LAZARUS, COME FORTH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 11:1-44
Key Verse: “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” (John 11:43)
Supporting Texts: John 11:25-26; Ezekiel 37:12-13; Romans 4:17; Revelation 1:18
INTRODUCTION
The story of Lazarus in John chapter eleven is one of the most dramatic miracles recorded in the ministry of Jesus. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived at the tomb. By human reasoning, the situation was completely hopeless, and everyone believed that nothing more could be done.
However, Jesus demonstrated that He possesses authority even over death. Standing before the tomb, He called out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” Immediately, the man who had been dead walked out of the grave, still wrapped in burial cloths. This miracle revealed the divine power of Christ over life and death.
Many people today experience situations that appear spiritually dead—dreams, opportunities, relationships, or faith that seem beyond recovery. Yet the same Jesus who called Lazarus from the grave still speaks life into impossible situations. His voice has the power to bring restoration and new beginnings.
1. JESUS HAS POWER OVER DEATH
The raising of Lazarus demonstrates Christ’s authority over the greatest human fear - death.
a. Christ the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
Jesus declared that those who believe in Him will live even though they die.
b. Authority Over Death and the Grave (Revelation 1:18)
Christ holds the keys of death and the grave, proving His complete authority.
c. Life-Giving Power of God (Romans 4:17)
God calls things that are not as though they were.
d. Victory Over the Grave (1 Corinthians 15:55–57)
Through Christ, believers have victory over death.
Biblical Example:
Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead, showing that His authority extends even to restoring life (Mark 5:41-42).
2. JESUS RESPONDS TO FAITH
The miracle at Bethany was connected to the faith expressed by those who trusted in Jesus.
a. Faith in the Midst of Grief (John 11:21)
Martha expressed her belief that Jesus could have healed Lazarus if He had been present.
b. Faith That Believes in God’s Power (Hebrews 11:6)
Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
c. Trusting Christ Beyond Human Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Believers must trust God even when circumstances seem impossible.
d. Faith That Leads to God’s Glory (John 11:40)
Jesus told Martha that if she believed, she would see the glory of God.
Biblical Example:
The centurion believed that Jesus could heal his servant simply by speaking a word, and his faith resulted in a miracle (Matthew 8:8-10).
3. THE VOICE OF JESUS BRINGS LIFE
The command “Lazarus, come forth” demonstrates the life-giving authority of Christ’s word.
a. The Power of Christ’s Word (Hebrews 4:12)
The Word of God is living and powerful.
b. God’s Word Creates Life (Genesis 1:3)
From the beginning, God’s Word has brought order and life.
c. The Call from Spiritual Death to Life (Ephesians 2:1)
Through Christ, those who were spiritually dead are made alive.
d. Obedience to God’s Voice (John 5:25)
Those who hear the voice of the Son of God shall live.
Biblical Example:
When Jesus spoke to the widow’s son in Nain and commanded him to arise, the young man immediately came back to life (Luke 7:14-15).
4. JESUS RESTORES WHAT SEEMS LOST FOREVER
Lazarus had been in the grave for four days, yet Christ restored him completely.
a. God Specialises in the Impossible (Luke 1:37)
Nothing is impossible with God.
b. Restoration of What Was Lost (Joel 2:25)
God promises to restore the years that have been lost.
c. New Life Through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Those who are in Christ become new creations.
d. Hope Beyond Despair (Jeremiah 29:11)
God’s plans are for hope and a future.
Biblical Example:
The dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision came back to life when God spoke, symbolising restoration where there had been complete lifelessness (Ezekiel 37:1-10).
CONCLUSION
The command “Lazarus, come forth” demonstrates the extraordinary power of Jesus Christ. Even when death seemed final and hope appeared lost, Christ spoke life and restored what everyone believed was gone forever.
Believers must remember that the voice of Jesus still carries power today. No situation is too difficult for Him to restore. When Christ speaks into a circumstance, life replaces death, hope replaces despair, and miracles become possible.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, let every dead area of my life receive new life through the power of Christ, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, speak Your life-giving word into every situation that appears hopeless in my life, in Jesus name.
3. Father, strengthen my faith to believe in Your power over every impossible situation, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, remove every stone blocking the manifestation of my miracle, in Jesus name.
5. Father, restore every opportunity and blessing that has been lost in my life, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, release Your resurrection power into every area of my life, in Jesus name.
7. Father, deliver me from every situation of spiritual death and stagnation, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, let my life become a testimony of Your restoring power, in Jesus name.
9. Father, revive my faith and renew my spiritual strength daily, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let Your glory be revealed through every miracle You perform in my life, in Jesus name.
