2. The Resurrection and the Life
John 11:1-27

3. Introduction
About 3-4 months has passed since the Feast of Dedication (Jn 10:22)
Jesus has been in Perea beyond the Jordan
About one day’s journey from Jerusalem
It is now 2-3 weeks before the Passover

4. Backgound
John 11:1-6
Bethany: about 1 ¾ miles (est minute walk) east of Jerusalem. This is also the city where Lazarus and his sisters (Mary and Martha) are from
Currently, Jesus and His disciples are in Perea: beyond the Jordan (Jn 10:40, 11:7)

5. Background Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, lived in Bethany
They were friends of Jesus
Mary is the one who anointed Jesus with oil and wiped His feet with her hair
This incident hasn’t happened yet (Jn 12:1-8)
Jesus is told that Lazarus is very sick
Jesus delayed 2 days before going
It takes 1 day to walk to Bethany
When he arrives, Lazarus has been dead 4 days
Meaning Lazarus had probably died before Jesus was told he was sick

6. Background
Jesus told His disciples Lazarus was not sick unto death (not going to end in his death)
His sickness would glorify the Son of God
Another opportunity to reveal His true nature
Jesus had previously spoken about His deity
I am the bread of life (Jn 6:35)
I am the light of the world (Jn 8:12)
Before Abraham was, I am (Jn 8:58)
I am the door…good shepherd (Jn 10:7-11)
I and My Father are one (Jn 10:30)
The claims were coupled with signs that testified of who He is and where He came from
Feeding of the 5,000 (Jn 6)
Healing of the blind man (Jn 9)

7. The delay and return John 11:7-10
Jesus waited 2 days – may not have made a difference as to Lazarus dying
But the delay would make the coming sign more significant, and completely undeniable
His disciples worry that the Jewish leaders would still be looking to kill Jesus
2 escapes in the past 6 months (Jn 8:59, 10:39)
Jesus says it is time for Him to go to Judea
The night is approaching (Jn 9:4) – His death
Like any other traveler, He needed to get where He was going while it was day
To not finish His journey would be to walk in darkness (sin), and that He would not do

8. Lazarus is dead
John 11:11-16
Jesus displays miraculous knowledge of Lazarus’ condition
Disciples now take it for granted that Jesus has this power
Though they think Lazarus “sleeping” is good
Jesus clarifies that He meant Lazarus is dead
Glad He wasn’t there, probably because He would have been tempted to heal Lazarus rather than let him die
For the disciples’ faith it was important that Lazarus be clearly dead
That was why He delayed 2 days
Thomas shows great loyalty, willing to die with Jesus

9. Martha’s Faith John 11:17-22 Martha goes to meet Jesus, Mary does not
Mary may not have heard Jesus was near
Martha acknowledges faith that Jesus could have healed Lazarus if He had been there
Martha still has faith that Jesus can ask anything of God and have it granted
Probably not thinking of reviving her brother
Just saying, ‘I still believe in You’, even after the disappointment of her brother dying

10. Lazarus will rise again
John 11:23-24
Martha understands that there will be a resurrection of the dead
The Jews’ belief about the resurrection
Pharisees and most Jews believed in the resurrection, including Martha
Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection
Martha knew that resurrection would be “at the last day”
The final judgment

11. I Am The Resurrection and the Life
John 11:25-26
Jesus makes His claim to being the source of the resurrection and life
Similar to earlier statements (Jn 1:4, 5:21)
No life and no resurrection apart from Him
Jn 1:1-3; Col 1:15-18
Another clear claim of deity
Acts 17:24-28
To have resurrection and life one must “live and believe in” Christ
Believe in Christ (includes works – Jms 2:14-26)
Live in Christ (abide in His words – Jn 8:30-32)

12. I Am The Resurrection and the Life
John 11:27
Martha – even if not fully comprehending what Jesus is saying – very readily believes Jesus’ claim to being the resurrection and life
Sums it up in her own words, “You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world”
Martha’s response, quite clearly is in contrast with Jesus’ detractors (Jn 6:66; 8:59; 10:31)

13. Conclusion Jesus stated it clearly . . . Do you believe in Jesus?
If we want to have hope of eternal life, we must
Believe in Him
Live in Him
Ideas that include obedience to His commands
Do you believe in Jesus?
Are you ready to live in Jesus and live for Him?