The All-Powerful Jesus Can Give Life to the Dead

John 11:11-15, 25-26

Two days after learning that Lazarus was sick, Jesus told His disciples “Let us go to Judea again” (v.7). They were fearful for His life if He went back there.  Jesus was concerned about giving life to one that was dead.  

His answer to their fear was that one had twelve hours of daylight to walk without stumbling because he sees the light of this world (v.9).  If one walks in the night, he will stumble because the light is not in him (v.10). He was telling them that it would be safer to walk to Bethany during the daylight hours while God’s sun shone its light on the world.  They could walk without stumbling over obstacles. Spiritually those who walk in Him, the light of the world, would not stumble because in Him there is no darkness.  We can’t see danger in the dark because there is no light in us.  When we come out of darkness into the marvelous light, we can see clearly to avoid danger.    

After saying these things, He told them that our friend   Lazarus was sleep; He was going to wake him up (v.11).  The disciples did not understand.  They said, “Lord, if he is sleeping he will get well” (v.12).  Jesus was talking about Lazarus’ death; they were talking of Lazarus taking natural sleep (v.13).  Jesus now made it plain to them, saying, “Lazarus is dead (v.14).  Jesus told them that He was glad for their sakes that He was not there so that they may believe.  He told them, “Nevertheless, let us go to him” (v.15).

In verses 25 and 26 Jesus told Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.  Whoever believes in and trusts in Me as Savior will live even if he dies (v.25); and everyone who lives and believes in Me as Savior will never die.  Do you believe this?”  Are you glad the all-powerful God woke you up from your sinful state and gave you life?