Character Study Of Lazarus – Raised From The Dead By Jesus Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF LAZARUS – RAISED FROM THE DEAD BY JESUS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 11:1-44

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.'" – John 11:25

Supporting Texts: John 12:1-11, Luke 10:38-42

INTRODUCTION:

Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, is best known for being raised from the dead by Jesus after four days in the tomb. His story reveals Jesus’ power over death and the importance of faith in God’s timing. His life serves as a testimony of divine restoration and resurrection power.

1. LAZARUS WAS LOVED BY JESUS

a) Jesus had a close relationship with him (John 11:3,5)

Lazarus and his sisters were dear to Jesus.

b) Love does not exempt us from trials (John 11:6)

Though Jesus loved him, He allowed him to die.

c) God’s delays are not denials (Habakkuk 2:3)

Jesus waited before responding to Lazarus’ sickness.

d) God’s love leads to His glory (John 11:4)

Lazarus’ sickness was for God’s glory.

e) Biblical Example: Job was loved by God yet faced trials (Job 1:8-12).

2. LAZARUS EXPERIENCED DEATH AND RESURRECTION

a) He became sick and died (John 11:14)

Death seemed final, but Jesus had a plan.

b) His situation looked hopeless (John 11:39)

He had been in the tomb for four days.

c) Jesus has power over life and death (John 11:25-26)

He declared Himself as the resurrection.

d) Divine intervention brings restoration (Ezekiel 37:5-6)

No case is too dead for God.

e) Biblical Example: The widow’s son in Zarephath was also raised from the dead (1 Kings 17:17-24).

3. LAZARUS’ RESURRECTION LED TO GOD’S GLORY

a) Many believed in Jesus because of the miracle (John 11:45)

His resurrection strengthened the faith of others.

b) God uses our lives as testimonies (Psalm 118:17)

We live to declare His works.

c) Even opposition cannot stop God’s plan (John 11:53)

The Pharisees plotted against Jesus after Lazarus was raised.

d) Miracles bring both favour and opposition (John 12:10-11)

The chief priests sought to kill Lazarus.

e) Biblical Example: Paul’s transformation led many to Christ but also brought persecution (Acts 9:20-23).

4. LAZARUS WAS A WITNESS TO GOD’S POWER

a) His life became a living testimony (John 12:9-11)

Many came to see the man Jesus raised.

b) Our lives should glorify God (Matthew 5:16)

Every believer should be a testimony.

c) Those who experience God’s power attract others (Acts 4:13)

People are drawn to transformed lives.

d) Our testimony can bring both blessings and opposition (Revelation 12:11)

The enemy fights those who testify of God’s goodness.

e) Biblical Example: The man healed at the Beautiful Gate became a witness (Acts 3:8-10).

5. LAZARUS SHOWS US THE POWER OF JESUS’ WORD

a) Jesus called him forth by name (John 11:43)

God's word brings life.

b) The dead must respond to Jesus’ command (John 5:25)

His voice has resurrection power.

c) There is power in divine instructions (John 11:44)

Jesus commanded others to loose him.

d) God’s word breaks every limitation (Isaiah 55:11)

When God speaks, change happens.

e) Biblical Example: Ezekiel prophesied to dry bones, and they lived (Ezekiel 37:7-10).

STRENGTHS OF LAZARUS

a) He was loved by Jesus (John 11:5)

His relationship with Jesus was strong.

b) He became a living testimony (John 12:9-11)

His life drew people to Christ.

c) He experienced the power of Jesus’ resurrection (John 11:43-44)

His life showed Christ’s authority.

d) His miracle strengthened the faith of others (John 11:45)

Many believed because of him.

e) He was a symbol of hope and restoration (John 11:25-26)

His story reminds us that God can restore any situation.

WEAKNESSES OF LAZARUS

a) He was completely helpless in his situation (John 11:14)

He could not save himself.

b) He had to rely on others for his release (John 11:44)

Others had to loose him from grave clothes.

c) He faced opposition after his resurrection (John 12:10-11)

The religious leaders wanted to kill him.

d) He is not recorded as speaking (John 11, 12)

Unlike others, he did not testify openly.

e) He was subject to human limitations and death (John 11:39)

Despite his miracle, he would eventually die again.

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF LAZARUS

a) God’s love does not mean we won’t face trials (John 11:3-6)

Even those close to Jesus experience challenges.

b) God’s timing is perfect (John 11:6-7)

His delays bring greater glory.

c) Faith in Jesus brings resurrection and life (John 11:25-26)

Jesus has power over every dead situation.

d) Our lives should be testimonies for Christ (John 12:9-11)

People should see God’s power in us.

e) Jesus’ word brings life and freedom (John 11:43-44)

When He speaks, every limitation must break.

CONCLUSION:

Lazarus’ life demonstrates Jesus’ power over death, the importance of divine timing, and the impact of a testimony. His story reminds us that no situation is too hopeless for God to restore. Like Lazarus, we must believe in Jesus, trust His word, and live as testimonies of His resurrection power.