The Legend of Lazarus Part 1 | John 11:1-35

This message opens by reminding us that John’s gospel was written so that readers would believe Jesus is the Son of God and have eternal life. It sets the stage for John 11, the legendary account of Lazarus, a story so well known in Jewish history that it carried the weight of a “living legend.” Just as modern audiences are captivated by watching great athletes or cultural icons at the peak—or nearing the end—of their influence, the original readers would have connected personally to the family of Lazarus and recognized the significance of this miracle. John frames Lazarus not as a fictional character but as a real man from a real family known to the community, making this story deeply personal as well as legendary.
This message emphasizes that Jesus intentionally delayed His arrival, allowing Lazarus to die, so that God’s glory and His own identity as the Son of God could be revealed more powerfully. While the disciples struggled to understand, fearing both for Lazarus and for Jesus’ safety, He declared that the situation would strengthen their faith for what lay ahead. The story highlights that faith is not static—it must be continually exercised, especially in seasons of doubt or difficulty. Just as the disciples needed to witness the raising of Lazarus to prepare them for the greater reality of the cross and resurrection, this message reminds us that God often allows moments of waiting and testing so that our trust in Him can grow stronger and our lives can testify to His glory.