The Seventh Sign: Lazarus Raised

The Seventh Sign: Lazarus Raised

This message explores Jesus’ raising of Lazarus, as well as His powerful declaration: “I am the resurrection and the life.”
(John 11:1-46)

SERMON OUTLINE

“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26)

Jesus Receives Message that Lazarus is sick (John 11:1-3)

  • Jesus loves Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. He loves you too.
  • The fact that Jesus loves us does not preclude us from the troubles of this world
  • Like Mary and Martha, take all your griefs and pain to Jesus
  • Jesus can be your friend and Lord at the same time

The death of Lazarus. Jesus delays in going to Bethany. (John 11:4-16)

  • Jesus delayed going to Bethany so God’s glory may be displayed through Lazarus
  • Jesus can raise Lazarus from a distance, but He went to Bethany to honor the family
  • Jesus (God) is sovereign. His ways are not our ways. No one can fathom His under- standing.

Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus (John 11:17-36)

  • Jesus’ delay was questioned by Martha
  • Martha shows remarkable faith in Jesus
  • Jesus sees and knows the pain we go through
  • Jesus wept. Jesus sympathizes with Mary and with us, in our pain.
  • Jesus has the power to raise us both from physical and spiritual death

Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (John 11: 25-26)

  • Jesus expands Martha’s belief about the resurrection
  • Jesus is the one who will raise every believer to glory on the last day.
  • Jesus has power over death right now. He is the Author of Life.
  • Abundant life in Jesus does not mean absence of pain, or abundance of things.
  • Abundant life in Jesus means to be connected, know, and believe in Him

Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead (John 11:38-44)

  • Jesus raises Lazarus, who has been dead for four days, up from the dead
  • Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead so the people will believe
  • Jesus displayed His absolute power over death
  • Jesus will raise everyone who believes in Him from the dead
  • The death and resurrection of Lazarus is a foreshadowing of the resurrection of Jesus

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Has someone you loved passed away? What is the hope that keeps you going? Did you have community support when that happened?
  2. This weekend we conclude our preaching series, “Look for the Signs,” by exploring John 11:1-46, the story of Lazarus, his sickness, death, and resurrection by Jesus Christ. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak through His Word, and then, whether you’re on your own or with a group, read that passage aloud.
  3. Read verses 1 to 3. What happened here? Why did Mary and Martha send a message to Jesus? What does this say about the sisters’ relationship with their brother? What does verse three say about Jesus’ relationship with Lazarus?
  4. Do you know that Jesus loves you too? What does Revelation 1:5 tell us about Jesus’ love for us? What can we learn from Mary and Martha about taking our griefs and troubles to Jesus? Read Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 46:1.
  5. Read verses 4-14. Why did Jesus delay His going to see Lazarus? Why did Jesus not just heal Lazarus from where He was? Do you believe that Jesus sees you too when you go through tough times? Do you believe He cares? 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 23.
  6. Read John 11:15-37. What did Jesus tell Martha when she mentioned that Lazarus would not have died if he were there?
  7. Read verses 25-26. What did Jesus say about Himself here? Read these verses from John that show that life is connected to Jesus: John 1:4, 3:16, 5:24, 6:35, 10:10, 14:6.
  8. Read John 11:35. What does this say about Jesus?
  9. Read John 11:38-46. What did Jesus do to raise Lazarus from the grave? Do you believe that Jesus will raise you up and all who believe from the grave also one day? Read Job 19: 25-27, John 5:21, 24
  10. Why did John tell this remarkable story? Read John 20:30-31.

DIG DEEPER

  • Exploring Faith—Jesus states that He is the resurrection and the life, and the one who believes in Him will live, even though they die. (John 11:25). Will you receive this gift of life from Jesus?
  • Growing in Faith—Memorize John 11:25-26. Take time every day this week to celebrate this wonderful declaration and promise from Jesus.
  • Centered in Faith—Memorize John 11:25-26. Make it a habit to praise Jesus for the life He has given you. Tell others about this gift of life you have received.
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