John 11:1-44, The Raising of Lazarus

Bible Study with Dr. Thomas Constable

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Podcast Summary: John 11:1-44 - The Raising of Lazarus

Title: The Raising of Lazarus: A Miracle of Life and Glory

Episode Description:
In John 11:1-44, we witness one of the most dramatic miracles performed by Jesus—the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, has been dead for four days, and Jesus’ arrival in Bethany sparks a profound moment of grief, confusion, and ultimately, faith. This miracle serves as a powerful declaration of Jesus' authority over death, the revealing of God's glory, and a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection. Join us as we explore the emotional, theological, and miraculous elements of this profound passage.

Episode Notes

1. Setting the Scene: Lazarus Is Sick (Verses 1-6)

• Lazarus’ Illness:
  The passage begins by introducing Lazarus, who is sick. Mary and Martha, his sisters, send word to Jesus, asking Him to come and heal Lazarus. The urgency of their message reflects the deep bond between Jesus and this family, as they hope He will save Lazarus from death.
• Jesus’ Response:
  Jesus responds in an unexpected way. He tells His disciples that this illness will not end in death, but rather it will result in the glory of God being revealed. Despite the seriousness of Lazarus’ condition, Jesus deliberately waits two more days before going to Bethany. This delay seems strange, but it ultimately serves a greater purpose.
• The Purpose of the Delay:
  Jesus explains that Lazarus’ sickness will not lead to death but will be an occasion to glorify God. His delay in going to Lazarus is not indifference; instead, it is to allow the miracle to be even more impactful when Lazarus is raised from the dead after being in the tomb for four days.

2. Jesus Speaks of Lazarus’ Death (Verses 7-16)

• Jesus’ Declaration:
  After waiting, Jesus tells His disciples that Lazarus has "fallen asleep," but He goes on to clarify that Lazarus is dead. This cryptic language is often used in the New Testament to describe death in terms of sleep, signifying the temporary nature of death for those who will be resurrected.
• The Disciples’ Confusion:
  The disciples initially misunderstand, thinking that Jesus means Lazarus is only in a state of sleep, not realizing He is referring to his actual death. Jesus then plainly states that Lazarus is dead and that He is going to Bethany to raise him.
• Thomas’ Bold Statement:
  Thomas, also known as Didymus, expresses a mix of despair and loyalty, saying, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." Thomas is ready to follow Jesus even if it means facing danger in Judea, where the Jewish leaders were seeking to stone Jesus. His statement reflects the uncertainty and potential danger of Jesus’ mission.

3. Jesus Arrives in Bethany (Verses 17-27)

• Martha’s Greeting:
  When Jesus arrives in Bethany, He finds that Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. Many Jews have gathered to comfort Mary and Martha, and it is in this context that Martha goes to meet Jesus.
• Martha’s Faith and Grief:
  Martha expresses both faith and grief, saying to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” She believes that Jesus could have healed Lazarus, but now, after his death, she seems uncertain about what can be done.
• Jesus’ Promise of Resurrection:
  Jesus reassures Martha by stating, "Your brother will rise again." When Martha responds by referencing the future resurrection at the end of time, Jesus gives one of His most powerful statements: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and