Day 11 of 21
The Resurrection and the Life
Jesus Weeps, Lazarus Lives
Scripture Readings
Today's Reading
John 11 contains the seventh and greatest of Jesus' signs — the raising of Lazarus from the dead. It is also the chapter where we see Jesus weep. In this extraordinary narrative, death and life, grief and glory, human frailty and divine power all converge.
Reflection
Lazarus is sick, and his sisters Mary and Martha send word to Jesus. But Jesus does not rush to Bethany. He waits two more days, telling His disciples, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God" (John 11:4). By the time He arrives, Lazarus has been in the tomb four days.
Martha meets Jesus on the road with words that are both a confession of faith and a barely concealed complaint: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Jesus responds with the fifth great "I Am" statement:
"I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)
Jesus does not simply promise resurrection as a future event — He embodies it. Resurrection is not primarily a doctrine to be believed but a Person to be trusted. Martha affirms her faith: "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God" (John 11:27).
Then comes the shortest and one of the most profound verses in the Bible:
"Jesus wept." (John 11:35)
He who is about to raise the dead still weeps with those who mourn. Jesus' tears are not a sign of weakness or uncertainty — He knows exactly what He is about to do. They reveal the heart of God in the face of the devastation that sin and death have brought into His creation. He is not indifferent to our pain.
Standing before the tomb, Jesus commands, "Lazarus, come out" (John 11:43). And the dead man walks out, still wrapped in burial cloths. It is a stunning preview of what Jesus Himself will accomplish — not just for one man, but for all who believe.
Ironically, this miracle of life triggers a plot of death. The religious leaders, fearing Jesus' growing influence, begin planning to kill Him. Caiaphas, the high priest, unwittingly prophesies: "It is better for you that one man should die for the people" (John 11:50).
Going Deeper
Ezekiel 37 describes a valley of dry bones brought back to life by the breath of God — a vision of Israel's restoration and, by extension, the resurrection of the dead. When Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb, He demonstrates that this power resides in Him personally. The God who breathed life into Adam, who promised to open graves and raise His people, is standing in a cemetery outside Bethany. The resurrection is not an abstract hope — it has a name.
Key Quotes
“The Son of God suffered unto death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His.”
“Jesus does not say, 'I will raise you at the last day,' but 'I am the resurrection.' It is not merely something He does but something He is.”
Prayer Focus
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. In my grief, in my doubt, in my fear of death — remind me that You hold the power of life in Your hands.
Meditation
Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus even though He loved him. Have you experienced God's apparent delay? How might His timing serve a greater purpose?
Question for Discussion
Jesus wept at the tomb even though He knew He was about to raise Lazarus. What does it mean that God grieves alongside us in our suffering rather than simply fixing it? Does your group tend to rush toward solutions when someone is hurting, or does it make space to weep with those who weep?