The Resurrection and the Life

John 11:1-27

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

Backgound• John 11:1-6

– Bethany: about 1 ¾ miles (est. 30-45 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)

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

Conclusion• Jesus stated it clearly . . .

– 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?