Part 18a – John 11

Here in John 11 we have a story that demonstrates to us in a practical way why Jesus came. It is a story that re-affirms John 10:10 “I am come that they might have life in abundance”.
This story deals with the heart of mankind and polarises those who believe in Christ the saviour and those who oppose him. The story clearly shows that it is possible to experience first hand the impossible, that of a life raised from the dead, or to experience second hand by word of mouth and conclude that our experience and understanding of God is not as we assumed. Whether our experience of the power of God is first or second hand will determine our understanding of Jesus, either as the Son of God or if second hand it will cause us to question in ignorance why Christ came.

So lets start, Jesus and his disciples have just left Judea on account that the Jews were about to stone him, we can assume that they intended to kill him, not because of any miracle he did but because he had said that he and God the Father were one being John 10:30.
What is interesting at the end of John 10:40-42 is that Jesus went to where John the baptist had been at the start of his ministry and we are told that Jesus remained there and that many believed the things that John had said about him were true, for it says “many believed in him there” John 10:42.

What we know about Jesus is that in his life and death mankind have been polarised by him, some believed, some didn’t. Those that believed were those that believed what he said about himself and God in heaven were true, that he and the father were one. We all have to come to this position of belief and when we do, it will revolutionise our lives, our thinking, our actions and our worship.

So at the beginning of this story we are just outside Bethany, a small town east of, and within walking distance of Jerusalem. By what we read we can assume that Jesus was going about his ministry, knowing that his time on earth was yet to be fulfilled, as we are told that many came to him there. He wasn’t in hiding because in John 11:3 we are told that Martha and Mary sent for him, they knew where he was. On hearing that the sisters have requested for him to attend their brother Lazarus who is really sick, he responds with assurance and confidence by saying “this illness will not lead to death, it is in order that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” If you remember when we looked at John 9 we discovered that Jesus had said a similar thing, a man’s sight restored in order that God should be glorified in him John 9:3.
What Jesus is demonstrating by his words here in John 11:4 is that nothing can stand in the way of us knowing him, not even death. At this point in history Jesus was about to demonstrate that life given by him (God) cannot be extinguished. Whilst all around him, especially those he loved, Martha, Mary and Lazarus, had given up all hope, he knew that eternal life was the key and he also knew that in real terms there could be no life outside of God’s great plan of life in God, a life without the constraints of time and space. In God there is always hope, do we believe in Him?

As we look into John 11:6-15 we find that Jesus does not respond immediately but stays in situ for another two days, he knows that this miracle is not about showing people that he has the power or ability (see Acts 1:8) to heal the sick only, but also to show that the ultimate separation of death has no power or authority in God. He is also showing that the right time to do something is of absolute importance and in this instance he waits for two more days. The disciples who are with him object to him considering stepping back into Judea and putting himself and those who choose to go with him at risk. I wonder where we would stand on this point? Would we be prepared to follow Jesus into hostile territory and put our lives in danger or would we, like the disciples, raise an objection like they did “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you, are you going there again?” John 11:8. Are we putting obstacles in the way of God moving us in His direction, moving us to a place where we will witness great change and great blessing or are we demonstrating a zeal like Thomas the twin in John 11:16, “lets go too and die with Jesus”. Jesus clearly says to his disciples in response to the objection “whilst you have the daylight, walk in it” John 11:9. In other words Jesus is saying you stay with me, “I am the light of the world” John 8:12. We need to cultivate our lives so that we know and understand God’s timing.

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