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Summary A Death For The Glory of God

The document discusses John 11:1-16, focusing on the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection as a demonstration of Jesus' deity and humanity. It highlights the miracle's purpose to affirm Christ's claims, increase believers' faith, and escalate hostility leading to His crucifixion. Additionally, it addresses the challenge of communicating true miracles in a culture saturated with fantasy, emphasizing God's sovereign plan and the significance of faith.

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jiheh73290
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4 views3 pages

Summary A Death For The Glory of God

The document discusses John 11:1-16, focusing on the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection as a demonstration of Jesus' deity and humanity. It highlights the miracle's purpose to affirm Christ's claims, increase believers' faith, and escalate hostility leading to His crucifixion. Additionally, it addresses the challenge of communicating true miracles in a culture saturated with fantasy, emphasizing God's sovereign plan and the significance of faith.

Uploaded by

jiheh73290
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Summary: A Death for the Glory of God

Introduction to John 11:1-16: Transition to a Narrative


Moving from theological discourse to a narrative account of a miracle in John. John 11 covers the
raising of Lazarus and must be studied carefully over four sections.

J.C. Ryle's Praise for John 11


J.C. Ryle called it unparalleled in grandeur and simplicity; it details the climactic miracle
proving Jesus' deity.

The Purpose of John's Gospel and the Role of John 11


John's purpose: To present Jesus as the Christ for belief and eternal life. John 11 contains the
final, monumental public miracle confirming Christ's deity.

A Unique Miracle: Raising Lazarus


Lazarus' resurrection (four days after death) serves as an overwhelming demonstration of Jesus'
humanity and deity, recorded only in John.

Three Purposes of the Miracle


1) To affirm Christ's claims with undeniable proof. 2) To increase the faith of believers (John
11:15). 3) To escalate hostility leading to Jesus' crucifixion according to God's timing.

Miracle as Catalyst for Crucifixion


The miracle hastened the religious leaders' move to kill Jesus, fitting God's plan for Him to die
during Passover as the true Lamb.

The Culture's Diminished View of True Miracles


Today's fantasy-saturated culture makes real miracles seem unimpressive compared to fabricated
supernaturalism in entertainment.

Jesus and the Real World (Parables vs. Fantasy)


Jesus used only real-world stories in parables; He never employed fantasy like Tolkien or Lewis.

Challenge of Communicating True Miracles


In a culture blurred by fantasy, it's hard to make real miracles meaningful. The resurrection of
Lazarus exposes skepticism and unbelief (Luke 16:19-31 referenced).

Overview of John 11 and Jesus' Final Public Testimony


With national rejection established, Jesus gives one final monumental display of divine glory (John
11:4).

Context: The Seventh Sign in John's Gospel


John records seven signs: water to wine, healing nobleman's son, healing the impotent man, feeding
5,000, walking on water, healing the blind man, and now raising Lazarus.

Previous Resurrections Compared


Jesus also raised Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:21-43) and the widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17), but
Lazarus' case is distinguished by the advanced decay (four days dead).
Opening of the Story: Setting the Scene
Lazarus, Mary, and Martha of Bethany introduced. Mary is the one who anointed Jesus (John 12; prior
accounts in Matthew and Mark).

Bethany: Location and Historical Context


Two Bethanys: One beyond Jordan where Jesus was staying (John 1:28; John 10:40) and Bethany near
Jerusalem where Lazarus lived.

The Name Lazarus and Family Details


Lazarus = 'Whom God helps.' Family were known believers in Jesus (John 11:27, 11:32).

The Sisters' Message to Jesus


A simple, urgent message: 'Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick,' appealing to Jesus' personal
love (phile■ love, not agapa■).

Jesus' Love for Lazarus and the Sisters


Jesus loved Lazarus with both human affection (phile■) and divine love (agapa■). His delay of two
days was deliberate to display God's glory.

The Disciples' Fear and Jesus' Proverb


Disciples feared returning to Judea due to recent threats (John 10:31). Jesus explains via a
proverb: a day cannot be shortened or lengthened - God's plan is unchangeable.

Walking in Divine Light and Confidence


Jesus teaches that serving boldly in God's plan is secure: neither fear nor enemies can alter God's
timing for one's life.

Jesus' Tender Reference to Lazarus' Death


Jesus describes Lazarus' death as 'sleep,' intending to awaken him - highlighting the temporary
nature of death for believers.

The Disciples' Misunderstanding


Disciples think Jesus speaks of literal sleep. Jesus plainly declares: 'Lazarus is dead.'

The Purpose of Lazarus' Death: Strengthened Faith


Jesus is glad for the disciples' sake that He wasn't there so they could experience greater faith
through the miracle.

Thomas' Courageous Pessimism


Thomas (called Didymus) says, 'Let us also go, so that we may die with Him,' showing loyal though
pessimistic courage.

Conclusion: God's Sovereign Plan and Our Faith


God's timing is perfect; this miracle will strengthen believers, call others to salvation, and
expose hardened unbelief - all for His glory.
Prayer of Praise and Expectation
A prayer thanking God for His glorification through Christ, the strengthening of believers' faith,
and the advancement of salvation through this miracle.

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