John 11:25-44
25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Meaning and Application
Jesus responds to Martha’s grief by telling her that He personally embodies both resurrection and life. Everyone who place ongoing trust in Jesus is guaranteed of spiritual life that will never die, something we refer to as being born again. Even though every believer will one day have to face physical death, Jesus tells us that we can be assured that just as He was resurrected, we to will be resurrected and shall never die. Notice the emphasis on ”BELIEVE”, mentioned 3 times!
Key notes
- In the middle of Martha’s grief, the Lord speaks personally and directly to her.
- Jesus declares that he has resurrection power as stated in John 5:21
- Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20 that Jesus is the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep”, every believer’s future resurrection is anchored in His person and work.
- Jesus declares the promise of eternal life.
- This promise is universal and applies to all those that believe.
- Belief is ongoing and not just a one time profession.
APPLICATION:
27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
28And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.
29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.
32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
Meaning and Application
Here in verse 27, notice Martha’s reply. Not only does she believe the Jesus is the resurrection and the life, she takes the thought further and declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God which was the prophesied messiah.
Notice Mary’s response to Jesus’ appearance.
Verse 32 captures a moment where deep grief meets unwavering faith. Mary comes to Jesus, sees Him, worships at His feet, speaks honestly, and expresses confidence in His power despite her disappointment. The verse invites us to approach Christ the same way—humbly, candidly, and believing that His presence holds the key to life over death.
Key notes
- Martha makes the connection between Jesus being the resurrection and being the prophesied Messiah
- Other translations refer to Jesus as the “TEACHER”. An identity that is more specific to Jesus identity.
- When Mary hears that Jesus is calling for her, she immediately goes to Him.
- Falling prostrate signals worship, surrender, and dependence (Psalm 95:6).
- This is not Mary’s first time at His feet; earlier she “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His word” (Luke 10:39), and later she will anoint them (John 12:3). Her default position is humility.
APPLICATION:
Application: when Christ calls, immediate response brings blessing (Hebrews 3:15).
At Jesus’ feet is where burdens are laid down and lives are lifted up (Matthew 11:28).
The Teacher still “is here and is asking for you,” inviting every believer into deeper fellowship and trust.
33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled
Meaning and Application
Here in verse 33 Jesus reveals His soul to the audience and to us, today. Notice the effect of observing the weeping of Mary and Marth, even the weeping of the other Jews who where present (whether they were sincere or not). Jesus shows He is fully affected by observing human suffering, seeing the tears and sharing in our grief. The verse says Jesus groaned in the spirit and was troubled. His compassionate response to our suffering, reassures us that the Lord not only understands our sorrows but also acts to redeem them.
Key notes
- Jesus feels our pain.
- This feeling reaches deep into His Spirit.
APPLICATION
Just as Jesus responded to Mary’s distress over 2000 years ago, today Jesus reacts to the pain we experience as we go through trials today. It would serve us well to remember that we are never alone and should always turn to Him first in every situation we find ourselves in.
34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
35Jesus wept.
Meaning and Application
In verse 34 we see Jesus taking the first step of redemption in this situation. He calls out “Where have you laid him?”. A sign that Jesus is about to take action.
In verse 35, these two words reveal two majestic truths: the sovereign Son of God stands with us, and the Savior’s heart breaks with us. “Jesus” assures us of His power; “wept” assures us of His compassion. Together they guarantee that every tear we shed matters to Him, and every grave will one day give way to His resurrection power.
Key notes
- Jesus, the Son of God, is a person of action.
- When Jesus saw the grave, many thoughts would have raced through His mind.
- Jesus feels a deeper sorrow than we experience. He sees beyond the surface of this situation, just as Jesus laments over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37
APPLICATION
36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!
37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Meaning and Application
The crowd, seeing His tears, declares, “See how He loved him!” Their words affirm that Jesus’ love is visible, powerful, and real.
John 11:37 captures a moment of skeptical wonder: witnesses admit Jesus’ proven power yet doubt its present application. Their question highlights human limitation—believing God can do some things while questioning His will or timing in others. Jesus answers not with words but with an even greater demonstration, bringing Lazarus back to life and revealing that His glory exceeds prevention; it conquers the grave itself.
Key notes
- The sight of Jesus weeping caused the crowd to acknowledge His love for Lazarus.
- Some of the witnesses have weak or a lack of faith and doubt the power of Jesus, the Son of God even thought they witnessed His miraculous signs for the past three years.
APPLICATION
That same love, proven at Lazarus’ tomb and perfected at Calvary, invites us to trust the One who feels our sorrow and overcomes it with resurrection life.
38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Meaning and Application
Having asked “where have you laid him”, Jesus finds Lazarus buried in a cave and it is sealed by a stone. Jesus gives the people the instruction to, “Take away the stone”. Marth rejects this command and tells Jesus that Lazarus has been dead 4 days, his body is decaying and it stinks by now. Jesus challenges Martha’s unbelief. He tells her, she must believe if she would desire to see the glory of God!
Key notes
- The grave of Lazarus is a cave.
- The cave is covered by a stone.
- Jesus tells the men to remove the stone.
APPLICATION
How do these 3 facts give us a deeper message of sin, death and restoration?
Here, Jesus demonstrates that no physical barrier or emotional weight can hinder His life-giving power. The verse invites confidence that the same Lord who stood before Lazarus’s tomb now stands victorious over every grave, ready to speak resurrection into all who believe.
Verse 40 unites God’s promise with our faith in order to experience the glory of God. Jesus reminds Martha—and every believer—that His spoken word is sure; that faith is the key that unlocks divine revelation; that those who trust Him will personally encounter His works; and that every work ultimately displays the radiant glory of God. Believe, and you will see.
41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Meaning and Application
Verse 41 teaches us something about God’s sovereignty and man’s obedience. The command was given to remove the stone and the people obeyed. Reflect on this and what it means to you!
Next, Jesus gives thanks to the Father to remind the people that the Father always hears us when we cry out to Him. God wants believers to remove obstacles, fix their eyes on heaven, express gratitude before seeing results, and trust that the Father hears and answers through His Son.
Key notes
- Jesus commands the people to remove the stone.
- His desire that we will obey His command and remove the stone.
- Jesus has a very close relationship with His Father and shouts out in thanksgiving.
- He did this for the benefit of those that are about to witness the miracle, so they may believe in the Father.
APPLICATION
First step. God commands us to remove the stone in our lives that seals us in our state of death.
Second, once we receive the command, it’s up to us to remove the stone of sin that hold us captive in our state of sin.
Third, we are to give thanks, praise, honor, worship, glory to the Father for the work he will do in our lives
Fourth, watch and see what the Lord will do!
43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
Meaning and Application
With a loud shout, Jesus calls Lazarus to come from death into LIFE. Lazarus responds to the call of Jesus and exits the cave bound hand on foot. Jesus instructs the people to loose him.
With Lazarus bound hand and foot, natural movement was impossible. Only by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit could Lazarus be carried out of the tomb. Jesus speaks and the Holy Spirit acts. Then Jesus instructs the men to loosen him so Lazarus can move with his own strength..
Key notes
- Lazarus is transformed from death to life.
- The supernatural power of God is evident over every aspect of this event.
- Human effort is required to complete the release from bondage.
APPLICATION