Day 11
John 11:11
11 “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m going there to awaken him.”
If Lazarus was dead, why did Jesus say he'd fallen asleep? We find the answer earlier in the chapter when Mary and Martha send a message to Jesus that their brother, whom Jesus LOVED, was ill. And Jesus declared, "This illness does not lead to death, rather it is for God's glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." The word glorify here means to be recognized as glorious or worthy of praise. You see, Jesus makes a point of saying Lazarus was only asleep because he's alluding to the fact that in the final miracle before his crucifixion, Jesus plans to show that he has ultimate power over death.
Furthermore, by saying Lazarus was asleep, Jesus was indicating that the greater purpose of resurrecting Lazarus from the dead was to reveal himself as the light of the world that awakened Lazarus and everyone who witnessed the miracle of his resurrection to the reality that Jesus Christ is the King of Glory who came to usher in the Kingdom of God. He did this miracle knowing that it would lead to his death but recognizing that only through his death and resurrection could God be glorified, exalted, and reconcile all of creation back to intimate union with the Father (Phil 2:6-11, John 12:32). In this way, the glory of God was revealed through Lazarus' awakening. Jesus emphasized the spiritual awakening over the physical resurrection because it was only by awakening people to the power of God on the earth that they could tap into that power through the Holy Spirit. When one taps into that power, they establish the Kingdom of God because they shine as light this dark world. This story speaks to the believer who is technically alive in Christ but asleep to the full power of the Holy Spirit. Many of us have been lulled into slumber by things in the physical when there's a battle raging in the spiritual. Living awake in the day is living aware of the power and presence you carry as a child of God. How might the glory of God be revealed through your life if you allow Jesus Christ to awaken you?
Next Steps
Read John chapter 11 and take notes, making observations and asking questions as you read.
Mediate on 1 or 2 verses that stood out to you. Focus on what they reveal about God and how the Spirit is inviting you to respond. Find a helpful guide to biblical meditation here.
Write down whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.
Reflection Questions
What does Jesus mean in John 11:25 when he says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
It may seem like Jesus just used the death of Lazarus to prove a point. How does his reaction to Mary and Martha support or deny this?
How might this passage help you to trust the timing of God’s awakening in your life?
Prayer Points
Lord, wake up everything you’ve placed in me to reveal your glory
Lord, wake up the spirit of God in me so that even when it seems like you’re late, I remain faithful to wait on you and trust in your word
Lord, wake up my community so we can live for your glory together
