Preparing For Easter-An Outline For 'i Am The Resurrection And The Life'

Introduction: Jesus had raised at least two people from the dead before this event, apparently just a short time before He died on Calvary. Here He proved the reality of resurrection when He raised Lazarus from the dead.

The Message Jesus Received (verses 1-16)

--Jesus and the disciples weren’t close by. They had gone “beyond Jordan” or across the Jordan River. We don’t know how long they had stayed there.

--A messenger brought word from Martha and Mary. He already knew Mary and Martha, possibly Lazarus too, from His previous visit at their home in Bethany (compare Luke 10:38-42

--The message was that Lazarus was sick. Some commentators believe he had not just taken ill but he had been sick and was getting worse.

--Note the reaction of the disciples: most were scared, Thomas was ready to die with Jesus. Perhaps he knew that a life without Jesus was no life at all.

--They remained in place for two more days then returned to Bethany. Jesus was about to minister to several people when He arrived.

The Ministry Jesus Provided (verses 17-37)

To Martha

--He first ministered to Martha—was she accusing Him? Note how she went out to where He was; He had not even entered the village!

--Jesus and Martha engaged in some dialogue. The verse, “I am the Resurrection and the Life” has been used in any number of Westerns, especially when someone is about to be executed! That was not the case here, as Jesus was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, not kill anyone.

--Martha then went back to the house and informed Mary that Jesus was close by.

To Mary

--Mary had remained in the house even while Martha had left to meet Jesus. Though sisters, note the differences in personalities. God makes everyone unique.

--Mary then went to meet Jesus and used the same words Martha had spoken. She was weeping when Jesus met her. Some other Jews were with her, also weeping, but whether they were professional mourners or genuinely concerned for Mary and Martha is not certain.

--Now Jesus “groaned in (His) spirit”, deeply moved by the current conditions. He “wept” or burst into tears when He asked where the tomb was located. There is a country gospel song where the refrain or chorus has the words “John told the world that Jesus wept.”

--Note also the two reactions John mentioned in this passage: some said, “Behold how He loved him”, while others replied, “He could open the eyes of the blind but He couldn’t keep this man from dying.” Unbelief—haven’t we all been there? Belief—don’t you wish more would believe?

--The stage was now set for one of the Lord’s greatest miracles.

The Miracle Jesus Performed (verses 38-44)

--Jesus came to the cave, where Lazarus’ body had been placed. A stone was rolled over the opening of the grave, just as a stone would be placed over the very Tomb where our Lord’s body would be placed in a very short time after this (Matthew 27:59-66, Mark 15:46).

--Now Jesus commanded, “Take away the stone.” Martha objected, knowing the stench of death and that the body of Lazarus had been in that tomb four days. Decay set in quickly, it seems, in the climate of Israel.

--Jesus insisted that the stone be rolled away from the cave. Note the faith and obedience of those unsung heroes, whoever they were, who did this for the Lord and for Lazarus.

--While the stone was away from the opening, Jesus prayed to the Father. Note how many times Jesus had done this during His earthly ministry. A brief prayer, but one the crowd would have had a hard time forgetting.

--Once the prayer was finished, Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he did! Lazarus was still bound in his grave clothes and a “napkin” or cloth was still over his face. Jesus said, “Loose him and let him go.” Lazarus was restored to health and later was able to take part in a meal later on when Mary anointed the feet of Jesus (John 12).

The aftermath or conclusion

--Many of the Jews believed. How could they not, after having seen a miracle like this?

--Still others still refused to believe and, incredibly, went to the Pharisees and reported what happened. This is a picture of reactions to the Gospel: some believed, many refused to believe, even after seeing miracles (witness most of Acts).

--None of this stopped Jesus from completing the work the Father had for Him to do (John 17:4). He went to Calvary, died for the sins of the world (including mine), but proved everything when He rose from the dead, too. He is the Resurrection, and we will live with Him if we believe!

Scripture quotations taken from the King James Version of the Bible (KJV).