How does John 11:45 connect with Romans 10:17 about faith through hearing? Setting the Scene in John 11:45 - “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in Him.” (John 11:45) - Context: Jesus has just called Lazarus out of the tomb. The spoken command, “Lazarus, come out!” (v. 43) is the living Word in action. - Result: Witnesses who heard that command and saw its effect “believed in Him.” Their faith sprang up at the intersection of hearing Christ’s word and observing its power. Hearing and Faith in Romans 10:17 - “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) - Paul’s emphasis: Genuine faith is produced when Christ’s message is proclaimed and received. - The “word of Christ” (rhema) is the spoken, active utterance of the Lord that penetrates hearts. Bringing the Two Texts Together - In John 11, Christ’s spoken word (“Come out”) illustrates Romans 10:17 in real time. - Those present heard the living Word, saw its confirmation in Lazarus’s resurrection, and believed—exactly the sequence Paul later explains. - The miracle is not merely a spectacle; it is a sermon in action. Hearing precedes believing, and believing follows the authoritative word. Supporting Scriptures - John 5:24: “Whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life.” Hearing is the gateway. - Luke 24:32: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road…?” Hearing Christ ignites faith. - Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active…” The same living word that raised Lazarus pierces today’s listeners. Practical Takeaways for Today - Seek opportunities to hear the Word—read aloud, preached, or shared in conversation. Faith flourishes in that environment. - Share Christ’s words plainly. Just as witnesses carried news of Lazarus, our testimony carries the same life-giving power (Acts 1:8). - Expect the Word to perform what it declares. The command that emptied a tomb still resurrects hearts (Ephesians 2:4-5). The connection is clear: John 11:45 shows faith birthed through hearing Christ’s spoken word, and Romans 10:17 explains the principle behind it. |
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