Part 8 – Resurrection of Lazarus 1. Aim: To show how Jesus was a miracle worker during his stay on earth. Part 8 – Resurrection of Lazarus Jn. 11:1-44

Resurrection of Lazarus Sickness, sorrow, death, compassion, joy Brother of Mary and Martha Lived in Bethany Jesus often visited with them 2. John 11: 1-44 3. This is one of the most marvelous events in the records of the ministry of Jesus. a. It brings about so many human emotions b. In this event we see sickness, sorrow, death, compassion, joy, and power. 4. Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha a. They lived together in Bethany b. Bethany is about 2 miles from Jerusalem. 5. Jesus often visited Lazarus and his sisters, and when He was in Jerusalem, He made their home His home. a. Mary is the one who anointed the feet of Jesus with ointment and wiped them with her hair b. Jesus was loved dearly by each member of this family. 6. Lazarus and his sisters were likely in a good financial situation a. Mary anointed the head and feet of Jesus, and the price of the ointment was from 300-400 dollars in our money b. They owned a family tomb. The poor buried their dead in the earth as we do today. 7. Let’s notice some interesting facts about the resurrection of Lazarus.

The Call Jn. 11:1-3 Lazarus of Bethany “Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, behold, He whom You love is sick.” They knew that Jesus could heal him I. THE CALL. Verse 1-3 A. When Lazarus was stricken in Bethany, Jesus was beyond the Jordan, in the land of Peraea. 1. The confidence the sisters had in him and the devotion they had for him caused them to desire His presence. B. They immediately sent for him saying, “Lord, behold, He whom You love is sick.”

25 Miles

The Delay Jn. 11:4-16 Perea - beyond Jordan Stayed 2 more days Busy doing good Disciples concerned about going back “tried to stone You” – v. 8 Lazarus Sleeps THE DELAY. (Verses 4-16.) A. It was about 25 miles [a day's journey] from Bethany to the place where Jesus was. 1. When Lazarus fell sick, Mary and Martha sent for Jesus. They were close friends of his 2. They believed that since Jesus had healed others, he would heal Lazarus 3. By the time the messengers arrived, Lazarus was already dead. 4. After receiving the message, Jesus stayed there 2 more days. B. This must have been a trial on the patience of Mary and Martha and deepened their anguish. Now, let us ask, “Why the delay?” 1. Not that Jesus did not love Lazarus and his sisters. 2. He was busy—doing good in the land of Peraea. 3. He tarried in order that God might be glorified ! 4. This seems to be the main cause of His delay. C. At the end of 2 days, Jesus proceeded to Judaea. 1. His disciples tried to hinder Him from going there because the Jews had sought to stone Him

The Delay Jn. 11:4-16 He had an allotted time to do His work We have a time to do what the Lord has commanded us – Jn. 1:11-12 “Walk in the day” – v. 9 1. v. 9-10 Jesus assured His disciples that he had an allotted time to do his work, and that if he did his work in the time allotted, there would be no danger until his work was accomplished D. We have a time, or day, to do what our Lord has commanded us - 1. John 1:11-12 “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” 2. v. 9 Jesus was walking in the day because He knew what he was supposed to do and He was doing it. 3. We walk in the day when we know the truth and obey it a. Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” b. John 8:32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Mourners Jn. 11:17-37 Lazarus dead for 4 days Sisters came, Martha then Mary He did not shun sorrow - knew it was real “Jesus Wept” - compassion JESUS WITH THE MOURNERS. (Verses 17-37.) A. When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead 4 days. The sisters—first Martha, then Mary—on learning of his arrival, went out to be with Him. B. It is interesting to note Jesus’ attitude. 1. He recognized the reality of death and bereavement. 2. He did not shun sorrow. Often he was found among the sad. 3. He did not make light of their sorrow, though He must have known that it would soon be turned into joy. 4. He shared their sorrow. “Jesus wept.” Though He knows that our afflictions are for the moment, Jesus has compassion upon us. 5. He spoke wonderful words of consolation, assuring them of Lazarus‘ resurrection.

The Tomb Jn. 11:38-44 Others Raised 1. Jairus’ daughter – Mk. 5 2. Widow’s son – Lk. 7 Lazarus was dead for 4 days Sisters felt Jesus could have prevented Implied takes more power to raise dead JESUS AT THE TOMB. (Verses 38-44.) A. Jesus had raised others from the dead 1. When Jairus' daughter was raised, her body was in the house of her father 2. When the widow's son was raised, his body was being carried to the place of burial 3. He had not, however, raised one whose body was already in a state of decay. B. But when Lazarus was raised, he had been dead 4 days and his body was in the tomb. 1. Martha and Mary both believed that if Jesus would have been there, He could have prevented their brother's death 2. They implied that it takes more power to raise the dead than to heal the sick. 3. They had no thought of Jesus' being able to raise one who had been dead for so long, and they did not want, therefore, the body of one they loved to be exposed in such an offensive way.

The Tomb Jn. 11:38-44 Jesus spoke to the living, dead - stone to be removed - “Lord by this time is decaying: for he has been dead four days” – Jn. 11:39 - In grave 4 days – Jn. 11:17 - Body had begun to decay – Jn. 11:39 A. When the stone was removed, Jesus spoke to the Living, then to the dead. 1. Jesus then commanded that the stone be removed 2. Martha said, “Lord by this time is decaying: for he has been dead four days” -John 11:39 3. Lazarus' death was certain. a. He had been in the grave four days - John 11:17 b. His body had begun to decay - John 11:39 c. He had on grave clothes - John 11:44 - Had on grave clothes – Jn. 11:44

The Tomb Jn. 11:38-44 Jesus prayed “Lazarus, Come Forth” Power in His word - Rom. 1:16 “power of God” D. Jesus prayed, and then cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth” 1. When Jesus called, Lazarus arose 2. There is power in the words of Jesus a. Rom. 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Jesus A Miracle Worker Part 10 Resurrection of Lazarus P. 6 3. And Lazarus lived again.

The Tomb Jn. 11:38-44 Raised Lazarus - Not for His sake - Not for sake of sisters To Glorify God A. Jesus raised Lazarus to life 1. Not for the sake of Lazarus. a. Lazarus was not raised to immortality. b. Lazarus would have to suffer the pains of death again. 2. Not for the sake of his sisters. 3. Lazarus was raised to glorify God John 11:4 a. To show the power of Jesus as the son of God - John 11:4 b. To prove that Jesus is the resurrection and the life - John 11:25 4. Jesus restored Lazarus to the nature he had before his death, to his family, and to his pursuit of life.

Judas’ Decision to Betray Jesus ? Just before Passover Many people - wanted to see Jesus Had been fond of Jesus Wanted place in kingdom Became embittered Failed to be crowned as King Resented waste of his time V. JUDAS’ DECISION TO BETRAY JESUS A. Jesus' raising Lazarus from the dead likely contributed much to Judas' decision to betray Jesus. B. Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead just before the Feast of the Passover, which was observed in our month of March. C. Many people assembled for the Passover that year. 1. They arrived early. 2. They inquired: “What think ye? Will he come to the Feast?” 3. Many were more interested in seeing Jesus, who had raised a man from the dead, than they were in observing the Passover. D. Judas had been very fond of Jesus. 1. He wanted a place in the new kingdom. 2. He awaited anxiously for the time when Jesus would be crowned king of the Jews and thus for the time when he would have an important position with Jesus in this kingdom. 3. The multitude wanted to crown Jesus king, but Jesus refused. 4. As the people spoke of a crown, Jesus talked of a cross - Luke 19:35-38 E. Judas became embittered. He likely considered the action of Jesus to be a case of stupidity. 1. On seeing how Jesus failed to take advantage of the people's determination to crown him king, Judas determined to betray him to the elders and priests. 2. Judas had spent time following Jesus. 3. He resented the waste of his time and the fading of his hopes. 4. He felt that he was justified in his betrayal of Jesus.

What Does It Mean To Us? Not too hard for the Lord - Acts 26:8 Power over the death Can and will raise the dead – Jn. 5:28-29 Is the Resurrection and the life – Jn. 11:25 Voice of Jesus will call us – 1 Thess. 4:13-18 WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS MEANS TO US ? A. It means that a bodily resurrection is not too hard for the Lord Acts 26:8 “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” B. It means that Christ has power over the death, even after the body decays C. It means that Christ can and will raise the dead - John 5:28-29 “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth— those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” D. It means that Christ is the resurrection and the life - John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” E. It means that some day the voice of Jesus will call to us and our dead bodies will rise and the spirit and body will reunite - 1 Thess. 4:13-18

Result of Resurrection Many believed - Jn. 11:45 Some told the Pharisees - Jn. 11:46 Chief priests and Pharisees planned to put Jesus to death - Jn. 11:47-53 1. Many believed as the result of the resurrection of Lazarus. John 11:45 “Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.” a. It was strange that all did not believe 2. Some went away and told the Pharisees - John 11:46 a. Many would not exercise any faith until their religious leaders told them what to believe. b. Many today will not exercise any faith of their own until their religious leaders tell them what to believe. 3. The chief priests and Pharisees took council that they might put Jesus to death

What Effect Will This Miracle Have on You? Stronger faith - Jn. 20:30-31 Prepare for your resurrection! 1. What effect will this miracle have on you? a. Will it make your faith stronger? John 20:30-31 b. Will it make you put forth greater effort to prepare for the resurrection to eternal life? 5. Will you not obey Christ that you may be raised to life?

Jesus A Miracle Worker “He has done all things well” Mk. 7:37

GOD’S SIMPLE PLAN FOR SALVATION Rev. 2:10 Acts 2:38 baptism JN. 12:42 confess LK. 13:3 UNTIL DEATH OBEDIENT repent JN. 8:24 believe ACTS 3:22 hear