Sermon John Chapter 11

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[2] The title of the sermon today is “JOHN CHAPTER 11.”

Jesus Christ Is The Door

• Before we move to John Chapter 11, I want to go over a quick summary of John Chapter 10.
• We saw that Jesus Christ is the door. If you want to go to heaven, you must go through Jesus.
• If you want to get there some other way, Jesus calls you a couple of names.
• Yes, Jesus Christ offends people with His words and He can because He is God.

[3] John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

• False preachers with false Gospels are thieves and robbers.
• The prophet Muhammed is a thief and a robber. The false god of Catholicism is a thief and a robber.
• Any so-called “Christian” denomination that has a false gospel is a thief and a robber.
• A works based salvation of any type is called a thief and a robber by Jesus Himself.
• For example, requiring baptism to go to heaven is not Jesus alone.
• Jesus is the door. Baptism in water is a work that is not required to pass through the door.
• We saw that true believers will not follow after false preachers.

[4] John 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

[5] John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

• If you want to go to heaven, you simply call out to Jesus to save you.
• “Jesus, I know that you are the only one who can save me. I need to be saved from hell.”
• And Jesus says, “I am the door. Enter by me, and you shall be saved.”
• Once you’re saved, we see that Jesus is your shepherd. And He is “THE” good shepherd.

[6] John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

• Jesus gave His life for you. False shepherds would never do that for you.
• False shepherds are hired for money, and they’ll run away when you need help.
• False preachers come to mind. If you’re going to cost them, they’ll run away.
• If you’re fighting against sodomites in this world and you need help from a false preacher, he’ll run.
• But why will he run? He’ll only run if it costs him something. If the world makes him look bad, he’ll run.
• We saw in John Chapter 10 that the works of Jesus proved who He is.
• The Pharisees wouldn’t believe the words of Jesus and they wouldn’t believe the works that He did.
• We also saw that the saved people are safe in the hands of Jesus.

[7] John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

• But we’ll still see these false shepherds in this world today say that you can slip out of His hands.
• They insert their own voice into the Bible that says, “But be careful because you can slip out.”
• Do you see that anywhere in the Bible? I sure don’t. But I do see this.

[8] 1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

• That’s what the Bible teaches everywhere. The entire Bible teaches this truth.
• We see the Jews looking to kill Jesus. They want to constantly stone Jesus.
• Jesus plainly tells them that He is the Son of God.
• At the end of John Chapter 10, we see Jesus escape once again out of their hand.
• He goes from Jerusalem to Bethabara which is beyond the Jordan River where John baptized.
• Many people believed on the Lord Jesus Christ there and were saved.
• With that quick summary, let’s move to John Chapter 11.

[9] John 11:1-2 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

• The town of Bethany was just East of Jerusalem. Bethabara was further East where Jesus was last chapter.
• We see Jesus go to Bethany and Bethphage often throughout the Gospels.
• These towns are at the Mount of Olives and Jesus constantly goes there.
• Bethany is the town of Mary and her sister Martha. And their brother is Lazarus.
• Mary is the same woman who anointed Jesus with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair.
• A woman named Mary who anoints Jesus with ointment is seen in Luke Chapter 7.
• And we also see Mary anointing Jesus with ointment in John Chapter 12.

[10] Luke 7:37-38 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, 38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

[11] John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

• So, Mary Magdalene is the Mary that we see in Luke Chapter 7.
• Is Mary Magdalene the same Mary that we see in John Chapter 11 and 12?
• Mary Magdalene is someone we’ll need study more about. Why is that?

Mary Magdalene Is Not A Goddess

There are so many false teachings out there on Mary Magdalene.

• Some false preachers will say that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene.
• They’ll say that Jesus was closer to Mary Magdalene than anyone else.
• They’ll say that this means women have a closer connection to Jesus Christ.
• Some people say this Mary in Bethany was a prostitute and a great sinner.
• Have you seen the word of God say that anywhere? It doesn’t.

I don’t know if Mary of Bethany is the same as Mary Magdalene. Could be.

• If you believe Luke Chapter 7 is talking about the same Mary as John Chapter 11, this would be true.
• At this time, I believe Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene are the same person.
• Notice that John Chapter 11 mentions her anointing Jesus before it happens in John Chapter 12.
• Luke Chapter 7 took place before John Chapter 11 so I think it’s the same Mary.
• But, today, please understand that there’s arguments over this Mary of Bethany and Mary Magdalene.
• Let’s continue for now in John Chapter 11 verse 3.

[12] John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

• Jesus loves Lazarus. He still loves Lazarus today. He loved Martha and Mary. Why is that?

[13] Luke 7:48-50 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

• Right there we know Mary Magdalene is saved because of her faith. “THY FAITH HATH SAVED THEE.”
• Again, I believe that’s the same Mary of Bethany in John Chapter 11.
• What about Martha? Why did Jesus love Martha? We’ll see why in John Chapter 11.
• But let me give you a hint. Jesus loved her because she believed on Him as THE SAVIOR.
• What about Lazarus? Yeah. Same thing. Lazarus wasn’t sick because of sin.
• Lazarus didn’t die right here at this time because of sin. But think how painful that would be.
• There’s nothing more painful than death. Lazarus is going to die. And Jesus loves Lazarus.

[14] John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

• Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick and says, “This sickness is not UNTO death.”
• The word “UNTO” is very important there. Lazarus will die, but he’s not going ON TO death.
• It’s not the end for Lazarus. That’s that Jesus is saying here. And the sickness is for the glory of God.
• And it’s also there so the Son of God will be glorified as well. Lazarus is being used for God’s glory.

Would you want to go through that for God? Many people don’t want to go through a little trouble for God.

• Many people don’t want someone to make fun of them at work. Or, their family might reject them.
• That’s just a little trouble. What about death? Would you die so Jesus can be glorified?
• Would you die to many others can be saved? That’s exactly what is happening here with Lazarus.
• The death of Lazarus will lead to many people being saved.

[15] John 11:5-6 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.

• Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick. Notice that He doesn’t run over to Lazarus.
• See that today. Sometimes you might be saying, “God, where are you at? You need to get on my time.”
• But it wasn’t time for Jesus to come help Lazarus. God does things on HIS TIME because He is God.
• Jesus stays in the place where He was for 2 more days.
• That’s most likely Bethabara, which is beyond Jordan where John baptized.
• And that’s where Jesus was located at the end of John Chapter 10.

[16] John 11:7 Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.

• After 2 days, Jesus tells His disciples: “We’re going back into Judaea.”
• So, this makes sense that He’s in Bethabara which is beyond the Jordan River.

[17]

• If you look at that map, Jesus was most likely in the area East of the Jordan River.
• That means He was in the green area there, which is not Judaea.
• So, Jesus stays where He was for 2 days and now He’s going back into Judea.
• Remember, Bethany is where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus are located and this is close to Jerusalem.

[18] John 11:8 His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again?

• The disciples think Jesus is crazy. “Jesus, they just tried to kill you and you’re going back again?”

[19] John 11:9-10 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10 But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

• So, the disciples are afraid for Jesus and most likely themselves.
• He’s telling them to just follow the light and everything will be fine.
• He’s already told them multiple times that He is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

Jesus Is The Light Of The World

In John Chapter 8 and John Chapter 9, Jesus says: “I am the light of the world.”

• He says, “If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not.”
• But, if you get away from the light, you will stumble. He’s telling you and I that same thing today.
• Walk with Jesus, and you won’t stumble. Get away from the word of God, and you will stumble.
• Without Jesus Christ guiding you, there won’t be any light to keep you from falling.
• He’s telling the disciples to trust Him and just do what He says. He is the light of the world.
• He already knows what’s going to happen when they go into Judaea again.

[20] John 11:11-13 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

• Lazarus is dead. Jesus says he is just sleeping. The disciples don’t understand.
• How would Jesus know that Lazarus is dead? They haven’t even been to see him yet.
• No one else was sent to tell Jesus that. Jesus knew because Jesus is God.
• Jesus tells the disciples that Lazarus is sleeping. The disciples say, “Well that’s a good thing.”
• “If he’s sick, he needs to rest. He needs to sleep.” But Jesus was talking about the death of Lazarus.
• Jesus is telling them that He’s going to raise Lazarus from the dead. FROM HIS SLEEP.

[21] John 11:14-15 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.

• Jesus is going to show them who He is by raising Lazarus from the dead.
• Remember, this was done to glorify God. They’ll understand that Jesus is God Almighty.
• We should believe what Jesus says without Him having to prove everything to us.
• But nevertheless Jesus is going to Lazarus and is going to do a great work.

[22] John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

• Thomas isn’t talking about dying with Lazarus. He’s talking about dying with Jesus.
• Remember, they thought Jesus was going to die if He went back into Judaea.
• This means Thomas doesn’t understand anything Jesus is saying to him.
• But, at this time, he’s willing to go die with Jesus.

[23] John 11:17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.

• Lazarus had already been in the grave for four days. There’s no chance he was alive.
• Lazarus hadn’t just died. You hear stories of people dying and coming back to life in today’s world.
• But how long have these people supposedly been dead? Minutes.
• Most of them have been placed on life support as well and the machine is keeping them alive.
• This is called Lazarus syndrome and it’s happened about 38 documented times since 1982.
• But there’s nothing like being in the grave for four days. That’s why Jesus waited.
• He needed people to see and to know that He is the Son of God.

[24] John 11:18-19 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

• Again, Jesus is going close to Jerusalem where the Jews are that hate Him. They want Him dead.
• He’s 15 furlongs away from Jerusalem. That means Bethany is about 2 miles away from Jerusalem.
• A furlong is equal to 1/8 of a mile. 15/8 is a little less than 2 miles.
• Who was coming to see Martha and Mary? Many Jews were coming to Bethany to see them.
• They were there to comfort Martha and Mary over the death of Lazarus.
• Jesus knew that was going to happen. He was doing these miracles to save the Jews.
• He wanted them to believe on Him so they could be saved from hell. He loves the Jews.
• The Jews are His people. He is the King of the Jews.

[25] Revelation 2:9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

• There’s many who say they are Jews and are not. A true Jew believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.
• He was doing these miracles so the true Jews would believe.
• He’s convincing them to follow Him and to stop listening to the scribes and Pharisees.
• Same thing today. That’s why the Bible is written. “IT IS WRITTEN.”
• That’s so all the false Christians would become true Christians and hear the voice of Jesus.

[26] John 11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house.

• Martha hurried to see Jesus. Mary waited for Jesus to come. See the difference in the two sisters?
• I believe the difference is faith. Did Mary know Jesus would come and wasn’t worried about it?
• I believe that’s the difference. We need to have more faith that Jesus will come.
• Don’t hurry things. Calm down and trust that Jesus is coming to help.

[27] John 11:21-22 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

• Martha has faith in Jesus Christ. She knows what He can do to a certain point.
• She doesn’t understand that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus from dying at any location.
• He already showed that He heals from distances. But Martha wanted Him there in person.
• And she knows that God will do whatever Jesus asks Him to do.
• But does she realize that Jesus is God? She does say that “EVEN NOW” God can do anything.

[28] John 11:23-24 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.

• Lazarus being raised from the dead is only seen in the Gospel of John.
• We don’t see this in Matthew, Mark, or Luke.
• Jesus tells Mary that her brother, Lazarus, shall rise again. Martha isn’t thinking about now, though.
• Jesus is going to raise Lazarus from the dead right now. He’s just sleeping.
• Martha says, “I know that Lazarus will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
• Remember, the Sadducees say there is no resurrection. The Pharisees say there is a resurrection.
• The Bible says there is a bodily resurrection. Martha agrees that there is a resurrection.
• She believes Jesus is talking about Lazarus being resurrected at some later time. But He’s not.

[29] John 11:25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

• Jesus isn’t yet to the place where Lazarus is buried. Remember, Martha ran to meet Jesus.
• This is where Jesus tells Martha that He is the resurrection and the life.
• He’s trying to tell her that He is God. Martha believes God will do anything for Jesus.
• But Jesus is telling her that HE IS GOD. He is the resurrection and the life.
• If anyone wants to be resurrected, they better come to get eternal life from Jesus Christ.

Jesus Is The Best At Winning Souls

Jesus is preaching to Martha here. He’s winning a soul to Christ.

• Martha knows that God does whatever Jesus asks of Him, but Jesus is telling her He is the Savior.
• Notice exactly what Jesus says: “He that believeth in me shall live.”
• “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall NEVER die.” You must be living before you can be saved.
• You must be born in order to be saved. And you must believe on Jesus to be born again.

Pay exact attention to what Jesus says:

• If you’re alive right now and believe in Jesus to save you, you will NEVER die.
• I’m alive right now. I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Will I die? No.
• This body is not who I am. My soul is who I am. This body is just a shell. It’s not who I am.
• I will never die. My soul will never die. If it did at any point in the future, Jesus would be lying.
• So, if you’re saved right now, will you ever die? Jesus says, “You’ll NEVER die.” Do you believe this?

Jesus asks Martha directly, “Do you believe this? Do you believe in me, Martha?”

• Jesus asks her: “Do you believe that I give eternal life, Martha?”
• When we’re talking with people about being saved, don’t forget to ask that important question.
• Do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone to save you? Do you believe that Jesus alone will save you?
• Do you believe that Jesus Christ will keep you from dying? You’ll never die. Do you believe that?

[30] John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

• Martha tells Jesus that she believes He is the Christ or Savior of the world.
• She believes that Jesus is the Son of God. And yes, that makes Jesus equal with God.
• She didn’t say, “Yes, Jesus, I believe you are God the Father.” She said, “THE SON OF GOD.”
• She understands that God the Father and the Son of God are different people.

[31] John 11:28-29 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him.

• Martha goes to Mary secretly. Why? Most likely it’s because of the Jews. They knew the Jews hated Jesus.
• Martha tells Mary that Jesus is come and wants to see Mary. She arises quickly and goes to Jesus.
• When Jesus calls for you, you need to respond quickly. “Yes, Jesus, I believe you can save me.”

[32] John 11:30 Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him.

• Jesus wasn’t yet in the town of Bethany. He was still at the place where Martha met Him.
• Now Mary is on her way to the place where Martha met Jesus.
• So Martha has already left and found Jesus and then went back to Mary to tell her Jesus is calling her.

[33] John 11:31-32 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32 Then 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.

• Think about how much pain Martha and Mary are in because of the death of their brother.
• They loved their brother Lazarus. And Jesus loves all of them.
• The Jews follow Mary as she goes to see Jesus. She goes to Him hastily.
• The Jews think she’s going to the grave to weep. But Mary goes to Jesus and falls to His feet.
• Notice she says the same thing that Martha said, “Jesus, if you were here, Lazarus wouldn’t have died.”
• Again, she’s not realizing that Jesus can do anything from anywhere at any time.
• Is anything too hard for the Lord? No, there’s nothing too difficult for God.

[34] Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

• Raising someone who has been dead for 4 days is very difficult.
• No man can do this. But Jesus, the Son of God, can do this because nothing is impossible for God.

[35] John 11:33-34 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

• Jesus sees Mary weeping. He also sees the Jews coming weeping with her.
• What does He do? He groans in His spirit and is troubled. Jesus cares.
• Groaning is a sound made in pain or sorrow. But Jesus does this within His spirit.
• But Jesus also knows what’s going to happen. He wants people to just believe in Him.
• Jesus asks, “WHERE HAVE YOU LAID HIM?” Jesus already knew.
• Some people will say that this question proves Jesus didn’t know everything.
• The miracle He’s about to do, though, will prove different. Only God could do that miracle.
• They say, “Jesus, come and see where we’ve laid Lazarus.”

The Shortest Verse In The King James Bible

[36] John 11:35 Jesus wept.

• That’s the shortest verse in the King James Bible. This shows us Jesus had emotions like us.
• He groaned in His spirit because He was troubled. He cried because the people were hurting.

[37] John 11:36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

• The Jews who were following Mary saw Jesus troubled. They saw how He was human. He wept.
• Do you see how their focus goes straight to Jesus because they hate Him? Watch what the Jews say next.

[38] John 11:37 And 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?

• “Jesus opened the eyes of the blind but couldn’t keep Lazarus from dying?”
• “We see that He loved Lazarus so much, but He couldn’t stop Him from dying.”
• “If He is who He says He is, why couldn’t He keep Lazarus alive?”
• That’s what the Jews are doing here. They’re trying to cast more doubt upon the identity of Jesus Christ.
• But soon their mouths will be stopped.

[39] John 11:38-39 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus 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.

• Have you ever been so upset and crying that you just keep groaning within yourself?
• Jesus was like that when He came to the grave. But something great is about to happen?
• Jesus tells them to take the stone away. Martha says, “But Lord, his body is going to stink by now.”
• Why would his body stink? Because he’s been dead for 4 days now!!!
• The body of Lazarus saw corruption. The body of Jesus Christ did not see corruption when He died.

[40] Acts 2:25-27 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

• God did not allow the body of Jesus Christ to see corruption. That’s why He arose on the third day.
• You might say: How do you know the end of verse 27 in Acts Chapter 2 is talking about the body of Jesus?

[41] Acts 2:30-31 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.

• Lazarus was dead for 4 days meaning his flesh did see corruption.
• BUT, is anything too hard for the Lord Jesus Christ? This is showing you the power in this miracle.
• Your body will start to rot after 3 days in the grave.
• Martha tells Jesus, “The body of my brother has surely started to stink by now. It’s been 4 days.”

[42] John 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

• Jesus didn’t tell Martha that she should go do great works herself so she can see the glory of God.
• Jesus says again, “IF THOU WOULDEST BELIEVE, THOU SHOULD SEE THE GLORY OF GOD.”
• Have faith in Jesus Christ and what He can do. Just believe on Him, and He’ll do it.
• If you don’t believe on Jesus, you’ll find yourself in hell one day. Not good at all.

[43] John 11:41 Then 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.

• Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lifts up His eyes. Why would He do that? Think about that.
• Jesus is right there on earth just as we are right now. He looks up. Why? Because His Father is there.
• He doesn’t look at Himself because He’s not God the Father. He didn’t talk to Himself right here.
• He’s looking upwards because God the Father is in heaven. He speaks to someone else and not Himself.
• He says, “Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” And remember, THEE and THOU are singular.
• He’s talking to God the Father alone. He’s not talking to Himself. He doesn’t have a personality disorder.
• Jesus continues talking to His Father in the next verse.

[44] John 11:42 And 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.

• Jesus is talking out loud here to God the Father. God hears His thoughts. God knows your thoughts.
• When you need to call out to God to be saved, you can do it within. “God, please save me. I trust you.”
• Jesus is telling us in this verse that God the Father hears your thoughts.
• The only reason Jesus is saying it out loud is for the others around Him.
• When you pray to God, you can know 100% for sure that He hears you. He says so.
• You might think, “God never answers my prayers. He must not hear me.”

[45] 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

• Jesus knows the Father hears Him because everything He does is according to God’s will.
• Everything you pray for should be to fulfill God’s will. Pray for that, and He will hear you.
• If you’re praying for everything for YOURSELF, He’s not going to hear you.
• Jesus talks to His Father out loud here so all the people can hear what He’s saying.
• He does this so the people will believe that GOD THE FATHER sent Him.
• If you think Jesus is God the Father, then the Father couldn’t have sent Jesus.
• He would have sent Himself. The Bible doesn’t say that anywhere.

[46] John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

• Jesus doesn’t do this on His own. He’s constantly working WITH the Father.
• If you want your prayers answered, that’s what you need to do. God will work WITH you.
• He’ll be WITH you. You aren’t doing these things on your own. God is with you.
• Jesus cries out with a LOUD voice, “LAZARUS, COME FORTH!!!”
• What do you think happened? The Word of God just spoke. It will happen.

When Jesus Speaks, It Happens

[47] John 11:44 And 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.

• Lazarus comes forth. He was bound from hand to foot with graveclothes. His face had a napkin around it.
• Jesus says, “Loose Lazarus and let him go.”
• We see Jesus was wrapped in linen and a napkin on His face as well when He was buried in the tomb.

[48] John 20:6-7 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

• Lazarus was raised from the dead but not like Jesus. Lazarus was just sleeping.
• He didn’t go to hell like Jesus and arise from the dead in a glorified body.
• Lazarus died again and then His soul went to heaven. The body of Lazarus is sleeping today.
• His body will be resurrected at the first resurrection or the rapture.
• Lazarus didn’t go into eternal life into a new and glorified body when Jesus raised him from the dead.
• His body was just sleeping. Death is hell. Lazarus didn’t go to hell.

[49] John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

• If you don’t believe on Jesus after miracles like these, then you are of your father the devil.
• These things are WRITTEN in the Bible. That means you should believe they happened.
• God says they happened. Do you believe they happened? I do. They believed on Him and were saved.

[50] John 11:46-47 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.

• The chief priests and Pharisees don’t know what to do. This man is doing great miracles.
• This man is doing so many great things to help others. What will we do with a man like that?
• Oh no. They were so scared of Jesus doing good things that they get a council of men together.
• Now we’re going to see why these fake Jews hated Jesus Christ. He was only doing good things.
• He didn’t do any evil. Let’s see why they wanted to kill Jesus Christ.

[51] John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

• They were scared Jesus would become the King of the Jews and the Romans wouldn’t like it.
• They were scared of the Romans, and they didn’t want to lose the little power they had left.
• If Jesus becomes the King of the Jews, then we’ll lose everything. Yeah, I don’t think so.
• Do you think the Romans could conquer Jesus Christ? That’s funny even thinking about it.
• “But the Romans were so fierce.” Have you read the Bible? God is fierce. No one else compares.

[52] Psalm 78:49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.

• And yes, Jesus was involved in that right there. Yes, Jesus has FIERCE ANGER and WRATH.
• No man in this flesh has a chance against an angel from God.
• And God is infinity times greater than an angel. But the Pharisees were afraid of the Romans.
• Why? Because they didn’t know God Almighty. They would lose their place and their nation.
• They didn’t believe anything God said. They had the Psalms to read and study.

[53] Psalm 2:1-4 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

• The Romans go up against God??? God will sit there and laugh. He’s up there. We’re down here.
• Do you think anything is too hard for the Lord? He just raised a man from the dead.
• You would think that would be enough, but that Pharisees were blinded to the truth.

[54] John 11:49-50 And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, 50 Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.

• I love this part. The high priest Caiaphas calls them stupid. He’s right. You know nothing at all.

[55] John 11:51-52 And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; 52 And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.

• Caiaphas was evil, but He still prophesied about the Lord Jesus Christ.
• But it wasn’t HIMSELF that prophesied. It says right there at the beginning of verse 51:
• “And this spake he not of himself.” God can speak through evil men and women.
• God can speak through animals. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.
• Jesus will GATHER together in one the children of God that are scattered abroad. That’s what He does.
• One day you’ll meet all your new brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. And it’s going to be great.
• We hope for true family and friends in this life, but this world just gets worse.
• But don’t worry, one day, we’ll have some real family and real friends that know God Almighty.
• And we’ll be with them all for all eternity.

Because Jesus Is Good, They Want Him Dead

[56] John 11:53-54 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

• The Pharisees were so worried about their little piece of power under the Romans that they lost God.
• He didn’t come back to see them OPENLY any more. He went near to the wilderness.
• He went to a city called Ephraim and continued with his disciples there.
• Most likely this was to the Northeast of Jerusalem about 13 miles or so towards the wilderness.
• Jesus stays there in Ephraim for a while. He continued there. That’s what that means.

[57] John 11:55 And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

• So we move ahead in time. The Passover is now near. The Passover occurs on the 14^th of the first month.
• This would be the first month in the Hebrew calendar which is around the March/April time frame.
• Many people are coming up to Jerusalem BEFORE the Passover to purify themselves.

[58] 2 Chronicles 30:18-19 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one 19 That prepareth his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.

• All of those laws of cleansing are found in the Book of Leviticus.
• They needed to be clean before eating the Passover. People are coming from all over to be purified.

[59] John 11:56-57 Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast? 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should shew it, that they might take him.

• All of these people have heard of Jesus Christ. They wonder if He’ll come to the Passover feast.
• What do you think? Do you think Jesus will come to the Passover feast?
• Jesus never missed a Passover feast. He made the law that they always keep the Passover.
• He didn’t break His own law. These people should know this. Jesus will be there.
• The chief priests and Pharisees want to take Jesus and kill Him.
• They tell everyone there to let them know if they see Jesus. Show them where Jesus is located.
• And they will come and take Jesus.
• If you remember what happens next in John Chapter 12, you’ll know that Jesus doesn’t come in secret to Jerusalem.

[60] Matthew 21:6-8 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

[61] Matthew 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

• Hosanna is an exclamation of praise to God. We thank God today for coming and dying for our sins.

Let’s pray.