Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, gets sick and dies. Jesus waits, then travels to Bethany. He tells Martha: 'I am the resurrection and the life.' Jesus weeps at the tomb. Then He calls 'Lazarus, come forth!' — and Lazarus walks out alive. The religious leaders plot to kill Jesus.
Jesus has power over death itself — and He feels everything we feel. When Jesus says 'I am the resurrection and the life,' He means that those who trust Him will live forever.
John 11 is one of the most emotionally rich chapters in the Gospels. Three moments anchor the chapter: (1) Jesus' delay (vv1-16) — He waited because He had a greater plan, teaching children that God's timing isn't always our timing, but it is always right. (2) 'Jesus wept' (v35) — the shortest verse in the Bible shows that Jesus fully enters into our grief. He did not just watch from a distance. (3) The resurrection of Lazarus (vv38-44) — a preview of Jesus' own resurrection and a sign that He truly is Lord over death. The plot against Jesus (vv45-57) shows that His greatest miracle also moved His enemies closest to killing Him — the road to the cross runs through Lazarus's tomb.
Jesus is your friend, just like He was Lazarus's friend. When you are sad, He is sad with you. When things feel hopeless, Jesus has a plan. And one day, He will raise all who believe in Him to live forever.