I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Have you ever received word that a close family member or friend is has had an accident or has become seriously ill? What do you do? You rush to be with them. That’s what you do for someone you love.

John chapter 11 begins with word reaching Jesus that Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, was gravely ill. All three siblings were extremely close to Jesus and the sisters knew how much Jesus loved their brother, so they sent urgent word to Him about Lazarus’ illness. They knew Jesus had the power to heal Lazarus so they assumed Jesus would rush to His close friend’s side and heal him.

An interesting thing happens next.  Jesus does not rush to heal His friend as you might expect.  He intentionally waits two more days before he went to see Lazarus. When He finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for 4 days! Why would Jesus wait for his friend to die instead of rushing to his bedside?

Jesus was taken to the tomb where Lazarus was buried and He called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" Lazarus rose from the dead.

 
So why did Jesus wait to heal Lazarus? Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and the disciples had seen Jesus heal plenty of people, but He wanted them to see that He has the power over death. Jesus had a purpose of mercy toward those who had not received Him. His ultimate purpose was to give hope about the resurrection and to glorify God. Many people who witnessed this miracle came to believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Have a great week,

Chaplain Phil