Then Jesus became explicit: “Lazarus died. And I am glad for your sakes that I wasn’t there. You’re about to be given new grounds for believing. Now let’s go to him.” John 11:14-15
The past two weeks several people have mentioned to me they find themselves wondering why God has allowed the Corona Virus to attack the US, but to linger so long. Now they’re finding it difficult to pray and believe that God hears us. Although I believe there are many answers to that question, one of them is found in today’s passage.
Imagine the look on the disciples faces when He said He was glad He wasn’t there to heal Lazarus? I bet after that little tidbit, they were like a bunch of old hens clucking with one another as they walked along. I also can see Jesus having a “if you only knew” smile as He knew what they were thinking and saying. but when you keep reading the answer become perfectly clear. This death has given a new opportunity for His disciples to believe in Him on a whole new level. They have become very used to Him healing people in every way. But now Lazarus was way beyond healing. As a matter of fact, King James said it’s been so long, “he stinketh” (one of my favorite translations of that verse). This revelation was not only lost on the disciples, but his sisters Mary and Martha. Neither of them were too happy with their friend Jesus.
Martha met Jesus as He was coming to them and she came close to understanding when she confronted Jesus and reminded Him if He had been there her brother wouldn’t have died. “But I know God will give you whatever you ask.” Even when Jesus revealed Himself as the Resurrection and the Life, they thought He was referring to the end day when everyone would rise again. They had the concept of Him being the Messiah and what would eventually happen, but now they would see Him in a new and present way as not only the Healer, but the Restorer of Life the Resurrection. Remember Jesus had raised others from the dead, but none who were embalmed and dead for four days!
God allowed this to happen, to give hope to Jesus’ followers after He would be beaten crucified and placed in a tomb for 3 days. But like with Lazarus, they didn’t get it fully. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? We can know Jesus intimately and still sometimes don’t understand what or why He’s doing something. But just like with Lazarus, it was so the full glory and power of God could be seen. Perhaps that’s what He is doing again, to show He truly does have all power and authority.
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