BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

The fact that Jerusalem’s religious leaders want Jesus dead is no secret by now. But when Lazarus, who lives right next to Jerusalem, falls ill, Jesus and his disciples must decide whether to avoid the death threat in Jerusalem or face it head-on to be with Lazarus.

The disciples balk at traveling to Lazarus’ hometown, Bethany, which means “house of suffering.” Thomas is sure that they’re all going to die, but Jesus is willing to lay down his life for his friends, so he faces the threat. The disciples follow.

Upon arriving—after Jesus’ intentional delay—the disciples learn that Lazarus has been dead for several days. Notice the parallels in Jesus’ conversations with Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha. Both women start with anguish. “Lord, if you had been here, Lazarus would not have died.” Martha expresses her grief and also her faith, trusting that Jesus is the Messiah and that her brother will be raised one day. Entirely devastated, Mary throws herself at Jesus’ feet, and he weeps with her.

Even though Jesus knows that Lazarus’ future will continue, he still grieves deeply over his death. The fact that God will ultimately heal does not make death and suffering feel like a minor problem. Jesus weeps. And then Jesus commands: “Lazarus, come out!”

This miracle is Jesus’ seventh major sign act in John’s gospel, beginning with turning water to wine and completing with this resurrection of life. Still, when news of Lazarus’ resurrection spreads, the scheming religious leaders remain unmoved. They agree that only God can raise the dead, so this sign should humble them, but their blindness drives them to hate. They even begin plotting to kill the newly resurrected Lazarus.

From here, Jesus heads to Jerusalem. Riding a donkey into the city, the crowds praise him like a king. However, he knows he must be lifted high as the suffering servant (Isa. 6:1). Jesus knows heading to Jerusalem means laying down his life. Watch today’s video for a reminder of all that Jesus has done before heading into Jerusalem in this upside-down triumphal entry.

Reflection Questions

• Meditate on Jesus’ words to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). What do Jesus’ responses to Martha and Mary tell us about the grievousness of death? How do these women model grief and hope?
• What does Jesus say about the lives of his followers in John 12:23-26? What does this reveal about the cost of following Jesus?