READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l As “The Resurrection and the Life” (v23) Jesus’ miraculous raising of Lazarus showed not only His power to heal but to restore life from death.
This incredible account shows that death is not God’s final word over creation. It sets the stage for all to see that life for Lazarus and us meant death for Jesus at the cross. In the same vein, Christ’s resurrection displayed once and for all God’s unstoppable power over death and the grave.
1. The Crisis (v1-16)
Lazarus was ill. His sisters called Jesus to help. But Jesus delayed going, saying, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (v4) We see that a silent or slow response does not mean God does not care. Rather He has a greater divine purpose. We often pray for immediate relief but God works in His own time. It was not simply an act of healing but of resurrection that was called for.
- Jesus’ programme was not controlled by people but by His Father’s time-table. Even His mother’s request at the wedding banquet could not dictate how He would act. God’s delays are for His glory. We may not understand it, but trusting in His perfect timing is what we must do.
- Jesus’ power went beyond sickness and death. God’s glorious power was ultimately revealed in a greater way through the sorrowful mourning over a deceased loved one.
Conversations Jesus Had with the disciples (v7-16), with Martha (V20-27) and with Mary (v28-32) reveal more discipleship lessons for us as we observe His person, identity and deity.
2. The Comfort (v17-37)
It was understandable for the sisters to express their anguished pain, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v21,32) Doubts arise when tragedy strikes. Where was God when we needed Him… why did He take so long to respond? Does He not love and care for us? Why did He let it happen… couldn’t He have prevented it? Jesus responded not with a rebuke but a promise, “Your brother will rise again.”
- Jesus Wept. We can relate to the despair, grief and uncertainty of Martha and Mary when Jesus seemed not to respond to their brother’s pending death. But in this divine delay we see God’s power, timing and compassionate heart. He was completely with them in their pain and loss, deeply moved and grieved. Yet angry to see His people mourning like pagans without the Peace of God – their unbelief in His presence as their promised Messiah, and the ensuing turmoil resulting from sin and death. Jesus’ weeping assures us that God walks with us in our pain and we can lay all our hurts and insecurities before Him.
- Ever-Present Help for Both the Living and The Dead – Jesus is the One who resurrects even when all hope seems buried. He brought life to Lazarus when death struck. Believers only sleep when they die, having possessed God’s gift of eternal life. Though they die, those who believe in Jesus will live. (v25) They wait in death till God’s coming resurrection of the world when they shall awake to the reality of a resurrected imperishable body. As for the living who believe in Jesus, not only will they never die, (v26) they shall enjoy an abundant life in Christ here and now. In Him is power over death!
3. The Three Commands (v38-45)
- “Take away the stone.” (v39) – Jesus sees and stands with all who grieve and struggle. He calls to New Life the spiritually dead who must respond with an open receptive heart! What is one stone in your heart you need to roll away?
- ”Lazarus, come out!” (v43) – Like Lazarus did when Jesus called, we have to step out of the tombs that trap us in sin and addiction – to a New Life of freedom He offers. What lifestyle is Jesus calling you in faith to leave behind?
- “Unbind him, and let him go.” (v44) – Remove the stench-laden ‘grave clothes’ that bind us in doubt, disappointment and hopelessness. What tight constraints in our thinking and attitude must we unwrap ourselves from in order to put on the refreshing Life-giving mind of Christ?
The story of Lazarus is a prelude to Jesus’ own resurrection, showing the significance of His death that first Good Friday. May it call us out of every dead area of our lives into vital discipleship in Christ. Even when all is lost and we concede to death, nothing is too late or beyond His reach and infinite love to comfort and restore us. Trust in God’s perfect timing to stir Hope for the lost, bring Renewal to the weary, and awaken Faith in many to believe.
(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
- Why do you think Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus? What does this teach us about God’s timing?
- Have you ever experienced a time when God seemed delayed in answering your prayers? How did that affect your faith?
- How did Martha and Mary respond differently to Jesus’ arrival? How do their responses reflect different aspects of faith?
- Recall Sermon
- What does Jesus’ weeping in John 11:35 reveal about His character and His relationship with us?
- After Lazarus was raised, many people believed in Jesus (John 11:45). How can your testimony of God’s work in your life help others believe in Him?
- Relate Personally
- What is one practical step you can take this week to trust God’s timing, step out in faith, or encourage someone else in their journey?
- In what areas of your life do you feel like you are in a “tomb,” waiting for God’s resurrection power?
- Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). How does this truth shape the way you live daily?
- Jesus told the people to “take away the stone” (John 11:39) before calling Lazarus out. Are there any “stones” in your life—doubts, fears, sins—that need to be removed so you can fully experience God’s power?
- Commit to Action
- What are some “grave clothes” (past hurts, shame, habits) that you or others might still be wearing, even after experiencing God’s freedom? How can we help one another remove them?
- Share personal experiences, pray for one another, and take a step of faith in response to Jesus’ call to live in His resurrection power.
