Connect John 11:11 with other scriptures about resurrection and eternal life. Lazarus, “Sleep,” and the Promise of Awakening John 11:11 sets the tone: “After He had said this, He told them, ‘Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.’” • Jesus treats death as temporary “sleep.” • His intent is clear—He will rouse Lazarus, proving power over the grave. Sleep as a Biblical Picture of Death Scripture consistently echoes Jesus’ wording: • 1 Corinthians 15:20 – “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” • 1 Thessalonians 4:14 – “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also with Him God will bring those who have fallen asleep.” • Daniel 12:2 – “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting contempt.” Death is real, yet portrayed as reversible for God’s people—an intermission before awakening. Old Testament Foreshadowings Long before Bethany, God seeded hope: • Job 19:25-26 – “I know that my Redeemer lives… after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God.” • Psalm 16:10 – “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.” • Isaiah 26:19 – “Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust!” These promises anticipate the Messiah who will personally conquer death. Jesus—Fulfillment and Guarantee Standing by Lazarus’s tomb, Jesus states the core reality: • John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” • John 14:19 – “Because I live, you also will live.” • Romans 6:5 – “If we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection.” His own resurrection is the down payment ensuring ours. Resurrection Already Demonstrated • John 11:43-44 – Lazarus walks out when Jesus calls; physical proof that Christ’s voice pierces death. • Mark 5:41-42 & Luke 7:14-15 – Jairus’s daughter and the widow’s son likewise rise, illustrating that no situation is beyond His reach. The Coming Universal Resurrection • John 5:28-29 – “A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out…” • Philippians 3:20-21 – our lowly bodies transformed to be like His glorious body. • 2 Corinthians 5:1 – an “eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” • Revelation 21:4 – death finally erased, tears wiped away forever. Living in the Hope of Eternal Life These truths move from doctrine to daily confidence: • Assurance – Christ’s resurrection secures ours; fear of death loses its grip. • Perspective – present trials are temporary; eternal life is certain. • Motivation – knowing we will be raised, we live in holiness and bold witness. John 11:11 isn’t just a moment in Bethany; it is a preview of every tomb cracking open at the call of the risen Lord. |
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