John 11:38-44

Lazarus Raised

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 11:38-44, NLT) 38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” 40 Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” 41 So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. 42 You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” 43 Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in graveclothes, his face wrapped in a headcloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” 

Observation

• We are told that Jesus is still angry as he approaches the tomb. 

• The tomb of Lazarus is completely sealed and has been for four days. 

• Martha protested the opening of the tomb because the smell would be terrible. 

• This is not a resuscitation. This is a resurrection of a dead man. 

• Jesus tells Martha again that she (and the others around them) would witness the glory of God through what he was about to do. 

• Again, the language of “believe” is mentioned twice. 

• Jesus explains that the Father always hears his prayers. They talk all the time. 

• Jesus shouts for Lazarus to come out, and he does. 

• He looks like a mummy. He is unwrapped and set free from the graveclothes. 

Application

• Protesting the instruction of the Lord is not a good idea. 

• God is able to bring dead things back to life. 

• God demonstrates His power to reveal His glory. 

• Miracles led people to belief. 

• God is listening to our prayers just like Jesus. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for hearing my prayers. I am so grateful that through your death and resurrection I now have access to the ear of the Father through the Holy Spirit. Help me never to protest your instructions. Help me to believe even when I cannot see a way through difficult situations. I pray for miracles and greater things to happen in and through my ministry and the church. May more and more people be drawn to you and believe. Thank you for listening and responding. In Jesus’ name, amen! 

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