John 11 1 44 Raising Lazarus from the

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John 11: 1 -44 Raising Lazarus from the dead“I AM the Resurrection and the

John 11: 1 -44 Raising Lazarus from the dead“I AM the Resurrection and the Life”

Introduction • What do we know about John and the book of John? -

Introduction • What do we know about John and the book of John? - • Written by the Apostle John, from around the city of Ephesus(Haley's Bible Handbook). • Most Scholars agree that it was written about A. D. 90, (The Lion Encyclopedia Of The Bible). A piece of the Gospel of John has been found and dated to be between 100 -120 A. D. (The Search For Jesus). • John, like his brother James, was a fisherman(Mark 1: 16 -20). • Scholars believe their father to have been Zebedee(Matthew 4: 21), and their mother to have been Salome(Matthew 27: 56; Mark 15: 40). • He was a follower of John the Baptist (John 1: 35, 40), until the Lord Jesus called him(John 1: 35 -51; 2: 2, 11). • He had a home in Jerusalem(John 19: 27), and was also an acquaintance of the High Priest Caiaphas(John 18: 13, 15, 16, 28). • He was known as the one whom that Jesus loved(John 13: 23; 20: 2; 21: 20, 24).

Introduction • John and his brother James were nicknamed the sons of Thunder[BOANERGES] (Mark

Introduction • John and his brother James were nicknamed the sons of Thunder[BOANERGES] (Mark 3: 17), possibly hinting at their temper and/or zeal(Mark 9: 38; Luke 9: 54). • John raced and beat Peter to the tomb of Jesus(John 20: 2 -5). • The Apostle John also wrote the books of First, Second, and Third John, as well as the book of Revelation(Eerdman's Handbook To The Bible). • Some Scholars think he was an Elder of the Church in Ephesus, where he stayed most of his later life, because he calls himself "The Elder"(Second John 1, Third John 1). If so, he would have been married(First Timothy 3: 2; Titus 1: 6). • The Book of John contains the shortest verse in the Bible, "Jesus wept"(John 11: 35)according to the Guinness Book Of World Records. • Most Scholars agree that the gospel of John was written for believers to help them increase their faith(John 20: 30 -31).

Arguments against the miracle and John the writer Critics have recently argued against the

Arguments against the miracle and John the writer Critics have recently argued against the miracle and even as to the author of the book. Since they, like the Sadducees, deny in miracles and the resurrection, they have tried to explain away much of the Gospels. They claim the miracle was just a parable, and note the similarity in names with the parable in Luke 16: 19 -31, with a man named Lazarus. They even suggest Lazarus wrote the book of John, stating John 11: 3, ignoring other passages supporting that John wrote the book(John 13: 23; John 21: 20; Matthew 26: 20; Mark 14: 17; Luke 22: 14). Critics ignore passages mentioning Mary and Martha, coinciding with John’s gospel. (Mark 14: 3 -9; John 11: 2; John 12: 1 -7; Luke 10: 38 -42). F. F. Bruce noted an Ossuary discovered in 1873 with the names of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. While the names are common, the Ossuary was something the wealthy would have afforded, and the expensive ointment Mary used showed that they were wealthy. The raising of Lazarus was therefore a historical event.

Arguments against the miracle and John the writer • Critics raise the question. “If

Arguments against the miracle and John the writer • Critics raise the question. “If this was a true event, why didn’t the other Gospels mention it? ” John is the only one to write of this miracle. Early scholars, historians, Apologists, and preachers quoted John’s gospel as fact. Some argued that some of the Apostles and disciples didn’t go and so were not witnesses. This might make sense for Matthew and Mark, but not for Luke, who researched the events, and talked with witnesses(Luke 1: 1 -3). A more plausible reason was because of the Jewish leaders. After Lazarus was raised, they wanted to kill Lazarus as well(John 12: 10 -11). The Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke were written around 50 -70 A. D. , a period of time that might allow Lazarus to still be alive, while John was written around A. D. 90, at a period of time where Lazarus would have been old enough to die again. Whatever reason, the writers had a number of miracles to record, and how they chose them, is up to them and the Holy Spirit. The reasons for each miracle were clear, as John stated in John 20: 30 -31, for the purpose of believing in Jesus the Christ.

Arguments against the miracle and John the writer John’s gospel is unique, as the

Arguments against the miracle and John the writer John’s gospel is unique, as the critics noted. Matthew and Mark emphasize the miracles while Luke emphasizes the parables. John does neither. The miracles noted in John are carefully placed to interpret great truths, major points are spelled out by Jesus as each miracle is performed. There are no massive number of parables in the book. John moves chronically “Next…” (John 1: 43 , John 6: 22 , John 12: 12 ) Both the deity of Christ as well as the humanity of Jesus is emphasized. Note that the name Jesus is almost used exclusively in the book. (John 1: 29 , John 1: 35 -38, 40, 42, 43, 45, 47, 48)

“I AM” There are several “I AM” statements in the Gospels, The words used

“I AM” There are several “I AM” statements in the Gospels, The words used are the same as when God spoke to Moses at the burning bush(Exodus 3: 14 -15), and upsetting the Jews whenever Jesus referred to those words(John 8: 5859; 10: 30 -39). John 11 gives one of the last of the Lord’s “I AM” statements, and a fitting one in preparation for what would soon happen. The book of John is split in half, where the first ten chapters deal with Jesus’ ministry, and chapter eleven begins the journey the Lord will take as the perfect sacrifice for sin. He is preparing for His death, burial and resurrection. Chapter 11 shows his power over death by raising Lazarus. Chapter 12 is a reminder of his future burial, and Christ tells the Apostles of his coming death starting in Chapter 13. This seemingly reverse pattern is shown to remind us that death is not the end.

“I AM” While many of the “I AM” statements were for general audiences to

“I AM” While many of the “I AM” statements were for general audiences to teach them about Christ, this last one was specifically for encouraging those that followed Christ. Jesus stated “I AM the Resurrection and the Life. ” Death is not to be feared, for God is Life itself. Jesus reminded the Sadducees of this in Luke 20: 27 -40. The death of the saints is referred to as sleep. David slept(1 Kings 2: 10), Lazarus slept(John 11: 11), Stephen when stoned by the Jews, slept(Acts 7: 60). Christ is more than a healer, more than one who can raise one back to life; He is the source of life. He created everything(John 1: 1 -3). Christ is not only one who can resurrect someone; He is the source, Christ IS the resurrection. The Old Testament passages mention a resurrection(Job 19: 25; Psalm 88: 15; Isaiah 26: 19; Ezekiel 37; Hosea 13: 14) , which the Pharisees believed, and Jesus’ disciples believed as well, as Martha declared(John 11: 14).

Does Jesus care? There is a song called “Does Jesus care? ” Epicurus, the

Does Jesus care? There is a song called “Does Jesus care? ” Epicurus, the founder of the Epicurean philosophy, argued against God, saying that if God can’t defeat evil and the suffering effects from evil, then God is powerless, if God can but does nothing then God is uncaring. Atheists have used this argument for years. When we suffer, we are tempted to think that God doesn’t care. John shows us that Jesus DOES care. God’s timing is on HIS schedule, not ours. God knows us better than we know ourselves. John 11: 5 tells us that BECAUSE Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, He delayed. 2 Peter 3: 9 says that God is not slow in keeping His promises. When we pray to God to give us patience, do we add that we want that patience right now? God says for us to be patient. The Lord knew that the two sisters trusted Him. Martha trusted Jesus when she went to Him (John 11: 22) and her faith began to increase after hearing Jesus(John 11: 27). But sometimes we say like in Mark 9: 24 “I believe, help thou my unbelief!” When Life’s troubles hit us at our very core, and everything fails, God wants us to lean on Him, because He never fails. Mary and Martha are mourning the loss of their brother. Jesus brings them hope and a deeper faith. Jesus reminds them who He really is. John wrote this message for us. At the time the gospel of John was written, the persecution against Christians was on the rise, and many would soon die defending their faith. This gospel would have given hope and a stronger faith to endure the persecution.

Does Jesus care? Scholars debate whether or not Lazarus was already dead when the

Does Jesus care? Scholars debate whether or not Lazarus was already dead when the messengers reached Jesus with the message from Mary and Martha. We know that by the time Jesus arrived, Lazarus was in the grave for 4 days(John 11: 17). Jewish tradition believes that a soul may wander and return to the body for three days. On the fourth day, it leaves never to return. If Jesus delayed while Lazarus was still alive, but sick until the second day when he died, then traveled 4 days travel to reach Bethany, he would have been at a great distance. We have recorded a number of events on the way to Bethany, including Zaccheus in Jericho (Luke 19: 19). We read that Jesus was across the Jordan, after the Jews tried to stone Him(John 10: 40). Some argue that Lazarus must have already been dead, and the two day delay would then give 4 days(1 day message, 2 day delay, 1 day to travel). These scholars argue that to delay while Lazarus was still alive would have been cruel. This leaves critics of the Bible to deny that Jesus loved Lazarus, even though the scriptures state Jesus loving Lazarus and his sisters(John 11: 5). Either way, Jesus knew when Lazarus had died(John 11: 11 -14).

Does Jesus care? Some scholars argue that Jesus wanted the sisters to build their

Does Jesus care? Some scholars argue that Jesus wanted the sisters to build their faith, even as Lazarus grew sick, and died. We are not to just believe in God when everything goes our way. Ecclesiastes states that in everything there is a season(Eccl 3: 18). It doesn’t take much faith to believe when things are going well. It takes more faith when things go against us. A storm comes into our life. This may be physical or spiritual. When everything else fails, we can call on our Creator, our Savior, unmoved by the storm, to aid us. But God will not always help us in ways we may expect. The storm may still rage, but afterwards we find ourselves seeing the shore much sooner than expected, because the wind carried us faster to our destination. A tornado forces us into shelter, where we can draw closer to each other. A plague forces us away from the glittering jewels tempting us toward a peaceful but poor residence full of joy. Persecution forces us to hide in the Lord. Whatever the trouble, God is there. There is a saying-“To live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning. ” That meaning is in Christ; The Resurrection and the Life.

John 11: 1 -3 11 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of

John 11: 1 -3 11 1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick. ”.

John 11: 1 -3 • They did not request for him to come. They

John 11: 1 -3 • They did not request for him to come. They humbly trusted that Jesus would take care of matters in His own way. Mary is told later of wiping the feet of Jesus in John 12. It was an event already known by many by this time. The term Lord also means Rabbi. The time would be between the Feast of Tabernacles and the Passover-from December to April. Scholars suggest Lazarus is wealthy, Martha is the oldest, and in charge of the house(Luke 10: 38 -42). Mary is mentioned first because of her act of faith and love. At the end of John 10, we see Jesus left to go across the Jordan after leaving the area of Judea, due to the Jewish leaders wanting to kill him. Bethany is back across the Jordan, about 2 miles from Jericho, and about a mile and a half from Jerusalem. Now so soon after this Jesus will plan to return to this dangerous area. .

John 11: 4 -7 • • 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This

John 11: 4 -7 • • 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it. ” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. 7 Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again. ”

John 11: 4 -7 • Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from

John 11: 4 -7 • Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Death was not going to be permanent. God sees delays with a purpose. (Isaiah 54: 7, 8; 49: 14, 15) Had Jesus rushed to heal Lazarus, He would have done no more than for the masses, many who did not believe or cared about Jesus. Because Jesus loved them, He was going to do something great for them, and for the glory of the Father. Jesus knew what He planned to do, and because He loved them, Jesus stayed. God always does things on His own timetable. We may have rushed ahead, not knowing what might happen, but not our Lord. Something wonderful was going to happen to build up his disciple’s faith. Those He loved will see something grander than they could hope for. God’s glory would be shown for those close to Him, and a foundation will be set for them to rest their ever growing faith.

John 11: 8 -10 • • 8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately

John 11: 8 -10 • • 8 The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again? ” 9 Jesus answered, “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. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him. ”

John 11: 8 -10 • Were they afraid for Jesus and/or themselves? Did they

John 11: 8 -10 • Were they afraid for Jesus and/or themselves? Did they lack faith? Jesus would help increase it. • The Jews and Romans divided the day into 12 hours, and the night into another 12 hours. God provides the day for us to see and to do God’s work(John 9: 4). With God protecting them, Jesus will be able to do the Father’s will and the devil can do nothing about it. At one level, the light is the sun. On a deeper level, Jesus is the light of the world(John 8: 12; 9: 5). When not following God, the light is not there, and so one stumbles in sin.

John 11: 11 -13 • • • 11 These things He said, and after

John 11: 11 -13 • • • 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up. ” 12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well. ” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep.

John 11: 11 -13 • Several passages refer to death as a sleep for

John 11: 11 -13 • Several passages refer to death as a sleep for those following the Lord. Death does not break the bond of friendship with the Lord. Were the disciples thinking that it wasn’t necessary to go through such a dangerous journey just to wake someone up? Or were they just reminding Jesus of the healing power of sleep? They didn’t understand.

John 11: 14 -16 • • 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus

John 11: 14 -16 • • 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him. ” 16 Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him. ”

John 11: 14 -16 • The statement Jesus made suggests that had Jesus been

John 11: 14 -16 • The statement Jesus made suggests that had Jesus been there, He would have healed Lazarus, because He truly cared. • Was Thomas Brave? Fatalistic? Faithful? The name Thomas[Aramaic “Toma”] means twin, the Greek word Didymos[Didymus] used means twin. Thomas was later referred as the doubter, but here he shows courage to go along and possibly die with his teacher.

John 11: 17 -19 • 17 So when Jesus came, He found that he

John 11: 17 -19 • 17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

John 11: 17 -19 Distance=15 Greek Stadia[202. 75 yards per Stadion] or furlongs, about

John 11: 17 -19 Distance=15 Greek Stadia[202. 75 yards per Stadion] or furlongs, about 3 kilometers. Not far from Jerusalem. Close enough for the Jews of Jerusalem to come and visit, and mourn with Martha and Mary. Their wealth and influence brought many Jews to them. Professional mourners and Jews following the Law and custom for comforting the survivors of those who died would be there. (Ecclesiastes 7: 2; 12: 5) Witnesses prepared to be shown the glory of God. 4 days had gone by, still within the custom established for mourning. The first 3 days were for weeping, then 4 days of heavy mourning, since the belief that the soul is now permanently gone, then light mourning for the rest of the month. These Jews were not all followers of Jesus, some were His enemies, but Jewish custom had to be followed, and they were obviously Pharisees, for this sect believed in the resurrection. During the first week of mourning, visitors would come to the house to comfort and console the bereaved family. The wording showed that the Jews would travel from Jerusalem to visit, since it was a short distance. Some of those traveling back and forth from Jericho, also close by, would have seen Jesus there in Jericho, and would have told Him of how long Lazarus was in the grave.

John 11: 21 -22 • 20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that

John 11: 21 -22 • 20 Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You. ”

John 11: 21 -22 A limited faith-Jesus had already healed at a distance (Matt.

John 11: 21 -22 A limited faith-Jesus had already healed at a distance (Matt. 8: 5 -13) and raised the dead. (Matt. 9: 18 -26; Luke 7: 11 -17) Several scholars give possible reasons for Martha’s limited faith, but it is enough what the scriptures tell us. Martha heard Jesus was coming, someone must have run ahead, since Jesus would have the disciples along. Some scholars note that Martha didn’t blame Jesus. Others suggest that Martha in her grief hinted at a slight resentment, but corrected herself by stating her faith in Jesus. Some suggested that Martha had a slight hope against hope that Jesus might still be able to do something. Mary would also mention that had Jesus been there, Lazarus would have not died. The two sisters seemed to have discussed this at length during their mourning.

John 11: 21 -22 It was a Jewish custom that the oldest would be

John 11: 21 -22 It was a Jewish custom that the oldest would be the host or hostess. Martha, the practical one, went first. The words Martha spoke suggest that she and Mary kept hoping and asking if Jesus was on His way. They already sent a message before, and hoped for Jesus to come. Scholars debate whether Mary knew of Jesus coming near. Some suggest that Martha heard in her capacity as hostess. She might not have told Mary. Or Mary was still deep in mourning, and Martha, keeping herself busy was able to keep her grief under control enough to go see Jesus. Some think that Mary was waiting to be asked. Whatever the reason, we read that Martha went first.

John 11: 23 -24 • • 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will

John 11: 23 -24 • • 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again. ” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. ” (Jesus states a fact that is also a comfort used by the Pharisees who believe in the resurrection. Jesus gives a possibly ambiguous statement, one with a double meaning. Martha misunderstands what Jesus plans to do, and takes comfort in the scriptures of the resurrection of the faithful. )

John 11: 25 -26 • 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection

John 11: 25 -26 • 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? ”

John 11: 25 -26 One of the great I AM statements in the Bible!

John 11: 25 -26 One of the great I AM statements in the Bible! Jesus is both the resurrection as well as the life. Some scholars dismiss this as a duplication, but the Greek is clear. The Greek word for life “Zoe” is used 36 times in the book of John, more than twice the number of the other three gospels combined(16 times). To a Christian, life is more than a physical condition or a social experience, it is the person of Jesus Christ. Paul says “Christ is our life”, (Colossians 3: 4), and “to live is Christ”(Philippians 1: 21). Resurrection leads to life. A return to life. Furthermore, Jesus states that even death cannot stop faith in Him. A person who has faith in Jesus will never die. We are to live in faith. (Galatians 2: 20) A person is not forever dead, but Jesus will raise the faithful on the last day(John 6: 40). As 2 Corinthians 5: 17 says “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old is gone, the new has come!”

John 11: 27 -28 • 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe

John 11: 27 -28 • 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world. ” 28 And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you. ”

 • John 11: 27 -28 • Martha gives the great confession of faith.

• John 11: 27 -28 • Martha gives the great confession of faith. Her faith is increasing. Some scholars debate how far that faith went. Some think Martha understands that Jesus will raise Lazarus now, while some think Martha is still thinking of the resurrection at the last day. Martha makes a statement that goes to the heart of the matter. Not saying she believes Jesus to be the resurrection and the life, but the promised Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God, and the one prophesied to come to the world. This great confession can be compared to Peter’s confession (Matthew 16: 16, 17. ) • This confession provides her with comfort to go get her sister. We do not have the full conversation with Jesus and Martha, but we see that Jesus wanted to see Mary. So Martha, the practical one, goes to tell Mary.

John 11: 29 -32 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose •

John 11: 29 -32 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose • quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there. ” 32 Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. ”

John 11: 29 -32 Mary went to where Martha told her. She rushed to

John 11: 29 -32 Mary went to where Martha told her. She rushed to Jesus, forgetting those that were there, forgetting ceremony, but went to Jesus. The Jews comforting Mary didn’t know what Martha told her, so assumed that Mary was going to weep at the tomb. Imagine their surprise to find Mary going to see Jesus. Mary’s grief is shown, she repeats what Martha first said. The joy of seeing the Lord was mixed with feeling the loss of her brother, Lazarus, and she humbly falls at the feet of Jesus. The same feet she sat at before, listening to His words when Martha was busy trying to care for the needs of her guests, recorded in Luke 10: 38 -42.

John 11: 33 -35 • 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the

John 11: 33 -35 • 33 Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. 34 And He said, “Where have you laid him? ” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see. ” 35 Jesus wept.

John 11: 33 -35 The sight of those mourning troubled Jesus. The words of

John 11: 33 -35 The sight of those mourning troubled Jesus. The words of weeping refer to loud wailing from the mourners. The Son of God is acquainted with our grief. The Greek term for troubled also suggests being displeased or indignant, almost angry at the scene. Scholars debate the cause of the anger, whether the anger is directed at death itself, or agitation at the mourners not realizing the scriptures reminding them of the resurrection, and their mourning is like of those that have no hope due to a lack of faith(1 Thessalonians 4: 13), or outrage in sin causing the penalty of death. Whatever the reason, Jesus was moved by the scene.

John 11: 33 -35 Scholars give several reasons for Jesus asking. Liberal scholars deny

John 11: 33 -35 Scholars give several reasons for Jesus asking. Liberal scholars deny the knowledge Jesus had as the Son of God. Some argue that Jesus asked in order to prove his humanity. Still others argue that it was to prevent the unbelieving Jews from thinking a suspected collusion with Lazarus, pulling a trick to fool others into thinking a miracle had occurred when it was a planned illusion. Some give the view that Christ cares and takes notice where all the saints are laid, and will look after them. Whatever the reason, Jesus asked. Jesus quietly shed tears. A man of sorrows as Isaiah 53: 3 says. Whether showing love, sympathy for the grief Mary and Martha felt, or possibly resentment at all the sorrow caused by sin and death and what death does to families and friends, Jesus wept. Jesus is not just divinity but also has a heart of humanity. Jesus is able to sympathize with His people’s weaknesses. (Hebrews 4: 15)

John 11: 36 -37 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved •

John 11: 36 -37 36 Then the Jews said, “See how He loved • him!” • 37 And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying? ” • (Those that lacked faith, saw the miracles earlier, argue. The Jews missed the point. Jesus is not weeping over the death of Lazarus, like one who has no power over death. They do not believe. They think Jesus only has a limited power, and not a divine power. Jesus will soon show them that He truly is the resurrection and the life!)

John 11: 38 -40 • 38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to

John 11: 38 -40 • 38 Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone. ” • Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days. ” • 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God? ”

John 11: 41 -44 • 41 Then they took away the stone from the

John 11: 41 -44 • 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 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. ” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand foot with grave-clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go. ”

John 11: 38 -40 • The cave was a sign of a rich man’s

John 11: 38 -40 • The cave was a sign of a rich man’s tomb, like the one Jesus would soon be buried in(Matthew 27: 57 -60; Mark 15: 43 -46; Luke 23: 50 -53; John 19: 38 -42). Martha either forgot what Jesus told her, or her faith failed. Her practical nature, reminding Jesus of the decay from so much time, forgot that Jesus is the Resurrection and the life. She knew the decayed smell would upset those around her. 4 days, the body is corrupted, therefore too late in her mind. Another part of the earlier conversation is revealed at this point. Jesus reminds Martha what He told her earlier. The statements were a surprise to everyone around Jesus was going to show them the glory of God. Martha remembers and gives her consent to have the stone moved.

John 11: 41 -44 Those that rolled the stone would have a close view

John 11: 41 -44 Those that rolled the stone would have a close view of the body. No specter, shadow, phantom or ghost but a real body. Jesus prays aloud, and those nearby hears His words. A prayer from most would have a hope that their prayer might be answered in their favor. Jesus shows His confidence, and prepares them to believe in Him. Jesus shares with the audience His close relationship with the heavenly Father, and of His authority as the Son of God. His enemies accused Jesus of doing miracles in the name of the devil(Matthew 9: 34; 12: 24 -28; Mark 3: 22 -30; Luke 11: 14 -26). Jesus shows in His prayer that He is the obedient Son of God, whom God sent to the world(Hebrews 5: 8 -9). His shout brings Lazarus forth, just as His voice will bring all the dead in the graves out(John 5: 25, 28 -29). Jesus calls Lazarus out of the grave, speaking to him as if he was already alive. The act was immediate, like the future resurrection will be(1 Corinthians 15: 52).

John 11: 41 -44 Scholars note that had Jesus not called Lazarus by name,

John 11: 41 -44 Scholars note that had Jesus not called Lazarus by name, all the tombs would have given up their dead, such was the power of Jesus. Lazarus hobbled out in his grave-clothes. The corpse was typically laid on a sheet and tightly wrapped around the body, then the sheet was drawn over the head and stretched down to the feet. The feet were bound at the ankles, and the arms tied to the body with linen strips. The face was bound with a special cloth, a napkin, specially called a “Sweat-cloth. ” Jesus gave the startled bystanders something to do. Lazarus needed help getting out of his graveclothes. Jesus would have been similarly buried. But He had power to get out of His grave-clothes on his own. There was no question that a dead man had been raised! Many believed, but still some were still against Jesus, and went to tell the Jewish council, as Jesus told in His parable, some won’t believe even when someone returns from the dead (Luke 16: 31).

Conclusion: • Either we believe or deny the facts • Do we feast on

Conclusion: • Either we believe or deny the facts • Do we feast on the Word daily so as to grow in faith? • The question is not “Does Jesus care”, but do we care enough to follow our Lord no matter where He leads?

Invitation • Have we obeyed the gospel? – Believe(John 6: 35) – Repent(Luke 13:

Invitation • Have we obeyed the gospel? – Believe(John 6: 35) – Repent(Luke 13: 3) – Confess(Matthew 10: 32) – Baptism(Mark 16: 16) • Have we stumbled? – Repent, and Pray(Act 8: 22, 2 Corinthians 7: 10, James 5: 16