By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
I AM THE RESURRECTION
John 11:32–46
What pastor fails to come when he is notified of an illness or death? Jesus was the shepherd who did not visit Lazarus in his sickbed in Bethany, who did not officiate at his funeral and who delayed His visit to the family home until several days later.
Our focal passage this week immediately follows Jesus’ conversations with Martha and Mary, sisters who shared a home with their brother Lazarus. Martha confessed her belief that Lazarus would arise in the resurrection. Jesus revealed, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” and asked Martha if she believed. She confessed to the Master, “I believe You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who comes into the world.” Like Martha, Mary expressed belief that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus’ death.
Wept (32–37)
Jesus wept. What made Him weep? Was it the loss of His friend? Was it the faith of Lazarus’ family? Was it the foreknowledge that a threat against Lazarus would arise after Jesus raised him from the dead (12:9–11)? Was it that He knew even an impossible restoration would not convince unbelievers?
From the evangelist’s perspective, Jesus was “deeply moved and troubled” when He saw Mary and the not-yet-believing Jews crying. This description immediately precedes verse 35. From the observing crowd’s perspective, Jesus wept because of His love for His friend. This description immediately follows verse 35. Not everyone found Jesus’ compassionate weeping to be heartwarming. Like many present day fault finders, some intimated that Jesus had failed Lazarus by arriving too late to save him.
Believe (38–40)
Martha expressed her belief in the coming resurrection. She publicly professed her faith that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. She heard Jesus claim to be the Resurrection. Now, it was time to put feet to her faith.
Jesus asked about the burial site. Keep in mind it was the custom to place bodies temporarily in covered caves (tombs) until only the bones remained, after which the bones were placed in a family ossuary (bone box). Jesus requested the stone covering of the tomb to be removed. Martha protested. No matter how many ointments and spices were placed on a body, the smell of decay would have been awful after four days in the tomb. Jesus reminded Martha of her previous confession: If you say you believe, behave accordingly. Believe that you will see the glory of God.
Returned (41–46)
Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Jesus performed His greatest sign, His most incredible miracle to date. When He called a dead man wrapped in burial cloth to come out of the tomb, no one could legitimately deny the miracle. Lazarus had returned from death and the grave. How could anyone deny Jesus was the Messiah?
By this point, the evangelist had introduced his readers to seven significant signs performed by Jesus: turning water to wine, healing an official’s son in another town, multiplying food to feed five thousand men, walking on water, healing a lame man, giving sight to a man born blind and raising a dead man to life again. He selected these miracles to convince readers to believe Jesus is the Son of God and to receive eternal life through Him. Do you believe?
Share with others: