Death Part 2

 

    Lazarus (from Bethany) became very sick, so word was sent to Jesus to come.  When Jesus received the news he declared that this illness would not end in death.  The people took it as a miracle healing.  They messenger went home comforted.  Jesus loved Lazarus' family.  Lazarus had two sisters named Mary and Martha.  They were faithful followers of Jesus, but they stayed home with their brother.  Jesus loved them, but he stayed where he was doing his work for two more days before heading toward Lazarus' home.

   When Jesus arrived at Lazarus' home, he was informed that Lazarus had died and was already buried for four days.  Lazarus was Jesus' friend, but everyone dies and we have to face being left behind.  It is never easy for anyone.  Lazarus was dead before the messenger even got to Jesus.  Jesus had to of known, but he had a plan.  Hw was always going to raise Lazarus from death's grasp until time fore his natural death.

    When Jesus approached the home of Lazarus, Martha came out to him while Mary stayed in the home.  Martha had had faith that Jesus would swoop in and save the day.  Death of their brother was painful, but now the two sisters did not have protection or income.  It was a dangerous situation for women whom did not have a man in their lives.  It often ended with the the death of the women.  

    Jesus know of the situation and of Martha's faith.  He told her that Lazarus would rise again.  She believed, but she thought that he was talking about the resurrection day, not that day.  Jesus declared that he had authority over resurrection and life.  Faith overcomes death.  Our eternal life begins at the moment of salvation. 

    Jesus then asked about Mary whom had always been so devoted.  Martha went to Mary to inform her sister that Jesus was asking for her.  Mary approached him immediately.  In her grief she fell at his feet and asked why her brother had died.  Jesus was deeply moved and he wept with and for her.  Death has a major impact on people and that pain does affect Jesus.  

    Jesus and the sisters went to Lazarus' tomb.  As they went a crowd began to follow some in awe and some in judgment for his late arrival and not saving Lazarus from death.  Jesus had some of the people remove the entrance stone.  They were not too happy about it because they knew of the death smell that would bellow out.  Jesus just said if you believe then you will see the glory of God.  

    Jesus prayed to God, then he loudly called out to Lazarus to come out.  Lazarus stepped out of his tomb in all his funeral clothing.  I imagine that he looked like a mummy.  Jesus used the power of God to resurrect his friend and save the sisters from ruin or worse.  The people nearby had to help him out of all the wrappings that held the spices and perfume so that he could be free.  There was no question that it was real.  

    This climatic messianic sign brought on new believers, but typical of human nature some ran off to report the news to the Pharisees.  The Pharisees were afraid.  They thought they would lose everything to the Romans.  They just were not completely wrong,  They would loose it in their eternal death.  Caiaphas was the high priest that year.  (The post of high priest changes annually.)  He suggested that Jesus should be killed for the good of the nation.  

    After Lazarus' resurrection, Jesus could not longer go out in public.  The crowds had become too much.  He withdrew to the region of Ephraim with his disciples.  It was near the Passover.  His time had almost come, but not yet.  As the Pharisees prepared for the Passover by their ceremonial cleansing, they looked for Jesus, but none saw him.   It was ordered that if anyone saw him, then he should be arrested.  This would be Jesus' third and final Passover in his ministry.

John 11