Lazarus is Raised From the Dead

Learn about or revisit the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus raises Lazarus is the theme for many Sunday Sermons and bible lessons throughout Christianity today. Let’s look at some key factors of this great and unforgettable miracle.

Like all miracles, when Jesus raises Lazarus, it is the solution to a problem. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is told that Lazarus of Bethany, Mary and Martha’s brother, is sick. John Chapter 11 verse 5, states, “Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus.” At first, they needed healing. When Jesus gets there they will need a miracle. When Jesus got the news He did not respond as expected.

God’s Timing

God’s timing was a key factor when Jesus raised Lazarus. Jesus chose His Father’s timing over the timing of His friends. If He wanted God’s results, He had to follow God’s leading. Mary and Martha wanted Jesus to do things their way. Jesus chose God’s way. His friends were saying, “Come now.” The God in Him, said, “Go later.” Strangely, Jesus intentionally waits for Lazarus to die. Paul tells us in

1 Corinthians 1 verse 27 “..God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; …..the weak things …to confound the mighty.”

Sometimes we have a good idea, but God’s ideas are the best.

Lazarus Resurrected

A two-fold prophetic purpose is at work when Jesus raises Lazarus. God was getting ready to do a new thing. God would get the glory. And, His Son would be glorified. This was the first resurrection miracle performed of this kind. Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter was resurrected earlier by Jesus. She had just fallen asleep or died when Jesus arrived. She, unlike Lazarus, had not gone through the embalming process. The resurrection of Lazarus was a prophetic event leading to Jesus’ resurrection. Today, it is a milestone of faith that reminds us that Jesus still has power over death.

Jesus had to get rid of her “stinking thinking.”

Faith is a key factor when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Jesus asked that Lazarus’ tombstone be removed. On the other hand, the spiritual stones of doubt also had to be removed. By this time, everyone had given up, including Martha. Her faith had to be resurrected before Jesus raised Lazarus. This was a stinking, dead, hopeless, and “what’s the use” situation. Jesus had to change her “way of thinking.” He said to Martha, and I paraphrase, “I can do this. Just believe.” Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the life….”(John 11:25) and “Thy brother will rise again”(John 11: 23). Remember, “You are a friend of God.” Martha was in faith mode and Jesus was ready to pray.

“Lazarus, Come Forth!”

Compassion and prayer were also key factors when Jesus raised Lazarus. His compassion for the people caused Him to cry and groan. He already knew what His Father was about to do. Jesus prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to His Father. “Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.”(John 11:41). Finally, Jesus spoke those famous words that still ring out in sermons and songs today. “Lazarus, come forth!” Some say Jesus called Lazarus three times or more in their songs. However, in John Chapter 11 verse 43, Jesus made one call and that’s all.

Jesus is the Answer

“delay does not mean denial.”
As in the case of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, “delay does not mean denial.” Today, Jesus Christ is still resurrecting lives all over the world. Because He lives, He is the answer or solution to life’s most desperate problems. We serve a God that can give life to any situation at any time. “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s always on time.”

Share some more tips and pointers from your personal Sunday sermons, Bible lessons, or studies about Jesus raising Lazarus. How has the study of Jesus’ resurrection of Lazarus affected your life, church, ministry, or business? We invite you to watch sermon videos and free online Christian movies such as the “Jesus Movie” at KNCB.org. 

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