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J.C. Ryle

Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 11:38-46

J.C. Ryle expounds on the raising of Lazarus to reveal Jesus' divine power and the call to faith in Him as the source of life and hope.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle explores the powerful miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, emphasizing its undeniable proof of Christ's divinity. Ryle carefully examines Jesus' words and actions to reveal the call to faith and the hope of resurrection. This message encourages believers to trust in Jesus as the source of eternal life and to witness His glory through faith.

Text

Lazarus Raised from the Dead Jesus, intensely moved again, came to the tomb. (Now it was a cave, and a stone was placed across it.) Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, replied, "Lord, by this time the body will have a bad smell, because he has been buried four days." Jesus responded, "Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?" So they took away the stone. Jesus looked upward and said, "Father, I thank you that you have listened to me. I knew that you always listen to me, but I said this for the sake of the crowd standing around here, that they may believe that you sent me." When he had said this, he shouted in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The one who had died came out, his feet and hands tied up with strips of cloth, and a cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, "Unwrap him and let him go." Then many of the Jewish people from Jerusalem, who had come with Mary and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and reported to them what Jesus had done. These verses record one of the greatest miracles the Lord Jesus Christ ever worked, and supply an unanswerable proof of His divinity. He whose voice could bring back from the grave one that had been four days dead, must indeed have been very God! The miracle itself is described in such simple language that no human comment can throw light upon it. But the sayings of our Lord on this occasion are peculiarly interesting, and demand special notice. We should mark, first, our Lord\

Sermon Outline

  1. I. The Setting and Context
    • Jesus arrives at Lazarus' tomb after four days
    • The stone is removed despite concerns about decay
    • Jesus prepares to reveal God's glory
  2. II. The Miracle of Resurrection
    • Jesus prays publicly to the Father
    • Jesus commands Lazarus to come out
    • Lazarus is raised, bound but alive
  3. III. The Response of the People
    • Many believe in Jesus after witnessing the miracle
    • Some report to the Pharisees, increasing opposition
    • The miracle confirms Jesus' divine authority
  4. IV. The Call to Faith
    • Jesus' words emphasize belief to see God's glory
    • The miracle as proof of Jesus' divinity
    • Encouragement to trust in Jesus as the resurrection and life

Key Quotes

“He whose voice could bring back from the grave one that had been four days dead, must indeed have been very God!” — J.C. Ryle
“Jesus said, 'Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?'” — J.C. Ryle
“The miracle itself is described in such simple language that no human comment can throw light upon it.” — J.C. Ryle

Application Points

  • Trust in Jesus’ power to bring life in the midst of hopeless situations.
  • Believe in Jesus to see the glory of God revealed in your life.
  • Respond to God’s miracles with faith, not skepticism or fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus wait four days to raise Lazarus?
Jesus waited to demonstrate His power over death and to show that Lazarus was truly dead, making the miracle undeniable.
What does the raising of Lazarus teach about Jesus?
It reveals Jesus' divine authority over life and death and confirms He is the Son of God.
How should believers respond to this miracle?
Believers are called to have faith in Jesus and trust in His power to give eternal life.
What is the significance of Jesus thanking the Father aloud?
Jesus prayed aloud so the crowd would hear and believe that God had sent Him.
What does unwrapping Lazarus symbolize?
It symbolizes freedom from death and the new life Jesus offers to all who believe.

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