John 11
The Story of Lazarus Raised from the Dead
Jesus raises Lazarus after four days in the tomb, revealing Himself as the resurrection and the life.
Setting and Context
John 11 stands near the turning point of Jesus' public ministry. The miracle brings comfort to a grieving family, but it also provokes leaders who will move more decisively toward Jesus' death.
The Story
Mary and Martha send word that Lazarus is sick, but Jesus does not arrive before he dies. When Jesus comes, grief is already heavy. Martha confesses faith, and Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection, and the life."
Jesus comes to the tomb and weeps. The shortest verse in the Bible is not small in meaning: the Son of God stands before death with real compassion, even though He is about to display resurrection power.
Jesus cries with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth." Lazarus comes out still bound in grave clothes. The sign reveals Jesus' authority over death and points forward to His own death and resurrection.
Meaning and Importance
Lazarus dies, and his sisters mourn. Jesus weeps with them, prays to the Father, and calls Lazarus out of the tomb. Many believe, while opposition to Jesus intensifies.
The raising of Lazarus shows that Jesus does not treat death lightly. He grieves, speaks, and conquers. The story gives deep comfort because resurrection hope is not an idea floating above sorrow; it is located in Jesus Himself.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
John 11:25
“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
Read John 11John 11:40
“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”
Read John 11John 11:43
“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.”
Read John 11John 11:44
“And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”
Read John 11What This Story Teaches
- Jesus meets grief with compassion, not distance.
- Resurrection hope is centered in Jesus' person and power.
- The sign calls for belief, but also exposes hardened opposition.
Questions about Lazarus
Where is Lazarus raised from the dead?
The story of Lazarus being raised is found in John 11.
What did Jesus say before raising Lazarus?
Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection, and the life," and later cried, "Lazarus, come forth."