“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.”– John 11:43 (KJV)
“Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”– John 11:43 (NLT)
“When he had said this, he shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’– John 11:43 (MSG)
What Does John 11:43 Mean?
John 11:43 is filled with profound meaning as it captures a moment of immense power and authority. In this passage, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, which is a clear display of His divine power. Situated within the context of the Gospel of John, this moment emphasizes not just the miracle itself, but also the significance of belief in Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus’ command to Lazarus to “come forth” indicates that His words have authority that transcends life and death. This verse brings forth questions about our faith in the impossible, how we view death, and what we believe about Jesus’ ability to bring new life.
This moment invites us to reflect on our beliefs about resurrection and hope. It shouts that Jesus is more than just a healer or teacher; He is the source of life. Mere words are not enough here; they are imbued with divine power. We recognize that in our ceremonies, celebrations, and struggles, the presence of Jesus influences our lives tremendously. As He called Lazarus out of the tomb, we too may hear His call in our moments of darkness, beckoning us towards renewed hope and life.
John 11:43 Explanation and Commentary
Upon deeper reflection, the cry of “Lazarus, come forth” becomes a voice not only for Lazarus but for us too. Jesus demonstrates that He has command over death. The miracle hints at the ultimate and final resurrection that hundreds of years would follow. It is essential to explore the layers of this command; it teaches us about identity, purpose, and the relationship between the believer and Jesus. Lazarus’ response to Jesus’ call illustrates a fundamental truth – when Jesus calls, there is a response. The essential nature of faith as an active ingredient to respond to His call is profound.
This story is not just about the act of raising Lazarus, but also about how God’s timing plays into His plans. Just before this act, Jesus had waited purposefully for Lazarus to die, showcasing that God’s plans are often not our immediate understanding. It illustrates the truth found in other verses such as Romans 8:28, which reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love God. While we may not grasp why things unfold as they do, this story dispels our worries. Understanding this can offer the peace we need to navigate through turbulent times in our lives.
Jesus’ demonstrated humility and empathy throughout the story also deserve attention. Even though He knew Lazarus would be raised, He still wept at the death of His friend (John 11:35). This shows us that Jesus is deeply connected to our feelings and sorrows. In our losses, we see a personal, shared pain that we go through with Him. We are reminded that He empathizes with our sufferings, offering us comfort in the moments we experience our darkest trials.
The command, therefore, is an invitation to resurrection in different forms. It invites us to come out of our own tombs of despair, doubt, worries, and uncertainty. We are encouraged to trust in the one who has already conquered death. The act of rising is a reminder for us to leave behind what does not serve our spiritual and emotional growth, whether it be past mistakes, grievances, or even a lack of faith. Just as Lazarus took off his grave clothes once he exited the tomb, we too have the opportunity to shed what weighs us down.
Context of John 11:43
The context surrounding this verse is crucial for understanding its meaning. The events leading up to John 11:43 involve Jesus received news that His friend Lazarus was gravely ill. However, instead of rushing to His side, Jesus chooses to wait, leading to Lazarus’ death. When He finally arrives, Lazarus has already been in the tomb for four days. His sisters, Mary and Martha, express their heartbreak and disappointment, saying that had Jesus been there, Lazarus would not have died. Their heartfelt expressions showcase the human emotion infused within this narrative.
This story takes place in Bethany, a small village not far from Jerusalem. The atmosphere is thick with grief, yet it is also filled with anticipation as Jesus steps forward. His interactions with Martha lead to a declaration from her, affirming her belief that Jesus is the Messiah. This already sets up a beautiful premise where faith mingles with grief as Jesus assures her that her brother will rise again. The conversations prior highlight an intimate relationship among Jesus, the family, and the surrounding community, setting the stage for the miraculous.
Additionally, scholars emphasize that this miracle is significant in the eventual plot against Jesus. The profound nature of raising Lazarus stirs many to believe in Him, but it also intensifies the plotting of the religious leaders to eliminate what they viewed as a threat. Understanding this context provides clarity on the strategic events leading to Jesus’ eventual crucifixion. It also establishes that this moment is pivotal in revealing the nature of Jesus as the source of life as spoken of in John 14:6, where He declares Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 11:43
Breaking down the elements of John 11:43 helps us to understand the nuances of His powerful command. The first significant element is the context of calling Lazarus by name. This personalizes the act; Jesus deeply knows His followers and calls them by name. In our lives, this reminds us that He knows our authentic selves, becomes aware of our struggles, and invites us to step out of our challenges into new beginnings.
When He states, “come forth,” it is not just a physical act but an invitation to respond to a new life—spiritually, emotionally, or mentally. The act of coming forth is about risk and trust. Lazarus had to leave the safety of the tomb, a place where he had been hidden from the world. Similarly, in our lives, embracing new paths might require leaving behind the familiar, especially when we hold on to fears and doubts. Jesus calls us to step into faith, trusting that good awaits us beyond what we know.
Jesus’ loud voice signifies authority and intent. It signifies a boldness that portrays the importance of His word. In our lives, we often forget the significance of declaration—whether in prayer, affirmation, or worship. Jesus invites us to boldly proclaim our beliefs amidst our fears. It signifies trust that His words carry power, as echoed in Romans 10:17: “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” This call encourages us to pay attention to His words and believe in His promises.
Furthermore, Lazarus’ emergence from the tomb is representative of resurrection, not just physically but spiritually. The grave clothes symbolize the remnants of our past that can hinder our journey. As Lazarus steps out, the teachings on shedding our past sins and burdens come to light, mirroring Colossians 3:3 where we are called to set our mind on things that are above. Each time we choose to rise from our challenges and past mistakes, we embrace a new life shaped by Jesus’ love and grace.
Lessons to Learn From John 11:43
Several lessons emerge from this powerful verse and narrative. Firstly, we learn about the importance of faith in moments of despair. Martha and Mary undoubtedly felt the sting of disappointment, particularly in their belief that Jesus could save Lazarus from death. When we face challenging situations, we might question God’s timing and presence as they did, yet this story emphasizes that faith persists even amidst confusion. Jesus reassures us to trust in His timing. Our struggles can inspire a deeper faith as we confront our difficulties rather than shy away.
The presence of compassion displayed by Jesus also teaches us about empathy. He shared in the grief of the two sisters, showing us that God is relatable and shares in our sorrows. This is an invitation for us to practice empathy in a world where people are often experiencing pain. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus by walking alongside those who mourn and providing comfort.
Acceptance of our grief and struggles is crucial as it paves the way for healing and resilience. Just like Lazarus had to face the darkness of the tomb, we must confront our challenges. Finding ways to address our grief and pain directly can often lead us toward healing rather than pushing these feelings aside.
The call to come forth invites us to re-examine our purpose and identity in Christ. It is an invitation to embrace the newness of life that Jesus offers. Just as Lazarus was called to cast off his grave clothes, we too must release negativity or anything that stunts our spiritual growth. Each of us can discern what needs to be shed or transformed in our lives.
Lastly, John 11:43 delivers the undeniable truth that Jesus holds the keys to life and death. This conviction ought to empower us as we embrace our faith. Contextually and personally, it reminds us that nothing is beyond His reach, and the hope we have in Him is steadfast. His resurrection power can ignite our lives, even in our deadest moments, simply waiting for us to respond to His loving call.
Final Thoughts
John 11:43 offers us a glimpse into the heart of who Jesus is—one who calls us by name to step forward into life and hope. This powerful moment reminds us that He possesses authority over every aspect of our lives. Each time we experience despair, uncertainty, or sorrow, we can remember that just as Lazarus was called forth from death, we too have an invitation to rise and accept the newness of life offered through Christ.
The journey does not stop at rising; it extends to learning how to release what weighs us down and trust in His promises. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, may we seek to embrace the call to transformation, understanding that He knows us, cares for our heart, and desires to lead us into a place of healing and renewal.
Let us offer our circumstances, doubts, and struggles to Him, allowing us the space to accept His gift of life. We have an opportunity to inspire others around us by sharing our journeys of faith and hope. If you’re feeling inspired to learn more, check out additional resources like John 7:12 or Numbers 13:23 for further insights into what God has to say. Together, we can walk this beautiful path of exploration and growth in faith.