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Lazarus
October 12, 2026 · 17 min
In this Bible Story, the sting of death is thwarted when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. With tears in his eyes and a booming voice, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb and back to life. This story is inspired by John 11:1-53 & 12:9-11. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is John 11:43 from the King James Version. Episode 204: Lazarus, one of Jesus’ close friends and the brother of Mary and Martha, was dying. As they sat by their brother, they sent word for Jesus to come at once to visit His friend. When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. But this could not stop what God had planned for that day. Jesus comforted Lazarus’ sisters and went to the tomb of His friend. Then after having the stone rolled away, He called for Lazarus…and Lazarus came out of the tomb. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Series Bible in a Year with Jack Graham
Dr. Jack Graham is the pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation's largest, most dynamic congregations.
October 12, 2026 · 17 min · Bible in a Year with Jack Graham
In this Bible Story, the sting of death is thwarted when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. With tears in his eyes and a booming voice, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb and back to life. This story is inspired by John 11:1-53 & 12:9-11. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is John 11:43 from the King James Version. Episode 204: Lazarus, one of Jesus’ close friends and the brother of Mary and Martha, was dying. As they sat by their brother, they sent word for Jesus to come at once to visit His friend. When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. But this could not stop what God had planned for that day. Jesus comforted Lazarus’ sisters and went to the tomb of His friend. Then after having the stone rolled away, He called for Lazarus…and Lazarus came out of the tomb. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. ...more Show the full description Show less In this Bible Story, the sting of death is thwarted when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. With tears in his eyes and a booming voice, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb and back to life. This story is inspired by John 11:1-53 & 12:9-11. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is John 11:43 from the King James Version. Episode 204: Lazarus, one of Jesus’ close friends and the brother of Mary and Martha, was dying. As they sat by their brother, they sent word for Jesus to come at once to visit His friend. When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been dead for four days. But this could not stop what God had planned for that day. Jesus comforted Lazarus’ sisters and went to the tomb of His friend. Then after having the stone rolled away, He called for Lazarus…and Lazarus came out of the tomb. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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0:00 Let us pray. And when he thus had spoken, he cried out with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. John 11 43.0:14 Thank you God that the story of Lazarus serves as a reminder that death no longer has power over my soul. Through the life of Jesus, you continually display0:26 for me the fact that I can no longer, that I can conquer anything, including the Goliath of death. Therefore I will not be afraid to live my life to the fullest,0:39 Because I know that I will not die, but I will simply transition into my heavenly home when my time comes. I declare that I will not live0:51 with regret or remorse, but instead I will maximize every opportunity that I'm given. I will love with an intense and compassionate heart, and1:03 I will live out the purpose and plans that you have for me, Lord. In the same way, Jesus, that you called forth Lazarus from the tomb, I now1:15 call forth from the tombs in my life the dreams and visions that have died because of fear and doubt. I thank you Lord that as1:26 I place them in your hands, you will breathe new life and new strategy into every dream and vision You have given me. In Jesus'1:38 name, amen. Thank you for praying with me today. Continue listening for an incredible Bible story brought to you by bibleinayear1:50 dot com.2:01 Lazarus. In our last story, we learned about Jesus' stories of thankfulness and humility. Now we see Jesus weep at the sting of death. However, death would2:13
2:26 Hello, I'm Jack Graham with today's episode of the bible in a year podcast. But before we begin, I want to let you know about a unique e book that's yours to download absolutely free
2:38 today. It's called breaking free from stress and my prayer is that it will help you conquer the daily task and pressures and burdens that bring stress in your life. Download your free
2:49 copy of breaking free from stress today by visiting jack graham dot org slash stress. That's jack graham dot org slash stress. In our last
3:01 episode, we discovered the importance of gratitude when Jesus healed the 10 lepers and 1 man returned to give thanks. As a result, the thankful man received a greater,
3:13 deeper spiritual restoration and not just the healing of his body. We also heard what Jesus says about prayer, both the value and the necessity of persistence in prayer, trusting
3:25 God to always hear us when we cry out to him, but also that we would pray with humility as we approach God. Today we'll hear how Jesus experiences grief when his dear friend Lazarus
3:36 dies. But in this time of sorrow, we see how Jesus demonstrates his power over death because only Jesus can raise the dead, the 1 who is the resurrection and the
3:48 life. His friend lives again, and it's 1 of the most powerful stories in all of the Bible. So let's listen now.
3:59 It was late and the winter air bit like a snake in the night. Coughing in his bed lay Lazarus. His once happy and bright demeanor was replaced by a pale shell of his former self.
4:10 Beside 1 side of his bed was his sister, Mary, the woman who had once wiped Jesus' feet with ointment and tears. On the other side was Martha, his other sister. They tended to their
4:22 brother, exchanging concerned looks and tears of worry. We should send for him, Mary whispered. Martha nodded and went downstairs to send 1 of her teenage sons. Go and
4:34 find Jesus, she ordered. Do not rest until you find Him. The boy nodded and ran into the cold winter darkness. A day had passed and Jesus was ministering in a town
4:46 over 30 miles away from Bethany where Lazarus lay sick in his bed. Jesus was just about to enter into a synagogue when a boy bumped into him. The boy staggered back, then looked to
4:58 see that he had found Jesus. My Lord, he shouted out of breath. Lazarus, your dear friend is sick and dying. Jesus nodded and sent the boy on his way. Then he began to go
5:10 back into the synagogue. His disciples stopped him and asked, Jesus, why don't you go to heal Lazarus? Because this illness does not lead to death. It leads to the glory of
5:21 God, Jesus replied. 2 days passed and the disciples were packing up their things to follow Jesus. We are going back to Judea, Jesus said plainly. The disciples
5:33 were confused since many of Jesus' enemies were in Judea. Rabbi, the religious leaders are waiting for you there to stone you, they warned. Jesus slung his pack over his shoulder and
5:45 began walking. He waved for the disciples to follow. Hurry, he said. Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep. We are going to wake him up. The disciples were confused.
5:56 Lazarus has died, Jesus said plainly. And for your sake, I am glad I did not heal him. For now you get to see what happens next. So Jesus kept walking. The disciples were
6:08 frozen. There were many violent men in Judea waiting to harm them. Thomas grabbed his walking stick, sighed, and began walking after Jesus. Well, I guess we are going to die with him.
6:20 The men chuckled and followed Jesus to Judea. After a few days' journey, Jesus had made it to Bethany, which was a small town near Jerusalem. By that time, Lazarus had been dead for
6:31 days. Jesus walked closer to the home of Mary and Martha. He saw them leaping outside the house. Martha and Mary saw Jesus approaching, and Martha ran out to him.
6:44 If only you had been there, she wept, he would have... Martha could not contain her tears. Even now, I know that you do the will of God, and whatever you ask of God will be
6:55 given to you. Jesus hugged Martha and allowed her to cry for a while. He led her to the bench where Mary sat silently. Your brother will rise again, Jesus said in a
7:07 comforting tone. Martha wiped her eyes and said, yes, of course. We know that he will have a life after this 1. The day of the resurrection will come for him. I am
7:19 the resurrection and the life, Jesus said. Whoever believes in me, even though he may die, would experience life everlasting. Do you believe this? Martha nodded.
7:31 Yes, Lord. I believe you are the Christ, the living son of God. Jesus gave a brief smile and walked to Lazarus' tomb. Jesus placed his hand against the large stone blocking
7:43 the entrance to the tomb. Its cold surface sent chills down Jesus' spine. He thought of his friend Lazarus. He thought of his smile, his gifts, his personality. Jesus
7:55 slammed his fist against the stone and wept. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he fell to his knees beside the tomb. Jesus wept with the sorrow of a God who created life. It was not
8:07 supposed to be this way. Mankind was supposed to experience life, not death. Death was the true and final enemy. An enemy Jesus was determined to defeat.
8:19 Jesus stood to his feet. His eyes were filled with holy fury and purpose. Roll away the stone, he ordered to the servant. But, Lord, the rotting body will surely stink, Mary
8:31 yelled. Jesus' eyes darted backwards. Did I not tell you that if you believed in me, you would see the glory of God? Jesus turned to the servant and said, please roll
8:43 away the stone. The heavy stone was rolled away and a devastating odor seeped from the cave entrance. The disciples and others stepped back and covered their noses, but Jesus lifted
8:54 His eyes to heaven. Father, thank you that you have heard me. You always hear me. Then Jesus fixed his gaze on the cave and yelled, Lazarus,
9:06 arise. Jesus spoke with a voice like the wind. The same breath that breathed life into mankind spoke into the cave. And like the Adam so many generations ago,
9:18 Lazarus emerged from the dust. He was covered in cloth and bound at his arms. Jesus ordered for him to be untied, and the sisters ran towards him in joy. Jesus came so
9:30 that all would have life and live more abundantly. Like Moses against Pharaoh, Samson against the Philistines, and David against Goliath, Jesus saw death as an
9:41 unwelcome adversary. He would go against it with purpose. It would be his joy to endure the sting of death so that no 1 would ever have to again.
9:57 In today's reading we meet a man and his family by the name of Lazarus. He had 2 sisters by the name of Mary and Martha and they were close friends of Jesus. Lazarus was dying
10:09 in bed so they sent word to Jesus that his friend, Lazarus, was deathly sick. Jesus was at least 1 day's journey away. But when the messenger arrived and gave him
10:21 the news, Jesus was not alarmed. He sent the boy back with encouraging words. Lazarus' sickness was not leading to death but for God's glory. Jesus'
10:33 words are a reminder to trust God in his plan and his timing even when he seems to delay and things don't get better. He could have simply spoken a word and
10:44 Lazarus would have been immediately well. But because he knew there was a greater purpose unfolding, Jesus did not rush to heal or to raise his friend from the dead. He
10:56 remained where he was for 2 more days. Then he told the disciples that they were going to Judea to Lazarus and his sisters. This was a dangerous decision and the disciples knew it. They reminded the
11:08 Lord that there were people in Judea who wanted to kill him. Why would we go back? Here we see something that was always characteristic of Jesus. He was
11:20 courageous and compassionate and he always moved according to plans. There are no accidents or coincidences with God and he is God. We saw this when he walked through the Samaritan town
11:32 and encountered the woman at the well. We saw it again with his intentional desire to cross into Galilee and heal a man possessed by a legion of demons. From an
11:43 outsider's perspective, his actions, his timing, his direction sometimes seemed ill advised. But Jesus always moved on God's timetable according to divine
11:55 plan. He was never in a hurry and he was never late. And he wasn't afraid. He was there to do the will of the Father, that God would be glorified in him and through him. He and
12:06 the Father worked in perfect unity and concert. Jesus then tells his disciples to hurry, saying that their friend Lazarus is asleep and they need to go and wake him up. They didn't understand what
12:18 he was talking about, so he made it very plain to him. Lazarus is dead. But then he says he is happy for this because it will help the disciples to believe. Now how is
12:30 this possible? How could the death of this man, his dear friend, a loss like this lead to faith and belief? When we face sickness or illness or death, trials and challenges
12:42 that come our way, we are often tempted to pray that all the bad things would just go away or of course never happen. But as Jesus' words remind us, there is a purpose in our pain, in
12:54 God's divine plan. And always, when we face trials and tests and dark times and even death, we may experience the power of God. After a couple of days of walking,
13:06 Jesus and his disciples were met outside of town by Martha, the sister, who gave him the news that indeed Lazarus was dead. She wept, she mourned that if only Jesus
13:18 had been there, her brother would not have died. But she also demonstrates her faith in him saying that she knows that even now God will give Jesus whatever he asks of him.
13:30 Jesus tells Martha that her brother will rise again. She misunderstands and is even skeptical thinking that Jesus is speaking of the resurrection in the future. She wasn't expecting
13:42 Jesus to actually raise her brother from the dead. But Jesus says to her in John 11 25 and 26, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he
13:54 die, yet shall he live. And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? Martha professed her faith then and there, saying that
14:06 he is the Christ, son of the living God. So she went and called her sister Mary. Jesus went with the 2 sisters to the tomb where all the mourners were gathered in great sorrow.
14:17 Lazarus had been dead for close to 4 days, and this was significant. To the Jews, that meant that this man's spirit was no longer in his body. In other words, he was dead, dead,
14:29 and dead some more. What really happened in the text now is powerful. When Jesus saw the tomb and witnessed the sorrow of those who had lost a friend, a brother, a neighbor, he was
14:41 moved to the point of his own tears. Jesus wept. And why did he weep? Well, he certainly is weeping for Mary and Martha and his friends and all who
14:52 wept that day. But in effect, Jesus is showing his compassion and shedding his tears for the love of God that he feels for all people. He sees and
15:04 knows your heart. When you sorrow, when you grieve, when you're hurting, in your pain, Jesus knows when you cry. And here's every cry to him. Then
15:16 Jesus did something supernatural, startling. He asked for the stone to be rolled away from the tomb despite the protest of Mary who knew the decomposing body would smell by now. But
15:28 Jesus then prayed to the father and thanked him for hearing his prayer. Then he spoke to Lazarus saying out loud, arise, come forth. And his friend walked out of the tomb to the astonishment, to
15:39 the amazement of everyone there. It was clear that there was no force, no power over which this man, Jesus, did not have authority. For even a dead man whose spirit had left his body
15:51 could be brought back to vibrant, abundant life at the command of Jesus. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Soon it would be Jesus himself who died
16:03 and was buried behind a stone in a tomb. But Jesus, the resurrection and the life, would conquer the grave. There is no grave that could hold our Lord and he came out alive
16:15 conquering sin, death, and hell. And conquering death for all who will believe in him. For we can have eternal life by putting our faith in Christ. Dear God, we thank
16:27 you for today's tremendous story that you have such power over death. And you call us like Lazarus to rise and come to you. And we come to you, Lord. We come to
16:39 you in faith and belief because you are the resurrection and the life. Amen and amen. Thank you for listening to today's bible in a year podcast.
16:50 Before we go, I want to let you know about a unique e book that's yours to download absolutely free today. It's called Breaking Free From Stress and my prayer is that it will help you
17:02 conquer the daily task and pressures and burdens that bring stress into your life. Download your free copy of Breaking Free From Stress today by visiting jack graham dot org slash
17:14 stress. That's jack graham dot org slash stress.
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