John 11:32–45
In one of the most emotionally charged moments of Jesus’ ministry, we see both His humanity and His divinity on full display. The account of Lazarus’ death and resurrection in John 11 reveals a Savior who is deeply moved by human sorrow, yet fully capable of turning tragedy into triumph.
A Sister’s Grief and a Savior’s Compassion
In verse 32, Mary falls at Jesus’ feet, weeping and saying, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” It’s a statement of faith, but also of heartbreak. She believed Jesus could have healed Lazarus — if only He had arrived sooner.
When Jesus sees Mary and the others mourning, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled (v. 33). Then comes the shortest, yet one of the most profound verses in all of Scripture: “Jesus wept.” (v. 35)
Why did Jesus weep, knowing full well that He was about to raise Lazarus from the dead?
He wept because He was moved by their pain. He was not distant or detached from human suffering. He was Emmanuel — God with us. His tears remind us that our pain matters to Him. He does not overlook our grief. He enters into it with us.
Faith and the Glory of God
As Jesus approaches the tomb, He again groans within Himself (v. 38). The pain of sin and death in the world is real, and He feels the weight of it. When He commands them to remove the stone, Martha hesitates. “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.” (v. 39)
But Jesus gently reminds her, “Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?” (v. 40)
Faith was the key. Not just faith in what Jesus could have done, but faith in what He was about to do.
Resurrection Power
Jesus prays to the Father, not because He needed help, but so the people would understand where His power came from (vv. 41–42). Then with a loud voice, He commands: “Lazarus, come forth.”
And the dead man lived again. Still wrapped in graveclothes, Lazarus came out of the tomb — alive and restored. Jesus then told the people, “Loose him, and let him go.” (v. 44)
Many Believed
As verse 45 says, “Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.” This miracle wasn’t just a display of power — it was a revelation of Christ’s identity as the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25). It was a call to faith, a sign pointing directly to the glory of God.
What This Means for Us
We all face seasons of grief, loss, or situations that seem hopeless. But John 11 reminds us that:
- Jesus sees our tears and shares in our sorrow.
- Even when it seems too late, God is still able.
- Faith opens the door to seeing God’s glory.
- Christ has power over death, and He alone gives life.
The same voice that called Lazarus from the tomb still calls out today — offering resurrection, hope, and new life. Whatever “grave” you may feel trapped in — fear, addiction, despair, or doubt — Jesus is still saying, “Come forth.”
Believe, and you will see the glory of God.