believing beyond death

 

Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

John 11:14-15

Death is not what we want to consider when we are alive. Every death we face in this life seems not to be right. It slaps us in the face. It puts a cold reality on our own mortality. Death forces us to ask questions of our own lives. And losing a loved one is so very difficult. The toughest stuff in life revolves around death.

All throughout the story of Lazarus there is a tension around death and the person of Jesus. The text is clear that Jesus loved the family of Lazarus. Yet Jesus delays returning to Judea to see His sick friend (John 11:6). And only after He knows that Lazarus has died does He tell His disciples that they are headed to see the family. And He is glad for what His disciples will see and believe there. Jesus knew He would defy death (John 11:11).

Still the tension and grief of death hangs all throughout this account. Martha reminds Jesus He could have healed her brother (John 11:21). So does Mary (John 11:32). Even the crowd of mourners is aware that Jesus could have changed the situation if only He had arrived while Lazarus was still alive (John 11:37). Everyone is quite aware of the power of Jesus over disease. They are about to learn of His towering command over death.

Jesus makes it clear as He prays to the Father before raising His friend from the grave that He is settling all these questions (John 11:42). The people witnessing this sign would believe. They would know Jesus raises the dead. And with that and three words, "Lazarus, come forth", Jesus powerfully gave us the answers beyond all our questions and pains about death. He can handle it.