John: Lazarus, Come Out!

John 11:28-57

John wrote his Gospel to demonstrate that Jesus was the Messiah. He mentioned there were many stories to choose from, but he focused on seven powerful “signs”:

• Changing water into wine (2:1-11)
• Healing an official’s son (4:46-54)
• Healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda (5:1-18)
• Feeding the 5,000 (6:1-14)
• Walking on the Sea of Galilee (6:16-21)
• Healing a blind man in Jerusalem (9:1-7)

The seventh “sign” is recorded in our passage today. Jesus is standing before a dead man’s tomb.

As Jesus and his disciples arrived in Bethany, a city just two miles from Jerusalem, Martha greeted them and had a brief conversation with the Savior. During that exchange, he declared himself to be the “resurrection and the life.” Now, he is preparing to prove it.

When Martha told her sister that Jesus had arrived, Mary left the house to meet him. When she saw Jesus, she “fell at his feet” (John 11:32). In the Gospels, we see Mary at the feet of Jesus, listening carefully to his teachings (Luke 10:39), and on a separate occasion, reverently anointing his feet with expensive perfume (John 12:1-8). But here, “at his feet,” she makes an accusatory statement. “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:32). 

Jesus saw Mary crying and her friends weeping as well. He was “deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled” (John 11:33). The Greek word translated “deeply moved” (Grk: enebrimaomai) means angered or sternness (see also John 11:38). It is used four other times in the New Testament, always about Jesus’ emotions (Matt. 9:30; Mark 1:43; John 11:33, 38.).^[1] The Greek word translated “greatly troubled” (Grk: tarasso) means to be “stirred, agitated, disturbed.”

Why was Jesus angry and upset? It seems that Jesus was personally reacting to the tragic effects of sin on humanity. Once Satan introduced sin into the world, it brought all evil and even death. When Mary took him to the tomb, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). The Greek word for “weep” (Grk: dakryo) used here describes a quiet shedding of tears. While the crowd thought Jesus was sad over his friend's death or his inability to stop Lazarus from dying (John 11:36-37), God in the flesh was mourning the devastating physical and spiritual consequences of sin instigated by Satan that day in the Garden of Eden. Now, the One who breathed life into man was about to display his power over death itself. 

Lazarus was buried in a cave with a stone covering the entrance. Jesus told those gathered to remove the stone. Martha protested, saying, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days” (John 11:39).

My favorite translation of this verse is the King James Version, which has Martha’s words written as “by this time he stinketh.” I loved using this wording when Lori wanted me to change one of our children’s diapers. “Sweetie, I can’t. It stinketh!”

Jesus reminded Martha that she needed to believe (John 11:40). The stone was then removed, and Jesus spoke with the Father.

John 11:41-42
…And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.”

Jesus did not want people to see him as a miracle-worker, but as the Son of God sent by the Father.

After praying, Jesus shouted (imagine the earth-shaking power of his words): “Lazarus, come out” (John 11:43). And… the man emerged, alive! His hands, feet, and face still bore the pieces of the burial strips. 

Two key points to note here:

1. Someone once remarked that if Jesus had simply said “Come out” without mentioning Lazarus, every dead person would have come out of their graves at that moment. This makes us stop and think about Jesus' incredible power! He had already taught that a time would come when those in their tombs would hear his voice (John 5:28). On that day in Bethany, Lazarus was called to respond. Don’t miss this truth: one day, at Jesus' call, all believers will rise from their graves in their resurrected bodies. What a day that will be!
   
   
2. I find it meaningful and relevant that Jesus told the family and friends gathered around Lazarus to “unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44). I believe this illustrates the discipleship process well. Only Jesus can give life to those who are spiritually dead. However, once a person is awakened to new life in Christ, he grants us the privilege of helping the new believer grow — of helping unbind the things of the old life and encouraging them in their new freedom in Christ. If you would like someone to explain what it means to trust in Jesus or encourage you in your faith, please let us know in the “Have Questions?” section below. We’d love to assist you on your journey.

After witnessing this incredible miracle, many mourners became followers of Jesus. For those still doubtful, some went directly to the Pharisees to report what had happened. They feared that those believing in Jesus might cause trouble for the established religion, which could lead to Roman intervention.  

John 11:49-53
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. 

In the Old Testament, the high priest served in that role for life. However, the Romans disliked the idea of one person holding such long-term power, so they appointed high priests at their own discretion. Caiaphas, a Roman appointee, served from AD 18 to 36. Concerning Jesus, he believed the Jews should sacrifice this so-called troublemaker’s life to maintain Rome’s favor. Playing politics is nothing new and is a common tactic used by those in positions of authority. 

It was the time of Passover. Many people gathered in Jerusalem, searching for Jesus, the one who had raised Lazarus from the dead. The religious leaders were planning to arrest him, this man who challenged their authority. Serious plans to execute him were underway. 

The crucifixion was approaching, but for now, Jesus “no longer walked openly among the Jews” (John 11:54). He took his disciples to Ephraim, a town about fifteen miles northeast of Jerusalem. When the moment arrived and his hour had come, Jesus would enter Jerusalem in a triumphant procession. Neither the crowds nor the leaders could miss his presence!

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 11:28-57. Imagine standing with Jesus at the tomb when he cried out, “Lazarus, come out” (John 11:43).

Talking to God: Are there any strips of grave wrapping that you need to “unbind” from your old life? Who around you might need help being “unbound” from their past?

Have Questions?
Be sure to send your questions to our team. We are happy to assist you as we study God's Word together. Please submit your question below, and we'll reply shortly. Let us know if you’d like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you desire spiritual counsel. 

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