|
|
|
- Preaching the Living WORD through
the Written WORD - 2 Tim 4;:2 - |
|
|
GOSPEL OF JOHN Grace Bible Church,
Gillette, Wyoming Pastor Daryl Hilbert 13. Seventh
Sign: Raising of Lazarus 11:1–45
[15 - (Jn 11:1-45)] a) The
Narrative of Lazarus (11:1-3) (1) There was
a man who was sick, whose name was Lazarus being identified from the town of
Bethany (1). This was not the poor man named Lazarus in Lk 16:20-25. His
sisters were Martha and Mary, the same sisters who Jesus visited earlier in
Lk 10:38-42. (2) John identifies this Mary as the same one
who anointed Jesus’ feet with her hair (Jn 12:3). Both Martha and Mary sent
to word to Jesus of Lazarus’ dire illness, no doubt so that He would come and
heal him (2). Jesus had a friendship (philéō)
and a great love (agapáō -
sacrificial love) for Lazarus, Martha, and Mary (3, 5). b) Jesus
Learns of Lazarus’ Sickness (11:4-16) (1) After
hearing about Lazarus’ sickness, Jesus revealed the purpose for what was
about to take place. Lazarus, even though he would die, would not remain dead
because Jesus would raise him from the dead for the glory of God (4). This
healing would also glorify and reveal that Jesus was the Son of God (John’s
purpose for the Gospel, Jn 20:31). (2) John mentioned that Jesus purposely
lingered another two days. The reason Jesus did this was so that Lazarus
would die and that he could be raised (6). (3) Then He said to His disciples that they
should go to Judea, the region where Bethany was located two miles east of
Jerusalem (18). His disciples questioned His decision because the Jews sought
to stone Him (8). (4) Jesus responded to His disciples by saying
that there was only twelve hours in a day. One can only walk while it is day
(9). If one tries to walk while it is night then they will stumble (10).
Jesus’ point was that His times and work were in the hands of God. He had to
do the Father’s will and work (cp. Jn 4:34; 5:17, 20, 36; 9:4) before He
would accomplish His final work on the cross. (5) Jesus described the work before Him was to
raise Lazarus from the dead so that many would see and believe. A beautiful
euphemism, namely “fallen asleep,” was used by Jesus to describe a saint who
has gone home to be with the Lord (11). Only the Son of God could “awaken”
that saint and give them life. The believer, though he may die, immediately
goes to be with the Lord (2Co 5:6-8) and his body has only experienced
temporary death until Jesus resurrects his body. (6) His disciples unfortunately did not
understand the spiritual truths to which Jesus spoke and took is sayings
literally (12-13). Jesus explained that His euphemisms meant respectively
physical death and resurrection (14). However, Jesus was glad for their sakes
that they would witness His glorious power and see a picture of resurrection
(15). (7) Thomas, though his response was a
courageous one, did not understand that neither Jesus nor His disciples
needed not to fear because of the Son of God’s power and the Father’s will
(16). c) Jesus
Arrives Outside of Bethany (11:17-37) (1) Between
the time Mary and Martha sent word for Jesus, his extra two days, and travel
time, Lazarus had died and already been in the tomb four days (17). (2) Martha heard that Jesus arrived and went
out to meet Him. She said to Him that if He had been there, then her brother
would not have died. Martha was not blaming Jesus for being late (the idea
would be, “had you been present while he was alive,” imperfect tense), rather
attesting to His power to heal the sick had He been there (18-21). However,
she had forgotten that Jesus had healed before even though he had not been
present (nobleman’s son, Jn 4:46–54). Furthermore, she was about to find out
that His power was greater than she gave Him credit. (3) Though Martha stated that Jesus could ask
anything from the Father, she was probably not referring to Jesus
resuscitating Lazarus (22), but a general statement of the Father’s blessing
on Jesus. For when Jesus assured her that her brother would rise again (23),
she apparently was not thinking of an immediate miracle but the future
resurrection (24). Furthermore, in vs. 39 Martha protested rolling the stone
away (39). (4) Jesus’ Fifth “I AM” statement: “I AM the
Resurrection and the Life” (11:25) (a) In vs. 23
Jesus was probably referring to an immediate miracle for the raising of
Lazarus. (b) However, in vs. 25-26 Jesus made His fifth
great “I AM” statement. Jesus Himself is the “Resurrection” and “Life.”
Through His work on the cross, eternal life is given to all who believe.
Though they may die physically, their bodies will be raised to meet their
souls, which are already living eternally with God. (c) Martha at least confirms her belief in
Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God (27). (5) Martha
informs Mary that Jesus arrived and Mary, emotionally distraught, fell at His
feet. Mary makes the same comment to Jesus as Martha did (28-32). (6) When Jesus saw Mary as well as the crowds
weeping, He was “deeply moved in spirit and was troubled” (33). The word “moved”
(embrimaomai - moved with displeasure,
sternness, or anger )
would suggest Jesus was deeply moved with displeasure towards unbelief in His
presence. The word “troubled” (tarassō
- agitated or troubled) would further support His emotional reaction to the
crowds who acted as though there was no hope even though the “Resurrection
and the Life” was present. Based on these words, Jesus’ own “weeping” (dakrúō - silently shed tears)
was caused by His emotions toward the tragic consequences of sin and unbelief
(35). Some supposed Jesus wept out of love for the deceased Lazarus, but
Jesus knew He would raise it from the dead shortly (36). Others seemed to
blame Jesus for not coming sooner and healing Lazarus like He healed the
blind man (37). d) Jesus
Raises Lazarus from the Dead (11:38-45) (1) Jesus
again strongly moved with displeasure (same Greek word) came to the tomb (38)
and commanded the stone to be rolled away. Immediately Martha interject to
the Lord that there would be a stench from the decaying body (39 cf. Ps
16:10). Jesus apparently reproved her saying, “Did I not say to you that if
you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (40). (2) Seventh Sign (a) Jesus
thanked the Father for always hearing Him (41) but publicly said this so
those present would believe that He was sent from God (42) (b) Jesus cried out with a loud voice,
“Lazarus, come forth” and he came forth from the tomb. Jesus commanded that
he be unbound and let go (43-44). (c) This was Jesus’ seventh sign and it
revealed that the Son of God had power over death. Many who saw believed in
Him (45). e) Applications (1) Picture
of salvation (Jn 5:24; Ro 6:12-14) (2) Picture of resurrection (Jn 5:25-29) (3) Proof of Resurrection (1Co 15:1-4, 20) (4) Promise of life over death (1Co 15:55-58) |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
