This entry was part of a church devotional: “Rising Son”1
WEEK 8 | DAY 37 – Read John 11
The raising of Lazarus is one of the most popular stories in scripture, and we might be tempted to just skim over the bulk of it.
However, slowing down to do a little mining can uncover several gems of relatable characters worth noting.
Lazarus, Thomas
Readers will quickly realize this story isn’t about Lazarus. According to Jesus, the purpose for this event was to glorify God.
While Thomas was willing to die for Jesus, Lazarus did die according to God’s will. We don’t know much about Lazarus, who quietly fulfills his role in the backdrop. But what stories might Lazarus have told following his resurrection?
Perhaps he would not have been so silent then.
Mary
Mary, like her brother, doesn’t say much either. Her passion communicates her character.
Though a woman of means, Mary found her place at the feet of Jesus, humbly choosing a servant’s posture over status.
In denying self to follow Jesus, managing the sheen of personal reputation gets discarded when going against cultural norms.
It was almost scandalous the way Mary sat as a disciple of Jesus, uncovered her hair to anoint His feet with expensive perfume, and threw herself at His feet in grief.
One commentary author calls it ‘extravagant abandon’.
Martha
As with Thomas, undertones of condescension are tagged to Martha’s name.
In reality, she is a remarkable woman of faith and action.
Both sisters express identical sentiments to Jesus… “How I wish you were here before my brother died!” But Martha steps out with a statement of deep faith in the certainty of resurrection.
The theological dialogue that ensues, gives us the last of Jesus’ great ‘I AM’ statements: “I am the resurrection and the life!”.
Jesus
Jesus is the hero of every story.
I’m struck by verses 33-38 that reveals Jesus, the man. His humanity is oft overlooked.
Closer inspection of the original Greek text yields surprising insight. The Preacher’s Commentary exegetes it as such,
“He shuddered with grief and anger, even audibly like the snorting of horses. Who can fathom the depth of Jesus’ human emotions at this moment? He is face to face with death, the stronghold of Satan. Not only is He confronting the power of darkness, but He is surrounded by unbelieving grief.”
Amidst the raucous wailing of professional mourners, Jesus quietly weeps. Raw emotions are then channeled into spiritual victory as Lazarus emerges from the grave.
The enemy gets a preview of its pending demise.
The Final Sign
Throughout John’s gospel, certain ‘signs’ that point to Jesus Messiah are called out. Raising Lazarus is the final sign.
For the Jewish religious elite, this was the last straw. They now faced a binary choice. Many chose to believe in Jesus that day. But sadly, others chose to rid Him from their lives.
Questions for Reflection
- Of all the characters in the Lazarus story, which one do you identify with most? Why?
- Mary lived with ‘extravagant abandon’ towards Jesus. Are there areas of your life where public perception is too high a cost for identifying with Christ?
- Read Eph 6:12, 1 John 2:15-16, and James 4:4. Based on those verses, What is your current relationship to the enemy? Do you get angry with the enemy and how do you respond?
Prayer
“Heavenly Father, I can’t wait to be with You for all of eternity. Thank you for defeating death!