11 This He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I go, so that I may awaken him out of sleep.” 12 The disciples then said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that He was speaking of literal sleep. 14 So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe; but let us go to him.” 16 Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him.”
Message: The Purpose of Lazarus' Death
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Saying: Last lesson began this story of Lazarus and Jesus heading back to the Jerusalem area, at Bethany to visit Lazarus, but he has not left yet. The disciples are with him and Jesus is now explaining to them his soon departure and they first misunderstand that he has died thinking he has just literally fallen asleep. But Jesus clarifies he is dead. Jesus wants the disciples to go with him so that they will witness him bringing Lazarus back from the dead. He wants His disciples to see this and in response believe. This is the purpose of Lazarus rising again - that people will see the work of God and believe.
Part of the confusion by the disciples is that Jesus use a metaphor for sleep that was common in the Old Testament.
I Kings 2:10 - Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David.
2 Kings 8:24 - So Joram slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David; and Ahaziah his son became king in his place.
2 Chronicles 9:31 - And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David; and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.
Today we often use the term, "Pass away" as a more kinder declaration than died. But this idea of going to sleep can also be fitting for the body itself goes to sleep. Though many believe the Spirit goes to heaven and then at the second coming of Jesus, the body will be united with the Spirit.
However, for this lesson Jesus again has a goal of confirming the disciples faith.
Verse 16 states that Thomas will be going along and speaks to the disciples, "Let us also go, that we may die with him." It is not clearly apparent what Jesus meant by this statement. We know Thomas wanted proof of Jesus, seeing his nail scarred hand (John 20:25). Up to this point, Jesus had spoken of his death coming and perhaps the disciples were bewildered by this and with the knowledge that the Jews in Jerusalem were seeking to seize him (John 10:39) perhaps he thought Jesus was walking into a trap and yet Thomas wanted to go with Jesus. But even in Jesus stating that he will go to Lazarus, maybe the disciples do not understand yet what Jesus will be doing with Lazarus. Jesus does speak in a little bit of mystery and the disciples are still trying to figure out what Jesus is saying.
Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace. In a way, Jesus will provide the disciples a sort of proof to them of who He is and why He has come - to change lives.
Summary: Before proceeding to Bethany Jesus tries to explain to the disciples his reason for going. The disciples will go along with Jesus and their belief will be the goal of this visit.
Promise: Jesus is going to resurrect Lazarus, given the disciples a sign that will confirm their faith and sustain them in grace.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the great one who has come to change our lives. As I was speaking to a young man recently, Izzy, offering words to him, I pray that he will come to know you personally and that his faith will hold up in all of life's circumstances and he will see that he has been changed. Lord, your gospel shows us that we have needs - that we need you to save us and make us whole. That left to our own devices we will not yield a life glorifying You but rather glorifying self. Lord, you recognize what the disciples needed here and they needed more support for their faith and by raising Lazarus they can see more that you are here to change lives. Lord, strengthen me in your service and strengthen all us Christians to serve you always.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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