Commentary on John 11-12
Chuck Smith explains how John’s selective recounting of Jesus’ miracles, especially the raising of Lazarus, powerfully affirms Christ’s deity and calls believers to faith.
In this sermon, Chuck Smith provides an expository commentary on John chapters 11 and 12, focusing on the miraculous raising of Lazarus. He explains how John’s selective recounting of Jesus’ miracles serves to affirm Christ’s divine nature and encourage faith. Through detailed analysis, Smith highlights the theological significance of Jesus’ power over death and His role as the Messiah. This message invites listeners to deepen their trust in Jesus as the Son of God.
Text
The gospel according to John, chapter 11.
Now we remember that John is carefully picking out certain incidents in the life of Jesus by which he might prove that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God, bringing people to a faith in Him, as such, that through that faith they might have the life of Christ imparted to them. And he testifies there were many other things that Jesus did which he did not record, but these he recorded that you might believe. And so John is writing from a slant, trying to encourage faith. At the end of the epistle, he again declared that if all of the things were written that should be written, all of the libraries could not hold the books that should be written on the subject of Jesus Christ. So, he is carefully choosing certain events, and he has been pointing out different types of miracles that Jesus did. And in our last study, we studied the miracle of the man who was born blind. And the proof that it offered, that no man can open the eyes of the blind, except he is from God.
Now, he comes to one of the most powerful proofs of the deity of Jesus Christ and of His Messiahship, as we come to the raising of Lazarus from the dead.
There was a certain man who was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany (Jhn 11:1),
Bethany is just a little village just over the top of the Mount of Olives on the eastern slope toward the Judean wilderness away from Jerusalem. It\
Sermon Outline
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I
- John’s purpose in writing the gospel
- Selective recording of Jesus’ miracles
- Encouragement to faith through Jesus’ works
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II
- Review of the miracle of the man born blind
- Significance of miracles as proof of divine authority
- Introduction to the raising of Lazarus
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III
- Geographical and cultural context of Bethany
- The sickness and death of Lazarus
- Jesus’ power over death as Messiah
Key Quotes
“John is carefully picking out certain incidents in the life of Jesus by which he might prove that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” — Chuck Smith
“No man can open the eyes of the blind, except he is from God.” — Chuck Smith
“The raising of Lazarus from the dead is one of the most powerful proofs of the deity of Jesus Christ and of His Messiahship.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Trust in Jesus’ power even in seemingly hopeless situations.
- Allow the miracles of Jesus to strengthen and deepen your faith.
- Recognize that Jesus’ works reveal His divine identity and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does John only record certain miracles of Jesus?
John selectively records miracles to highlight Jesus as the Messiah and to encourage faith in Him.
What is the significance of the raising of Lazarus?
It is a powerful proof of Jesus’ deity and His authority over life and death.
How does this sermon help believers today?
It strengthens faith by showing the divine nature of Jesus through His miracles.
What does John mean by saying many things were not recorded?
John acknowledges that Jesus did many more works than recorded, emphasizing the vastness of His ministry.