In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we explore the story of Lazarus in John 11. This event serves as a pivotal moment where the major themes of John’s Gospel converge, illuminating Jesus’ identity, mission, and the responses he elicits from those around him.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
- The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection: Jesus demonstrates his authority over death, performing a sign that testifies to his divine power.
- Jesus’ path to the cross: This event triggers the sequence leading to his crucifixion, showcasing his obedience to God’s will.
- The spectrum of belief and unbelief: From Martha’s faith to the Jewish leaders’ rejection, the story examines how people respond to Jesus’ signs.
- Jesus as the resurrection and the life: The miracle reinforces his messianic claim to grant eternal life to believers.
- God’s sovereignty amid opposition: Even the hostility of the Jewish leaders is woven into God’s redemptive plan.
- Jesus’ empathy and humanity: His tears reveal his deep compassion for human suffering, even as he fulfills a divine purpose.
By listening to this episode, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how the raising of Lazarus ties together the central themes of John’s Gospel. Krisan Marotta’s thoughtful exploration offers fresh insights into Jesus’ mission, his power over death, and the hope he extends to believers, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the text and its relevance to faith today.
Why Jesus Delayed Raising Lazarus (John 11)
Why Jesus Delayed Raising Lazarus : Jesus’s raising of Lazarus proves his authority over death, offering us confidence in his promise of eternal life and setting the stage for the cross.
Setting the Scene (John 10 Recap)
- Jesus faces growing hostility in Jerusalem for claiming to be the Son of God, prompting threats to his life.
- He retreats across the Jordan, but Lazarus’s illness draws him back into danger.
The Purpose of Raising Lazarus (John 11:1-16)
- Jesus delays two days, allowing Lazarus to die, to reveal God’s glory and strengthen the disciples’ faith (John 11:4: “This illness does not lead to death”).
- His cryptic language—“Lazarus has fallen asleep” (John11:11)—teaches that death is no obstacle for him, redefining it as temporary.
- “Walking in the day” (John 11:9-10) shows Jesus following God’s will, unafraid of danger.
- Thomas’s bold “Let us die with him” (John 11:16) reflects courage, not despair.
Martha’s Faith and Jesus’s Claim (John 11:17-27)
- Martha expresses both grief and trust: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know… God will give you” (John 11:21-22).
- Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), asserting his authority over death and promise of eternal life for believers.
Raising Lazarus and Fallout from the Miracle (John 11:28-53)
- Jesus weeps (John 11:35) because he is moved by Mary’s and the crowd’s sorrow, not his own loss, showing empathy despite knowing the outcome.
- The miracle will bring joy, but he feels their pain, highlighting both suffering’s reality and its purpose.
- Jesus raises Lazarus after four days (John 11:44), proving his power over death with a public, undeniable sign.
- Response to the miracle is again split. Some believe (John 11:45), others report him to the Pharisees (John 11:46), who fear Roman backlash and plan his death (John 11:47-53).
- Caiaphas’s ironic prophecy—“One man should die for the people” (John 11:50)—unwittingly points to Jesus’s sacrificial death.
More on joy in suffering: Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
Why Jesus Delayed Raising Lazarus: Aftermath and Significance (John 11:54-57)
- Jesus retreats to Ephraim as Passover nears, with the Jewish leaders hunting him, setting up Passion Week.
- The miracle ties together John’s themes: Jesus as Messiah, belief vs. unbelief, and God’s glory through the cross.
- Jesus’s power over death gives us confidence in his promise of eternal life.
- God uses suffering and even unbelief (like Caiaphas’s) for his glorious plan.
Please listen to the podcast for more detail and explanation.
Next: 22 Mary Anoints Jesus and the Triumphal Entry Explained (John 12)
Previous: 20 Why Jesus said “I and the Father are One” (John 10:22-42)
Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find Life
Study: Gospel of John Bible Study Resources
Podcast season 25, episode 21