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The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 21: Raising Lazarus John 11:1-46. Context of the Raising of Lazarus in John’s Gospel (John 10-11). John’s gospel records seven signs that signify important truths about Jesus or His ministry.
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Context of the Raising of Lazarus in John’s Gospel (John 10-11) • John’s gospel records seven signs that signify important truths about Jesus or His ministry. • This sign is clearly connected to Jesus’ claim to be “the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) • Jesus had recently escaped an attempt to kill him in Jerusalem. (John 10:31, 39) • He and His disciples were staying “beyond the Jordan” (John 10:40)
Background to the Raising of Lazarus John 11 • Mary and Martha sent word from their home in Bethany that their brother Lazarus is sick. • Jesus loved this family, probably more than they realized (11:3, 5) • He was an occasional visitor in their home (Luke 10:38-42; John 12) • After receiving this news, Jesus spent two more days where He was. • Jesus then informs the disciples that Lazarus “sleeps,” and that He intends to go to Judea to “wake him.”
Details of the MiracleRaising Lazarus (John 11) • When Jesus arrives near Bethany, Lazarus has been dead four days. (11:17) • Martha goes out to meet Jesus before He arrives at the house. • She says, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” (11:21-22)
Details of the MiracleRaising Lazarus (John 11) • Jesus challenges Martha to believe that He is the resurrection and the life. • Martha confesses her belief. • Mary comes with Jewish mourners to the place where Jesus is. • Mary makes the same statement of faith that her sister made, but she is more emotional.
Details of the MiracleRaising Lazarus (John 11) • Jesus groaned in His spirit, was troubled & wept • When He saw others weeping. • Because of His love for Lazarus • When some of the Jews questioned His abilities • They come to the tomb and Jesus commands them to “take away the stone.” • Martha objects for “by this time there is a stench.” • Jesus challenges her to believe!
Details of the MiracleRaising Lazarus (John 11) • They took the stone away. • Jesus prayed aloud. • Then He cried, “Lazarus, come forth!” • Lazarus came out, still bound in grave clothes. • Jesus commanded that he be set free. • Many believed, but some did not.
Lessons for Us • Jesus is God and Man. • Jesus is patient, and we must patiently wait for Him. • The ultimate faith in Jesus accepts Him as “the resurrection and the life.” • Prayer helps. • Jesus raises the dead by His word! (Jn. 5:28-29) • Some will not accept the truth, no matter what evidence is offered.