The Weekly Show: Episode 49 - John 11

Join Tim and John as they study John Chapter 11.

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

Introduction to John 11

John 11 is a pivotal chapter in the Gospel of John, highlighting Jesus’ power over death and setting the stage for the events leading to His crucifixion. This chapter contains the seventh and final sign (miracle) in John’s Gospel—the raising of Lazarus from the dead—which serves as a foreshadowing of Jesus’ own resurrection.

Context and Background

• By this time, Jesus had already performed many miracles and taught extensively about His identity as the Son of God.
• The religious leaders were increasingly hostile toward Him, especially after His claims in John 10.
• This chapter marks a turning point: after Jesus raises Lazarus, the Sanhedrin plots to kill Him (John 11:45-53).
• Jesus' delay in coming to Bethany emphasizes His divine timing and the purpose behind His miracles—to glorify God.

Key Themes in John 11

1. Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life – Jesus declares His power over life and death, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).
2. Faith and the Glory of God – The disciples, Mary, and Martha struggle with faith, but Jesus uses this moment to display God’s power and strengthen their belief.
3. Jesus’ Deep Compassion – The famous verse "Jesus wept" (John 11:35) shows His deep love and empathy for humanity.
4. Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection – The raising of Lazarus serves as a sign pointing to Jesus’ own resurrection and victory over sin and death.

John 11 sets in motion the final events of Jesus’ ministry, leading directly to the Passion Week. It challenges believers to trust in Jesus’ power and timing, even when they do not fully understand His plan.

Key Theme One: The Death of Lazarus (John 11:1-16) 1. Lazarus' Illness and Jesus' Response (John 11:1-6)

• Lazarus, Mary, and Martha: This family in Bethany was dear to Jesus. Mary, later known for anointing Jesus’ feet, and her sister Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is sick.
• Jesus’ Perspective on the Illness: Instead of rushing to heal Lazarus, Jesus states, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4).
  • Jesus sees this as an opportunity to reveal God’s glory and His own divine power.
  • Though He loves this family deeply (John 11:5), He delays two days, showing that His actions are according to God’s perfect timing and not human urgency.

2. The Disciples’ Confusion (John 11:7-10)

• After the delay, Jesus tells His disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.”
• The disciples fear for Jesus’ safety, reminding Him that the Jewish leaders recently sought to kill Him (John 10:31, 39).
• Jesus responds with an analogy about walking in the daylight (John 11:9-10), emphasizing that He must carry out His mission while there is still time—He is walking in the light of the Father’s will.

3. Jesus Reveals Lazarus' Death (John 11:11-16)

• Jesus tells them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him” (John 11:11).
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