Bible notes
For those working with children and young people
Gospel - John 11.1-45
Today, we explore the amazing story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We hope that leaders and children alike will gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ authority and power.
The raising of Lazarus is the last of a series of ‘signs’ performed by Jesus during his earthly ministry (‘signs’ being John’s term for the miracles). In telling the story, John is not primarily interested in the fate of Lazarus, who would have to die again. Rather, his raising is a sign of that deeper, more satisfying life that Jesus comes to bring.
The dramatic telling of this story has several scenes and highlights the varied responses of Mary, Martha, Jesus and the Jews. The story raises a number of issues:
- Jesus the all-knowing Lord may seem a somewhat heartless friend in delaying his visit to Bethany. But he knows what is to happen, and uses the event to point to the eternal life which is found in him.
- The faith of Martha and Mary seems more satisfying than that of the male disciples.
- Jesus’ tears are ambiguous. Does he cry, as the Jews suggest, because of his love for Lazarus, or is he grieving at the power of the enemy, death, or the unbelief of those around?
- The fact that Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days accentuates the miracle. He is well and truly dead, beyond the stage when the spirit might linger near the body. As Martha says, ‘already there is a stench’.
- Though Lazarus’ raising points to Jesus’ resurrection, it is only a sign, and falls far short of it.