Hey friends! Today, we’re diving into one of the most awe-inspiring miracles in the New Testament—the story of Lazarus.
This story is found in John 11, and it’s a beautiful demonstration of Jesus’ love, power, and glory.
Here’s the setup: Lazarus, along with his sisters Mary and Martha, are close friends of Jesus. They live in a town called Bethany.
One day, Lazarus falls seriously ill, and his sisters send word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
When Jesus hears this, He responds, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
Despite His love for Lazarus, Jesus stays where He is for two more days before heading to Bethany. By the time He arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days.
Bethany is close to Jerusalem, and many Jews have come to comfort Mary and Martha in their loss.
When Martha hears that Jesus is coming, she goes out to meet Him while Mary stays at home.
Martha says to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus tells her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha replies, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus then declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Martha affirms her faith, saying, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Martha then goes back to get Mary, who quickly comes to Jesus, falling at His feet and echoing Martha’s words: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Seeing her weeping, and the Jews who had come along also weeping, Jesus is deeply moved and troubled.
He asks, “Where have you laid him?” They take Jesus to the tomb, and upon arriving, Jesus weeps—showing His deep compassion and love.
Jesus instructs them to take away the stone covering the entrance of the tomb. Martha, concerned about the smell after four days, hesitates, but Jesus reminds her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
They take away the stone, and Jesus looks up and prays, thanking God for hearing Him and saying this aloud for the benefit of the people standing there, so they may believe that God sent Him.
Then, in a loud voice, Jesus calls out, “Lazarus, come out!”
And incredibly, Lazarus comes out of the tomb, his hands and feet wrapped in strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus tells them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
This miraculous event leads many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary to believe in Jesus.
The story of Lazarus is a powerful reminder of Jesus’ divine authority over life and death and His deep compassion for those He loves.
It shows us that Jesus is not only able to bring physical life but also offers us eternal life through faith in Him.
So, whenever you’re feeling like you’re in a hopeless situation, remember the story of Lazarus.
Trust in Jesus’ timing, have faith in His power, and know that He can bring life and hope to even the most dire circumstances.
Happy studying, and may you always feel the incredible presence and power of Jesus in your life!
Continue reading about the other resurrection stories in the Bible:
