How can John 11:11 strengthen our faith in Jesus' power today? Setting the scene Jesus receives word that His dear friend Lazarus is gravely ill. Rather than rushing to Bethany, He remains where He is for two more days, telling the disciples that the illness will “glorify God” (John 11:4). When He finally announces He is going, He frames the situation with these words: “After He had said this, He told them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.’” (John 11:11) What Jesus said—and why it matters • “Fallen asleep” is Jesus’ deliberate, literal description of physical death from heaven’s perspective. • “I am going there to wake him up” reveals His conscious intention and authority to reverse that death. • Together, the words form a promise: what humans cannot undo, Jesus can—and will. Seeing death through Jesus’ eyes • Temporary condition, not finality – Luke 8:52: “Do not weep; she is not dead, but asleep.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14: “God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.” • Gentle imagery – Sleep suggests rest, peace, and a coming awakening rather than terror and hopelessness. • Total control – Only someone who commands life itself can treat death as nothing more than slumber. Power put on display • Arrival at the tomb (John 11:38–44) – Four days dead, body already decaying. – Public scene; no possibility of fabrication. • Simple command: “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43) – Immediate obedience of a corpse—proof of divine power. • Resulting confession (v. 45) – “Many… believed in Him,” demonstrating that visible resurrection power fuels faith. Faith-building takeaways for today • Jesus’ authority spans every realm – Natural death (John 11), physical needs (Mark 4:39), spiritual bondage (Luke 4:35). • No circumstance is beyond His reach – Ephesians 3:20: “Able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” • Assurance of our future resurrection – John 11:25–26: “I am the resurrection and the life… everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” – 1 Corinthians 15:51–57 culminates in triumphant victory over the grave. • Comfort in grief – We mourn, yet with hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). • Motivation for bold prayer – If He can wake the dead, He can certainly intervene in today’s “impossible” situations. Living in the light of resurrection power • Speak of death as Scripture does—temporary sleep awaiting awakening. • Face trials with confidence: the One who raises the dead is handling your case (2 Corinthians 1:9–10). • Share the gospel: a living Savior offers real, verifiable hope. • Worship with gratitude: “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). John 11:11 is more than a line in a story; it is a window into Jesus’ limitless power. Trust Him today—He still wakes the sleeping. |
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