Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead ~ John 11:11-17; John 11:23-27; John 11:39-44
Pastor John Opferman
10:00 AM
September 29, 2024
Powered by Ministry-notes.com
Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Scripture Reference: John 11 – The story of Lazarus being raised from the dead.
Context: We've been exploring this chapter over a few Sundays, and today we'll delve deeper into this miraculous event.
Key Focus: Jesus' declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life."
The Power of Jesus Over Death
A Notable Miracle: Raising Lazarus from the dead after four days. This miracle is unique because:
Lazarus had been dead for four days, beyond the Jewish belief that the spirit might linger for three days.
This demonstrated that Jesus had power over death in its most irreversible state.
Previous Resurrections by Jesus:
Jairus's daughter (Mark 5:22-43) – Raised shortly after death.
The widow's son in Nain (Luke 7:11-17) – Raised during a funeral procession.
Lazarus’s resurrection surpasses both, proving Jesus’ ultimate authority over death.
Death as Sleep for Believers
Jesus' Terminology: "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth, but I go that I may awake him out of sleep." (John 11:11)
Jesus often referred to death as sleep when talking about believers (e.g., Jairus's daughter).
The Comfort of This Truth:
For believers, death is not an end but a temporary rest.
Paul reiterates this in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – "Concerning them which are asleep."
Encouragement: Believers are merely asleep in Christ, awaiting the resurrection.
Jesus' Declaration: "I Am the Resurrection and the Life"
Verses 25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?"
Two Key Points:
Jesus is the resurrection: He has the power to bring life to the dead.
Jesus is the life: He sustains life eternally.
Spiritual Resurrection Needed:
Ephesians 2:1 – "You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Our spiritual state without Christ is one of death, and only through Him can we be made alive.
Christ’s Role: As the resurrection, He offers life; as the life, He sustains it.
Belief as the Path to Resurrection and Eternal Life
The Question of Belief: "Believest thou this?" (John 11:26)
Faith is essential: Without faith, we cannot experience the resurrection or eternal life.
Romans 10:13-14 – "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Martha’s Response (John 11:27): "Yea, Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God."
True belief centers not just on what Jesus does but on who He is.
The Removal of the Stone – Removing Barriers to Belief
Jesus' Command: "Take ye away the stone." (John 11:39)
The stone represents obstacles to faith: Doubt, disbelief, misconceptions, etc.
Our Role: Just as those present were commanded to roll away the stone, we are tasked with removing barriers that prevent others from experiencing Jesus’ resurrection power.
Sharing the Gospel: We play a part in helping others believe, just as someone helped to remove the stone for Lazarus.
Witnessing the Glory of God
Seeing God’s Power: "If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God." (John 11:40)
The Glory Revealed: Witnessing someone being saved is witnessing a resurrection – the spiritual awakening and eternal life given by Christ.
Our Responsibility: Share the Gospel, remove obstacles, and let others see the glory of God through Christ’s transforming power.
The Authority of Jesus' Word
Jesus’ Command: "Lazarus, come forth!" (John 11:43)
The Power of His Word: Jesus' word brings life. It’s His voice that calls us from spiritual death to life.
Grave Clothes Removed: "Loose him, and let him go." (John 11:44)
Freedom in Christ: Not only does He give life, but He also sets us free from the bondage of sin and death.
Conclusion
Invitation to Believe: Just as Jesus asked Martha, "Believest thou this?" He asks us today – Do you believe that He is the resurrection and the life?
Encouragement for Believers: If Christ is the resurrection and the life for you, share that truth with others. Help roll away the stones of disbelief and doubt.
Final Prayer: May we understand and embrace the truth that Christ is still the resurrection and the life today.
Application
Reflection: Do you believe Jesus is the resurrection and the life? How has He brought you from death to life?
Action: Identify one person this week with whom you can share this life-giving message. Pray for the opportunity to help roll away the stone that hinders their belief.
Prayer
Closing Prayer: Thank God for His power over death and His gift of eternal life. Ask for boldness to share this truth with others, helping them experience the resurrection and life in Christ.
Biblical References
John 11:11-12 (KJV)
“These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.”
John 11:14-15 (KJV)
“Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless, let us go unto him.”
John 11:23-27 (KJV)
“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”
John 11:39-44 (KJV)
“Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13 (KJV)
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”
John 14:2 (KJV)
“In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”
Ephesians 2:1 (KJV)
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
1 John 5:11-12 (KJV)
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.”
Romans 10:13-14, 17 (KJV)
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? ... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Reflection Questions
How does Jesus’ power over death, as demonstrated in the raising of Lazarus, impact your understanding of His authority in your own life? What areas in your life do you need to trust Him more with, knowing He has power over life and death?
When Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life," He asked Martha if she believed this. How would you respond to this question today, and how does your answer influence the way you live your life?
The people had to roll away the stone before Lazarus could be raised. What "stones" or barriers exist in your life or in the lives of others that need to be removed for you to fully experience the power of Jesus?
Jesus waited four days before going to Lazarus, even though He knew his friend was ill. What does this teach you about God's timing in your life, and how do you handle situations when God’s timing doesn’t align with your expectations?
After being raised, Lazarus needed to be freed from his grave clothes. Are there any “grave clothes” (old habits, doubts, or fears) that are still binding you, even after experiencing new life in Christ? How can you seek freedom from them today?
Daily Activities
Removing Obstacles to Faith
Activity: Identify one "stone" in your life that is hindering your relationship with God, such as doubt, fear, or an area of unforgiveness. Write it down.
Application: Pray about this obstacle and seek ways to actively remove it this week, whether through prayer, scripture reading, or seeking counsel from a trusted friend or mentor.
Sharing the Gospel
Activity: Commit to sharing the message of Jesus being the resurrection and the life with at least one person this week. This could be through a conversation, sharing your testimony, or inviting someone to church.
Application: Pray for the opportunity and courage to speak about your faith, trusting God to guide your words and actions.
Trusting in God's Timing
Activity: Reflect on an area of your life where you are waiting for God’s intervention. Write a letter to God expressing your feelings about the wait.
Application: Meditate on scriptures about God’s timing and sovereignty throughout the week. Conclude by thanking God for His perfect timing, even if the situation hasn’t changed.
Experiencing New Life in Christ
Activity: Identify an area where you feel "bound" by your past or an old habit. Take note of this in a journal or personal reflection.
Application: Replace this "grave clothes" by developing a new, positive habit that reflects your life in Christ, such as starting a daily devotional, volunteering, or adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Celebrating the Resurrection Life
Activity: Set aside time this week to celebrate the new life you have in Christ. Choose an activity such as worship, sharing a meal with friends or family, or taking a walk in nature.
Application: During this time, reflect on and discuss what Christ has done in your life, giving thanks for His power as the resurrection and the life.
