In today’s Daily Devotional on John 11, we encounter a profound and deeply moving story about Jesus and his friend Lazarus. This chapter not only contains the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept,” but also raises significant questions about death and the possibility of life beyond it. As we delve into this passage, we’re invited to reflect on our own beliefs about mortality and the hope of resurrection. Through the narrative of Lazarus’s death and miraculous revival, we see a powerful demonstration of Jesus’s compassion and divine authority. To explore why Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and that He and the Father are one, read the Daily Devotional on John 10. Do you believe Jesus and God the Father are one?
Jesus Raises Lazarus from the Dead
In this chapter, we see Lazarus’s sickness was declared to be for God’s glory, even as Jesus expressed deep emotions over his friend’s death. Verses like “Lazarus is dead” and “Jesus wept” highlight the raw humanity and divine love of Jesus. There is a stark contrast between Jesus bringing life and the Pharisees’ reaction of wanting to kill him. This chapter reveals the profound truth that while Jesus gives life, human reactions often fail to grasp the fullness of his mission.
We will consider how God’s timing often differs from our own expectations, urging patience and faith in his higher purposes. We will see the public display of Jesus’s power and the varied reactions of those who witnessed Lazarus’s resurrection. Through these reflections, the story of Lazarus has continually reinforced the central Christian belief in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, offering hope and challenging us to trust in His divine timing and purposes.
John 11 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
In John 11, we learn about Jesus’ friend Lazarus, and we read or hear the shortest verse in the Bible; look or listen for it. What do you think about death? Is there life after death? Please read or listen to John 11.
Is There Life after Death?
In 1990, at thirty-five years old after reading John 11 (NKJV), I wrote in my personal Bible reading journal, “‘sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God’ (v. 4). ‘“Lazarus is dead” (v. 14)’ and Jesus’ love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Jesus’ emotions: deeply moved, ‘troubled’ (v. 33). ‘Jesus wept’ (v. 35) out of love and compassion for his friends. Maybe He saw the human reaction to death and wept for its devastating impact on His creation. ‘Lazarus, come forth’ (v. 43). Verses 47-53, after Jesus raises Lazarus, gives life to the dead, the Pharisees want to kill Him, the opposite of life. Jesus gives life to the dead; religious leaders kill life.”
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
Fifteen years later, at fifty years old, I wrote, “Sometimes things don’t work out like we want. Lazarus is very sick. Mary and Martha undoubtedly prayed for healing, but Jesus didn’t respond, He didn’t show up. Lazarus died. Mary and Martha blame Jesus. Jesus arrives late but is moved by compassion. He feels our pain, but He has a higher agenda for us to see the glory of God, to show His power over death, hell, and the grave. He calls Lazarus forth from the dead. Mary and Martha’s prayers are answered, and God is glorified. Be patient with God. Glorify Him and wait for His perfect timing.”
Thirteen years later, at sixty-three years old, I wrote, “Jesus loved people. Martha proclaims great faith in Jesus. Jesus proclaims, ‘“I am the resurrection and the life”’ (v. 25). What did Martha believe? ‘“I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God”’, (v. 27). That’s what we all need to believe. Jesus is ‘deeply moved . . . and greatly troubled’ (v. 33), human emotions. ‘Jesus wept’, the shortest verse in the Bible, (v. 35). He shows emotions, compassion for us. Many were witnesses of this resurrection of Lazarus, a public display of the power of Jesus. Lazarus comes out wrapped like a mummy! Many believed, but not all? Wow!”
Jesus Loves People
Jesus loves people. You can see it here in verse 3, “So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’” Verse 5 says, “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” Yes, Jesus loves people. Jesus also knows things. He knows, “‘This sickness is not unto death’” (v. 4, NKJV), yet Lazarus dies. What we learn here is death is not really death; physical death is not death.
John 11:25
When Jesus does show up, He gives them the greatest assurance we can ever have, “‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (v. 25).Yes, physical death is not death. He verifies it even more in verse 26, “and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die”. We realize all of us are going to die physically, but that is not what Jesus is talking about here. Physical death is not death.
Jesus Wept
In this scene of wailing and mourning, Jesus shows human emotion. Verses 33, “he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.” And yes, in verse 35, the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept.” Aren’t you glad Jesus is compassionate with His love toward us?
Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb. He comes out, “his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth” (v. 44). There is no question Lazarus was dead. The crowd saw this miracle. They witnessed this amazing scene. They go tell the Pharisees and the Pharisees respond by wanting to take His life. Unbelievable; but we are the same? We see the miracles of God and we do not believe. Many have experienced, or heard of, or seen the miracles of Jesus and still will not believe. Not much has changed over thousands of years.
Thanking God for Everlasting Life after Death
Father, forgive us. We know not what we do. Thank You for the miracle-working power of Jesus who is “‘the resurrection and the life.’” (v. 25). And He proves it by raising Lazarus from the dead and then rising from the dead Himself. Hallelujah! We thank You that physical death is not death. We thank You there is resurrection life in You. Hallelujah, Jesus. Amen.