March 25: Jesus Restores Our Lives

The raising of Lazarus from the dead can be understood from several points of view. The Bible announced in John 1:4 that in Christ was life. Further, just as the Father has life in Himself, He granted to Jesus the attribute of deity in granting to the Son the right to have life in Himself (John 5:26-27). When He raised Lazarus from the dead, He demonstrated that power. By studying the key events in that account, we learn valuable principles to apply to ourselves.

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

•We do not enjoy having to go through difficult circumstances, but note that the miracle occurred in a time of family crisis (vv. 1, 3). The family, comprised of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, held a special place in the heart of Jesus. Living in the little town of Bethany about two miles south of Jerusalem (v. 18), the house, probably the home of Martha (Lk 10:38-40; John 12:2), provided a homey atmosphere for our Lord. Tragedy was about to occur because Lazarus became ill. He must have had unusually severe symptoms because the two sisters sent a message to Jesus Who had been preaching east of the Jordan River.

• After receiving the message, Jesus chose to react with a purposeful delay (vv. 6-7). His verbal reaction must have mystified the disciples, first, by saying the sickness was to glorify God and the Son, and, second, by waiting two more days before departing for Bethany. After He announced to His disciples He was ready to return to Judea, they reminded Him of the dangers there, the place where the Jews attempted to stone Him (10:31). We must remember God does not always adjust His time schedule to meet our desires.

• Along that line of thought, we gain comfort from relying on God's promises (vv. 20-27). After His delay and informing His disciples that Lazarus was dead (v. 14), Jesus and His disciples journeyed again to Bethany. As they neared the city, they were met by Martha, who gently criticized Jesus for not being present before Lazarus died. She knew that Jesus would have prevented his dying. Jesus had a larger issue in mind, identifying Himself with the fact of the resurrection. Martha professed belief in the future resurrection of the dead, but He referred her to a greater truth, that He is the resurrection and the life. Those believing in Him would never die. Martha then understood. Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, is Lord of life and death.

• The way Jesus reacted to their sorrow at Lazarus' death revealed His profound compassion (vv. 38-40). He "groaned within Himself" as He wept beside the sepulchre. In His holy wrath He saw the endless funeral possessions as countless loved ones wept beside tombs. He also expressed His loving emotion felt by those who loved and trusted in Him.

• Finally, the experience allowed Him to show His sovereign control over death through a miracle (vv. 43-44). Some interpreters note that Jesus did not command Lazarus to arise but to "come forth." Had He not named Lazarus, all of the dead in the cemetery would have arisen. He came out of the tomb, stillarrayed in his grave clothes, proving that he had been raised from the dead, but not resurrected in a changed body. That event is yet future, a promise of hope for all of us who must bury loved ones. We shall meet again.