This was the miracle set off the plot "to take Jesus' life". Jesus said, "The reason My Father loves Me is that I lay down my life - only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My Own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and to take it up again. This command I received from My Father (John 10.17-18).
We see the power of love, the power of the resurrection in this account of Lazarus along with the power of hatred. (vs.45-53) Hatred brings death. Hatred robs us of joy, God's work and the ability to see miracles.
Humanly speaking if the LORD should have responded to anyone's request of healing from sickness it should have been for Lazarus from his sisters.
1. God does not always do what we want. vs.1-7
No, not even in healing. There are many of us who prayed earnestly for the healing of a loved one and they died. Some struggle with ailing health all their lives. We ought to keep asking until God says "No." James 5.16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
We can relate to the emotions of Mary and Martha.
v.21 Martha v.32 Mary "LORD... if You had been here my brother would not have died."
Psalm 10.1 Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
Psalm 22.2 My God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Job 30.20 I cry out to You God, but you do not answer, I stand , but You merely look at me.
Now if there is any lack of faith or persistence in prayer or sin when it comes to healing we know that is on our part, not God's. However look at the people who gave these words:
Job, a perfect and upright man.
David, a man after God's own heart
Mary, who sat at the feet of Jesus and poured perfume worth a year's wages anointing Him.
Martha, who loved the LORD.
2. The LORD has a purpose in everything He does. vs.8-16
He even rides out His purposes on men's' evil intents! He is the LORD!
*When He was born His Father got His mother Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem on the decree of Caesar Augustus.
*When it was His time to die, it was the Jewish Ruling Council and the Roman Government who carried out the trials and the crucifixion. But it was really Christ laying down His life of His own accord.
The LORD let Lazarus die. There was no one who understood why.
Today there may be things going on in your life for which there are no answers. Perhaps there is something you prayed for or someone you prayed for and the answer you had hoped for has not come. Perhaps you can relate very well to Mary, Martha, the disciples, David, and Job.
Remember the Good News in this season we are in is Jesus is Alive. It really is the news for all seasons. He died, was laid in the tomb and is alive forevermore. He conquered death.
When it seems like someone has dies or something has died and said goodbye remember Christ has the final word. Our loved ones who died in the LORD top this list!
3. The LORD loves to put commas where we put periods and He loves to write the last chapter after we have closed the book! vs.17-44
No one was expecting this miracle. Martha expressed hope but it was clouded. This was at the end of Jesus' ministry on earth. He had raised others like the widow's son at Nain but no one after they had been dead for the 4 days.
v.35 is tied into v.33
All things were made through Him- John 1.3 He knew firsthand death was not a part of creation.
He saw the lack of faith and understanding of Who He was.- the Resurrection and the Life.
He cries with those family members die.
v.40 Still today. Believe!
v.41-42 God helps our faith
v.43 Vance Havner "Good thing He specified "Lazarus" or He would have emptied the whole cemetery. Remember Martha's words with Jesus v.23-27 True of Lazarus and all who believe
I Thessalonians 4.13-18
There was a mixed multitude v.45-47
Philippians 3.18 For as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
v.48-53 God's purposes were accomplished. Lazarus had died and was brought back to life. Jesus died for the world but death could not hold Him- Up From the Grave He Arose!
He Lives!
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