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Sermon Introduction

The Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus for his claims, which included claiming that He and the Father are One. But the Lord Jesus escaped. After the event, Mary and Martha sent Jesus a message that their brother, Lazarus, was ill. He would die, but many would witness the Lord's work, which was bringing the dead to life.

1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill” (John 11:1-3).

Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

John 11:1-16

1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill”. 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 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. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:7-10). 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him”.

Notes

The Jewish leaders wanted to arrest Jesus for his claims, which included claiming that He and the Father are One. But the Lord Jesus escaped. After the event, Mary and Martha sent Jesus a message that their brother, Lazarus, was ill. He would die, but many would witness the Lord's work, which was bringing the dead to life.

1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill”.

1. For His glory

   The illness of Lazarus served a purpose: to glorify God and His Son. Jesus delayed for two days, not because He did not care. In truth, He loved the siblings. His delay showed His intent to fulfill the Father’s purpose.

   
   4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was (John 11:4-6).

   Application: We must believe that God is the God of purpose. Even death and sorrow will serve His purpose. Our duty is to trust in His will no matter what we think or feel. His word remains true, and His decree will be fulfilled.

2. God’s Timing

   After two days, the Lord announced His plan to return to Judea to His disciples. The disciples expressed their concern for His safety, but Jesus replied with a metaphor about walking during the day instead of the night.

   7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 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. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him” (John 11:7-10).

   Application: God’s revealed will for His people is written in the Holy Scriptures. Walking in the light means walking in God's will as revealed through His Word. We must be willing to fulfill His will for our lives despite the dangers that it may entail. The timeframe to proclaim the gospel and make disciples is now. A time will come when we will not be able to proclaim, and others will not be able to listen.

3. On Death

   At first, Jesus said that He would awaken Lazarus from His sleep, and then He clarified that Lazarus was dead. Jesus allowed this to happen for the sake of His disciples so that they would believe. Thomas did not dissuade Jesus. Instead, he encouraged the others to go and die with Him.

   
   11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:11-16).

   Application: We should believe in His word despite persecution or any hardship. For the genuine believer, there is no other way but to follow His will. Absolutely nothing should deter us from His word. The result of believing and obeying is to see His glory.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What was the purpose of the illness of Lazarus?

2. Explain the metaphor (vs. 9-10) in relation to going to Lazarus.

3. Why was the whole situation beneficial for the disciples?