“But the chief priest plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.” – John 12:10-11 (NKJV)
Scripture makes note that Jesus loved Lazarus and his sisters and that when Lazarus died of illness, Jesus wept and was greatly disturbed (John 11). Lazarus had been entombed for four days by the time Jesus arrived at Bethany; he was raised from the dead and emerged from the tomb wearing his burial clothes.
This account teaches:
1. When God seems to be doing nothing, He may be doing more than we could ever imagine.
2. Jesus did genuinely love Lazarus and his sisters. As such, testing their faith was not a denial of His love. (Likewise, when we are experiencing faith-testing situations, we must know that God’s love for us is unconditional).
3. To believe in Jesus is not only to benefit from His life and death but from His resurrection also.
Lazarus’ coming forth is a clear case of cause and effect. Jesus is the cause of Lazarus rising from the dead. Likewise, He is the cause for us rising from a life plagued by dead situations and things.
The miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead was witnessed by many Jews who came to grieve with the family. However, this miracle was met with a mixed response. Many found the evidence compelling, believing in Jesus as the promised Messiah, but there were those who refused to believe, remained silent, and plotted to kill Lazarus. Their reason? On account of him (Lazarus), many Jews came to Jesus.
Brothers, not many are happy when we experience healing and deliverance because it serves as a witness of the power of God, resulting in the salvation of others. In comparison, we all have a testimony of what Jesus has done for us. It is important that we safeguard it, for by it, many will come to believe in Jesus.
The world has set out on an agenda to stop us (the church) because they reason on account of us; many are coming to Jesus. But just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He is raising up a people through whom He may reveal His glory and draw others to Himself. Amen!
Read: Psalm 18:17; John 11:4
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 78:17-31; Acts 17:22-34; Acts 18:1-8; I Kings 18:16-46; I Kings 19
