January 31
Lesson 9
The Death of a Friend
Devotional Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10
Background Scripture: John 11:1-44
JOHN 11:38-44
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It
was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
38
Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that
was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath
been dead four days.
39
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest
believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
40
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was
laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that
thou hast heard me.
41
And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people
which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
42
Graphic: Standard Publishing
43
And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with
a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
44
KEY VERSE
When he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. —John 11:43
LESSON AIMS
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Tell how Lazarus was raised from the dead.
2. Compare and contrast the resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus.
3. Share with one other person a hymn, song, or poem that reflects the Christian hope of eternal life.
LESSON OUTLINE
Introduction
A. Funerals and Faith
B. Lesson Background
I. Tomb Opened (JOHN 11:38-41A)
A. Grieving Friend (v. 38)
B. Worried Sister (vv. 39-41a)
Opportunities to Trust
II. Lazarus Emerges (JOHN 11:41B-44)
A. Preparing with Prayer (vv. 41b, 42)
A Boy Named Dennis
B. Commanding to Come Forth (vv. 43, 44)
Conclusion
A. The Hope of Resurrection
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
Introduction
A. Funerals and Faith
“God’s finger touch’d him, and he slept.” So wrote Alfred, Lord Tennyson when reflecting on his friend Arthur
Henry Hallam, who died suddenly in 1833, at age 22. This line is part of the poem, “In Memoriam A.H.H.” It
contains other memorable lines, and it was widely read and admired in the nineteenth century. It was a favorite
of Queen Victoria, who found great comfort in reading it after the death of her beloved Prince Albert. The poem
has been mentioned as among the greatest poetic works of its century.
Tennyson explores the topic of death in many ways, but always from the perspective of faith. He ends the
extremely long poem of 2900 lines by describing his beloved colleague as “That friend of mine who lives in
God” (line 2896). Tennyson’s faith was challenged but remained unshaken by this death of one so dear.
Tennyson believed the Lord to be the master of the living and of the dead. Therefore his dead friend was in
fellowship with the same God whom he, Tennyson, continued to worship while still living.
Funerals tell us a lot about how the family and friends of the departed view death. For Christians, there is
sometimes a celebratory mood that almost becomes a blissful denial of the death. This is usually not
satisfactory, for the loss of a loved one is sad even for believers. Funerals for unbelievers can only be described
as awkward since there are few words of comfort for those who die without the hope of resurrection to eternal
life with Jesus.
Last week’s lesson was about a village wedding, one of the most joyous events in rural life. This lesson’s
setting is a village funeral, also a major event but with a completely different tone. It was a time of wailing
instead of dancing. Both events were significant in the life of a village. And in both cases Jesus intervened to
change a dire situation into a happy ending.
B. Lesson Background
The household of siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus was in the village of Bethany. Bethany was on the
outskirts of Jerusalem, on the lower eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. This mountain is situated directly east
of the temple area in Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. To travel between Bethany and Jerusalem, one would
skirt the southern flank of this mountain, a walk of about two miles (see John 11:18). Bethany also was located
on the Jericho Road. Thus pilgrims from Galilee would pass through the village as they made the final ascent
from the valley of the Jordan River to Jerusalem.
Jesus may have used the household of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus as a convenient base when He visited
Jerusalem (see Mark 11:11). The two-mile walk, 30 minutes each way, was inconsequential in a society where
everyone was accustomed to walking. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus are described as “loved” by Jesus (John
11:5). Luke records a story about the sisters (not mentioning Lazarus) that involved another visit by Jesus in
their home (Luke 10:38-42). This story shows a familiarity with Jesus similar to that which He had with His
chosen 12. The home may have been large and comfortable, although we have no information regarding the
household’s source of income (note Mary’s possession of expensive ointment in John 12:1-5).
When a person died in that time and place, the interment of the body followed very quickly. Embalming was
not practiced by the Jews of Jesus’ day (contrast Genesis 50:1-3, 26), so a decaying corpse would soon begin to
smell of decomposition—thus the urgency to have the body entombed.
HOW TO SAY IT
Bethany Beth-uh-nee.
Galilee Gal-uh-lee.
Jairus Jye-rus or Jay-ih-rus.
Jericho Jair-ih-co.
Kidron Kid-ron.
Lazarus Laz-uh-rus.
Nonetheless, the body would be washed, wrapped in linen shrouds, and perhaps have spices and various sweetsmelling concoctions included in the wrappings to mask bad odors (compare John 19:39, 40). After the body
was placed in a ready tomb, the entrance would be sealed using a stone carved for this purpose (compare
Matthew 27:60). That is all very different from the modern custom of using a casket and concrete vault, digging
a suitably deep hole, and marking the spot with a headstone in a community cemetery. In Bethany, there would
be no burial in the sense of shoveled dirt filling a hole. Family tombs in places like Bethany were ready to be
used on short notice.
Today’s lesson is prefaced by what may seem to be curious inactions by Jesus. While He was some distance
from Bethany and Jerusalem, Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus was gravely ill and that the man’s
sisters wanted Jesus to come (John 11:1-3). But without apparent reason, Jesus delayed (11:6), arriving days
after the interment (11:17). Yet comparing the time frames of John 11:6 with 11:17 leads to the conclusion that
Lazarus would have died even if Jesus had started toward Bethany immediately. Even so, Jesus could have
healed Lazarus from a distance (compare Matthew 8:5-13), so why didn’t He?
Jesus explained that the death of Lazarus was to result in faith (John 11:15). Indeed, the question He asked
Martha after He arrived was “Believest thou?” (11:26). Her confession of faith contrasted with the voices of
skepticism (11:37), leading into today’s text.
I. Tomb Opened
(John 11:38-41a)
A. Grieving Friend (v. 38)
38. Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
Jesus is experiencing heavy emotions, described as groaning in himself. We should remember that while Jesus
was God in the flesh (John 1:14), He was also a man. He experienced human emotions.
Jesus arrives at the grave, which is outside the village. The place of interment is a cave that is probably located
in some stone outcropping on the lower eastern side of the Mount of Olives. This is likely an area of other
family tombs, caves that have been prepared to be suitable as underground rooms for the remains of the dead.
Visual for Lesson 9. Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you ask, “What makes you believe
the truth of this statement?”
As are other area tombs, the entrance to the resting place of Lazarus’s body is covered by a stone carved for this
purpose. Ancient family tombs have been found having disk-like stones, three or four feet in diameter, that are
rolled on a track across the entrance. However, the language here indicates a stone laid over the entrance. Not
all tomb-caves have upright entrances. Sometimes such caves descend vertically rather than extend back
horizontally. This may be the case here, and artists sometimes portray Lazarus’s subsequent exit from the tomb
as coming up a stairway that has been chiseled out of the stony ground.
B. Worried Sister (vv. 39-41a)
39. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this
time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
To open a tomb is a serious matter. Such action can be construed as a desecration of the grave, so it must be
ordered by a family member. That may be why Martha is the one to respond when Jesus says Take ye away the
stone. She seems to be the older of the sisters, now in charge of the family’s business following the death of her
brother, Lazarus.
Martha’s response indicates that she is not eager to grant Jesus’ request. Four days have passed since the death
of Lazarus, and she assumes that his body is in its smelliest phase of decomposition. What we observe are the
limits of faith. Martha fully believes that Jesus could have healed Lazarus of his sickness and prevented his
death (John 11:21) as does her sister, Mary (11:32), but their faith cannot imagine what is about to happen. For
them, resurrection is a future event, a promised time when all of God’s righteous people will be raised from the
dead (11:24). Have the two not heard of the raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17) or that of
Jairus’s daughter (8:40-56)?
What Do You Think?
How can we make sure we are “on the same wavelength” with God as we ponder what His will for us might
be?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Regarding use of material resources
Regarding use of time
Other
OPPORTUNITIES TO TRUST
The classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life is loaded with lessons that can be relearned with each viewing. One
such lesson is that the unexpected twists and turns of life can call for agonizing decisions. George Bailey, the
movie’s main character, initially resists his father’s desire that George join him at Bailey Building and Loan
Association. George has other ideas, as he dreams of becoming a world traveler.
Those plans change as a result of the unexpected death of George’s father. Using every excuse and defense
imaginable, George tries to avoid taking over his father’s position at the building and loan, but he eventually
gives in. Subsequent events take George on a life journey he never anticipated.
George Bailey is a fictional character, but Martha is not. Dealing with the dark event of the death of her brother,
she initially resisted Jesus’ request to have the stone removed. But her ultimate willingness to trust Jesus led her
to experience an event that redirected her life and strengthened her faith. Each of life’s unexpected turns is an
opportunity to trust Jesus. When those turns come, will we focus on our doubts or focus on Him?—C. M. W.
40. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
In response, Jesus reminds Martha of their earlier conversation. His challenge to her was that the one who
believes in Him will never die (John 11:26). Death is sad, but it is not the end for those who trust in Jesus. This
is a crucial point, for the tomb might not be opened if Martha’s faith falters. Her faith is challenged by the
trauma of being asked to have a beloved relative’s grave disturbed.
We are reminded of John’s later conversation with the risen Christ, who declares himself to hold “the keys of
hell and of death” (Revelation 1:18); He is capable of breaking the hold that death has over humanity. To
believe in and understand Jesus’ power over death is to be aware of the glory of God, and this glory is about to
be revealed to Martha in the resurrection of her dead brother.
In the Old Testament, the glory of God is synonymous with God’s presence, something that was observed at
Sinai (Exodus 24:17), at the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34), and in the temple (2 Chronicles 7:1). God is present in
the person of Jesus, and this was revealed earlier in glorious fashion at the Transfiguration (see Matthew 17:2;
compare 2 Peter 1:16, 17). Although what has unfolded thus far in our text may seem little more than a humble
human drama witnessed by a few dozen people in an insignificant Judean village, no one there should doubt the
power of the Lord after Lazarus comes from the tomb alive.
What Do You Think?
How do we evaluate the claims of those who say they have seen or experienced the glory of God?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Exodus 33:18-23
Psalm 19:1
Acts 7:55
Romans 3:23
Other
41a. Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.
In some unstated way, perhaps by a nod or gesture, Martha grants permission to remove the stone that blocks
the tomb’s entrance. This may require several strong men using levers. We can only imagine what sort of
persuasion this requires, so Martha must be held in very high esteem in the village. Although some translations
portray the stone as being “rolled,” the text implies that the stone is lifted. We may wonder if a powerful odor
does indeed emanate from the tomb when this happens, but the text doesn’t say one way or the other.
II. Lazarus Emerges
(John 11:41b-44)
A. Preparing with Prayer (vv. 41b, 42)
41b. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Before proceeding, Jesus pauses to pray. We may not understand the relationship between the Father and the
Son in every detail, but we do know that Jesus “can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for
what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19).
Jesus’ prayer is thankful and confident. He is confident that what He is about to attempt is actually going to
happen. He thanks His Father for having heard Him, indicating that Jesus has already bathed this situation in
prayer as He was traveling to Bethany.
Perhaps the two-day delay of John 11:6 was for such prayer. What those gathered are about to see will not be a
spur of the moment, impetuous action. Rather, everything that is happening is part of a confident plan of one
who has prayed to and been heard by God the Father.
What Do You Think?
Under what circumstances does it seem that God is most willing to hear your prayers? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Lamentations 3:44
James 1:6; 4:3
1 Peter 3:7
1 John 5:14
Other
42. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may
believe that thou hast sent me.
Jesus’ prayer has a purpose other than communication with the Father. Jesus wants the villagers who are present
to understand the significance of what is about to happen: it is to give them cause to believe in Jesus as having
been sent by the Father.
Jesus teaches that believing in Him is the same as believing in the Father (see John 12:44). Faith in Jesus is
valid only if one accepts that He comes from God and reveals God (see 1:18). “This is the work of God, that ye
believe on him whom he hath sent” (6:29).
What Do You Think?
How can we adjust our prayer lives in order to demonstrate greater trust in God?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
In the way prayers are phrased
In the attitude in which prayers are offered
In response to the answers to other prayers
Other
A BOY NAMED DENNIS
Dennis, a boy in my third-grade class, had cancer. This small child never complained and seemed to face each
day with silent strength. It was the next year, during fourth grade, that his long struggle with cancer ended.
His funeral, held at the school where he had attended, was unforgettable. Space for parking extended onto the
main highway out front. Teachers, administrators, and Dennis’s classmates formed a standing-room-only crowd
of mourners, while seating was filled by family and members of their church.
The aged minister, whose demeanor always exuded a sense of comfort and fatherliness, delivered a poignant
message as he reminisced about Dennis’s life and struggles, his fun times and his moments of misery. He
described the eternal joys and blessings that surrounded this precious child. Hardly a face was dry as each
person envisioned this little boy in his new home. There were tears of sadness for losing his presence among us,
but grateful tears of joy for his release from pain into a perfect place.
There was something more to that occasion—the celebration in the praises and songs that poured from Dennis’s
parents. They, of all people, knew what their child had suffered and the mercy that had released him. They
realized that this was not the last chapter in their son’s life, for he was being called from the earth to life eternal.
The resurrection that awaits Dennis when Jesus bids him to come forth from the grave will be ours as well.
“Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:26).—C. M. W.
B. Commanding to Come Forth (vv. 43, 44)
43. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
The prayer is over and all is ready. We can imagine the crowd is hushed with every eye glued on Jesus. It is not
an overstatement to say that this is the most important moment of Jesus’ public ministry up to this point. His
request to have the tomb opened is undoubtedly seen as the act of a lunatic by some in this crowd (compare
John 10:20). Why is He doing this? Shouldn’t the dead be allowed to rest in peace? Why is He torturing the two
sisters, beloved and upstanding members of their village? Something very good needs to happen or the ministry
of Jesus will be ruined just as it is poised to enter its final phase.
Although the drama is high, Jesus’ act is simple. There are no incantations, no magic potions, no sacred smoke
or fire. Jesus merely speaks with a loud voice, a voice of authority, and utters three words: Lazarus, come forth.
Jesus is acting like God himself, the one who speaks creation and living things into existence in Genesis 1.
There is no more powerful sign that Jesus has indeed been sent by God, for Jews believe that only God can give
life to the dead (see John 5:21; Romans 4:17).
44. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about
with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
The result of Jesus’ command surely leaves the crowd breathless and astounded. The man who was dead comes
out of the tomb! Despite artists’ depictions, he is probably crawling not walking, because he is bound hand and
foot with graveclothes. It is likely that he cannot see clearly, if at all, because his face is bound about with a
napkin. The first order of business, therefore, is to remove these so that Lazarus can walk and see without
restriction. We can imagine a short, stunned pause before Lazarus is quickly freed by the willing hands of his
grateful friends and relatives.
If we read on in John, we find that many do indeed believe in Jesus because of this mighty miracle (John
11:45). The group that is present may form the core of the crowd that acclaims Jesus on Palm Sunday as the Son
of David (see 12:9, 12, 13).
John also relays the incredible detail that the plot of the Jewish leaders to kill Jesus is expanded to include
killing Lazarus also, because his presence causes many people to follow Jesus (12:10, 11). For some, the raising
of Lazarus does not result in faith but only fear and evil intent. And so Jesus’ path to the cross becomes firmer
still.
What Do You Think?
What are some ways you can be Jesus’ hands in helping release or rescue people from negative situations?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Physical bondage (chemical addictions, etc.)
Spiritual bondage (sin)
Emotional bondage (dysfunctional patterns of living, etc.)
Conclusion
A. The Hope of Resurrection
The raising to life of a man who had been dead four days was among the greatest of Jesus’ miracles. Jesus was
working out God’s plan to bring faith to His followers, but this faith did not come without personal pain. For the
raising of Lazarus to happen, he first had to die, resulting in grief to loved ones.
As marvelous as the raising of Lazarus was, we should remember that it was different from the resurrection of
Jesus. On that day outside Bethany, Jesus broke the power of death over Lazarus temporarily since it’s fair to
assume that he rose only to die again. Jesus’ own resurrection, however, broke the power of death permanently.
Traditions claim that Lazarus eventually became a bishop on Cyprus and that his remains are still in the Church
of St. Lazarus in the city of Larnaca on that island. This is referred to as the “second tomb” of Lazarus, the final
resting place for his body after his second death. Wherever his final resting place, the account of his raising in
John 11 points to the hope of his permanent resurrection on the final day; it points to ours as well. Martha held
on to this hope even after the untimely death of her brother (John 11:24); we must hold on to it when losing a
loved one or facing death ourselves.
The key to having such faith is the resurrection of Jesus himself. His resurrection is “the firstfruits of them that
slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). He was the first to be raised permanently. As such, Jesus opens the way to life
eternal for all who believe in Him. He is the “resurrection, and the life,” and those who place their faith in Him,
even though they die, will live again (John 11:25, 26).
Our lesson today is therefore not the final chapter in the story of Lazarus. He, like you and me, will be raised
when the resurrection trumpet sounds (1 Thessalonians 4:16). In prefiguring the final resurrection, Lazarus
played a key role on that dramatic day in Bethany centuries ago. On the final day, Lazarus, Mary, and Martha
will be joined again to feast at the banquet table of the Lord. And we will be there too, if we maintain our faith
in the Lord of the resurrection. This is our eternal hope.
B. Prayer
Father, we believe there will be a day when death will no longer hold people captive in their graves. May we be
comforted throughout this life by the certainty of this hope. The miseries and pains of today will not last
forever. The true forever is with You. We pray in the name of the Son, who has made all this possible. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
Jesus conquered death.
INVOLVEMENT LEARNING
Into the Lesson
Ask learners to name funeral and burial customs of their own culture. Jot responses on the board and discuss the
purposes of these customs. Using the Lesson Background, compare and contrast these with such customs of the
time of Jesus. Option: Ask learners what they know of funeral and burial customs of other cultures today;
compare and contrast these with the previous observations.
Make a transition by saying, “Everyone eventually feels the pain of losing a loved one. Today’s lesson will
show us how Jesus used such an instance as an opportunity to reveal the glory of God.”
Into the Word
Summarize John 11:1-37 (see also the Lesson Background) or divide this task among three small groups, which
will address text segments as follows: Group 1-verses 1-16; Group 2-verses 17-27; Group 3-verses 28-37.
Instruct groups to pay particular attention to the interactions Jesus had with His followers and how each
segment addresses the issue of belief. Have groups share their findings in a whole-class discussion.
Ask a learner to read aloud John 11:37-44. Then distribute handouts of these questions for whole-class
discussion: 1. How does Martha’s statement in verse 39 compare or contrast with her earlier statement of belief
in verse 27? 2. How does Jesus’ question about seeing “the glory of God” in verse 40 relate to that concept in,
for example, Exodus 16:6-10; 24:16, 17; 40:34, 35? 3. How was Jesus’ prayer intended to benefit those hearing
it? (Use the commentary to supplement responses.)
Option. Form learners into groups of three and give each a handout that features today’s text alongside John
19:38-20:10. Challenge learners to examine the two texts to discover similarities and differences between the
resurrections of Lazarus and Jesus. After a whole-class discussion of groups’ results, wrap up by asking what
both of these resurrection accounts teach about what awaits those who maintain faith in Jesus.
Option. Distribute copies of the “Belief and Doubt” activity from the reproducible page, which you can
download. Allow two minutes for learners to work on this individually, then ask for volunteers to share results
in a whole-class discussion.
Make a transition by saying, “Our reactions during times of pain and sorrow, specifically during times of loss of
a loved one, can speak volumes to unbelievers around us about our faith in Christ and our hope that extends
beyond this world.”
Into Life
Distribute blank pieces of paper on which learners are to write the names of one or more relatives and/or close
friends who have passed away most recently, individuals for whom they continue to grieve. (If that task is too
personal for the nature of your group, have learners do only the next step.) Then ask learners to write the titles
and expressions of hymns, songs, and/or poetry that reflect the Christian hope of eternal life. Ask volunteers to
share the titles and expressions that are most meaningful to them.
Alternative 1. Give each learner a copy of a poem, hymn, or song that features expressions of the Christian’s
hope in eternal life. Have learners circle words or phrases that reflect that hope most strongly. Discuss how the
themes from these compositions are similar to those found in John 11. Conclude by reading aloud John 11:25,
26a.
Alternative 2. Distribute copies of the “Hope of Eternal Life” activity from the reproducible page for learners to
complete as indicated. Allow a couple of minutes, then ask if anyone desires to share his or her composition
with the class. Encourage learners to share their compositions with those who need the encouragement and
comfort Jesus can provide. Conclude by reading aloud John 11:25, 26a.
Standard Lesson Commentary 2015-2016 (KJV).