LAZARUS, COME FORTH
John 11:21,32-44
A tragedy has befallen a family. A family member is dead. They thought that the situation might have been
otherwise if the Lord had been present when things could still be remedied (John 11:21,32). They thought
that Jesus had come too late. Is your situation like this? Are you thinking that it is too late for any profitable
solution?
However, Jesus never went to any place late. He is always on time. The situation may seem hopeless but He
is the master over every circumstance. Others may be telling you not to trouble the master any further since
your child is now dead. But if you believe like Jairus, a resurrection is in the pipeline for you (Mark 5:23,3542; Luke 8:41,42,49-56).
Your Lazarus no matter how long he has been dead will come forth! Your prospects no matter how long
they have been buried will come alive!
COMPLAINT OF DISCOURAGED SAINTS
John 11:21,32; Numbers 21:4-7; 11:10-15; 32:7-9; 13:30-33; 14:1-5; Exodus 6:6-9; Judges 15:18; 1 Kings
19:1-4,9,10; Jonah 4:1-4; Deuteronomy 1:21,28; Colossians 3:21.
Discouragement is a deadly situation that can destroy the faith of even the strongest of saints. If we do not
know how to handle moments of discouragement, the consequences will always be devastating.
Though individually spoken at different times and places, the complaints of Mary and Martha – two
discouraged saints – were essentially the same: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died”
(John 11:21,32).
Situations beyond our control, problems that overwhelm and disorient, conditions that resemble a wilderness
without any way of escape in sight are some of the things that cause discouragement. The scriptures record
instances of this in the lives of the saints of old (Numbers 21:4-7; 11:10-15; 32:7-9; 13:30-33; 14:1-5;
Exodus 6:6-9; Judges 15:18; 1 Kings 19:1-4,9,10; Jonah 4:1-4; Deuteronomy 1:21,28; Colossians 3:21).
COMPASSION OF THE DEPENDABLE SAVIOUR
John 11:35,36; Hebrews 4:15,16; 5:1,2; 2:17; 1 Peter 5:7; James 5:11; Mark 1:40-42; 5:18-20; 6:34; 8:2;
9:22; Luke 7:13-15; 10:33; Matthew 18:27; 20:34; 8:1-7.
However, no matter how bad our situation may be, the Lord is compassionate towards us because He knows
what we are passing through (Psalm 103:13,14).
Jesus risked His life to go and raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:7,8,14). This is love and compassion at
its height. He manifested compassion for the grieving family and the onlookers testified of it. He Himself
wept (John 11:35,36).
The Lord cares about you. He is dependable and can be touched with the feelings of our infirmity (Hebrews
4:15,16; 5:1,2; 2:17; 1 Peter 5:7; James 5:11; Mark 1:40-42; 5:18-20; 6:34; 8:2; 9:22; Luke 7:13-15; 10:33;
Matthew 18:27; 20:34; 8:1-7).
COME TO DELIBERATELY SEE
John 11:34; 1:39,46; 4:29; Revelation 6:1-7; 4:1; 17:1; 21:9; 1 Samuel 17:25; Luke 19:1-6; Matthew 11:7-9.
When Jesus enquired about where they have laid Lazarus, rather than describe the location in words, they
said unto Him “Lord, come and see” (John 11:34).
Situations can get so bad that we are at a loss for words to describe them. Rather than explain when people
ask us, we just tell them to come and see for themselves, experience the reality for themselves. See it
practically and make up your mind and conclusions about it.
Coming to see for oneself eliminates all doubt about the reality of what is said (John 1:39,46; 4:29;
Revelation 6:1-7; 4:1; 17:1; 21:9; 1 Samuel 17:25; Luke 19:1-6; Matthew 11:7-9).
CLEARING THE DISTURBING STONE
John 11:38-41; Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1,2; Mark 2:1-10; 9:23; 11:22-24; 1 John 3:22; Matthew 17:19,20;
21:22; James 1:5-8; 5:7,11; Hebrews 6:12; Daniel 10:12-14,20; Zechariah 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Now that Jesus has seen where they laid Lazarus. He was ready to raise him from the dead but a disturbing
stone lay at the mouth of the tomb. Without clearing away this obstructing stone, nothing can be done. Jesus
told them to “take ye away the stone” (John 11:39).
Martha said it was unnecessary to take away the stone because by this time the body of Lazarus has already
decayed and will be stinking. Encouragement from Christ that they will see the glory of God if they will
believe and remove the stone led them to do so (John 11:40,41).
There was the physical stone at the entrance of the tomb and a spiritual blockage of unbelief in the heart of
Martha. Both must be cleared away. Every stone and blockage to miraculous breakthrough must be cleared
away.
The following always constitute obstructions to the miraculous:
(1) sin (Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1,2; Mark 2:1-10; 1 John 3:22)
(2) Doubt and unbelief (Matthew 17:19,20; 21:22; James 1:5-8; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24)
(3) Impatience (Hebrews 6:12; James 5:7,11)
(4) Demonic opposition (Daniel 10:12-14,20; Zechariah 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
CANCELLING THE DEATH SENTENCE
John 11:41-44; Ezekiel 37:1-10; Luke 7:1-17; 8:41; Matthew 9:23; 8:5-13; Mark 5:23; Acts 9:40; 20:9-12; 1
Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 13:21.
Once they removed the disturbing and obstructing stone, the miracle was on the way. Jesus lifted up His
eyes and prayed. This was followed by the command of faith spoken with a loud voice “Lazarus, come
forth” (John 11:43). The record of scripture concerning this command is excellent: “And he that was dead
CAME FORTH” (John 11:44).
Jesus essentially cancelled the death sentence hanging over Lazarus. He proclaimed life and vitality. He
spoke and it came to pass.
The overhanging death sentence on your spiritual life, physical life, business, marriage, etc. will be
cancelled. All your Lazarus’ will come forth and live! The dry bones will live again (Ezekiel 37:1-10).