In John 11 How Does The Miracle Of Lazarus Foreshadow The Events Leading To Jesus Own Death And Resurrection?
The Miracle of Lazarus: A Profound Foreshadowing of Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
The account of Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11 stands as one of the most remarkable miracles recorded in the Gospel of John. Yet, beyond its immediate impact, this miracle serves as a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ own death and resurrection. In this study, we’ll explore how the story of Lazarus anticipates the climax of the Gospel and reveals deep truths about the person and mission of Christ.
1. Setting the Scene: The Death of Lazarus
Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, falls ill. Despite being told about Lazarus’ sickness, Jesus delays His journey for two days. By the time He arrives, Lazarus has been dead for four days. This deliberate delay is significant—it sets the stage for a miracle that will both glorify God and prefigure what is to come for Jesus Himself.
But when Jesus heard it, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby. - John 11:4 ASV
2. The Significance of Lazarus’ Resurrection
Jesus approaches the tomb and calls Lazarus forth, and Lazarus emerges alive. This is not only a demonstration of Jesus’ power over death but also a sign pointing to the greater resurrection to come.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live. - John 11:25 ASV
In this statement, Jesus reveals that resurrection is not merely an event, but a person—Himself. The raising of Lazarus is a living parable of what Jesus will soon accomplish through His own death and resurrection.
3. Foreshadowing the Death and Resurrection of Jesus
Several parallels and foreshadowings emerge between the Lazarus event and the events of Jesus’ own death and resurrection:
- The Love of Jesus: Jesus’ love for Lazarus and his sisters is highlighted (John 11:5), reflecting the sacrificial love He will show for the world at the cross (John 15:13).
- The Glory of God Revealed in Death: Both Lazarus’ sickness and Jesus’ own death are ultimately for God’s glory (John 11:4; John 12:23).
- A Stone Rolled Away: The stone covering Lazarus’ tomb is removed at Jesus’ command (John 11:39), just as the stone will be rolled away from Jesus’ own tomb (John 20:1).
- Calling Forth from Death to Life: Jesus calls Lazarus by name, and he comes forth from the grave (John 11:43). Similarly, Jesus will rise from the dead and, through Him, all who believe will experience resurrection life (John 5:28-29).
- The Response of the Crowds: The resurrection of Lazarus provokes belief in some and opposition in others, leading the religious leaders to plot Jesus’ death (John 11:53), directly setting in motion the events that will lead to the cross.
4. Theological Insights: Life Through Christ
Lazarus’ resurrection serves as a signpost to the ultimate hope of the Gospel: Jesus’ victory over death. While Lazarus would eventually die again physically, Jesus’ resurrection is once and for all, securing eternal life for all who trust in Him.
Jesus said unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God? - John 11:40 ASV
This miracle points to the promise that all who believe in Christ, though they die, will live again eternally (John 6:40; Romans 6:5).
5. Application: Trust and Hope in the Resurrection
The raising of Lazarus challenges us to trust Jesus even when His timing confounds us. It assures us that He is sovereign over life and death and that He is able to bring life where there is none. Ultimately, it points us to the cross and the empty tomb, where Jesus secured eternal victory over sin and death for all who believe.
For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. - Romans 6:5 ASV
Conclusion
The miracle of Lazarus is not just a demonstration of Jesus’ compassion or power; it is a prophetic sign that prepares us for the greatest miracle of all—Jesus’ own resurrection. It invites us to believe in Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, and to find hope that even in the face of death, His promises are true and sure.