How much faith do you have? Do you have enough faith to raise the dead? Probably not. We don't have that ability, but Jesus did.
The story of Lazarus shows Jesus's ability to raise the dead, but also his friendship with this family. This story is only in the gospel of John. It's funny because it's such a miraculous encounter you would think they all would write about the last public miracle of Jesus. Raising someone from the dead after four days is a true miracle. Why did Jesus wait four days?
Jesus had raised people from the dead before, but they were all recent deaths. Someone could dispute them by saying they hadn't completely passed, but to raise someone after being dead for four days. Now that's a miracle, and that's also what confirmed Jesus' death. But that's what Jesus wanted, wasn't it?
It says in John 11:3, So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." John has written a version of these same words about himself. He says it six times in the book of John, "The disciple whom Jesus loved," But John could have been close to Lazarus and his family as well. Jesus and the apostles stayed in their home many times before. This was a very well-known, prominent family. It showed when all the people were outside the tomb in which Lazarus was laid. Funerals back then were a seven-day event. It was day four when Jesus got there. He knew them well and loved them as very close friends.
It says in John 11:4 When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus had a plan, and through God's perfect timing, it would all come to pass.
Jesus loved this family very much. He was going to use this situation to not only save Lazarus but propel God's glory.
The shortest scripture ever written is John 11:35. Jesus wept. Why did Jesus weep? He knew he was going to bring Lazarus back from the dead. He knew it was going to be ok? So why did Jesus weep? Philosophers will come up with many reasons, but Jesus is compassionate. His empathy and compassion showed in everything he did. He saw how hurt and upset Mary and Martha were. How painful it was for them to lose their brother. He saw all the people weeping. A large crowd was present, and everyone was distraught over Lazerus's passing. Grief affects us all, especially one with a heart like Jesus.
When have you ever been in a situation that was painful or you were distraught? Somehow God gave you the strength to go through it. It says in Psalm 34:18, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
The passing of my Dad was my most painful moment. But God walked with me through every step. I have no doubt that he held me up daily. It was like losing both parents because my Mom has dementia, and my Dad had shielded me from many things. So it was a very rude awakening to see how far along this horrible disease had come. I leaned on God because no one else was there to hold me up. Trust that God will get you through the challenging places in life. Surrender to him, and he will resurrect your life. He did it for me. I know he can do it for you!
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always being there in our challenging times. Thank you that we can always lean on you to help us navigate the troubled waters. We are nothing on our own, but like it says in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. In Jesus Holy name, we pray. Amen.
Comments