John 11 - Introduction

The Resurrection of Lazarus John Eleven

We are blessed to know about Jesus and His power. John 11:1-57 lets us see both the emotions and the mighty working of our Lord. He wept over the death of Lazarus and He raised him from the dead. Lazarus, Mary and Martha were Jesus' close friends. Lazarus died and when Jesus reached his grave he had already been dead for four days. The humanity of Jesus was seen as He wept at the tomb of His friend. He raised Lazarus with the simple prayer and the command, "Lazarus, come forth." Lazarus came forth from the grave still wrapped in grave clothes. Jesus said, "Loose him, and let him go." Here, in one of His "I Am" statements Jesus identified Himself saying, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25) Through the resurrection of Lazarus we are reminded that there will be a general resurrection of all mankind at the end of the world. "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (John 5:28-29) Resurrecting Lazarus from the grave after four days was a dramatic demonstration of Christ's power over life and death.