đź“– Passage
John 11:38–44 Read John 11:38–44 (NKJV)
🧠Context & Background
The scene moves from the emotional depth of Jesus’ tears to the decisive moment when He confronts death directly. Lazarus has been in the tomb four days, ensuring that no one can doubt the finality of his death. In Jewish belief, the spirit was thought to hover near the body for three days before departing — meaning by the fourth day, decay was certain. This setting makes the miracle undeniable and amplifies the glory given to God through Jesus’ authority over death.
🌿 Key Themes
- Divine Authority — Jesus commands life itself.
- Faith Under Pressure — Martha must trust Jesus beyond human reasoning.
- Public Display of God’s Glory — The miracle serves as a sign for all witnesses.
- Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Own Resurrection — The raising of Lazarus anticipates the empty tomb.
- Victory Over Death — The ultimate sign of Christ’s messianic mission.
đź“– Verse-by-Verse Commentary
John 11:38–40
"Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?" - Steadfast Purpose — Jesus is “deeply moved” again, determined to confront death. - Faith Challenge — Martha must shift from focusing on decay to trusting in resurrection power. - Glory Connection — The miracle will reveal God’s character and power in full display.
John 11:41–42
"Father, I thank You that You have heard Me." - Prayer of Confidence — Jesus prays aloud for the benefit of the crowd, affirming His unity with the Father. - Missional Clarity — The miracle is a witness to God’s sending of the Son. - Unbroken Communion — Jesus’ words reveal continual, perfect fellowship with the Father.
John 11:43–44
"Lazarus, come out." - Authoritative Command — Just as in creation, God’s word brings life. - Immediate Obedience — Lazarus emerges, still bound, showing the completeness of the miracle. - Community Role — Jesus instructs others to unbind him, illustrating that resurrection life includes restoration to the fellowship of believers. - Foreshadow of Easter — The grave cannot hold those to whom Christ gives life.
🔍 Trusted Insight
D.A. Carson notes that Jesus’ raising of Lazarus is “the decisive sign that precipitates the final rejection by the Jewish leaders,” highlighting that the greatest display of divine glory can also harden unbelieving hearts. This underscores that miracles alone cannot produce saving faith apart from the work of God in the heart. Summary: The raising of Lazarus reveals Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life, bringing glory to God and sealing His path to the cross.
🧩 Review Questions
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- Why does Jesus wait until Lazarus has been dead four days before performing the miracle?
- How does Jesus connect belief to seeing the glory of God in this passage?
- What does His public prayer reveal about His relationship with the Father?
- How does Lazarus’ resurrection foreshadow our own future hope?
- Why might such a powerful miracle still lead some to reject Christ?
🔍 Definitions
- Glory of God — The visible manifestation of God’s character, power, and presence.
- Deeply Moved — A term connoting strong emotion and resolute determination.
- Resurrection — Being brought from death to life by God’s power.
- Unbind — To set free from physical restraints, symbolizing liberation from death’s hold.
🙋 Application Questions
- Where is God calling you to trust Him beyond what seems possible?
- How can you give glory to God in situations that seem hopeless?
- What does Lazarus’ restoration teach you about the role of community in spiritual renewal?
- How does this passage strengthen your confidence in the final resurrection?
🔤 Greek Keywords
- Anastasis (Resurrection) — To rise again, emphasizing restored life after death.
- Kraugazō (Cried out loudly) — A strong, authoritative proclamation.
- Deō (Bind) — To tie or restrain; in this context, grave clothes symbolizing death’s grip.
- Doxa (Glory) — The honor and majesty of God revealed.
đź“š Cross References
- Genesis 1:3 — God speaks life into existence.
- 1 Kings 17:22 — God restores life through Elijah’s prayer.
- Luke 7:14-15 — Jesus raises the widow’s son.
- John 5:25 — The dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and live.
- 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 — Death is swallowed up in victory.
- Revelation 1:18 — Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades.