General Materials: Ideological/Chronological
John presents his ideas by expressing another sign to prove who Jesus really is and why he came here. John wants everyone to come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and to believe on Him. John uses this eye witness account of Lazarus to explain: that Jesus is the resurrection, truth, and life. (v25)
Paragraph Titles:
The sickness of Lazarus. (1-6)
Christ returns to Judea. (7-10)
The death of Lazarus. (11-16)
Christ arrives at Bethany. (17-32)
He raises Lazarus. (33-46)
John’s Purpose: Jesus knowing the need of the people allows John to show that Lazarus is sick. (11:1) Then, Jesus to show the glory of God (v. 4) allows Lazarus to die (v14)- climax. Which, finally proves who Jesus is in verse 25.
Unit One: The setting and background of Lazarus
The sickness of Lazarus. (1-6)
Christ returns to Judea. (7-10)
Unit Two: The dialog with Mary and Martha
The death of Lazarus. (11-16)
Christ arrives at Bethany. (17-32)
Meets Martha (20)
Meets Mary (28)
Travels to tome (34)
Unit 3: The raising of Lazarus
Remove stone (39)
Sign (42)
Raise from the dead (43)
Release of bondage (44)
Semantic Structures:
The semantic structures of this segment is based on a narrative climax. The information moves to using the actual event of the resurrection of Lazarus to prove Jesus is the life, resurrection, and the life (v25).
1. Preparation/Realization:
Preparation: Jesus instructs/knows the need of His people. Jesus knew Lazarus was sick (v.1). Knew Lazarus was dead (v. 14) Jesus and the witness of the author also knew the people needed to believe (40).
Realization: Jesus is the resurrection and the life v.25.
Questions: What is the meaning of all the references? How is the references generalized to the whole word? What are the implications? What is the primary meaning of the recurring comparison pairs?
2. Recurrence of Causation with Outcome
Cause/Effect- The human need to believe (14) and be resurrected!(25)
Outcome – Was the ability to raise from the dead -v 43 and ability of Jesus to allow us to go free -v44.
Questions: How does Jesus cause to get the effects of all? What are the major elements in the relationship of the cause and the effect? And what are the meanings to each? Why did the author include this cause and effect? How does this effect the message as a whole? What are the implications?
3. Causation
Cause: Because Lazarus is sick 11:1 and Because Lazarus is dead 11:4
Effect: 11:12 So he will recover, So others will believe 11:40/42, Lazarus is alive 11:43
Questions: How does Jesus cause to get the effects of all? What are the major elements in the relationship of the cause and the effect? And what are the meanings to each? Why did the author include this cause and effect? How does this effect the message as a whole? What are the implications?
Key Passages:
11:11 Jesus said Lazarus has fallen asleep. What did He mean by this? What are the implications? What relations does death v 14, sick v1, recover v 12 and dead v 14 have when used in this segment?
11:17 and 11:25 How does resurrection relate to this segment, book has a whole, and the rest of scripture?
11:35 What is the significance of Jesus crying in this segment? What does Jesus crying mean to the Bible as a whole?
11:38 Why is raising Lazarus from the dead important? Does the implications reach far beyond this chapter? Does this action directly impact human life and if so how?
Other Major Impressions:
(4-6) Jesus responds with a delay. When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.
Questions: What is the significance? What are the implications?
Verses 9-10: “Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
Questions: How does verses nine and ten relate to the theme as a whole? What is the significance of time in this passage and how does it relate to the whole book of John? What does light and darkness symbolize and why is noted here? What are the implications?
(23-27) I am the resurrection and the life.
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
Questions: How does verses nine and ten relate to the theme as a whole? What is the significance of time in this passage and how does it relate to the whole book of John? What does light and darkness symbolize and why is noted here? What are the implications?
Literary Form: Narrative
This is written in plain language for the ancient time when it was recorded. It has a beginning, middle, and an end; which, is the basis for a good story. This segment has main characters and event. It also includes a theme and a call to action.
