Even though I have read this many times, I still get a chill when I imagine Jesus yelling “Lazarus, come out!”.
Let’s review the “cast” in this account. There’s Jesus of course, and the disciple Thomas who encourages everyone to follow Jesus back to a dangerous locale. Two key players are Mary and Martha, who seemingly have a reversed role this time…Mary lingers away from Jesus while Martha responds. Martha’s statement about the divinity of Jesus makes me think that she understood who Jesus was long before the disciples ever did. If society could have put up with female disciples, I’d bet Martha would have been one. Let’s not forget the Pharisees and religious leaders, with Caiaphas at the head of the table. They are plotting Jesus’ death behind the scenes. Have we missed anyone? Hmm, the crowd of mourners? Oh….yeah….Lazarus.
John records this primarily because it proves that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus has now proven several times that He has power over life and death. Some time ago, He brought a young girl back to life several hours after her death. That miracle was different in the eyes of the people than this miracle was, because they believed that the soul lingered around the body for several days. After the soul departed, there was no hope of ever seeing the person alive again. (I have no idea why they believed this). So, when Jesus brings back Lazarus, who has been dead 4 days, that’s significant because of the act itself, and the amount of time that has transpired after death.
This miracle tips the scale. Many people believe in Jesus because of this. Some of them run to their religious leaders and tell them what has happened. I suppose they want approval, or at least some insight into what these leaders believe about who Jesus is. Interestingly, we get a peek at their motivation to kill Jesus here. They aren’t just greedy for power, they are convinced that Jesus is going to start a rebellion against the Romans, who will undoubtedly retaliate and destroy the temple. That seems like a valid point, until you realize that someone greater than the temple is here.
The Pharisees didn’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah, and that unbelief informs all their actions. It is impossible to please God unless you first believe in Jesus Christ. Nothing you do counts towards your spiritual favor until you believe in Jesus.
I have said for some time that Thomas is an unsung hero in this passage. Here we see him encouraging the others to follow Jesus even into a place where they think they may be killed. Then again, maybe he was just being negative….who knows. Martha is one of my favorite characters…probably because I identify with her at times. I’m glad to see her in such a favorable light here.
Death is a very real problem for us, isn’t it? It’s a uneasy reality that waits behind a door in a dark room where we all must one day go. Sometimes it announces it’s intentions, other times it snatches us from this life with no warning whatsoever. Death can come easy, or it can be a long, protracted event salted with pain, discomfort and sadness. None of us know for sure what our death will look like, we only know that we will one day die.
It would be a depressing, scary thought if it ended there. But the reality is, that we simply don’t stay dead. The righteous will be resurrected at the last day, free from pain, free from worry, free to celebrate and praise…..never to be afraid of death (or anything) ever again!
Lazarus walking out of that grave, holding out his arms so they can unwind the grave clothes, is a reminder that one day we will do the same thing.
I wonder if Lazarus was smiling when they unwrapped his face? You know, one of those huge “it’s great to see you, I know my being here is a huge surprise” smiles. I plan on wearing one myself someday.
Faithfully,
PR