“Jesus wept”

(John 11:35)

John 11

A unique account in a variety of ways Before we start reading…

11:1-3 - Lazarus, whom Jesus loved, is very sick 11:4 - “this sickness not to end in death…” 11:6 - Jesus waits two more days… 11:7-10 - …and then He heads back to Judea 11:11-15 - Lazarus has “fallen asleep” - but it is all going

to turn out for the glory of God (cf. 11:4) .

John 11:17-46 11:17 - “had been in the tomb four days…” (cf. 11:39) 11:21-22 - Martha: “If You had been here…” 11:23-27 - “Your brother will raise again!”

“I am the resurrection and the life…”

11:29-32 - Mary: “If You had been here…” 11:33-34 - Jesus is moved (cf. 11:39) and comes to the tomb 11:35 - “Jesus wept” (genuine sorrow - 11:36) 11:37 - “Could not this man…?” 11:39-46 - Remove the stone - prayer - Lazarus, come forth!

Jesus wept (John 11:35)

Something does not seem to fit… Jesus knew He was going to raise Lazarus (cf. 11:4) Why is Jesus weeping?

His friend is dead, Sadness all around, but… Jesus is also weeping at death itself!

Jesus: only one to know how it was meant to be! Col 1:16; John 1:1-3 He made it, He knows how it was supposed to be! cf. Ezra 3:10-13 - Jesus sees a much stronger constrast! .

Death (…and Sin)

Death not meant to be in the beginning A consequence of sin (Gen 3:19; Rom 5:12)

Discomfort and injustice of death: pain of sin (Jesus’ tears)

Sin separates mankind from God When man disobeyed, sin separated him from God Death: the ultimate separation (spiritual death…) Death: the end of our hope

John 11:21, 32, 37; Lk 8:49; Heb 9:27-28 How would it be to have no more hope?

Christians have hope!

Hope in Christ 1 Thess 4:13-14; John 11:25-26

Jesus is the resurrection and the life: He is our hope!

Resurrection Not merely the opposite of death Resurrection is the defeat of death!

Acts 2:22-24 - Jesus defeated death Eternal life - 1 Thess 4:16-18; Rev 21:3-4 Justice is made and death has died! John 11:25-26

“I am the resurrection…”

(John 11:25-26)