How can we trust Jesus' power over death as shown in John 11:38? The Scene at Bethany (John 11:38) “Then Jesus, once again deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.” • A real tomb, a real stone, a real crowd—John roots the event in concrete details. • “Deeply moved” shows the union of compassion and authority that will shortly confront death itself. Historical Reliability • John writes as an eyewitness (John 21:24); his narrative style records names, locations, and even Martha’s concern about the odor (11:39), hallmarks of authentic testimony. • The early church staked its life on events like this; legends do not sustain persecuted movements. Old Testament Foundations • God alone has power over life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39). • Prophets such as Elijah and Elisha raised the dead (1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-37), foreshadowing a greater One to come. • Jesus stands in that divine line yet surpasses it by calling the dead to life with a word, without prayer or ritual. Jesus’ Sovereign Command Over Death • Minutes after verse 38, He cries, “Lazarus, come out!”—and the man walks (John 11:43-44). • Earlier He declared, “Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes” (John 5:21). • His authority is self-derived: “I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again” (John 10:18). Foreshadowing the Empty Tomb • Raising Lazarus seals the certainty of Jesus’ own resurrection: “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19). • Paul later ties our future resurrection to Christ’s: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). Promises for Believers Today • Present comfort: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies” (John 11:25). • Future hope: “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of Death and of Hades” (Revelation 1:18). • Unbreakable security: “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). Responding in Faith • Acknowledge the historical, eyewitness foundation of John 11. • Trust the character of Jesus—compassionate enough to weep, powerful enough to command death. • Live in the assurance that the One who stood before Lazarus’ tomb now stands alive forever, guaranteeing eternal life to all who believe. |
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