Monday | Week 10
The narrative of Jesus’ raising of Lazarus, found in John 11, has captivated audiences for generations. The story is told with a high level of suspense and emotion. The episode begins with the narrator telling us that a man named Lazarus, brother of two women named Mary and Martha, has fallen ill. The story assumes a close relationship between Jesus and these siblings. Jesus responds to the word sent by the sister by informing his disciples—and us, the audience—that the situation will not end in death, but in God being glorified. We know, from that moment, that this story will end well, no matter how it might get there.
The women’s message functions as an implicit request for help. They want Jesus to come save their brother. But, astonishingly, he delays. And during his delay, Lazarus dies. Jesus does eventually make his way to the family, but Lazarus has been dead four days. Martha appears to chide him: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v.21). Even in her despair, though, she expresses trust: “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask” (v.22). Jesus tells her that Lazarus will rise from the dead.
Jesus’ engagement with the sisters and the other mourners troubles him. He experiences the grief of the moment. But this does not stop him. He proceeds to the closed tomb, orders it open, and then speaks to the dead Lazarus, “Lazarus, come out!” (v.43). Lazarus obeys. He comes out, and the people unwrap his burial cloths. Many come to believe in Jesus because of this event.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Jesus delays coming?
When, in your own life, have you experienced the grief that Mary and Martha experienced in this story?
Why do you think Jesus says that Lazarus was merely “asleep”?
What do you learn about God in this story?