The Gospel of John Chapter 11:17–27 (NKJV)

The Death of Lazarus: The Conversation with Martha (II)

Welcome to The-Way Ministry

Partner Acknowledgment

Good afternoon. Before we dive into God's Word today, we want to express our deep gratitude to our supporting ministry partners:

• Luminous Church — San Antonio, TX
• Sowers Church of Christ — San Antonio, TX
• Christian Community Church of Ministry — Bangladesh
• Victory Group Bible Study

Thank you for standing faithfully alongside us as we proclaim the grace, truth, and light of Jesus Christ.

Introduction

Today, we turn our attention to John 11:17–27. We step onto the scene alongside Martha as she walks out to meet Jesus—moving directly from the deep pain of an unanswered prayer into one of the most powerful theological declarations in all of Scripture:

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." — John 11:25 (NKJV)

In this passage, we see the profound reality of human grief meeting divine hope. Even in the midst of heartbreak—and despite her past moments of frustration—Martha displays an undeniable, steadfast faith in Christ as the Messiah.

In today's message (Part II: The Conversation with Martha), we will examine three key movements throughout verses and explore their broader biblical connections: Moving from personal grief and intellectual theology to direct, transformational faith in the Person of Jesus Christ.

·         Movement I: The Reality of Human Grief & Disappointment (John 11:17–21)

·         Movement II: Moving from Theoretical Doctrine to Living Faith (John 11:22–24)

·         Movement III: The Supreme Declaration & The Personal Decision (John 11:25–27)

Scripture Reading: John 11:17–27 (NKJV)

17 So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. 19 And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Movement I: The Reality of Human Grief & Disappointment (John 11:17–21)

When Jesus finally arrives on the outskirts of Bethany, the Scripture opens with a detail heavy with finality: Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. In ancient Jewish thought and tradition, the number four held profound, solemn weight. Culturally, there was a widespread rabbinic belief at the time that a person’s spirit hovered near the body for three days, holding onto the faint hope of return. But by the fourth day, decay had visibly set in. The body was deteriorating, the tomb door was firmly sealed, and all human hope was officially declared dead. John includes this detail so we don't miss the setting: Jesus isn’t walking into a room of lingering optimism; He is walking into an absolute graveyard of finality.