From Death to Life

John 11:1-46 

This passage has an interwoven storyline in which Jesus knows exactly what will happen. The story of Lazarus, in short, is about a friend of Jesus who dies and, after being dead for four days, is raised from the dead by Jesus. This story is known for having the shortest verse in the Bible, verse 35, ’Jesus wept.’ 

When this verse is talked about, it’s usually used to mention the fact that Jesus experiences human emotion like the rest of us. Yet, there is something to note about this verse in the context of what is happening around Him. Not only is He weeping for the loss of His friend, but He is weeping with His friends. He is grieving with them. Knowing that the God we know and serve is with us in our sorrow or pain is deeply comforting. 

Jesus doesn't just sit in His pain but instead sees that joy is waiting. He raises Lazarus from the dead and further shows God’s glory while faced with pain. No one knows pain, rejection, and grief like God. Jesus’ show of emotion reveals to us that God is sovereign and all-knowing and He is compassionate towards what we feel and experience. Jesus often had compassion for crowds and those who were lost, so it’s no surprise that Jesus is expressive over the death of His friend. Just as the death of Lazarus grieved Him, He feels that same way about our transgressions. Although Lazarus being raised from the dead is a reminder that God is not finished, that death is not the end for those who believe but gives us access to eternity with Him. God used the death of Lazarus for greater glory! It brings a sliver of hope that what once is dead can be alive again. The only person who has this resurrection power is Jesus, and He does it in our own hearts through sanctification. So don’t lose heart over the trials of this world! You are not alone, and it’s certainly not new territory for God. He is a God of hope and glory, and that is deserving of our wholehearted devotion.