Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.8 — Raising Lazarus
6.8 — Raising Lazarus: Jesus reveals His power over death and declares, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.”
6.8 — Raising Lazarus
The Resurrection and the Life
As Jesus continued His journey toward Jerusalem, one of the most dramatic miracles of His ministry took place in a small village called Bethany.
The miracle involved close friends.
It involved grief.
It involved loss.
And it involved a powerful revelation of who Jesus truly is.
Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, became seriously ill.
Word was sent to Jesus.
Those who loved Lazarus expected Jesus to come immediately.
Instead, Jesus delayed.
The delay confused His followers.
It confused the family.
Yet Jesus knew that something greater was about to happen.
The raising of Lazarus would become one of the clearest demonstrations of His authority over death and one of the final signs before His journey led to the cross.
Scripture References
John 11:1–44
Psalm 16:10–11
Isaiah 25:8
Ezekiel 37:1–14
Daniel 12:2
1 Corinthians 15:20–26
The Story
Lazarus became ill while living in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha.
The sisters sent word to Jesus:
“Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.”
Rather than leaving immediately, Jesus remained where He was for two more days.
By the time He arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days.
Martha met Jesus outside the village.
She said:
“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Jesus responded with one of the most important statements in the Gospel of John:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”
Later, Jesus approached the tomb.
Seeing the grief of those around Him, Jesus wept.
Then He instructed the people to remove the stone.
Standing before the tomb, Jesus called out:
“Lazarus, come forth!”
Immediately Lazarus emerged from the tomb.
Still wrapped in burial cloths.
The man who had been dead was alive again.
Many who witnessed the miracle believed in Jesus.
Others reported the event to the religious leaders, increasing the opposition against Him.
Understanding the Story
Why Did Jesus Wait?
The delay was intentional.
Jesus was not indifferent to the family’s pain.
He was preparing for a greater revelation of God’s glory.
The miracle would strengthen faith and reveal His authority over death.
Why Is Four Days Important?
Jewish tradition included various beliefs about the soul remaining near the body after death.
By the fourth day, everyone understood that Lazarus was unquestionably dead.
There could be no doubt about the miracle.
Why Did Jesus Weep?
Jesus knew He was about to raise Lazarus.
Yet He still entered into the grief of those around Him.
His tears reveal His compassion, love, and understanding of human sorrow.
Understanding Jesus
What Does “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” Mean?
Jesus was not merely claiming the ability to raise the dead.
He was declaring that resurrection life is found in Him.
Life itself comes through Christ.
Why Is This Miracle So Significant?
This is the climactic miracle in John’s Gospel before the events of Holy Week.
It demonstrates Jesus’ authority over humanity’s greatest enemy—death.
What Does This Reveal About Jesus?
The miracle reveals Jesus as more than a teacher, prophet, or miracle worker.
He possesses divine authority over life and death.
Understanding Jesus: Burial Customs in the Time of Jesus
Jewish burials normally took place quickly after death.
Bodies were wrapped in burial cloths and placed in tombs carved into rock.
A stone sealed the entrance.
Family members and friends often gathered for extended periods of mourning.
Understanding these customs helps readers appreciate the emotional and cultural significance of this miracle.
The event was witnessed by many people, making it impossible to dismiss as a misunderstanding.
Old Testament Connections
The Old Testament contains several accounts of people being raised from the dead through prophets such as Elijah and Elisha.
Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones symbolized God’s power to bring life where there was death.
Isaiah foretold a day when God would swallow up death forever.
The raising of Lazarus points toward the fulfillment of those promises.
More importantly, it points toward Jesus’ own resurrection.
Missing Context Check
Did Lazarus Receive a Resurrection Body?
No.
Lazarus returned to ordinary earthly life and eventually died again.
His experience differs from Jesus’ resurrection.
Why Didn’t Jesus Prevent Lazarus From Dying?
The miracle reveals God’s glory in a way that would not have been possible otherwise.
The story teaches that God’s timing sometimes differs from human expectations.
Why Did This Miracle Increase Opposition?
Many people believed in Jesus after witnessing the miracle.
Religious leaders viewed His growing influence as a threat.
The event helped set the stage for the final conflict leading to the cross.
A Deeper Look: Hope in the Midst of Grief
Few passages offer greater comfort to grieving people than this story.
Jesus understands sorrow.
He entered the pain of Mary and Martha.
He wept with them.
Yet He also demonstrated that death does not have the final word.
The raising of Lazarus reminds believers that God’s power extends beyond the grave.
For Christians, resurrection hope is not merely an idea.
It is found in a Person.
Jesus Christ.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for other lessons about faith, miracles, and following Jesus.
Key Themes
Jesus Has Authority Over Death
The miracle reveals His divine power.
God Works in His Timing
Jesus’ delay served a greater purpose.
Jesus Understands Grief
His compassion is seen in His tears.
Resurrection Hope Is Real
Life is found in Christ.
Why This Lesson Matters
Everyone experiences loss.
Everyone faces questions about death.
Everyone longs for hope beyond the grave.
This miracle reminds believers that Jesus is greater than death.
It encourages Christians to trust Him even when circumstances seem hopeless.
The story also points forward to the resurrection that stands at the center of the Christian faith.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Resurrection and the Life.
The Son of God.
The Compassionate Savior.
The Lord Over Death.
The One who gives eternal life.
Through Lazarus, Jesus reveals the hope He offers to all who believe.
Living the Message
Spend time thanking God for the promise of eternal life through Christ.
Pray for those who are grieving.
Reflect on areas where you need to trust God’s timing.
Remember that even when circumstances appear hopeless, God is still at work.
Place your hope in the One who conquered death.
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus delay His visit to Bethany?
Possible answers:
To reveal God’s glory and strengthen faith.
What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the resurrection and the life”?
Possible answers:
Life and resurrection are found in Him.
Why is Jesus’ weeping important?
Possible answers:
It demonstrates His compassion and understanding of human grief.
Why was the raising of Lazarus significant?
Possible answers:
It revealed Jesus’ authority over death.
How does this story encourage believers today?
Possible answers:
It provides hope in times of grief and reminds Christians that death is not the end.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and revealed Himself as the Resurrection and the Life.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus possesses authority over life and death.
Obedience in Action
Trust God even when His timing differs from your expectations.
Walk It Out
Encourage someone who is facing grief or loss with the hope found in Christ.
Related Lessons
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.9 The Ten Lepers
Season 4: Miracles, Opposition, and Growing Faith
Season 3: Jesus Begins His Ministry
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Foundations of Faith: Core Beliefs
Heaven, Death, Resurrection, and Eternal Life
Salvation
Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare
Continue Learning
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
A grieving family thought hope was gone.
A stone covered the tomb.
Death seemed final.
Then Jesus spoke:
“Lazarus, come forth!”
And the One who is the Resurrection and the Life demonstrated that death does not have the final word.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
