Sermons on John 11:17-21:

The Best Friend

Contributed by Kelvin Mckisic on Mar 2, 2025

This sermon has us looking at what a best friend really means. Do you have a best friend? Are you a best friend? What are the characteristics of a best friend. We are going to discuss those characteristics and show that Jesus meets and exceeds them.

Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-6, John 11:19-44

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What To Say When We Don't Know What To Say - Funeral Sermon

Contributed by Duane Wente on Jun 30, 2021

When someone passes away unexpectedly, we often are left without knowing what to say. Through the story of Lazarus' death, we can see some things we can say when we do not know what to say.

“What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say” Introduction There are not many times when I am left speechless. I’m often told that I have a tendency to not be quiet and listen — that I actually talk too much. When I first heard of Debbie’s passing, however, I found myself without words to say. ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-36, John 14:1-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Followers Of Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 29, 2025

In this sermon, we will delve into the stories of some of the most notable followers of Jesus, exploring their experiences, challenges, and contributions to the early Christian community.

The Bible is filled with stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives, driven by their faith and devotion to God. As followers of Jesus, we can draw valuable lessons and inspiration from the lives of these biblical figures. In this sermon, we will delve into the stories of some of the ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

No Mere External Change Can Make Us Happy

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 2, 2022

We have in our deepest being a desire for the infinite, a restlessness for the fullness of being.

Fifth Sunday in Lent 9 March 2008 Lazarus was rushing around more than usual. Martha had forgotten to set back the sundials the previous evening to Jerusalem daylight savings time and they were all running an hour late for synagogue. Lazarus had been coughing for some time, but felt well to go ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44, Hosea 11:1-11, Romans 8:9-11

Denomination: Catholic

I Was Dead But Now I'm Alive Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Jul 16, 2025

Can you imagine Mary and Martha pacing the floor, waiting for Jesus? They were at the deathbed of their beloved brother. Can’t you see Lazarus struggling to breathe? The whole time, they’re looking out the window expecting to see Jesus arrive.

What if I told you that surveys suggest that nearly three-quarters of doctors in the United States believe in miracles? And what if I told you that over half of the physicians surveyed noted that they had witnessed what they considered to be miracles?1 Find John 11 with me, if you will. Ed ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Denomination: Baptist

Martha's Lament

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Sep 13, 2025

Martha felt free to speak the words of disappointment and anger that we sometimes feel but are hesitant to speak. This message examines Martha's words as a model for biblical lament.

She was frustrated, disappointed and angry. And she wasn’t holding it back. Her brother had been sick, and as his condition continued to deteriorate, Martha and her sister Mary had sent a message to their friend Jesus. In a situation, which seemed to have no hope, Jesus provided hope. They had ...read more

Scripture: John 11:21-22

Denomination: Wesleyan

Our Greatest Hope Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

God may not meet our expectations in every situation, but He ultimately fulfills our greatest hopes and is always present with us, even when He seems distant.

Hey guys! Today, we're going to talk about something we all experience: disappointment. You know, those times when things don't go the way we want or expect them to. And sometimes, it feels like God isn't showing up when we need Him the most. But I want to share a story from the Bible that shows us ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Topics: Unexpected Joy, Hidden Blessings, Unseen Opportunities, Hopeful Discoveries

If You Would Have Been There Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

Jesus enters into our pain and grief, weeping with us and offering hope through His resurrection power.

Today, we're going to talk about a story from the Bible that shows us how Jesus brings hope even in the toughest times. We'll be looking at the story of Lazarus in John 11:1-44. But first, let's start with an object lesson that will help us understand the main idea of this message. (Hand out a ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Topics: Grief Management, Spiritual Hope, Jesus' Teachings, Faith Healing

Light For My Path Youth Sermon

Contributed by Youth Sermons on Sep 5, 2023

The Bible is like a flashlight that guides us through life. It helps us see clearly where we are, gives us a glimpse of what's to come, and reminds us of what God has done in the past.

Let's check out Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible. We're just gonna focus on one verse today. The dude who wrote this psalm is saying that God's Word is like a GPS for our lives. It guides us through the dark times. So, let's break down three ways the Bible is like our daily GPS. God's ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:105, John 11:21

Topics: Biblical Guidance, Spiritual Enlightenment, Divine Direction, Scriptural Wisdom

The Evolution Of Faith SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

This sermon explores the three different stages of faith, demonstrating its growth and evolution.

Today, we will explore the three distinct phases of faith that are evident in the story of Lazarus' death. These phases can be described as struggling faith, clinging faith, and resting faith. Let us delve into each phase and understand their significance. In this phase, Martha finds herself in ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-46

Topics: Faith, Spiritual Growth

Never Lose Faith SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 9, 2023

This sermon explores the unwavering faith of Christians, focusing on the biblical story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha.

Don't Give Up on God! Coming out of a Dead Situation! John 11:20-23 Today's sermon is about the faith of Christians and the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. It's important to remember to not give up on God, even when faced with difficult circumstances. God has a purpose for everything we go ...read more

Scripture: John 11:20-23

Topics: Christian Faith, Story Of Lazarus

Life Lessons From Lazarus' Miracle SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

There are valuable life lessons we can extract from the story of Lazarus' resurrection that may not have been apparent before.

During the Sundays in Lent, we have explored various memorable events and characters from the Bible. Today, we delve into one of the most well-known stories in the Bible: the raising of Lazarus. This story holds valuable lessons that can benefit us all, regardless of our circumstances. Let us ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Topics: Miracles Of Jesus, Life Lessons

Finding Hope In Grief SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

A funeral message that provides comfort and hope through the story of John 11.

Welcome and Prayer Good afternoon and thank you for coming. We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of Patricia. We are here to share in the pain and sorrow, to weep and to wonder why. We may not have all the answers, but it is important for us to be here. In the book of Ecclesiastes, God ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-31

Topics: Funerals, Non-Christian

It’s Not Over PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 29, 2023

Highlight the hope, restoration, and power that comes from faith in Jesus, as demonstrated in the story of Lazarus' resurrection in the Gospel of John.

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. The beauty of the Gospel is that it brings hope, restoration, and power in the midst of despair. We are not abandoned to our circumstances, but rather, we have a Savior who comes into our darkest hours with light and life. As Philip Yancey once said, ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-44

Topics: Restoration, Jesus

Never Walk Alone PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

To explore and affirm God's unfailing presence, His comfort in times of trouble, and His faithfulness in every situation.

Good morning, Church family! Today, we are going to dive into a beautiful passage from the book of John that reminds us of God's unfailing presence, His comfort in times of trouble, and His faithfulness in every situation. Our sermon today is titled "Never Walk Alone." Before we dive into the Word, ...read more

Scripture: John 11:20-24

Topics: God's Faithfulness