AmazedSample

“Come Out”

One of Jesus’ greatest miracles is recorded in John chapter eleven—the raising of his deceased friend Lazarus back to life.

When Lazareth became ill, his sisters (Mary and Martha) sent word to Jesus, but he delayed his journey to Bethany (Lazarus's home) for two days. During that time, Lazarus died. This set the stage for one of the Lord’s greater works, providing further evidence of his power to resurrect life.

When Jesus finally arrived, Lazarus had been dead for four days. Upon learning that Jesus was near, Martha went to meet him and said: “Lord... ‘if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask’” (John 11:21-22, NIV). Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23). His promise prompted Martha to respond, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” (v. 24). Her words indicate that she viewed the resurrection as a future event. While this is undeniably true (v.25-26), it is not the only resurrection that occurred that day in Bethany.

When Jesus reached the tomb of Lazarus, he asked for the stone to be removed, then said, “Lazarus, come out.” And he did! Which led to an additional miracle; “Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary (Martha’s other sister), and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him” (v.45).In other words, many who came to pay their respects were spiritually dead. Yet upon seeing what Jesus did, they became believers and were also resurrected that day, resurrected from spiritual death to new life in Christ. Lazarus was physically raised; others that day were spiritually raised.

This greater work of giving life to those spiritually dead is noted throughout the Scriptures, as many who encountered Jesus recognized him as the Son of God. Hence, they went from being dead in their sin to being alive in Christ by the grace of God. And this greater work continues all around the world today.

Reflection: Since Lazarus could do nothing to resurrect himself physically, how does this relate to a spiritual resurrection?

John 11:19-45