Hope in the Face of Death

We all face moments when life feels out of our control—when the unexpected hits, when death seems final, or when God's timing feels confusing. In John 11, we encounter one of the most moving and powerful stories in all of Scripture—the raising of Lazarus from the dead. But this isn’t just about a miracle; it’s a sign pointing to the deepest truth about who Jesus is. In the face of death, Jesus calls us to embrace Him as the resurrection and the life.

As our church continues its journey through the Gospel of John, this passage stands out as the final and most astonishing of the seven signs John records to reveal the identity of Jesus. And in it, we discover truth, hope, and comfort for every one of us.

1. Jesus Accomplishes His Purposes in His Timing

(John 11:1–16)

Lazarus, the beloved brother of Mary and Martha, falls seriously ill. They send word to Jesus, expecting Him to come quickly. But in verse 6 we read, “when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.” It’s not what we’d expect from someone who loves deeply.

But Jesus had something greater in mind. “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (v. 4). Jesus delays not out of indifference, but to display His glory and deepen the faith of those around Him. Sometimes Jesus calls us to wait, not because He doesn’t care, but because He’s doing something bigger than we can see.

Jesus also calls us into difficult places—not for our harm, but so others might believe (v. 15). Like the disciples, we may fear returning to a place of pain or uncertainty, but Jesus reminds us that we walk in the light when we walk with Him (v. 9–10).

2. Jesus Proclaims His Identity Amidst the Trial

(John 11:17–27)

By the time Jesus arrives, Lazarus has been dead four days. The situation seems hopeless. Martha, ever practical, tells Jesus, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died” (v. 21). She believes in resurrection someday—but Jesus wants her to know resurrection is not just a future hope, it’s a present person.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…” (v. 25)

Jesus doesn't just have resurrection power. He IS resurrection. He IS life. In Him, death is not the end. Even in our darkest grief, Jesus stands as the One who defeats death and offers eternal life.

And then Jesus asks the most important question anyone can ever answer:

“Do you believe this?” (v. 26)

3. Jesus Grieves with Those Who Are Grieving

(John 11:28–37)

What happens next is stunning. Jesus doesn’t rush to the tomb. He doesn’t stand apart from the pain. He weeps.

“Jesus wept.” (v. 35)

This is the shortest verse in the Bible but one of the most powerful. It tells us that Jesus enters our sorrow. He knows the sting of loss. He mourns death’s grip on His creation. Whether His tears were of grief, compassion, or even anger at death itself, we know this: Jesus cares deeply.

In your moments of mourning, Jesus is not distant. He is present. He weeps with you. And He shows us how to be with others in their grief too: “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15).

4. Jesus Takes Action, Revealing His Power

(John 11:38–44)

Then comes the moment. Jesus walks to the tomb, tells them to roll away the stone—despite Martha’s warning of the stench—and speaks life into death.

“Lazarus, come out.” (v. 43)

And Lazarus does. Bound in grave clothes, the man who had been dead walks out alive. Jesus has authority over death itself. He speaks, and the dead obey.

This isn’t just about Lazarus. It’s a preview of Jesus’ own resurrection and a foretaste of our future resurrection. For those who believe, death is not the end. Eternal life is real, and Jesus Himself is the guarantee.

So, What About You?

Jesus asked Martha, “Do you believe this?” He asks you the same.

If you’ve trusted Jesus as Savior, you can have hope and confidence even in the face of death. Your future is secure. You are a resurrection person. Jesus is the resurrection and the life—and one day, He will wipe every tear from your eyes (Rev. 21:4).

And if you haven’t trusted Him yet, let Lazarus’ story point you to the One who has power over the grave. The One who weeps with you. The One who loves you. The One who calls you to believe today.

In summary:

• Jesus may call you to wait, but His timing is perfect.

• Jesus enters your pain and invites you to deeper faith.

• Jesus is the resurrection and the life—trust in Him.

• Jesus has power over death, and one day, He will raise all who are His.

So we ask again: Do you believe this?

If your answer is yes, then rejoice—because not even death can separate you from the love of Christ.