believe in him.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
After Jesus miraculously raises Lazarus from the dead, many Jews who witness this incredible event put their faith in him. But, the Pharisees and chief priests view Jesus’ growing influence as a threat to their power and authority.
The Reaction of the Jewish Leaders
The Jewish leaders, fearful of Jesus’ popularity, convene a council to discuss how to deal with him. They worry that if Jesus continues to perform miracles and gain followers, the Romans will intervene and take away their position and nation. The council concludes that it’s better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish, setting in motion a plot to kill Jesus.
Caiaphas’ Prophecy About Jesus’ Death
Caiaphas, the high priest that year, unwittingly prophesies about Jesus’ death, stating, “You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50). John notes that Caiaphas doesn’t say this on his own authority, but as high priest, he prophesies that:
- Jesus will die for the nation
- He will gather together in one the children of God who are scattered abroad
Jesus Withdraws to Ephraim
Aware of the plot against his life, Jesus withdraws with his disciples to a city called Ephraim in the wilderness. He remains there, away from the growing hostility in Jerusalem. As the Passover approaches, many people wonder if Jesus will attend the feast, while the chief priests and Pharisees give orders that if anyone knows where he is, they should report it so they can arrest him.
Conclusion
The story of Lazarus’ resurrection in John 11 is a powerful testament to Jesus’ divine nature and his love for humanity. It showcases his ability to overcome death and foreshadows his own resurrection, which will bring hope and eternal life to all who believe in him.
This miraculous event also highlights the growing opposition Jesus faces from religious leaders who view his influence as a threat to their power. Even though this, Jesus remains committed to his mission, demonstrating his compassion, unity with the Father, and ultimate sacrifice for the sake of others.
John 11 invites us to reflect on the transformative power of faith and the hope we can find in Christ, even in the face of grief and adversity. It’s a reminder that through Jesus, we can experience the resurrection and the life, both now and in eternity.
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