The Resurrection of Lazarus                                  John 11:1-57 [1] Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) [3] Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. [4] When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. [5] Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. [6] When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. [7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. [8] His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? [9] Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. [10] But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. [11] These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. [12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. [13] Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. [14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. [16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. [17] Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. [18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: [19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. [20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. [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: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? [27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. [28] And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. [29] As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. [30] Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. [31] The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. [32] Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [33] When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. [34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! [37] And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? [38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [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. [45] Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. [46] But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. [47] Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. [48] If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. [49] And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, [50] Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. [51] And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; [52] And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. [53] Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. [54] Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. [55] And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. [56] Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? [57] Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.
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1. THE SICKNESS NOT UNTO DEATH (John 11:1-10 [1] Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) [3] Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. [4] When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. [5] Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. [6] When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. [7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. [8] His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? [9] Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. [10] But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
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1. The Sickness of Lazarus (John 11:1-2 [1] Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
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1. The city of Lazarus (John 11:1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
   See All...) – Bethany
1. On the backside of the Mount of Olives (Mark 11:1And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
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2. The home of Simon the leper (Matthew 26:6Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
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2. The family of Lazarus – Mary and Martha (John 11:1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
   See All...; Luke 10:38-42 [38] Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. [39] And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. [40] But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. [41] And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: [42] But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
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3. The identity of Mary (John 11:2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
   See All...; John 12:1-3 [1] Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. [2] There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. [3] Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
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2. The Message of his Sickness (John 11:3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
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1. The sisters sent for Jesus.
2. The sisters appealed to His love for Lazarus.
3. The Purpose of his Sickness (John 11:4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
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1. For the glory of God (John 11:4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
   See All...; John 9:3Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
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2. For the glory of the Son of God (John 11:4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
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3. For the benefit of the disciples (John 11:14-15 [14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
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4. For the benefit of Martha (John 11:21-23 [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
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5. For the benefit of Mary (John 11:32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
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6. For the benefit of the Jews (John 11:45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
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7. To reveal Christ’s power of resurrection (John 11:25-26 [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: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
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4. The Delay of Christ’s Response (John 11:5-6 [5] Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. [6] When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
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1. A delay of love (John 11:5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
   See All...; cp. 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 [8] For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. [9] Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
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2. A delay of two days (John 11:6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
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1. Jesus was beyond Jordan (John 10:40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode.
   See All...), probably two to three days journey from Bethany.
2. When He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days (John 11:17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
   See All..., 39).
3. Therefore, Jesus would not have arrived before his death (humanly speaking) even if He had left immediately.
4. The leisurely pace of Jesus in coming to Bethany:
1. Demonstrates the confidence of the One who knew all things and could do all things. He, who knew all things and who did all things well, never needed to get in a hurry.
2. Prepares the scene for a greater miracle. There was less chance for accusation of simple swooning and recovery after four days.
5. The Return to Judaea (John 11:7-10 [7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. [8] His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? [9] Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. [10] But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
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1. The danger of returning (John 11:7-8 [7] Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. [8] His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?
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2. The daytime ministry of Christ (John 11:9-10 [9] Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. [10] But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
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1. The twelve hours of the day (John 11:9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
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2. He who walks in the day (John 11:9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.
   See All...; Ephesians 5:8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
   See All..., 14; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 [5] Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. [6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. [7] For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. [8] But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
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1. He does not stumble (1 John 2:10He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
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2. He sees the light of this world.
3. He who walks in the night (John 11:10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
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1. He stumbles (Proverbs 4:18-19 [18] But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. [19] The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
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2. There is no light in him (Luke 11:34-35 [34] The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. [35] Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
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2. THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS DEATH (John 11:11-16 [11] These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. [12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. [13] Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. [14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. [16] Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
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1. The Sleep of Lazarus (John 11:11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
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1. Sleep is a biblical synonym for the death of a believer (1 Corinthians 11:29-30 [29] For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. [30] For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
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2. This and similar passages do not teach soul-sleep (that the soul sleeps, or has no conscious knowledge of its existence from the time of death until the time of resurrection). See 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 [6] Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: [7] (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) [8] We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
   See All...; Philippians 1:21-24
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3. The sleep of the believer is a picture of several things:
1. The peacefulness of their death (John 11:12-13 [12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. [13] Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 15:6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
   See All..., 18; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 [13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
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2. The temporary nature of their death (Mark 5:39-42 [39] And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. [40] And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. [41] And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. [42] And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
   See All...; 2 Peter 3:4And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
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3. A change in state that does not destroy the identity of the person (1 Corinthians 15:51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
   See All...; 1 Thessalonians 5:10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
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2. The Misunderstanding of the Disciples (John 11:12-13 [12] Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. [13] Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
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3. The Explanation of Jesus (John 11:14-15 [14] Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
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1. Lazarus is dead (John 11:14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
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2. The death of Lazarus is good (John 11:15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
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1. Because of the temporary absence of Christ
2. Because of the opportunity to increase the faith of the disciples
4. The Misunderstanding of Thomas (John 11:16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
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1. He thought that Jesus referred to following Lazarus in death.
2. He proclaimed his willingness to follow in death also.
3. THE COMFORT GIVEN TO THE FAMILY (John 11:17-27 [17] Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. [18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: [19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. [20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. [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: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? [27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
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1. The Comfort of Friends (John 11:17-19 [17] Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. [18] Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: [19] And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
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1. Four days after his death (John 11:17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
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2. Fifteen furlongs from Jerusalem (John 11:18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off:
   See All...) – that is, about two miles
3. Many Jews were there to comfort Martha and Mary (John 11:19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
   See All...; Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
   See All...).
2. The Comfort of Christ’s Presence (John 11:20-22 [20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
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1. The reaction of the sisters (John 11:20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
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1. Martha went to meet Jesus.
2. Mary sat still at home.
2. The reasoning of Martha (John 11:21-22 [21] Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [22] But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
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1. The presence of Jesus would have kept Lazarus alive (John 11:21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
   See All..., cp. John 11:32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
   See All..., 37; John 4:49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
   See All...; Luke 8:49While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master.
   See All...).
2. The absence of Jesus does not destroy her faith in Him (John 11:22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
   See All...); this does not mean that she anticipated the resurrection of Lazarus at this time. She was simply affirming that the loss of her brother did not cause her to turn away from Christ.
3. The Comfort of the Resurrection (John 11:23-27 [23] Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. [24] Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. [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: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? [27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
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1. The promise of Jesus (John 11:23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
   See All...) – “Thy brother shall live again.”
2. The understanding of Martha (John 11:24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
   See All...) – at the last day
3. The declaration of Jesus (John 11:25-26 [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: [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
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1. His identity as life (John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
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1. As the life (John 1:4In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
   See All...; John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
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2. As the resurrection
1. For Himself (John 10:17-18 [17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. [18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
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2. For believers (John 6:40And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
   See All...; John 14:19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
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2. His offer of life (John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
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1. An offer to the dead (Ephesians 2:1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
   See All..., 4-6)
2. An offer through faith (John 20:31But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
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3. An offer to life (John 10:10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
   See All...; Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
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3. His power in life (John 11:26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
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1. A life of faith (Romans 10:8-10 [8] But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
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2. A life in Christ (Ephesians 1:3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
   See All...; Colossians 2:9-10 [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
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3. An everlasting life (John 5:24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
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4. The faith of Martha (John 11:26-27 [26] And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? [27] She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
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1. The challenge of Christ (John 11:26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
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2. The confirmation of Martha (John 11:27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
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1. He is the Christ.
2. He is the Son of God.
3. He is the One who should come into the world.
4. THE COMPASSION OF THE SAVIOUR (John 11:28-37 [28] And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. [29] As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. [30] Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. [31] The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. [32] Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [33] When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. [34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! [37] And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
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1. The Call for Mary (John 11:28-30 [28] And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. [29] As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. [30] Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
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1. Martha sent for Mary (John 11:28And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
   See All...).
1. She sent secretly; this shows us that Mary is a picture of the private life of the believer.
2. The Master is come.
3. The Master calls for you.
2. Mary responded to the call (John 11:29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
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1. She heard the call.
2. She arose quickly.
3. She came to Jesus.
4. Note: Mary did not come when she heard the news that Jesus had arrived (John 11:20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.
   See All...). She evidently took the absence of Jesus at the time of crises as a rejection by Him (John 11:32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
   See All...). Therefore, she waited until He personally called before she came to Him (John 11:29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
   See All...). She did not yet understand that God sometimes does His greatest work at times when we do not sense His presence.
3. Jesus had not yet entered the town of Bethany (John 11:30Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.
   See All...).
2. The Weeping of Mary (John 11:31-32 [31] The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. [32] Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
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1. The Jews rose up to follow Mary to the grave (John 11:31The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there.
   See All...).
2. Mary fell down to worship at the feet of Jesus (John 11:32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
   See All...).
3. Mary voiced her struggles with the ways of her Lord (John 11:32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
   See All...).
3. The Weeping of Christ (John 11:33-37 [33] When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. [34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! [37] And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
   See All...)
1. The compassion of Christ (John 11:33-34 [33] When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. [34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
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1. He saw the weeping of Mary and the Jews with her (John 11:33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.
   See All...).
2. He groaned in the spirit and was troubled (John 11:33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.
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3. He asked to see the tomb (John 11:34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
   See All...).
2. The love of Jesus (John 11:35-37 [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! [37] And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
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1. He wept at the sight of the tomb (John 11:35Jesus wept.
   See All...).
2. The Jews recognized His love for Lazarus (John 11:36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
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3. The Jews realized that He could have healed Lazarus (John 11:37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
   See All...).
5. THE MIRACLE OF RESURRECTION (John 11:38-44 [38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [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.
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1. The Command to Remove the Stone (John 11:38-41 [38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
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1. Their obedience requested (John 11:38-39 [38] Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
   See All...) – “Take ye away the stone.”
2. Martha’s objection answered (John 11:39-40 [39] Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
   See All...; Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
   See All...).
3. Note: believing is seeing.
2. The Command to Come Forth (John 11:41-44 [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [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.
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1. The prayer of Christ – 37 words (John 11:41-42 [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
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1. The prayer of Elijah – 63 words (1 Kings 18:36-38 [36] And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. [37] Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the LORD God, and that thou hast turned their heart back again. [38] Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
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2. The warning against vain repetitions (Isaiah 1:15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.
   See All...; Matthew 6:7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
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2. The command of Christ (verse 43) – “Lazarus, come forth.”
3. The obedience of Lazarus (John 11:44And 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.
   See All..., 25; John 5:25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
   See All...; 1 Thessalonians 4:16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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3. The Command to Loose Him (John 11:44And 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.
   See All...) – “Loose him, and let him go.”
1. He was alive but bound.
2. He needed help from others (Romans 15:1-2 [1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. [2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
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3. Note: these three commands are instructive in how God uses man. Jesus commanded the Jews to do the things they could do: remove the stone and loose him. But Christ directly accomplished that which only He could do.
4. Note: this is a picture of how to reach the lost for Christ. We remove the stone. That is, we are to remove those obstacles that keep the dead man from Jesus. Then, Jesus must give life. Finally, we will find that the newly saved still have many grave clothes wrapped around them. We must work to help them remove these things that hinder their Christian walk.