Thursday
In this passage of scripture, Mary and Martha only see the death of Lazarus, their brother, with sadness. Martha asks Jesus why didn’t you get here earlier? My brother could have been healed. But Jesus sees this as an opportunity to bring glory to God. And in the process also bring glory to the Son.
As we look into the story more closely, we see that there is a link in the chain of events taking place. The disciples mistaken Jesus’ announcement that Lazarus sleeps as one of natural sleep, they didn’t see it as death. We see Jesus take on the role of Lord and Conqueror over sin and death. Lazarus has indeed died and Jesus will reveal God’s glory in this incredible moment.
Jesus takes the disciples with him and even though they are aware of the danger involved in Jesus going to Bethany which is just outside of Jerusalem, they make a bold gesture by going along with Him. Jesus reminded them that as long as they “walked in the light” they would be alright.
Which is a good point for us to remember. When we are faced with difficult obstacles, we can know that Jesus who is “the Light of the World”, will never leave us in the dark to face hardships alone. He goes before showing us the way. So they head out towards Bethany and everyone finds out that Lazarus has died (four days ago). Why did Jesus delay? Well, he tells us, to bring glory to God.
In Romans 8:28, we are told that God can bring good out of any bad situation. When we face troubles and hardships and persecutions, how do you react? With grumbling, anger, do you hide yourself away? Or do you rejoice, knowing that God will bring victory over ever trial.
So Jesus is faced with the heartbreak and grief that is prevalent and it brings him to tears, too. Have you ever wondered why Jesus wept? He knew he was going to raise Lazarus. He knew that His friend would be raised from the dead. Why cry?
I think it is because Jesus feels our sadness, our heartache. He is not immune to our suffering and because He cares, He cries.
I remember doing a funeral for an elder gentleman, who was a godly man and who salvation was certain and so his service was a celebration of life. But in the front row, seated with the family was a small girl of about 5 or 6. She cried the whole time because her grampa was gone. I didn’t even know the family, yet my heart ached as I witnessed her pain. I cried, because she cried. I’m sure you know the feeling; you’ve experienced someone else’s pain. It’s known as empathy. And that is exactly what is happening here with Jesus.
When we cry – I’m pretty sure that it hurts Him, and in the same way; when we rejoice – He rejoices too. I love that Jesus cares about us so intimately.
So Jesus wept and then told the crowd to take away the stone that covered Lazarus’ tomb. Jesus prayed first that the people would hear exactly what He was saying, so that they would believe. Jesus calls Lazarus to come out of the tomb. And…Lazarus does just that.
Have you ever wondered what Lazarus thought about all of this? Afterall it was his experience. We never hear Lazarus say one word. But you see, that is exactly the point of this story… it is not about Lazarus, it is about God. It is about bringing glory to God.
Can you say that all that you do will bring glory to the Father? Why not take time today to examine how you spend your time? What is it that you do or don’t do that shows you are a Christ-follower?
Blessings on the Day!
Pastor Kathy