7th Miracle and Sign
Raising of Lazarus from the dead
John 11:1-44
When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4)
The seventh and final miracle seen in the Gospel of John is the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Like the other six miracles, this profound demonstration of God’s power is more than just a miracle. In fact, it serves as the primary basis of our faith. The Christian faith would be irrelevant if Jesus did not rise from the grave.
This event takes place as Jesus draws closer to his destiny at Calvary. Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus spending time with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. This close relationship reveals some powerful truths as this account progresses.
1. The Lord delays His departure
Jesus waited two days before making his way to Bethany. One would think the Lord would quickly act upon hearing the news of his sick friend. He discerned that this miracle would be for a sign and that Lazarus had to die. He states clearly in verse 14 that Lazarus is now dead. If Jesus would have arrived earlier, He would have been called upon to heal Lazarus. This would have seemed the natural thing to do but it would have undermined the will of the Heavenly Father.
There will be times when the Lord might allow situations to take place that we cannot understand or reconcile. It’s important at such times to always remember that the Lord is Good, His timing is right and He does all things well (Romans 8:28).
2. The Disciples’ concern for Jesus (John 11:8)
There were many in Judea who earlier sought to stone Jesus and take Him by force. In the natural, it seemed risky to return. However, Jesus knew He was in the perfect will of His Father.
The above point is an important truth! As things begin to deteriorate in today’s world, people are looking for the best options as to where they should live, etc. This is true for many Christians. Many are seeking alternative living arrangements to avoid being subject to out-of-control governments or future famines and persecutions. Being in the perfect will of God should be the primary concern for all believers. Our loving heavenly Father is able to provide and protect.
3. Jesus and Martha (John 11:20-24)
Martha immediately made her way to Jesus upon His arrival. She understood that Lazarus would have probably been healed if Jesus had arrived earlier. Her reaction is a natural one, however the Lord was walking in the Spirit. It is not hard to see how we could be like Martha in a similar situation.
4. Jesus and Mary
Mary ministered to the Lord from a position of Rest. We actually see this portrayed in the next chapter in her act of worship to the Lord (John 12:3). She did not come to Jesus until she was called. This is similar to the example of Esther in her approach to the king (Esther 5). It is a picture of submission and humility. These are qualities that are highly pleasing to the Lord. Both Martha and Mary understood their brother might still be alive if Jesus had arrived earlier.
5. I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
We see the humanity of Jesus as He observed the weeping and sorrow over the death of Lazarus. He was so moved that He also wept (verse 35). Everyone who was there saw how much love Jesus had for Lazarus. Many of them were aware of the healing of the blind man (John 9), figuring that Jesus could have prevented Lazarus from dying. Jesus is about to demonstrate the reality of Resurrection Life.
Lazarus has been dead for four days. Nonetheless, Jesus reminded Martha that if she would only believe, she would see the glory of God (verse 40). He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus come forth”, and he who was dead came back to life (verse 44).
Jesus was not moving in presumption but rather, flowing in the perfect will of His Father. This miracle would have a two-fold measure of glory; a restoring of life to one who was beloved by family, friends and the Lord, as well as an affirmation of Jesus being the Resurrection and the Life. This miracle continues to speak volumes to us in our day. It helps in placing death into its true perspective.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55)
Jesus was about to die on the cross. This miracle was intended to serve as a reminder that Jesus is indeed, the Resurrection and the Life. No matter how difficult or challenging a situation we may be experiencing, we have the promise of Resurrection Life.
Please review the Seven Miracles contained in John’s Gospel. Marvel at the miracles and be sure be sure to capture the signs and meanings they represent.
DAILY MEDITATIONS:
Monday: Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Tuesday: Ezekiel 37:12
Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Thursday: Job 19:25
For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
Friday: Philippians 3:10
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Saturday: 1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Sunday: Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken.
All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV).
By Pastor Timothy O’Connell
