## Believe in Miracles: Raising of Lazarus

## John 11:1-44

We have been studying the miracles of Jesus that we find recorded for us in the gospel of John. Remember John tells us that "…these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." So far we looked at His turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. Then we see Him healing the nobleman's son and the man at the pool of Bethesda. We saw Him feed 5000 with five loaves and two small fish and after feeding the multitudes Jesus came to His disciples in the midst of a storm walking on the water. Last week we looked at chapter 9 and the healing of the man born blind. Tonight we will consider the seventh and final miraculous sign found in John's gospel. This seventh sign, found only in the Gospel of John, is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Remember there is a reason for each of these miracles being included in John's narrative. That we might believe that 'Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God'.

I. Consider the Preface to this Miracle. v1-3

A. Lazarus, Mary and Martha lived in Bethany about ten miles from Jerusalem and Jesus often visited in their home.

B. John carefully identifies the family.

1. Mary (which anointed the Lord's feet)

2. Her sister Martha.

3. And their brother Lazarus (whom Thou lovest)

C. Now he identifies the need.

1. Lazarus has fallen ill.

2. His sisters send for Jesus to come.

3. This is a common problem for all…we get that call and because of our love, we want to be there.

4. But that isn't the response of the Lord at this time.

II. Consider the Performance of this Miracle

A. The Delay. v4-7

1. Clearly this isn't because Jesus didn't care aout Lazarus and his sisters.

2. Jesus tells us that Lazarus' illness is not unto death…but for the glory of God.

3. Now we have read this story many times and we might be tempted to think Jesus made a mistake here…but He didn't!

4. Notice what He didn't say:

a. He didn't say Lazarus would not die.

b. He said, that the sickness was not for that purpose.

c. He declares that his sickness was for a different purpose…one which would result in God's glory.

d. Point of consideration here. There are those who teach that all sickness is a result of an individual's sin and that God wants all to be healed…that isn't true!

e. If it was then Paul wouldn't have struggled with his thorn in the flesh, and no godly person would ever have to worry about heart disease, cancer, or any other illness.

5. I believe Jesus delayed a couple of days to allow Lazarus to die, no other reason is given for His delay.

B. Death and His Disciples

1. They feared that a return would mean death for Jesus. v8-10

a. Death could not sneak up on Jesus.

b. He is the Son of God!

c. As such He was omniscient.

d. He had no fear of returning to Judea.

2. The disciples didn't always understand what Jesus was teaching them. v11-16

a. Remember their confusion over the discussion of the leaven of the Pharisees?

b. They also didn't understand what He was teaching them concerning death.

c. Jesus said Lazarus was sleeping…they said, 'Well that is good thing…he has been sick so he needs to rest.'

d. Finally Jesus plainly declared, 'Lazarus is dead' and that He was glad!

e. Thomas (the doubter) said, 'Let us all go that we may die with him!' v15

f. He obviously missed the part where Jesus said He would wake him out of his sleep!

g. Note: This discussion of sleep is about the physical death of Lazarus.

h. There is no such thing as 'soul-sleep' and that isn't what is being discussed here.

C. Death and Martha. v17-27

1. Lazarus was four days dead and buried.

2. That means he must have died shortly after the messenger was sent to Jesus.

3. Notice Martha's faith…'If thou hadst been here, my brother would not have died.'

a. She believed that Jesus could have healed him.

b. She also believed that He had power with God. v22

c. Jesus makes a wonderful declaration to her concerning life and death.

d. She heard and believed, but didn't understand Him. (later on v39)

e. Like many, her faith was in what the Lord could do someday, but not in what He could do today!

D. Death and Mary v28-33

1. Jesus calls for Mary.

2. The mourners think she is going to weep at Lazarus' grave.

3. She comes to Jesus with the same faith as Martha.

4. Lord if thou hadst been here…

5. Jesus is deeply moved by the pain and sorrow of death.

E. Death and Lazarus v34-44

1. Jesus weeps over this scenario.

2. Notice the faith of the crowd was much the same as Mary and Martha's.

3. If He could open the eyes of the blind, why couldn't He have prevented Lazarus' death?

4. Jesus commands that the stone be removed. Note: Martha's reluctance.

5. Jesus prays for those present that they might believe that He is the Messiah.

6. Two commands given:

a. First for Lazarus, 'Come forth'

b. Next for the people, 'Loose him and let him go.'

c. A wonderful illustration for us today.

d. Jesus is the life giver, and we are to be there to help them after they have new life.

Mt 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

III. Consider the Purposes of this Miracle

A. To glorify God and to proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God (v.4).

B. To show Jesus' great love (v.5).

C. To show the necessity for waiting upon God in great crises (v.6).

D. To teach the need to grasp opportunity (v.7- 10).

E. To show Jesus' great power over death (v.11- 14).

F. To help strengthen the disciples' belief (v.15).

G. To stir the disciples' courage and loyalty (v.16).

Each of these miracles that John has recorded for us, are for the purpose of declaring who Jesus Christ is; that He is the Son of God, the Messiah. Believe in miracles, but our trust must only be in Jesus!