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The Power of Faith that Works: 14 Lessons from John 11 |By Sunday Isehunwa
Unlock the profound wisdom of Jesus demonstrated in John 11 as we delve into the transformative power of faith that truly works. In this enlightening article, we will explore 14 invaluable lessons from this chapter of the Bible, shedding light on how faith can move mountains, conquer doubt, and inspire unwavering belief. Join us on this illuminating exploration of faith's practical applications, drawing from the timeless teachings of Jesus Christ as seen in John 11, and discover how it can profoundly impact your life today.
14 Lessons from John 11
1. The Sickness is not unto Death
John 11:1-4. Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick). Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
Physical sickness is one of the consequences of the fall of man. Lazarus loved the Lord but became sick. He was healthy in spirit, but weak in his body. In 2 Kings 13:14, we read that Elisha the prophet, fell sick. David experienced old age sickness. 1 Kings 1:1. It is written, “though our outward man perish, yet the inner man is renewed day by day”. 2 Cor. 4:16. It is worse and fatal to be sick in your spirit but strong in the body.
When Lazarus fell sick, his sisters sent for Jesus Christ, knowing that He has power to heal the sick. The testimony that Lazarus loved Jesus cannot be said of many people today. Like Lazarus’ sisters, we must pray with faith in God, with and for our loved ones who fall sick. James 5:13-15. Jesus told us to lay hands on the sick for recovery. Jesus Christ sent reply to Mary and Martha: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…”.
Some sicknesses lead to death, while God is glorified when men are healed. Today, we pray for several people who love the Lord but are sick and declare that ‘this’ sickness is not unto death, but God will be glorified, in Jesus’ name. Like Lazarus’ sisters and the messengers, may God raise destiny helpers for you at critical times of need, in Jesus’ name.
2. God's Delay is not God's Denial
John 11:5-7. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, let us go into Judea again.
God’s love for His people is ever constant, unwavering. He doesn't love us less when we are surrounded by storms. Despite Lazarus’ sickness and the challenges it brought to Martha and Mary, Jesus Christ still loved them, and they knew it. But Jesus remained for another two days before responding to their request. Prayers, planning, and preparations belong to man, but answers and executions belong to God. Prov. 16:1.
God is sovereign and answers some prayers even before we finish praying. Isaiah 65:24. Sometimes, He exceeds our requests and expectations. Eph. 3:20. But He can deny some misplaced requests. I Kings 19:4-13. He can also delay some answers. After two days, Jesus told his disciples, “let us go into Judea again”. He had not forgotten. Delays does not mean He has denied or forgotten us. At such moments, we should patiently wait like Martha and Mary.
For yet a little while, he that will come, will come and not tarry, but now the just shall live by faith”. Heb. 10:37-38. Some delays test our faith and obedience. I Sam. 13:8-10. God sometimes delays because He has greater or more glorious things for us. Today, I pray for those who have waited for ‘two days’, months, years, or twenty years, may God appear with favour and glory to you, in Jesus’ name. May God render to you double and compensate for years of waiting, in Jesus’ name.
3. Jesus, the Light of the World
John 11:7-10. Then after that saith he to his disciples, let us go into Judea again. His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.
When taking decisions in life, ministry, career, marriage, journeys, etc., men are often concerned about their safety, and uncertainties. It was therefore human for Jesus’ disciples to be worried about His decision to return with them to Judea where He had received death threats. But Jesus dispelled their fears, teaching an important principle: when we walk in the day while we see the light of this world, we will not stumble.
He had earlier taught that we must do God’s works while it is day, for the night comes when no man can work. John 9:4. God is light, and in Him is no darkness. I John 1:5. Jesus is the light of the world. John 1:4-9, 9:5. To walk while it is day is to act in full assurance of God’s will. There is safety when we walk with God and are led by His Spirit.
But it is dangerous to take decisions while we are in the dark of God’s will, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. We walk in the day when we walk with Him in love and holiness. I John 2:9-10. May you enjoy the leading of the Holy Spirt and continual protection in all your ways, in Jesus’ name. May His presence keep you, and you will not fear even if you walk through dangerous or uncertain terrains, in Jesus’ name. Exod. 33:14, Psalm 23:4.
4. Faith in God Conquers all Fears
John 11:11-16. These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, let us also go, that we may die with him.
Lazarus was friend to Jesus Christ and His disciples, and if you are Jesus’ friend, He will go all the way to visit you, wake, and raise you when you are down. If you are Jesus’ friend like Lazarus, He will raise you by the power of resurrection, even if you were dead. While Jesus wanted to go and wake up His friend, Thomas Didymus felt it was a suicidal venture, and he was very sure that they would all be killed if they stepped into Judea again.
But Jesus insisted, “nevertheless let us go unto him”. Our faith in God must conquer all fears. Also, perfect love, cast out fears. Please note two other lessons for leaders from Jesus Christ. First, Jesus knew that Lazarus had died earlier, but did not inform His disciples until the right time. Second, He did not give in to their fear of Judea but insisted on doing the right thing.
In the Name of the Almighty who is the Resurrection and Life, may you who is a friend of Jesus, be lifted up to life and joy from distress, defeat, and death. Every decision or journey you are about to take in love and faith, that men call risky, will only lead to great testimonies, in Jesus’ name.
5. There is nothing Impossible if You Believe Him and Ask
John 11:17-22. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs [or, about two miles] off: and many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.
God is never late; but how quickly He answers our prayers depends on our relationship with Him, (Matt. 15:21-28), our faith, and according to His plans and purposes. John 11:4. Martha and Mary sent to Jesus for Lazarus His friend, and He came, when they thought He was late. They believed that death could not have struck if Jesus was physically present. That was indeed true because death, sicknesses, devils, mountains, etc. flee at His presence.
But there was a Centurion whose servant quickly got healed because he did not wait for Jesus’ physical presence in his house but asked Him to speak His word. Matt. 8:5-13. It is written: “Say not in thine heart, who will bring Jesus Christ down from heaven, or who will bring Him up again from the dead… but the word of faith is in thine mouth and heart”. Rom. 10:6-10. God’s word is as powerful as His presence because there is power where the word of a King is. Eccl. 8:4. He has exalted His word above all His name. Psa. 138:2.
Martha even believed that God would answer any request from Jesus Christ but was not bold to ask for Lazarus’ resurrection. If you dare to believe Him and ask, there is nothing impossible, late, or difficult for God. May you grow in the grace of faith and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. May God send His word to you for healings, and resurrection, in Jesus’ name. Psalm 107:18-20.
6. Faith and Hope in God are Important Virtues for Miracle
John 11:23-27. Jesus saith unto her, thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Faith and hope in God are important, interrelated, but different virtues. One of the differences between faith and hope is that faith believes God and receives present help, while hope believes in the fulfilment of God’s word of promise in the future. It is written, “Now faith is”. Heb. 11:1. Jesus Christ had faith that Lazarus would rise from the dead on that day, while Martha had hope in his resurrection at the last day.
Second, there are levels of faith and hope. There is little faith, and there is great faith. While Jesus said, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”, Martha’s level of faith was “Lord, I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God”. In like manner, there are those who believe in Jesus Christ and are born again, but do not yet know Him as their Healer, Provider, and Resurrection and Life, in the now.
Therefore, they postpone their help to the last day, and heaven. But even worse are those who have no faith, and no hope in God. In the name of Him who is the resurrection and the life, may your dead ‘Lazarus’, hopeless situations, and dreams, come alive. May God, who is a present help in trouble, turn your pains and sorrow to gains and joy, in Jesus’ name.
7. The need to Tarry Long in His Presence
John 11:28-32. And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, the Master is come, and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, she goeth unto the grave to weep there. Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
When we are distracted and do not tarry long enough in God’s presence, the buildup of our faith and knowledge of Him is interrupted, and miracles can be delayed. Martha abruptly discontinued her serious conversation with Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life, to go and call her sister. When Mary heard that Jesus had come, despite feeling that He came late, she did not stay away, but went to Him, fell down to worship Him, and called Him Lord even in the presence of many sympathizers.
He remains Lord, no matter the circumstances. Like Mary, we must not be offended in Jesus, but regularly enter His presence with worship, and publicly acknowledge Him as Lord and Saviour. Like Martha, Mary said, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” But inviting Jesus would not have been necessary, if the Jews, who became sympathizers, had not driven Jesus away.
Men often drive Jesus away from their communities, schools, organizations, or discourage people from following Him, but become sympathizers when Satan, sin, and sicknesses prevail. May sympathizers have no cause to gather around you this season, in Jesus’ name. May you have grace to tarry long in His presence, not distracted from life-changing encounters with God. May God continually send you timely help, in Jesus’ name.
8. Increase Your Faith and Expectations in God when Life's Challenges Increase
John 11:33-37. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, behold how he loved him! And some of them said, could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?
Jesus Christ was perfectly divine, and perfectly human. On this occasion, His humanity was manifested, and He wept when He saw Mary and others weeping. It was not a sign of weakness, but of love and compassion, which makes us to “rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” Rom. 12:15. But note also that He had groaned in the spirit. He was able to operate in two realms (spiritual and physical) at the same time and that’s a pattern for us.
Some of the Jews asked, “could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?”. This shows that they believed Jesus could have healed Lazarus while he was sick, but it was now late to raise the dead. But you and I now know that He who opened the eyes of the blind, can heal the sick, and raise the dead. David said, “the Lord delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Goliath”. I Sam 17:37.
Our expectations and faith in God must increase as life’s challenges increase. May God show up and in compassion identify with you in your situations. May God, who had done wonderful things in your life in the past, surprise you with greater wonders and manifestations of His power, in Jesus’ name.
9. Always Combine Prayer with Faith
John 11:38-41. Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
Jesus Christ was given to prayer, in different ways. Here, even in public He groaned again in Himself. He audibly gave thanks to the Father for answered prayers. At another time we read “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35. Several times, He went to mountains, including the mount of transfiguration, and the garden of Gethsemane to pray.
If we want to experience signs and wonders in life, ministry, home, etc., we must pray. Jesus said there are devils that we drive away by prayer and fasting. Matt. 17:21. But prayer alone is not enough but must be combined with faith. It is written, “and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up”. James 5:15. Jesus’ faith here can be recognized from His actions (James 2:17-18), and the words He spoke (2Cor. 4:13), while Martha’s unbelief was displayed by her words, “Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days”.
May the Lord help us to pray all kinds of prayers, without ceasing, and experience wonders. May God help us to have miracle-receiving faith that can be recognized by our works and words. As you obey Him and by faith step forward to role away some stones, may the voice of our Helper prevail for you, bring back to life dead, stinking situations, and cause you to see the glory of God in Jesus’ name.
10. Sometimes the Glory of God can Make the Difference
John 11:41-44. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, loose him, and let him go.
If you have faith, you will always see the glory of God. But there are times when God will perform His miracles even when you do not believe, so that He can be glorified and that you and others can henceforth have faith in Him. Martha and Mary did not believe that Lazarus would rise from the dead; Lazarus was not able to exercise faith; but God raised Him from the dead. Jesus Christ intervened when Peter began to sink in water haven lost faith to doubt. Matt. 14:30-31.
Today, in the Name of Him who is the Almighty, may you see the glory of God, whether you have faith or not. Note how Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come forth”. To Him, Lazarus was just sleeping, and could hear His voice. Also note that some people had to role away the stones, and also help to remove the grave clothes after Lazarus came alive. We must be willing to perform our own roles and cooperate with God.
For example, there are people who need ‘follow-up’, deliverance, etc. after been born again. May your dead situations, which God sees as only sleeping, hear the voice of the Lord and come alive, in Jesus’ name. May God raise destiny helpers for you, who are near, capable, and willing to cooperate with Him until His interventions and miracles are perfected in your life, in Jesus’ name.
11. The Consequences of the Miracle of Jesus to the Believer
John 11:45-48. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, what do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him; and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
The miracle that Jesus performed, raising Lazarus from the dead, produced four categories of people. First, there was Lazarus and his sisters, who were the direct recipients of the miracles. Their sorrows and pains were rolled away and replaced with joy. Second were those the miracle helped to believe in Jesus. They had faith to be saved and to expect their own miracles. Third, were the mere spectators, spies, and skeptics. They did not believe in Jesus even after seeing the miracles.
The fourth category were those who were not happy but felt threatened by Jesus’ increasing popularity. They purposed to eliminate Him. When God performs miracles in your life, your joy will overflow and the faith of many will be strengthened. But there will be skeptics. Satan also might move some people with envy to attack you and curtail your impact.
But I pray that when people discuss miracles and wonders that God has performed, yours will stand out, in Jesus’ name. May God use your testimonies to encourage the faith of many people, in Jesus’ name. May God perform such miracles that will make your enemies envious, and Satan furious for losing his influence, in Jesus’ name.
12. Faith Demand for Sacrifice
John 11:49-53. And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; and not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.
Jesus Christ suffered and was crucified for us. And God was pleased about it because it was necessary for the salvation of mankind. John 3:16. It is written: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... he was wounded for our transgressions... yet it pleased Jehovah to bruise him..." Isaiah 53:4-10.
Caiaphas the high priest said you do not know anything about God, if you don't know this. In the Old Testament, Joseph knew that he suffered so that the entire family of Jacob would be preserved. Gen. 45:5-8. Esther was willing to risk her life so that the whole Jewish race could be saved. Esther 4:16. Think of the sacrifices of the missionaries who brought the gospel to us so that we can be saved.
Because of the sufferings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, may you receive beauty for ashes, and no longer experience griefs, pains, troubled hearts, and premature deaths, in Jesus' name. May you have grace to also joyfully make sacrifices that will bring salvation and blessings to others, in Jesus' name.
13. Beware of Satan after a Win
John 11:53-54. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
Satan often fights back when he suffers humiliation and defeat. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and many people believed in Him, there was very fierce fight-back from the kingdom of darkness. For the first time, there was no division in the council meeting of the Pharisees and Sadducees that Jesus must be killed. Without fear, they declared Him wanted, and issued a warrant for His arrest.
They had been divided when Jesus healed the impotent man on the sabbath. John 5:1-16. They were divided when Jesus healed the blind man on sabbath. John 9:16, 22, 34. One consequence of their action was that like He did before, Jesus no more walked openly among the Jews, therefore, many people lost opportunity to see Him freely and receive help. Jesus later left their shores like He did before He came for Lazarus, and went to live near the wilderness.
In the Name of Him who is the King of Kings, and Lord of lords, every counterattack of evil forces against you, shall not succeed. Every counsel and conspiracy against you even at Satanic headquarters shall fail, in Jesus’ name. May God raise godly leaders in the Church and nation, who will not frustrate revival and the expansion of His kingdom but will always agree on doing the things that are right and just, in Jesus’ name.
14. The Lord still Protect His Own
John 11:55-57. And the Jews’ passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves. Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, what think ye, that he will not come to the feast? Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that, if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him.
Many ordinary Jews went to Jerusalem ahead of time to prepare themselves for the feast of Passover. They desired to see Jesus Christ but did not know that their religious leaders had driven Him away, issued a warrant for His arrest, and prevented Him from showing up early. In like manner, there are many people who desire to know God, but are hindered by the activities or teachings of some religious leaders.
Note also that while the ordinary folks were purifying themselves in preparation for Passover, the chief priests, and Pharisees, were busy plotting to do evil. In like manner, there are many people who are religious, show outward seriousness and godliness but are filled with evil. Jesus called such fellows hypocrites and whitewashed sepulchres. Matt. 23:27. Sometimes, periods of religious activities and festivals are when such people perform the most heinous crimes against God and humanity.
May God give us grace to be clean in and out. May the Lord continually hide and protect you and direct your steps away from dangers. May the Lord send revival and satisfy the hungers and thirsts of several souls, in Jesus’ name. May God raise true shepherds who will help men to find the Lord, not hinder them, in Jesus’ name.
Conclusion
The Power of Faith illuminated in the 14 valuable lessons from John 11 resonates profoundly with our journey of belief and conviction. These lessons, rooted in the resurrection of Lazarus, reveal that faith is not merely a passive concept but an active force capable of moving mountains. As we have explored each lesson, we have unlocked the transformative potential of faith in our lives.
From unwavering trust in divine timing to the profound impact of unwavering belief, John 11 offers a roadmap to harnessing faith that works. It is a testament to the unshakable power of our convictions, and it reminds us that miracles can manifest when we wholeheartedly trust in the divine plan.
As you continue to delve into these lessons and apply them to your own life, may your faith grow stronger, your actions more purposeful, and your journey more blessed. The Power of Faith in John 11 is not merely a historical account but a timeless source of inspiration, guiding us toward a life filled with hope, love, and miracles.
In your pursuit of faith that works, remember that your journey is unique, and your experiences will shape your understanding of these lessons. Embrace the teachings of John 11, and let the transformative power of faith illuminate your path. With these 14 lessons as your guide, you have the potential to unlock a deeper connection with Christ and witness the miraculous in your own life.
Continue to explore, learn, and grow in your faith journey, for the Power of Faith that Works is not bound by time or place; it is a beacon of hope that shines brightly in every heart ready to believe.
Sunday Isehunwa is a Petroleum Engineer, and lectures at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is married to Grace Funmilayo with children.
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