JESUS RAISES LAZARUS
- John 11 & 12

I. Background
   A. Jesus was friends with Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Mary
   B. Jesus stayed at their house on occasions
   C. Martha was annoyed that Mary listened to Jesus instead of helping with the house
   D. In Jesus' final dinner party , Mary anointed his feet with precious ointment
   E. Their family was close friends with the Lord


II .  The Raising Of Lazarus
   A. Lazarus , Jesus' dear friend , was sick in Bethany ; his sisters sent for him
   B. The Lord told his disciples Lazarus  will not die - he waited two days to go
   C. His disciples tried to stop him because the Jews had already tried to kill him 10:31
   D. Then he said Lazarus was dead so that their faith  would be strengthened
   E. Jesus and his disciples go to Bethany and the Lord meets with Martha & Mary
   F. They tell him  if you had been here Lazarus would not have died  ( its too late now)
   G. Jesus wept when he saw Mary's pain and suffering
   H. Jesus tells them to move the stone and cried with a loud voice "Lazarus come forth "
   I. Lazarus came forth  after four days in the tomb
   J. Many of the Jews , who were there , believed on Jesus


III. Raising Of Lazarus Is Possibly The Lord's Most Important Miracle
   A. The miracle was done in front of witness - both believers and non-believers
   B. This miracle was important in his enemies deciding to kill him 11: 47 & 46
   C. This miracle  was important in his enemies deciding to kill Lazarus 12:9-10
   D. Lazarus' raising from the dead caused many to believe in him 12:11
   E. Lazarus' raising caused many to come to his triumphal entry into Jerusalem 12:18


IV. Take Homes
   A. Had Jesus been there with sick Lazarus , the Lord would probably have healed him
   B. The sisters thought it was too late - their brother had already died !
   A. Jesus sometimes " waits " to answer our prayer to increase our faith - he works on his schedule
   B. By raising Lazarus , we have confidence that he will raise us
   D. Jesus said if we believe in him we may " sleep " but never " die "
   F. God used this miracle to glorify his Son Our Lord !