Seven Life-Changing Lessons from the Story of Jesus and Lazarus

Seven Lessons to learn about the story between Jesus and Lazarus,

From John 11

By Neil McBride

1. God’s Timing Is Perfect

“So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days.” – John 11:6

At first glance, this verse seems puzzling, almost troubling. Jesus receives urgent news that His dear friend Lazarus is gravely ill. The logical, loving response would be to rush to his side, to heal him before it’s too late. But instead, Jesus makes a deliberate decision to stay where He is for two more days. It feels like a delay, perhaps even neglect.

But it wasn’t a mistake. It was a divine strategy.

Jesus wasn’t indifferent or slow. He was operating on God’s perfect timetable, not a human one. This delay had a purpose. He wasn’t just going to heal Lazarus. He was going to raise him from the dead, a miracle that would glorify God in an even greater way and reveal Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life. The delay wasn’t a denial—it was a setup for something bigger than anyone expected.

1. We Often Misread Delays

In our fast-paced world, we’re conditioned to expect quick responses. When God doesn’t answer our prayers immediately, we often feel anxious, forgotten, or rejected. We assume the silence means “no,” when it might mean “not yet.”

But God’s delays are never random. They are intentional pauses with eternal purposes. Like in the story of Lazarus, what looks like inaction may be God aligning circumstances for a greater miracle.

1. Delays Deepen Our Dependence

Waiting tests our faith, but it also strengthens it. In life’s waiting room, we learn to trust God more deeply. We stop leaning on our understanding and start clinging to His promises, even when we don’t see progress. Jesus delayed not to cause pain, but to bring glory and to grow the faith of Mary, Martha, the disciples, and even us as readers today. If he had arrived earlier and healed Lazarus, it would have been powerful—but not nearly as powerful as calling a man out of the grave.

1. God’s Timing Reveals God’s Character

 God is never late or caught off guard. His timing isn’t based on panic or pressure; it’s based on perfect wisdom, unshakable love, and eternal perspective. While we see the immediate problem, He sees the entire story.

 Jesus loved Lazarus deeply, and yet He waited. This shows us that God’s love and His delays can coexist. Sometimes the greatest expressions of His love come through waiting, because He is preparing something far greater than we’re asking for.

 Just because God hasn’t moved yet doesn’t mean He isn’t working. His silence is not absence. His delay is not denial. He is never late, and He is never wrong. When God holds back, it’s not because He doesn’t care; He cares so much that He wants to do something even greater than we can imagine.

 So if you’re in a season of waiting, don’t lose heart. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. God’s timing is not just

2. Jesus Understands Our Pain

“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35

This verse is famously known as the shortest in the Bible, but its emotional and theological depth is immense. In just two words, Scripture reveals something profound about Jesus’s heart: He is not distant from our suffering. He does not stand apart from our pain; He steps into it with us.

 When Jesus arrived at Lazarus’ tomb, He already knew the ending. He had already declared, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). He had already planned to raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet even with that knowledge, Jesus stopped, looked around at the weeping crowd, and wept.

1. Jesus Mourns With Us

Jesus’s tears were not for Lazarus alone. He wept for Mary, Martha, the brokenness of humanity, and the sting of death that wounds every human soul. His tears were real. His grief was genuine. In that moment, Jesus was not simply God in flesh; He was God feeling our sorrow.

This shows us that God is not emotionally detached. He isn’t a cold, distant deity observing human suffering from the safety of heaven. Jesus, the Son of God, enters into our grief. He meets us in our lowest valleys and shares in our sorrow. He doesn’t rush past the pain or scold us for feeling broken. He joins us in the pain, and His presence becomes our comfort.

1. Empathy, Not Just Power

We often focus on Jesus’s power, His ability to heal, deliver, and resurrect. But this moment reminds us of His empathy. Before He showed His power by calling Lazarus out of the grave, He showed His heart by crying with His friends. That makes Jesus so unlike anyone else: He holds all authority and chooses to weep alongside us.

In times of grief, when words fail and pain feels unbearable, we can be assured that Jesus doesn’t merely understand from a distance, He feels it with us. Our tears and losses matter to Him. He doesn’t dismiss our emotions; He embraces them.

1. A Saviour Who Suffers With Us

The tears Jesus shed in John 11 were a foretaste of the greater suffering He would endure for us on the cross. He entered the world’s brokenness not as an outsider trying to fix a problem, but as a Saviour willing to suffer with and for us. Every moment of pain we face reminds us that we follow a God who has walked through pain Himself.

 This is a critical truth for anyone going through grief, loss, or disappointment: Jesus is not just your deliverer; He is your comforter. He doesn’t just come to fix the problem; He comes to sit with you in it, to cry with you, and to carry you through it.

“Jesus wept” is more than a memory verse; it’s a lifeline. It tells us that we worship a God who understands, feels, and walks alongside us in our darkest hours. Even though He knows resurrection is coming, He never rushes us past the reality of pain. His compassion is real, His empathy is deep, and His presence is near.

So when you are heartbroken, grief feels overwhelming, or you feel like no one understands, remember this: Jesus does. He is not just watching from heaven. He is weeping with you, walking with you, and preparing something beautiful on the other side of your sorrow.

3. Faith Is Essential in the Face of Loss

“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” – John 11:40

These words from Jesus are spoken at the height of grief, confusion, and apparent finality. Lazarus was dead. The tomb was sealed. Mary and Martha were mourning. To everyone present, the situation was over, too far gone, beyond hope.

But Jesus challenges that conclusion with a powerful reminder: faith depends not on circumstances but on trust in God’s power and character. He doesn’t just comfort Martha with warm words; He confronts her with a bold truth: “If you believe, you will see…”

1. Faith is Not Denial of Reality, It’s Confidence in a Greater Reality

Jesus doesn’t ask Mary and Martha to pretend Lazarus isn’t dead. He doesn’t dismiss their pain or tell them to ignore what they see. Instead, He acknowledges their loss but points them to something greater than death: God’s glory.

This is crucial: faith doesn’t ignore reality; it acknowledges a higher one. Faith does not close your eyes to the problem; it opens your heart to God’s power. It believes that what you see isn’t all there is and that God is still at work even in the most hopeless moments.

1. Faith is the Bridge Between Grief and Glory

Jesus knew what He was about to do. He knew Lazarus would rise again. But he still required faith from those around Him. Why? Because faith aligns us with God’s perspective. It doesn’t force God’s hand; it opens our eyes to what He’s already doing.

This verse reminds us that miracles are often connected to belief. Our faith does not limit God, but He usually chooses to work in response to it. When we choose to believe, even when it hurts or looks impossible, we enter a space where God’s glory is revealed unexpectedly.

1. Faith Requires Trust in the Middle of the Process

Mary and Martha had faith when they told Jesus that Lazarus was sick. However, their faith faltered when Jesus didn’t arrive on time or when Lazarus died. And that’s where many of us find ourselves: we start with faith, but when God delays, or when loss comes, we wonder if He still hears us.

Jesus’ words in John 11:40 are both a rebuke and a reassurance. He reminds them of what He had already said: “Did I not tell you…?” He had already given them reason to trust. Sometimes we need to be reminded of what God has already promised. Faith doesn’t mean we always feel strong; it means we stand on what we know to be true, even when emotions and evidence say otherwise.

1. Faith Leads to a Revelation of God’s Glory

The end goal of faith is not just to receive what we want, it’s to see God’s glory. When Lazarus walked out of that tomb, it wasn’t just a happy ending for his family. It was a public, undeniable revelation of who Jesus is: the Resurrection and the Life. God used a moment of deep loss to showcase His divine power and compassion. In the same way, your faith during seasons of grief, loss, or uncertainty can become the very thing that allows God’s glory to shine through your life. Others will see your trust, peace, and strength not as human but as divine.

Faith doesn’t erase pain, but it invites God into it. It doesn’t guarantee the outcome we want, but it positions us to see God work in ways we never imagined. In the face of death, disappointment, or delay, faith says, “God, I still believe You are good. I still believe you are working. And I trust that Your glory will be revealed.”

So if you’re standing at a “tomb” today, where something has died or been lost, hold on to faith. Even there, especially there, Jesus whispers the same truth He spoke to Martha:

“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

Choose to believe, because the story isn’t over yet.

4. Jesus Has Power Over Death

“Lazarus, come out!” – John 11:43

These three simple words shattered the silence of the tomb and rewrote the rules of reality. Lazarus, who had been dead for four days, emerged alive, still wrapped in grave clothes, but no longer bound by death. With this command, Jesus demonstrated something the world had never seen: He holds absolute authority over life and death.

This moment was more than a miracle; it was a declaration—a declaration that death is not the final word, that Jesus is not just a healer but the very source of life itself. It was a foreshadowing of His own resurrection, where He would conquer death not just for one man but for all who believe in Him.

1. Death is No Match for Jesus

In the ancient world, death was seen as final and irreversible. But when Jesus spoke, death had to release its grip. The power of His voice reversed decay, restored breath, and reactivated life. This shows us that no situation is too far gone for Him, not even the grave.

Whether it’s a dead dream, a broken relationship, or a life that feels hopeless, Jesus still speaks to the “tombs” in our lives. And when He does, new life begins.

1. Resurrection is Personal

Notice Jesus didn’t say, “Everyone, come out.” He said, “Lazarus, come out.” The resurrection was personal, specific, and intimate. Jesus knows your name. He knows what part of you feels buried under disappointment, shame, or fear. And He calls you, not generically, but personally, to step into life again.

1. A Preview of What’s to Come

Lazarus’s resurrection was not just for that day; it was a preview of what Jesus would soon accomplish on the cross. And more than that, it was a promise of what’s to come for every believer. Because Jesus has conquered death, we no longer have to fear it. Death is no longer an end, but a doorway to eternal life.

When Jesus says, “Come out,” He speaks life into every area that feels lost or lifeless. He has the final say over death, physical, emotional, and spiritual. Trust in His voice. He doesn’t just restore what was lost, He breathes life into what we thought was gone forever.

5. God’s Glory Is Revealed Through Trials

“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” – John 11:4

 When Jesus first heard that Lazarus was sick, his immediate response wasn’t panic or sorrow; it was purpose. Even before anything had unfolded, he declared that this situation would not end in despair but in God’s glory.

This doesn’t mean pain wasn’t real or that suffering was easy to bear. Lazarus still died, Mary and Martha still mourned, and people still wept. But none of that was wasted because, through it all, God was setting the stage for something greater, a revelation of His power, His love, and His Son.

1. Pain is Not Pointless

We often ask, “Why?” when we suffer. Why did this happen? Why now? Why me? But Jesus shows us that even suffering can serve a purpose. God doesn’t always cause the pain, but He never lets it go to waste. He uses it to shape us, to refine our faith, and, ultimately, to reveal His glory in our lives.

Trials Become Testimoniet

Imagine how many lives were changed because of Lazarus’s resurrection. That trial wasn’t just about one family, it became a public witness to the power of God. In the same way, your darkest seasons may end up becoming your most powerful testimonies. Others may see how God brings you through and be encouraged to trust Him in their journey. 

1. God’s Glory Isn’t Always Comfortable

Sometimes, we assume God’s glory will only show up in the miraculous or the joyful. But this story revealed glory through death, delay, and grief. That reminds us that God’s glory doesn’t always come wrapped in comfort—it often comes through suffering and places we wouldn’t expect.

When we surrender our pain to Him, He brings beauty out of ashes. He takes what was meant for evil or despair and turns it into something that points back to His goodness and faithfulness.

Your trial is not the end; it may be the beginning of God’s greatest work in your life. Like Lazarus, your situation may seem dead, but the story is still unfolding if Jesus is in it. Don’t give up in the middle of the pain. Trust that God’s glory can shine even through the hardest parts of your story.

6. Jesus Is the Resurrection and the Life

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” – John 11:25

This declaration by Jesus is not just a profound theological statement; it’s a life-altering truth. Jesus doesn’t merely offer resurrection or life; He is both. In this statement, Jesus defines His divine identity and mission, revealing a reality that can transform everything we believe about life and death.

1. Jesus Is Life in Every Sense

When Jesus says He is the life, He’s referring to more than just our existence here on earth. He’s talking about physical life, the quality of life, and the abundant, eternal life that only He can offer. The life He gives is not bound by time, circumstance, or death.

In a world often defined by fleeting pleasures, stress, and loss, Jesus offers something different: a life that transcends the temporary and points to eternity. When we believe in Him, we tap into a source of life that can never be taken away. This is why the apostle Paul later writes in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

1. Death Is Not the End, But a Transition

The powerful truth behind this statement is that death is not the end. Jesus redefines death as a transition, not a termination. When He says those who believe in Him will live, even though they die, He’s offering a new perspective on eternity. Death is no longer to be feared but understood as a stepping stone to eternal life with God.

 When we believe in Jesus, death loses its sting. It no longer has the final say. Instead, Jesus, the Resurrection, is the one who holds the keys to death and the grave. This belief brings peace in the face of death and hope for what comes after this life.

1. Eternal Life Begins Now

 Jesus doesn’t just promise eternal life in the future; He offers us a new kind of life here and now. Eternal life isn’t just a quantity of life, but a quality of life. It’s a life defined by knowing and being known by God, walking with Him, and experiencing His presence in every moment.

This life isn’t about waiting for heaven someday; it’s about living in the reality of God’s kingdom today, where we experience His peace, joy, purpose, and love regardless of our circumstances. Jesus is the resurrection that begins when we believe and extends into eternity.

Jesus doesn’t just give us life; He is life. We find true peace, hope, and purpose in Him beyond anything this world can offer. When we embrace Him as the Resurrection and the Life, we step into a new way of living that

defeats fear, overcomes death, and redefines our existence. Faith in Jesus isn’t just about believing in a distant future; it’s about experiencing the abundant, eternal life He offers.

7. Our Response to Jesus Matters 

“Some believed… others plotted to kill Him.” – John 11:45-53

The miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection was one of the most public demonstrations of Jesus’ divine power. Yet, even in the face of such an undeniable display of God’s glory, the response from those who witnessed it was mixed. Some were moved to faith, but others hardened their hearts and chose to reject Him.

This illustrates a powerful truth: Miracles alone don’t guarantee belief. Faith is not just about witnessing extraordinary events; it’s about an open heart and a willingness to respond to the truth of who Jesus is. Our response to Jesus isn’t just about admiring His works, embracing His message, and choosing to follow Him.

1. Not Everyone Who Sees the Truth Will Accept It 

Despite the miracle of Lazarus rising from the dead, some witnesses still refused to believe. Their hearts were hardened, and they ignored the overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ divinity. This reminds us that seeing isn’t always thinking; how we respond to what we see matters.

 In our own lives, we can encounter God’s power in many ways, through answered prayers, changed lives, or a deep sense of His presence. The key question is: How do we respond? Do we allow those moments to deepen our faith or reject them when they challenge our preconceived notions or comfort zones? 

Our Response Can Lead to Either Life or Death 

The response of the religious leaders in this passage shows that rejecting Jesus doesn’t just leave us neutral; it leads to spiritual death. When the Pharisees and chief priests heard of the miracle, they didn’t think, “Wow, this is incredible!” Instead, they saw it as a threat to their power and authority, and they began plotting to kill Jesus. Jesus doesn’t offer a middle ground. To accept Him is to embrace life, and to reject Him is to remain in death. This may seem harsh, but it’s the gospel’s truth: there is no neutral position regarding Jesus. We either choose to follow Him or turn away from Him.

Faith Requires Action, Not Just Acknowledgement

Acknowledging Jesus as a historical figure or even admiring His works is not enough. The gospel calls us to respond with active faith that changes how we live, think, and act. True faith in Jesus involves surrender, trust, and commitment. It’s about allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. When we respond to Jesus, it’s not just an intellectual decision; it’s a heartfelt, life-changing commitment. Our response to Jesus determines the trajectory of our lives: whether we choose to follow Him into abundant life or reject Him and remain in spiritual death. The miracle of Lazarus challenges us to examine how we respond to the truth of Jesus. Miracles may open our eyes, but our hearts determine whether we truly believe. The question isn’t “Do we see?” but “How will we respond?” Will we choose to believe and follow, or will we harden our hearts and reject Him? Our response matters because it shapes our eternity. Choose life. Choose Jesus.

Seven Lessons to learn about the story between Jesus and Lazarus,

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)