![]() ![]() Why did Jesus desire to resurrect Lazarus? so that His disciples might have their faith strengthened and increased (verse 15). Why did Jesus allow His dear friend to die? so that He could raise him again from the grave. But note that in the passage before us Jesus’ present actions only become intelligible when they are viewed from the perspective of His climactic act: the resurrection of Lazarus. ![]() ![]() When Jesus now explains to His disciples that their dear friend, Lazarus, is dead (verse 14), He again surprises them (and us) with the words, “for your sake I am glad that I was not there” (verse 15). (John 11:14)Īnd for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe but now let us go to him. Then Jesus told them plainly, Lazarus is dead. What does Jesus tell His disciples in verse 14 (printed below?) What surprising comment does Jesus add in verse 15 (printed below?) Why do you think He said this? Can you imagine how difficult that must have been-for Jesus? He loved Lazarus He had the power to heal him He had enough time to get to his bedside, indeed, He did not even need to come personally, He had only to speak the word (note John 4:49-53).ģ. When Jesus received word that Lazarus was sick, He remained “at that time”-that critical time, that time when Lazarus’ life hung in the balance, that time when Lazarus’ life was ebbing away-in the place where He was. Verse 5 informs us of Jesus’ love for this family and for each individual member of it: “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” This word of commentary and assurance is important in the light of Christ’s unexpected response as recorded in verse 6. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed at that time in the place where he was for two more days. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. How does John describe Jesus’ feeling toward Lazarus (see verse 5 printed below?) What does Jesus do when He learns that Lazarus is seriously ill (see verse 6 printed below?) Note: It is only when we acknowledge and accept the truth that all things center around God and contribute to His glory that we are delivered from bitterness and resentment, and come to experience the blessing of God that He bestows upon those who glorify and honor Him by submitting to His will even when it is difficult or hard to understand.Ģ. Upon receiving word of Lazarus’ illness, Jesus informs His disciples, “this sickness is…for the sake of the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it.” That is to say, God will use this adversity-this “tragedy”-in the life of His child, Lazarus, as an occasion to glorify His Son, Jesus Christ. (4) But when Jesus heard this, he said, This sickness is not for death, but for the sake of the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it. So the sisters sent word to Jesus, saying, Lord, the one whom you love is sick. When Jesus receives word of Lazarus’ illness, what does He tell His disciples? See John 11:3-4 (printed below) For a comprehensive study of the passage, download the Study Guide (PDF download).ġ. Below are some preliminary questions to assist in the study of this passage. ![]()
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