John Chapter 11:1-44 In The Amplified Bible - “The Death & Resurrection of Lazarus”

John Chapter 11:1-44 (AMP) Presents the profound narrative of "The Death and Resurrection of Lazarus." In this passage, we encounter one of the most remarkable miracles performed by Jesus, showcasing His divine power over death. The story revolves around Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, who becomes gravely ill, ultimately leading to his death. The account underscores essential themes of faith, divine timing, and the compassion of Jesus. As we delve into this chapter, we witness the unfolding of God's glory and the affirmation that Christ is the Resurrection and the Life, offering hope and eternal life to all who believe in Him.

John Chapter 11:1-44 (AMP) - “The Death & Resurrection of Lazarus”

Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!

Verses 1-3 “Now a certain man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village where Mary and her sister Martha lived. This Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, "Lord, he [whom you love] is sick."

In these opening verses, we are introduced to Lazarus, who is gravely ill. Mary and Martha, his sisters, send a message to Jesus, highlighting their deep belief in His power to heal. Today's believers can relate to this situation, often facing their own trials and illnesses, and seeking solace and healing through their faith.

Verses 4-7 “But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness will not end in death, but [on the contrary, it is] for the glory of God, so that the Son of God will be glorified by it." Now Jesus loved and was concerned about Martha and her sister and Lazarus [and considered them dear friends]. So [even] when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed in the same place two more days. Then He said to His disciples, "Let us go back to Judea."

In these verses, Jesus receives the message and expresses that Lazarus's sickness will ultimately bring glory to God. This delay in His response demonstrates a unique aspect of God's timing, which may not align with human expectations. Believers today are reminded that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed, and that God's glory can be revealed through our trials.

Verses 8-16 “The disciples said to Him, "Rabbi (Teacher), the Jews were only recently going to stone You, and You are [thinking of] going back there again?" Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because there is no light in him." He said this, and after that said, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him." The disciples answered, "Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover." However, Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was referring to natural sleep. So then Jesus told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, and for your sake, I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." Then Thomas, who was called Didymus (the twin), said to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him."

In these verses, the disciples are concerned about returning to Judea due to the earlier threats on Jesus' life. Jesus uses the metaphor of day and night, highlighting the importance of working while it's day. He clarifies that Lazarus has died, but this will serve to strengthen the disciples' faith. Thomas' response reflects the commitment and loyalty required of believers even in the face of danger.

Verses 17-27 “So when Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away, and a large number of Jews had come to see Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning [the loss of] their brother. So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet Him, while Mary remained sitting in the house. Then Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give to You." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise [from the dead]." Martha replied, "I know that he will rise [from the dead] in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you believe this?" She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed and continue to believe that You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God, [even He] who was [destined and promised] to come into the world."

Martha's conversation with Jesus reflects her deep faith in Him. She recognizes Jesus as the source of resurrection and life. Jesus declares that He is the Resurrection and the Life, emphasizing the importance of believing in Him for eternal life. This declaration has profound relevance to today's believers, affirming the centrality of faith in Christ for eternal salvation.

Verses 28-32 “After she had said this, she left and called her sister Mary, privately whispering [to her], "The Teacher is here and is asking for you." And when she heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the same spot where Martha had met Him. So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her, saw how quickly Mary got up and left, they followed her, assuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came [to the place] where Jesus was and saw Him, she dropped down at His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died."

Mary, like Martha, expresses her faith in Jesus and her belief that her brother wouldn't have died had Jesus been present. Her action of falling at Jesus' feet showcases her reverence for Him, highlighting the personal and emotional connection between believers and Jesus.

Verses 33-37 “When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled. He said, "Where have you laid him?" They said, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews were saying, "See how He loved him [as a close friend]!" But some of them said, "Could not this Man, who opened the blind man's eyes, have kept this man from dying?"

In these verses, Jesus is deeply moved by the sorrow and weeping around Him. His response of weeping, even though He knows He is about to raise Lazarus, underscores the genuine empathy and compassion that Jesus has for the suffering of His followers. It also demonstrates the complexity of human emotions in the face of death. Believers today can take comfort in Jesus' compassion for their own suffering and loss.

Verses 38-44 “So Jesus, again deeply moved within, approached the tomb. It was a cave, and a boulder was lying against it [to cover the entrance]. Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be an offensive odor, for he has been dead four days!" Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believe [in Me], you will see the glory of God [revealed]?" So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes [toward heaven] and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I knew that You always hear Me and listen to Me; but I have said this because of the people standing around, so that they may believe that You have sent Me [and that You have made Me Your representative]." When He had said this, He shouted with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" Out came the man who had been dead, his hands and feet tightly wrapped in burial cloths (linen strips), and with a [burial] cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, "Unwrap him and release him."

In these powerful verses, Jesus commands the stone to be removed from the tomb. Martha, concerned about the stench of Lazarus's body after four days, is reassured by Jesus. He offers a prayer of thanks to God before commanding Lazarus to come out, demonstrating His authority over death. The miraculous resurrection of Lazarus highlights Jesus as the giver of life and the fulfillment of His earlier statement, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." Today's believers can find in this story a profound affirmation of Jesus' power over death and the hope of eternal life through Him. Note this: “Out came the man who had been dead, his hands and feet tightly wrapped in burial cloths (linen strips), and with a [burial] cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, "Unwrap him and release him." Jesus here speaks directly to the burial cloths, “Unwrap him and release him”. Jesus today still speaks to whatever and in some cases whoever has you wrapped up and bound! And even goes further to give you The Authority in His Name to speak to those things that have you bound yourself, however you MUST BELIEVE!

The story of the death and resurrection  of Lazarus in John Chapter 11:1-44 (AMP) conveys essential messages for today's believers: the importance of faith, God's timing, Jesus' empathy for human suffering, His authority over death, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe in Him. This passage serves as a testimony to the divine power and love of Jesus, encouraging believers to trust in Him, especially in times of trial, suffering, and loss.

If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!