The raising of Lazarus is one of the most powerful miracles of Jesus recorded in the Bible. Found in John 11, this story reveals not only His authority over death, but also deep truths about faith, waiting, and trusting God. As we contemplate Easter and Jesus’ own resurrection, I want to study the raising of Lazarus. There are great lessons in this story!
What is the meaning of the raising of Lazarus?
The raising of Lazarus shows that Jesus has power over death and calls us to trust Him even when hope seems gone. This miracle reveals God’s timing, strengthens our faith, and reminds us that nothing is impossible with Him.
Who Was Lazarus?
Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha, and they were among Jesus’ closest friends. Lazarus’ name in Hebrew means “God has helped.”
I find no coincidences in the Bible, so the fact that his parents named him before knowing the outcome of God’s help in his life is amazing to me!
You can read the entire story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John 11:1-44.
Walking Through the Raising of Lazarus (John 11)
Lazarus came down with an unnamed, grave sickness, and when his sisters Mary and Martha realized his condition was worsening, sent word to Jesus for help. Jesus loved this family and often stayed with them. We might expect (as Lazarus’ family did), that He would come running to help.
Jesus Delays His Visit
Jesus was preaching out of town, and when He got word of Lazarus’s illness replied, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (V4) Then he stayed where He was for two more days.
When Jesus finally announces that He wants to go to Lazarus, He tells his disciples plainly “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake, I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” (v14)
As Jesus approached the town of Bethany, He discovered that his friend Lazarus had been dead for 4 days.
Martha’s Faith in the Waiting
When Martha heard Jesus was near, she went out to meet him. She met him saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” (v21).
Her full confidence in Jesus’ power was on display. When Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again”, she assumed he meant the resurrection on the last day.
Jesus clarifies for her– “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (v25) In faith, she responds, “Yes, Lord.” (v27)
Mary’s Grief and Jesus’ Compassion
Martha returns to her sister Mary to tell her that Jesus was asking for her. Mary, despondent in her grief, fell at Jesus’ feet and said exactly what her sister had said: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v32)
Then Jesus, seeing Mary and all who were with her weeping, was “deeply moved in spirit” and wept. (v33,35) Some commentators believe He was not only weeping out of compassion for his friends but the state of death that was the punishment of sin for the world.
Lazarus, Come Out!
As Jesus approached the tomb of Lazarus, He said, “Take away the stone.” Martha warns him that Lazarus has been dead for 4 days, and there would be a “bad odor.” (v39)
Suddenly Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” (v43) Lazarus miraculously appears with all the strips of burial cloth still on. Jesus instructs them to remove the strips of cloth and “let him go.”
Why Did Jesus Raise Lazarus?
As they rolled the stone away, Jesus looked up to heaven and thanked his Father-
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41b-42.
Jesus was thankful that each person standing there would see this miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection and have the opportunity to believe in Him as the Son of God. He restored the life of his friend and showed his authority and power to grant eternal life through resurrection.
The Meaning of the Raising of Lazarus
The raising of Lazarus reveals far more than a miraculous event; it shows us who Jesus truly is. Through this moment, we see His authority over death, His compassion for those who are suffering, and His power to bring hope even when a situation seems beyond repair.
This miracle also reminds us that God’s timing is not always what we expect, but it is always purposeful. Even in seasons of waiting or uncertainty, we can trust that He is working for His glory and for our good.
This deeper meaning becomes even more clear as we look at what this miracle teaches us.
A Display of God’s Glory
Lazarus died so that Jesus’ power over physical death would be apparent to the crowd and to us. He was showing us something even greater than physical healing; the power to raise us from death. This miracle allowed them to see the glory of God at work in their lives.
God’s glory isn’t only revealed in miracles we can see with our eyes. We see the glory of God revealed in powerful, personal ways every day if we look for them-
- When He brings peace in the middle of anxiety
- He provides during times of uncertainty
- He restores something broken
- When He strengthens us beyond our own ability
- Works in ways we never could on our own.
A Picture of Spiritual Resurrection
The raising of Lazarus is not only about physical life, but spiritual life. Just as Lazarus was called out of the tomb, Jesus calls each of us out of spiritual death into a new life through Him. This miracle points to the greater promise of eternal life for all who believe.
This miracle not only reveals who Jesus is; it also shows us how we can trust Him in our everyday life situations.
Lessons from the Raising of Lazarus
The story of Lazarus is more than a miracle; it is a powerful reminder of how Jesus is at work in our lives today. These lessons encourage us to trust Him, even in seasons of waiting, grief, and uncertainty.
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life
When Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life,” He wasn’t just speaking about Lazarus; He was revealing who He is. Lazarus responded when Jesus called his name, and in the same way, Jesus calls each of us by name to a new life in Him.
When we place our faith in Christ, our eternal life begins. We are never beyond His reach, and His promise of life is secure.
God’s Timing is Not Our Timing
Jesus intentionally delayed going to Lazarus, even though He loved him. From a human perspective, it may have seemed too late- but Jesus is never late. His timing is always perfect.
Have you ever questioned God’s timing? I have. We pray, we wait, and we wonder why God hasn’t answered yet. But this story reminds us that God’s timing is always purposeful. What feels like a delay may actually be preparation for something greater, or protection from something not in our best interest.
Jesus Cares Deeply About Our Pain
One of the most powerful moments in this story is also the shortest: “Jesus wept.”
Even knowing He would raise Lazarus, Jesus entered into the grief of Mary and Martha. He did not stand at a distance; He shared in their sorrow.
This is such a comfort to us. Jesus sees our pain. He cares deeply. And He invites us to come to Him with every burden we carry.
Nothing is Too Far Gone for God
Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. From every human perspective, the situation was beyond hope.
But Jesus spoke- and everything changed.
No situation in our lives is too far gone for God. Whether it’s a broken relationship, a heavy burden, or a long season of waiting, God is still able to bring life, restoration, and hope.
“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power…Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
Reflection Questions on the Raising of Lazarus
Take a moment to pause and reflect on how this story speaks to your own life and faith.
- When have you experienced a season where God felt delayed? How did you respond?
- Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to trust God’s timing?
- Where have you seen the glory of God working in your life? How does your life show the glory of God?
- How does knowing that Jesus wept encourage you in your own grief or struggles?
- Is there something in your life that feels “too far gone”? How can you surrender it to God today?
- How is God inviting you to grow in faith through your current circumstances?
A Prayer for Trusting God in the Waiting
Lord,
When I don’t understand Your timing, help me to trust You.
When I feel discouraged or overwhelmed, remind me that nothing is too hard for You.
Thank You for being a God who sees my pain, hears my prayers, and walks with me through every season.
Strengthen my faith and help me believe, even when things feel uncertain.
All for Your glory, Amen.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
Photo Credit: Canva