Raising Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-44)

The passage describes the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, falls ill, and his sisters send word to Jesus. However, Jesus delays going to them, stating that the illness will serve to glorify God. By the time Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days.

Martha expresses faith in Jesus, affirming her belief that he is the Christ, the Son of God (ὁ χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ [ho Christos ho huios tou Theou], John 11:27). Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life" (ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ ἀνάστασις καὶ ἡ ζωή [egō eimi hē anastasis kai hē zōē], John 11:25), emphasizing his divine authority over life and death. Jesus weeps (ἐδάκρυσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς [edakrysen ho Iēsous], John 11:35) as he approaches Lazarus’ tomb, showing his deep compassion. At Jesus’ command, the stone is removed, and he calls Lazarus out, bringing him back to life, demonstrating his power over death and foreshadowing his own resurrection.

The raising of Lazarus demonstrates Jesus’ authority over death, affirming his identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. The passage highlights the intersection of Jesus’ divinity and humanity, showing his power to grant eternal life while also empathizing with human grief.

Faith (πιστεύω [pisteuō]) is at the heart of the narrative, as Jesus repeatedly calls on those around him to believe in him as the resurrection and the life, even in the face of death. Martha’s declaration of faith—“I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God” (ἐγὼ πεπίστευκα ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ [egō pepisteuka hoti sy ei ho Christos ho huios tou theou], John 11:27)—and Jesus’ reassurance, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (οὐκ εἶπόν σοι ὅτι ἐὰν πιστεύσῃς ὄψῃ τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ [ouk eipon soi hoti ean pisteusēs opsē tēn doxan tou theou], John 11:40) underline that faith is the gateway to experiencing God’s transformative power. This belief is not merely intellectual but a relational trust in Jesus as the source of life and hope. The miracle challenges all who witness it to deepen their faith and recognize Jesus’ divine authority.

Jesus’ weeping (δακρύω [dakryō]), even as he knows he will raise Lazarus, reveals his deep empathy and connection to human suffering. His tears demonstrate the fullness of his humanity, showing that he does not dismiss grief but enters into it alongside those he loves. This moment reminds believers that God is not distant but intimately involved in their pain.

The theme of glory (δόξα [doxa]) frames the entire narrative. Lazarus’ illness and resurrection serve to glorify God, demonstrating the divine power and purpose of Jesus’ actions. Jesus explicitly states that the event is “for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Through this miracle, Jesus not only glorifies God but also reveals his own divine nature, calling those who witness it to recognize and glorify him. The emphasis on glory reminds believers that God’s purposes are often fulfilled in ways that transcend human understanding, leading to awe and worship.

The detail that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days carries profound theological and cultural significance. In Jewish tradition, it was believed that the soul lingered near the body for three days after death, but by the fourth day, decomposition would have begun, making resuscitation impossible by natural means. This detail underscores the total hopelessness of the situation and magnifies the miraculous nature of Jesus’ act. By raising Lazarus on the fourth day, Jesus demonstrates his absolute power over death, even in its most final and irreversible state.

The four days also serve to emphasize the reliability of the miracle. There could be no doubt that Lazarus was truly dead, leaving no room for skepticism about the authenticity of Jesus’ power. This timing highlights Jesus as the resurrection and the life, not merely someone who delays death but one who has authority over it completely.