John 11:41-42. “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, ‘Father, I thank Thee that Thou hearest Me always: but because of the people which stand here I said it, that they may believe that Thou hast sent Me.’ “
AT BETHANY: THE HOUSE OF AFFLICTION. RAISING OF LAZARUS This is the 7th sign of the deity of Christ in John’s Gospel. Six reasons for this sign are:
- The glory of God, v.4, 40.
- To develop the faith of the disciples, v.15.
- To obtain Martha’s confession, v.26.
- To bring friends of the family to faith in Him and to the reality of Him, v.45.
- To polarize the religious leaders, v.47.
- To begin the countdown to the cross-work at Calvary, v.53.
Loved by Christ, Jn.11:5. “Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus.” It wasn’t just comfort or talk that they had; There was more to their friendship than that. Love was expressed and enjoyed by them all; When together in that home they all sat.
Listening to Christ, Lu.10:39. “Mary sat at His feet and heard His word.” Mary’s choice place seemed to be at His feet; Lazarus would sit by His side. Mary, perhaps more then others, it seems The truth of His word she applied.
Laboring for Christ, Lu.10:40. “Martha serving.” Martha was anxious, her Lord to attend, For His food and His rest to assist. She was truly concerned as a faithful friend, But what was really important she missed.
Longing for Christ, Jn.11:3. “His sisters sent unto Him.” When Lazarus was sick it was natural to them To call for their Lord to come soon. Their disappointment was great when Lazarus died; Before the Lord got to their home.
Light through Christ, Jn.11:41. “Take away the stone.” When He had come and seen where he lay in the cave, Before which there had been placed a stone. He wept tears of love and concern at the grave; And then His power became known.
Life in Christ, Jn.11:43. “Lazarus, come forth.” God can give life; He alone is its’ Source. So, when the Lord called out loud and clear; For Lazarus to come, and his bands to be loosed; The man was given life then and there.
Liberty by Christ, Jn.11:44. “Loose him and let him go.” He was loosed to new life to live again for the Lord. As we also have in our time. Life lived for the Lord is freedom for us; Our life for God’s glory to find.
Although He’s omniscient and knows everything; It is comforting for me to be sure, That He who is Lord both of heaven and earth; Still is willing my sorrows to bear.
His omnipotent power that can all things maintain,
And creates all there is with His word.
Is directed towards man, who is part of His plan;
And lets us be involved in His work.
Whenever there comes a time that I wonder;
Does He care about what is happening to me?
Then I rest all assured, this omnipresent Lord,
Is here, and in Him, faith holds the key.
“O Life-giving, resurrecting God: I do believe in You without question. I look into the
future with confidence and anticipation. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Jn.11:25-43.
Jesus has power over life and death as well as power to forgive sins. This is because He is the Creator of life. He who is Life, can surely restore life. Whoever believes in Christ has a spiritual life that death cannot conquer or diminish in any way. When we realize His power and how wonderful His offer to us really is, how can we help but believe on Him and commit our lives to Him?