“And when he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” – John 11:43
The Death of Lazarus
The story of Lazarus is a poignant reminder of the profound bond we have with our loved ones. When Lazarus fell ill and passed away, it was a heartbreaking moment for his family and friends, filled with grief and uncertainty. As we read the account, we are reminded that life can come with painful moments. Yet, even in the heart of sorrow, there remains hope and the promise of resurrection. Lazarus’s death was not the end of his story; rather, it paved the way for a magnificent demonstration of faith and divine authority. In our lives, we also experience loss, and it can feel insurmountable. Yet, we find comfort knowing that just as Jesus called Lazarus back to life, He can also breathe new hope into our darkest situations. We must hold firmly to our faith as we navigate through life’s challenges.
John 11:1
“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.” – John 11:1
John 11:14
“So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead,” – John 11:14
John 11:32
“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” – John 11:32
John 11:35
“Jesus wept.” – John 11:35
John 11:39
““Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” – John 11:39
The Grief of Mary and Martha
In moments of grief, the expressions of Mary and Martha show us how deeply love can hurt. Losing someone dear can lead us to question our faith and wonder about the purpose behind our pain. As we reflect on the heartbreak that Mary and Martha experienced in the wake of Lazarus’s death, we can recognize the discomfort that often accompanies loss. They both vocalized their sorrow and their belief that Jesus could have healed Lazarus had He arrived sooner. This stark honesty is refreshing and reminds us that we too can bring our feelings of sadness and doubt to God. He is not afraid of our questions and provides comfort amidst our despair. In our own journey, we might encounter struggles that seem unfair, but we can find solace in knowing that like Lazarus, we too can expect wondrous hope through faith.
John 11:19
“and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother.” – John 11:19
John 11:21
““Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” – John 11:21
John 11:25
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;” – John 11:25
John 11:30
“Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him.” – John 11:30
John 11:37
“But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” – John 11:37
The Response of Jesus
Jesus’s response to Lazarus’s death is a beautiful display of compassion coupled with divine authority. As we reflect on how Jesus interacted with Mary, Martha, and the mourners, we see a profound understanding of human emotions. He shared in their sorrow and was moved deeply by their grief. This moment shows us that Jesus cares deeply for us in our times of despair, and He is not indifferent to our suffering. In our own lives, we may feel overwhelmed by trials and tragedies, but let us find comfort in knowing our Savior walks with us. Jesus responded with love and took the opportunity to reveal God’s power through the miracle of Lazarus’s resurrection. This assures us that His timing is perfect and that there is a broader plan in our trials, reminding us to trust in His purpose.
John 11:33
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.” – John 11:33
John 11:38
“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb.” – John 11:38
John 11:41
“So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” – John 11:41
John 11:44
“The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” – John 11:44
John 11:46
“But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.” – John 11:46
The Miracle of Resurrection
The resurrection of Lazarus is one of the most powerful miracles in the New Testament, demonstrating the ultimate authority of Jesus over death. As witnesses of this event, we can gain newfound hope and reassurance that death is not the end. It is a reminder that God has the power to bring new life and offers each of us a chance for revival even after times of despair. In our own experiences, we should never underestimate God’s ability to transform our situations. Even when things seem hopeless, there is always a glimmer of hope through faith. Just as Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, He invites us into a life that is reborn in Him. We should approach our struggles with courage and trust, knowing that He can redeem and restore all things.
John 11:45
“Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” – John 11:45
John 11:26
“And whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:26
John 5:21
“For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.” – John 5:21
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Romans 6:5
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.” – Romans 6:5
The Hope of Eternal Life
When we think about the story of Lazarus, we cannot overlook the promise of eternal life that resonates through the pages of the Gospel. Jesus offers a profound declaration about life after death, providing us with a sense of comfort and hope. This promise assures us that our earthly existence does not end at physical death. Instead, we can look forward to a future filled with divine purpose and connection with our Creator. Having faith in Jesus is the key that unlocks this eternal life, allowing us to embrace not only the resurrection of our spirits but also the potential revival of our circumstances on Earth. As we stand firm in this belief, we cultivate hope both for ourselves and those around us. Just as Lazarus was revived, we can hold on to the assurance that we too are given new life through Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
2 Timothy 1:10
“but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” – 2 Timothy 1:10
Titus 1:2
“in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” – Titus 1:2
The Call to Faith
The story of Lazarus culminates with a beautiful call to faith. As we delve into the emotions and miracles present in this narrative, we find ourselves encouraged to have faith in Jesus amid our circumstances. Mary and Martha witnessed the glory of God through their struggles, while Lazarus experienced a miraculous revival that emphasized Jesus’s power. Their trust in Jesus was vital to the unfolding of the events. Likewise, our belief can catalyze a greater understanding of God’s goodness and mercy. Jesus invites each of us to respond to His call with trust, surrendering our anxieties about our situations. As we cultivate our faith, we become part of the unfolding story of redemption, transforming not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.
John 11:23
“Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” – John 11:23
Mark 9:23
““If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Matthew 17:20
“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20
John 11:40
“Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” – John 11:40
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the account of Lazarus and the lessons we can learn, we recognize that this story symbolizes hope amid grief, love in the face of death, and the promise of resurrection. Life can present challenges that lead to profound sadness and despair, much like the sorrow felt by Mary and Martha. Yet, in our most vulnerable moments, we can trust in Jesus, who offers us comfort and restoration. Much like Lazarus, we can experience rebirth and revival in our hearts. Let us be encouraged to carry our burdens to Him, for He understands our pain and stands ready to bring life where there seems to be none.
In our walk of faith, we should keep looking to Him for strength, especially through life’s trials. Just as Jesus turned grief into joy for Lazarus’s family, He can do the same for us. We must open our hearts to the miracles that unfold when we allow God to lead. For those feeling the heaviness in their spirits, remember, with faith, we too can rise and walk in new life. If you want to explore more topics about faith and hope, take a look at our resources on finding hope or our guidance on overcoming grief.